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VACHERIE — LaVanta Davis takes over the head coaching spot of St. James, as the team enters the 2022 season.

Last year, St.James went 6-3 in the regular season and reached the second round of the Class 3A playoffs, but was defeated by Madison Prep, 33-10, in the second round.

“We are going to have some experience along the offensive line,” Davis said. “We’re going to be fairly young at the quarterback position with a first-year starter. We have a returning running back Kaden Williams and a receiver in Kobe Brown. We have a returning receiver Cyler Christmas.”

Davis was the associate head coach for the last four years before being named the head coach this year.

The returning offensive linemen are guards Jace Philip and DeShawn Jenkins and center/guard Jamaul Hooker. Guard/center Luke Gravois played a lot last year, but got hurt. Guard Chandler Roberts will be a first-year starter.

Philip and Jenkins also play defensive tackle.

Davis said that Philip is unquestionably their leader up front.

Junior Brayden Williams is the quarterback.

He is a first-year starter. Davis said Williams is a really smart kid who wants to learn the position.

Defensively, Davis said the unit will be fairly young on the backend.

Christmas will go both ways at receiver and cornerback.

“I think we’ll be better than we were the year before,” Davis said. “We lost nine seniors going into last year. We have a promising future. We’re looking to build off the experience guys had last year and continue to grow.”

Philip and Jenkins come back at tackle.

Nick Chopin returns at end.

Linebacker Braye Tharence is a second-year starter.

Davis said the secondary will be fairly young, but they do have a returning starter in Jaden Aubert.

St. James will open the season against East St. John on the road on Sept. 2.