Team Preview: Ladue
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Over the past few years, Ladue has been one of the most dominant high school football programs in the St. Louis area. Led by head coach Mike Tarpey, the Rams expect this season to be no different. With many of…
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Continue ReadingOver the past few years, Ladue has been one of the most dominant high school football programs in the St. Louis area. Led by head coach Mike Tarpey, the Rams expect this season to be no different. With many of their key contributors returning to help the Rams expand on their previous success, another big season is ahead of Ladue High School.
The best player on the Rams last season was running back and free safety, Jared Rhodes Jared Rhodes 5'11" | 200 lbs | ATH Ladue | 2022 State MO . Rhodes will be entering his senior season coming off of a dynamic rushing attack last season. Rhodes recorded 628 total yards in the shortened 2020 season, including eight touchdowns. Rhodes proved to be the lead back, and it should not be a surprise if he repeats his success. He is a physical runner, weighing in at 200 pounds, which also helps him be a problem for opposing offenses, where he recorded two interceptions and 16 total tackles last season. If Ladue repeats their success, it will likely be on the shoulders of Rhodes.
The Rams are also expecting a lot of growth from their young quarterback this season. Sophomore Beau Dolan Beau Dolan 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Ladue | 2024 State MO was thrown into varsity football as a freshman and proved to be very impressive. Completing 59.4% of his passes for 804 yards, Dolan showed to have a lot of poise in the pocket. Dolan tallied six touchdowns to only two interceptions, which was a strong showing in a shortened season. The Rams will likely have a deeper offense this year, and it will all depend on the growth of their young quarterback. If Dolan does show improvement, it will be a scary offense to deal with.
A lot of Ladue’s success will depend on the success of Dolan and Rhodes, but they will also be getting back a few more of their lesser known contributors. Some of my favorite players to watch on the Ladue football ream are Justin McBride, Clayton Coughlin and Mason Taylor.
McBride was a dynamic kick returner for the Rams last season. He averaged 23 yards per return, giving opposing special teams coaches a headache every time he was kicked the ball. McBride also recorded 17 total tackles on defense, and I would anticipate a lot of growth entering his senior season.
Another defensive back who turned some heads was Coughlin, who secured 42 total tackles in the shortened 2020 season. That many tackles from a defensive back is nothing to overlook, and I am excited to see Clayton’s continued involvement in the upcoming season.
Taylor is a unique player to finish off the in-depth look for the 2021 Season. Taylor is listed as a tight end and an outside linebacker, but the most impressive thing for me is his ability to kick the ball with consistency. Taylor averaged 38.4 yards per punt last season, as well as knocking down five field goals and 14 PATs. This is the school that produced Jack Fox, who is currently punting for the Lions, so Taylor is a kid to keep your eye on when it comes to kicking. Taylor is not just a kicker/punter however. He also had six receptions for 43 yards last season, and on the defensive side of the ball recorded 16 total tackles and a sack. I love the kids who can do everything on a football field, and it is an interesting thing to keep note of heading into the 2021 season.
All in all, I think Ladue is a safe bet to make some noise in the postseason. They have always played their opponents strong, especially at home in their new stadium. I am very interested in the long-term success of this team, as with a sophomore quarterback, it is safe to expect that the next three seasons they will only get better. Ladue is in their window of success, and are a team to watch for the 2021-22 Season.