by Malcolm Butler
Payton Harris has had to grow up a little faster on the football field than most freshmen.
In fact, his varsity journey began in eighth grade when the two-way player suited up for the Cedar Creek Cougars, starting the vast majority of games in the defensive secondary.
Now, the “veteran” freshman is carrying an even bigger load, literally.
With the loss of both Hayden and Liam Durrett to injuries, Harris joins quarterback Brett Bell and upperclassman fullback Trigger Woodard as the Cougars main ball carriers.
“We told him we were going to put the weight of the world on his shoulders, and he was going to carry (the football) more,” said head coach Jacob Angevine. “He has proven he is capable of handling it 15 to 20 times a game.”
And handle it he has.
Just three weeks ago in the program’s first win ever over District 1-1A foe Glenbrook, Harris rushed the ball 20 times for 89 yards and two scores. In last week’s win over Plain Dealing, he recorded his first 100-yard game on the varsity level with 142 yards and three scores.
Harris looks like anything but a freshman.
“I have just told him to play as hard as he can,” said Woodard. “Hit gaps. Just play like you are an upperclassman. He may be younger, but he has to play up because we have a lot of younger guys.”
Good advice. Message received.
“I’ve been going up against older people my whole life,” said the soft-spoken Harris.
According to Angevine, last year’s experience playing with the varsity – mostly on the defensive side but with some time at tailback and wide receiver sprinkled in – has helped Harris in 2025.
“I told a lot of those guys who were eighth graders or freshmen last year … it was a sink or swim mentality,” said Angevine. “They were put in situations that normally they should be thrown into, but we needed them, and they did a good job.
“Payton getting that experience last year, although it was mostly on the defensive side, has been huge for him. It’s been good for his confidence. He knows he can compete against guys much older than him. He is not afraid.”
Harris, who said he loves NFL backs like Jamyr Gibbs and Bucky Irving, has showed the ability to run inside or outside as he uses his God-given skillset.
“I like running. Scoring,” said Harris. “I like being a game changer. Putting points on the board and helping my team.
“I like to bounce it (outside). Make moves and make (defenders) miss.”
Thus far this season, Harris has carried the ball 71 times for 499 yards and nine scores, averaging over seven yards a carry.
“Payton has definitely gotten bigger,” said Woodard. “He is running the ball harder. He is faster. He is better for sure. I am proud of him.”
After transferring to Cedar Creek from Good Hope in West Monroe two years ago, Harris has burst onto the scene for the Cougars.
“Last year showed me I have to step up and be a leader,” said Harris, who has scored at least one TD in five straight games. “I have to play more physical. I have to be mentally stronger.”
Two weeks ago against Delta Charter, Harris took a handoff late in the ball game, ran between the tackles, broke away from defenders, and raced 31 yards to give the Cougars their first lead of the game. It capped a 14-carry, 97-yard performance.
“It’s his vision,” said Angevine. “He does a good job of seeing the holes open up. He lets things develop, but he is quick enough to make a move. Our fear was his size, but with his speed and agility … it makes up for it.
“He will get bigger and stronger as he gets older, but right now his speed and quickness and vision are really good for a freshman.”
Cedar Creek faces one of its biggest challenges this week in a road match-up against perennial state title contender Haynesville Friday night.
And a big part of the game plan against the Tors? Give the ball to #1.
“I feel good at the end of games,” said Harris. “I feel like I have more energy in the tank, like I can keep going.”
His coach agrees.
“He has proven he can do it all,” said Angevine.
