Still-loaded Catholic High figures to remain among state’s best
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Catholic (Baton Rouge) wrote a storybook finish to legendary coach Dale Weiner’s career in 2015. But the long-awaited first state championship in an already proud football tradition proved only the beginning of a new era with the Bears firmly etched…
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Continue ReadingCatholic (Baton Rouge) wrote a storybook finish to legendary coach Dale Weiner’s career in 2015.
But the long-awaited first state championship in an already proud football tradition proved only the beginning of a new era with the Bears firmly etched among Louisiana’s most dominant programs.
After a 2016 quarterfinal disappointment, successor Gabe Fertitta and company proceeded to lead the team to four straight title games, including victories in 2017 and 2020.
Only perennial powerhouse Edna Karr in Class 4A and Lafayette Christian in Division IV and Division III made as many championships appearances or won more during that span.
And, even with most of the staff and several notable players moving on, the goal for new coach David Simoneaux and the still-talented Bears remains much the same
Graduated seniors such as quarterback Landon O’Connor, running backs George Hart III and Jackson Guest, safeties Michael Cerniauskas Michael Cerniauskas 5'11" | 195 lbs | DB Catholic - Baton Rouge | 2021 State LA and Jackson Demouy Jackson Demouy 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Catholic - Baton Rouge | 2021 State LA , cornerback Connor Stewart Connor Stewart 5'8" | 160 lbs | DB Catholic - Baton Rouge | 2021 State LA , linebacker Mikey Albarado, defensive tackle Christian Mannino Christian Mannino 6'2" | 290 lbs | DL Catholic - Baton Rouge | 2021 State LA and a trio of offensive linemen in Sam Cole, Zach Boulet and Evan Madere are the departures to leave big shoes to fill.
But lineman Emery Jones Emery Jones 6'4" | 295 lbs | OL Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA (2022), wide receivers Tre’ Benson (2022) and Shelton Sampson Shelton Sampson 6'4" | 185 lbs | WR Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2023 State LA Jr. (2023), running back Corey Singleton Corey Singleton 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Catholic | 2022 State LA (2022), defensive end Wesley Woodward Wesley Woodward 6'2" | 250 lbs | DL Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA (2022) and cornerback Joshua Robertson are among the returning stars.
And several other familiar faces appear poised for prominent steps forward, as well.
Here are eight of those key names from a long list.
Daniel Beale
Daniel
Beale
6'2" | 190 lbs | QB
Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2024
State
LA
— 6-1, 180 QB — Catholic (2024)
“Baby Beale” should already be pretty firmly on most radars after his admirable performance unexpectedly filling in for an injured O’Connor late last season against some of the state’s top defenses and helping keep the momentum rolling. But that experience and a full offseason under his belt should position the rising sophomore for an even more well-rounded campaign in a complete season this fall.
Braden Cazes Braden Cazes 5'11" | 185 lbs | LB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2023 State LA — 5-11, 185 LB — Catholic (2023)
Already an active tackler on special teams and alongside Albarado and 2022 linebacker Jack Massey as a sophomore, Cazes only figures to hear his name called even more this fall. Only Albarado finished the title game with more tackles than Cazes’ seven — including the team’s lone sack — this past December.
Prince Edwards Prince Edwards 6'1" | 220 lbs | TE Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA — 6-1, 220 TE — Catholic (2022)
Edwards caught a handful of passes, including a touchdown, as a junior and served as a key blocker for the Bears’ impressive rushing attack. The continued progression of Beale as a passer and the graduation of Guest should present an even bigger opportunity for Edwards to showcase his skills in both capacities.
Daniel Harden Daniel Harden 6'1" | 180 lbs | WR Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2023 State LA — 6-1, 180 WR — Catholic (2023)
The young receiver came on strong down the stretch his sophomore season as one of Beale’s top targets and, like his quarterback and fellow receivers, should be in store for even bigger numbers this fall as they continue developing together.
Harold Lawson Harold Lawson 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2023 State LA — 6-0, 205 LB — Catholic (2023)
Another of the youngsters on defense to show some notable flashes last year, Lawson is among the Bears’ top 2023 prospects and figures to frustrate opposing offenses alongside Cazes and Massey and Woodward, Jordan Toaston Jordan Toaston 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA and Jermaine Vessell Jermaine Vessell 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA .
Taelon Nicholas Taelon Nicholas 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2022 State LA — 5-10, 190 RB — Catholic (2022)
Singleton gives Catholic one of the state’s top returning running backs after 656 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 carries — 9.5 yards per attempt — as a junior. But the graduation of George Hart III — who finished the season with 769 yards and 13 scores on 126 carries — leaves the door open for another lead back in an offense that figures to utilize three or four rushers. Nicholas, who had 271 yards and three touchdowns, should be the next man up.
Barry Remo Barry Remo 5'10" | 180 lbs | ATH Catholic (Baton Rouge) | 2024 State LA II — 5-10, 180 ATH — Catholic (2024)
Remo may be the next up-and-coming rusher behind the rising senior duo. He arrived to high school last year with early comparisons to a young Clyde Edwards-Helaire, got his feet wet with a few reps along the way and should see more opportunities as a sophomore.
Joshua Wax — 5-10, 155 DB — Catholic (2022)
The speedster provided a few of the Bears’ biggest defensive plays last season working alongside and behind Cerniauskas and Demouy, including multiple long run-downs to save touchdowns, a timely interception against Woodlawn (Baton Rouge) and seven tackles in the state championship game against C.E. Byrd.