Just rewards

The 2019 football season has come and gone for all of the teams in Evangeline Parish.
However, those five teams that compete on the gridiron week in and week out not only showcased their overall team successes, but also the talent that led to those successes.
So, for that reason, several individuals throughout the parish were honored with all-district selections.
In District 5-1A, the Basile Bearcats completed another impressive season, as they finished with an 8-4 overall record and another quarterfinal appearance. Under the leadership of head coach Kevin Bertrand, the Bearcats have made the quarterfinals in four of the last five seasons.
For their effort this year, Basile was able to place three players on the first team, and four players on the second team. On the offensive side of the ball, running back Isaiah Ceasar found a spot on the first team after rushing for 1,099 yards on 131 carries and scoring 20 touchdowns during the regular season.
Joining Ceasar on the first team offense is offensive lineman Gabe Duplechin. The veteran big man helped the Bearcats to amass over 3,000 yards of total offense.
Making the first team defense is Logan David. The defensive lineman recorded 83 total tackles, two sacks, and 11 tackles for loss.
Second teams selections for the Bearcats were defensive lineman Issac Cortez, linebacker Bryson McCoy, punter Justin Smith. Ceasar was also selected to the second team as a defensive back.
Staying in Class 1A, the Sacred Heart Trojans made a run into the Division IV playoffs with an overall record of 5-6. The Trojans who finished 2-3 in district play collected three first team players and four second team selections.
On offense, Gabe Fontenot was named as a first team athlete. Fontenot rushed for 387 yards and passed for 369 yards and scored three touchdowns. Defensively, the Trojan lineman Michael Monier received first team honors by virtue of his 65 tackles, two and a half sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.
Also making first team on defense was linebacker Evan Veillon. The senior collected 91 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery.
Second team picks for Sacred Heart were Ethan Karonika at defensive back, Landry Lafleur at offensive line, Tyler Perron at wide receiver and Fontenot at linebacker.
In District 5-3A, the Mamou Demons showed that the program is well on its way, as they won more games (4) this season than they had in the previous seven seasons combined. Because of their new found success, Mamou saw two first team selections and three second team choices.
Earning first team honors at the linebacker position was Parker Granger. The big man led the team with 67 tackles, an amazing 12 sacks and three fumble recoveries. First team honors also went to punter Devin Messer who booted 40 punts for a 29.8 yard average.
Staying on the defensive side, defensive lineman Devon Boone and defensive back Daylon Ardoin were second team selections. Also making second team was wide receiver Payton Ardoin.
The Ville Platte High Bulldogs did not have the season that they wanted, but they did take home one big win when they defeated Sacred Heart in the Tee Cotton Bowl. Still, the Bulldogs did land two players on the first team and five players on the second team in District 5-3A.
Earning a first team spot at wide receiver was Tyler Jones. The senior had nine receptions for 108 yards and touchdown. Joining Jones on offense was quarterback Terrian Roy. The two-year starter was selected as an athlete after rushing for 964 yards and passing for 525 yards.
Second team picks for the Bulldogs were running back Jahmal Byers, offensive lineman Jadon Bellon, linebacker Kyle Williams, and kicker Jacolin Roberts. Ernest Roberts was selected as a tight end and defensive end on the second team.
The Pine Prairie Panthers finished the year with an 0-10 record, but improved every week of the season. With a ton of players coming back, the Panthers are setting themselves up to be a team to beat in 2020.
For their effort on the field, Pine Prairie had two players named to the second team in District 5-3A. Linebacker Kaleb Matte and return specialist Elijah George were both tabbed to be apart of the all-district team.