By MATT VINES, Journal Sports
When a coach enters his second season, there’s no need for introductory speeches, passing out new playbooks, or setting ground rules.
Natchitoches Central head coach Brad Laird finds himself in that position after a misleading 2-8 season in which the Chiefs lost four of those games by 11 points or less.
It’s the first time since 2022 that NCHS won’t be led by a new head coach – Jess Curtis coached his one and only season in 2023 with Laird debuting in 2024.
“It means a lot,” said senior defensive back Jeremy Lowe Jr. at a press conference for last weekend’s Battle on the Bricks jamboree. “Going through four years of playing and not having that stable coaching staff is hard.
“So it means a lot to have the same staff heading into this season.”
Reversing crucial errors at critical moments as well as generating just a few more plays each game could turn some of those losses into wins as NCHS aims for its first playoff appearance since 2021.
That journey starts tonight at 7 when the Chiefs welcome in Class 4A Breaux Bridge into Turpin Stadium.
NCHS’s 14-12 win at BBHS in swampy conditions a year ago set a tone that the Chiefs could gut out close wins, but a trend didn’t materialize in the ultra-deep District 1-5A.
With quarterback Owen Smith back under center accompanied by a cadre of returning receivers and rushers, the Chiefs certainly expect to top their 14-point total from the 2024 opener.
Smith threw for nearly 2,500 yards and rushed for another 700 with 31 combined touchdowns, all that despite missing his top target Dillon Braxton for most of the season.
The only positive from Braxton’s absence (now graduated) is that a slew of young Chiefs’ pass catchers were thrown into the fire, and K.J. Newton, Jordan Carpenter and Mason Brittain lead a group that now has playing time under their belt.
Newton topped the 1,000-yard mark with 10 touchdowns.
NCHS would love to establish a consistent running game, and running back Kelton Howard is back after gaining more than 500 yards.
The offense was balanced in the 28-23 jamboree loss to Leesville as the Chiefs’ offensive line factored into a successful night.
The offensive line has some familiar faces like Kennedy Coutee and Cemarian McNeal that should provide continuity.
“I thought the offensive line did a great job, and both Kelton and Kayden Kuykendoll made some things happen running the football,” Laird said in an interview with Inside Natchitoches Sports. “And of course, Owen threw it well with the three touchdowns passes and was able to utilize his legs to create time in the pocket.
“I also thought receivers did a good job up front of providing protection.”
The defense doesn’t feature as many returners, but linebacker/safety Lowe Jr. and defensive end/linebacker Case Singletary should offer stability to a unit that allowed 35 or more points to five opponents this past season.
Injuries and illness impacted the Chiefs’ ability to limit big plays as Leesville gained chunk yardage throughout the jamboree.
Now NCHS hopes to heal in time to face a Breaux Bridge squad that’s putting the pieces back together after a two-win season in which they had a large senior class.
A destination along I-10 that cemented itself with deep playoff runs now will ask the majority of its starters to play both ways.
Isaiah LeBlanc is the Tigers’ most dangerous offensive weapon and could appear at receiver or quarterback.
Breaux Bridge’s defense is more experienced with a good number of players earning playing time, but can they hold up for four quarters in the early September heat?
Coach Tyler Pierce is in his second season and will try to reverse the 2024 result in which Laird took the win in both coaches’ debuts with their new programs.
“Tyler Pierce is a Natchitoches native, and for him to be able to come back home and play is a nice moment for him,” Laird said. “Schematically, you see a team that plays hard and with great effort.
“Breaux Bridge is starting to take advantage of opportunities presented to them. But we just have to make sure we’re well prepared to play no matter the opponent.”