by Malcolm Butler
After enduring an abysmal 1-9 season in 2024, Cedar Creek School is looking to get back to the playoffs.
The Cougars saw their more than two-decade long postseason streak end last year, but first year head coach Jacob Angevine is trying to instill a renewed sense of passion for the game to his players.
Angevine and Co. took to the practice field Monday afternoon for their first official team workout of the fall with all eyes set on their August 30 jamboree game against D’Arbonne Woods.
“I told them to have fun and embrace it,” said Angevine, sporting his Creek t-shirt, sunglasses and bucket hat. “There has been a lot of excitement over the summer. We are putting in a brand new offense and a brand new defense. Things are going to be different.
“The pace (early in camp) may be a little bit slower. So today we may not get as many physical reps. It may be more mental reps. We just want to get the guys locked in and ready to have some fun.”
Very little fun was had by last year’s Cougars as they were outscored 300-154 with their lone win coming against a Plain Dealing team that owns one of the state’s longest losing streaks.
Angevine wasted little time in doing his part to try to change the mindset surrounding football.
“When they announced me as head coach (in late March), I didn’t want just the football guys in the room during the official announcement,” said Angevine. “I wanted all (the male students) … every boy we had at this school, I wanted them there.
“I wanted to tell them that things are going to be different. I understand that there has been a narrative around football (at Cedar Creek) that it isn’t fun, but we are going to change it. That’s one of the goals for this group … to change the narrative of Cedar Creek football.”
If roster numbers are any indication, the narrative has started to change. After boasting just 27 players in 2023 and 32 in 2024, this year’s Cougars varsity squad has 43 players out for fall practice.
“Anytime you can have depth in (Class) 1A football, it’s tremendous,” said Angevine. “The last two years we had in the high 20s and low 30s, but we only really depended on about 8 to 10 guys.
“That was the message today. If you are looking at that depth chart and you aren’t starting on both offense and defense, well that’s by design. We need different guys to step up and take over a role on either side of the football.
“I can’t have Blake Robinson play 140 snaps a night. I can’t have Bryce Martin play 130 snaps a night. I have to be able to spell those guys which is an opportunity for other guys to get on the field.”
Cedar Creek will open its regular season September 5 at home against Delhi Charter, one of six home games this year for the Cougars.
