Coming off two consecutive berths in the 2A state finals, St. Charles prepares for new challenges

by RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Only one thing has prevented St. Charles from walking away with the state championship in each of the last two years – John Curtis.

The Patriots defeated the Comets in the state title game in 2005 and 2006, putting an end to two very successful seasons for St. Charles. As the Comets move from Class 2A to 3A, Curtis will no longer be an issue for them.

But that doesn’t mean, Comets Coach Frank Monica says, that things are getting any easier.

&#8220It remains to be seen how well we’ll stack up against 3A opponents this time around,” said Monica, whose team last competed in Class 3A in 2004. &#8220It seems like a subtle move, one step up in class, but it’s a tremendous step, given the larger programs we’ll be facing.”

St. Charles competed last year in a brutal Class 10-2A, which included two other state semi-finalists, including champion Curtis. This year, they enter 9-3A, and are met with another state champion – 3A titleist Lutcher – as it’s new rival. Plaquemine, Port Allen, and Brusly will round out this year’s competition.

But St. Charles’ season, Monica says, may very well be determined by its early season non-district schedule: the Comets will open up against four 5A schools, at South Lafourche and Higgins, and will host East Ascension and St. Amant.

&#8220My main concern is that this schedule is really top loaded,” said Monica. ”If we can survive that, then we have enough to compete.”

&#8220You always look at wins and losses,” he continued, &#8220But I’m more interested in how we play those games. Are these kids going to be in awe of the 5A schools, or will we play good football and show we belong?”

Personnel wise, St. Charles will see nine starters return, five on defense and four on offense.

Senior running back Jonathan Cancienne will again be a centerpiece to Monica’s ball control offense, after a 1500 yard, 24 touchdown junior campaign. Senior Vincent Rollo will take over at quarterback for departed senior Philip Sutton. He’ll find an experienced target in the passing game at tight end, as senior Donovan Duffy returns for his final year.

(See COMETS, Page 7A)

Defensively, the secondary looks to be a strength, as seniors Jordan Millet, Corey Reed and Corey Crowder comprise three of the returning five starters on that side of the ball. Senior linebacker Steven Graver and senior noseguard Ryan Ralser will be leaned upon to lead a front seven that boasts five new starters.

&#8220All of these guys returning need to have good seasons for us,” said Monica. &#8220We have a very young team. It’s not as physical as I’d like yet. That will improve over time though. Sometimes it takes time for these kids to learn the mental intensity you need to have success at this level.”