Evangel Christian Eagles

By Lee Brecheen

Head Coach: Denny Duron 

2022 Record: 7-6

Class & District: Class 4A (District 1)

2022 Playoffs: Defeated Istrouma HS 60-0 in 1st Round Lost to E.D. White HS 32-29 in 2nd Round of Division II (Select) Playoffs

“We expect big things from this team as most of the starting lineup the last three seasons have had starting experience going into the 2023 season both sides of the football,” said Evangel head coach Denny Duron, who is in his third stint as the head coach Of Evangel Christian Academy, a school in which he helped found. 

The offense will be one of the best in the State in Class 4A with a lot of experience back. 

Four-year starting QB Peyton Fulghum (6-1, 190) returns after passing for 2,400 yards & 23

Touchdowns in 2022. Fulghum has a really good arm and feet in the pocket and has filled out for his senior year. WR Parker Fulghum (Peyton’s twin brother), also returns for his fourth year as a starter as one of the top prep wide receivers in the country. In 2022, Parker Fulghum had 89 catches for 1,245 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2021, he caught 77 passes with 1,320 yards receiving. This kid has a chance to break some national yardage recruits in 2023 as a WR. The Eagles have another playmaker back in senior WR Tyrek Robinson (5-10, 165), who is another four-year starter who can make things happen quickly. Senior WR Roy Morris is a player to keep an eye on at 6-3, 175 pounds with 4.5 speed. Both Robinson and Morris are big-time long jumpers for Evangel’s track and field program. 

The run game will have a chance to be the strongest it’s been in several years led by Damari Drake (6-0, 215), who has both power and speed. Drake has a very similar skill set to former Evangel and legendary LSU running back Jacob Hester but faster. The Eagles also have RB Charlie Abraham (6-2, 190), RB Joshua Isaac (5-8, 165) with 4.6 speed. Tyreek Robinson can get snaps here too.

The offensive line is one of the best units in all of Louisiana led by fourth-year starter senior Jacob Carpenter, who I think is LSU good for college at 6-3, 260 pounds and has the feet of a linebacker. You also have senior OG Matthew Jarrett (6-3, 230), senior OT Tristan Santoro (6-7, 290), third-year starter OT Christian Speight (6-4, 300) who is a big-time player and is also an All-State wrestler, OG Donnie Shavers 5-11 235, DT Caleb Duncan (5-10, 280) who will also play some OL. Senior Ethan Paredes (6-4, 230) and senior Caleb Diggs (5-10, 230) will rotate in as well. Senior FB/DE/LB Khris Jenkins (5-11, 210) will also assist the O-Line clear up the blocking lanes.

“The whole offensive line can run a 5.2 forty or better and that might end up the best offensive line that the program has ever fielded,” Duron said. “All five kids are incredibly quick and athletic.”

The defense will have a chance to be good and one of the best in a few years for the program. The defensive line returns fourth-year starter DE Gabriel Reilford (6-3, 255) who has 4.7 speed and incredible upside to dominate in 2023. The rest of the defense returns another fourth-year CB/SS T’Ziah Glyenn (5-9, 160) year starter, big-time hitter senior SS Jacob Wilson (5-10, 200) who is a big-time leader, senior LB Jamal Jordan (6-2, 220) who is another big-time athlete, LB Damari Drake who is in line for over 100 tackles this year, CB Johnny Casey (4.5 speed), DT Ashton Dawson (6-2, 280). Offensive players Tyreek Robinson can come in from receiver and play some corner and Khris Jenkins 5-11 210 will bring toughness and another pass rusher off the edge.

Evangel’s special teams will have kicker/punter Kent Kaegan (5-10, 155) coming back in 2023. Kaegan has started since his freshman season and has a cannon leg for kickoffs, field Goals & extra points. This kid is a weapon for big-time close games as he can kick the ball over 50 yards.

The program will have brand new turf in 2023 for football games. Before its Week 1 matchup against Neville HS, the field was damaged by the weather and it became a recurring issue most of the year. The new turf will be a game-changer for these kids in 2023. 

There will be seven home games for Evangel Christian HS in 2023, which is some more good news for these kids.

Offensive coordinator Kramer Hagan is in his second year at Evangel. Hagen, who is a native of Sacramento, California, played for former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville at Portland State. The offensive line will be coached by Texas football coaching legend Danny Palmer. 

Defensive coordinator Josh Alexander is the brother of former Evangel and LSU LB Bubba Alexander. Alex’s dad, Ronnie Alexander, was the longtime defensive coordinator at Evangel and is one of the greatest defensive coordinators ever in Louisiana high school football history.

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