New coach Mitchell optimistic for 2023

By: RHETT MANUEL
Sports Editor

Ville Platte High head coach Chris Mitchell believes there is reason for optimism.
While Roy Serie stepped away from the program last season to take a position at another school, Mitchell steps in to the lead chair and will lead the Bulldogs in 2023 following his experience as an assistant on last year’s staff.
He’ll step into a program that had some important groundwork laid by Serie. The Bulldogs played a full year and got miles better as the year went on, something Mitchell hopes the team continues this season.
“The transition has been good,” Mitchell said. “I’ve gotten to know the players over the past couple years and I’m excited.
“I’m seeing a lot of excitement in our kids coming off of last year,” he added. “They got a lot of experience in those 10 games they played and, in my opinion, did well in a lot of them. Even the ones we fell short in.”
Ville Platte is returning some familar faces, some of whom play prominent roles on the boys’ basketball team.
Stepping into the starting quarterback position will be senior Jaquan Lavergne, who started last season’s opener against Sacred Heart as Bastian Veillion was sidelined.
“(Jaquan) was with us last year but got sidelined due to injury,” Mitchell said. “We’ve infused him into the offense. He’s looking good in running our offense and I’m happy knowing that I have him right now to help lead our football team.”
Two players Mitchell believes will have key offensive roles this season will be seniors Latelldrick Prejean and Sage Papillion.
Papillion, the reigning boys’ Parish MVP in basketball, began the season with the football team but stepped away mid-year.
Papillion will be a key part of Mitchell’s plans in the secondary while also playing some wide receiver, while Prejean should operate as the team’s primary ball carrier.
“I expect a lot from both of them,” Mitchell said. “They’re both very athletic kids who show a lot of leadership.”
Offensively and defensively, Mitchell isn’t giving away much other than his usual optimism.
“We’re looking forward to running the ball and throwing it some with the offense we have.
“As for the defense, we look to do everything that prevents the other team from moving the ball down the football field.”
Both that offense should be keyed by senior Trapper Trahan.
Trahan emerged as a physical force on both sides of the ball for the Bulldogs last year and it would be no shock to see him improve upon last season’s breakout and lead the Bulldog trenches by example again this year.