Louisiana Football: 2020 Plain Dealing Lions Season Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Plain Dealing High School had an up and down season in 2019 as the Lions finished 5-5 in the regular season and then lost 42-38 to Delta Charter in heartbreaking fashion in the first round of the state 1A playoffs. On May 29, Christopher Wilson was named the new head coach of the program after the departure of James Thurman leading to excitement for all associated with the school for the upcoming season.
Coach Wilson spent the last two seasons as an assistant at Mansfield High School and has served as an assistant at several other high schools in the area. He has already spent a lot of time with his new players and is very excited to get the season going, “They’ve bought in and they come in consistently to practice and workouts with no complaints. I’ve been very pleased with how the kids have responded with me coming in.”
Due to COVID-19 and the head coaching change, it’s been quite an unorthodox offseason for this Lions program. However, this experienced and balanced squad has the pieces to contend in their district and make another appearance in the postseason.
Offense
Last season, the Lions scored 28 points a game and return six starters but have to replace star quarterback Ken Gay who now plays at Highland Community College in Kansas. Running back Ladavious Scott will be the focal point of the Lions offense. The 5’8”, 200-pound, senior is a bowling ball type runner and uses his athleticism, toughness, and strength to run through defenders and break tackles. “Our running game will give us the best opportunity to win,” explained Coach Wilson. Braeden Sterling will be the new quarterback under center for Plain Dealing. Another playmaker to watch on the offensive side of the ball will be junior Ardrevious Washington.
Defense
In 2019, Plain Dealing gave up 30 points a game and limited four opponents to 13 points or fewer. This season the Lions return five starters from that unit in 2019. The leader of the defense will be senior Duranczyk Newton (5’8”, 265) who stars on both the defensive and offensive lines. Newton puts in a lot of work in the weight room and is the strongest player on the team. Sterling and freshman Mason Judah will be featured at the linebacker position. Junior Kendric Blanks is also another player to watch on the defensive line and will also see some time at wide receiver.
Schedule
With their season starting date still up in the air, Coach Willson explained, “The LHSAA doesn’t want to cut weeks or flip the season to spring. We’ll play the games as scheduled no matter whether we start in early September, late September or early October.”
Week 1: at Huntington
Week 2: at North Caddo
Week 3: Tensas (Homecoming)
Week 4 Haynesville
Week 5: Arcadia (Senior Night)
Week 6: at Lincoln Prep
Week 7: at Calvary Baptist Academy
Week 8: at Homer
Photo credit: Head Coach Christopher Wilson; Coach Wilson and Lions squad (2020)