West Monroe Rebels

By Lee Brecheen

Head Coach: Todd Garvin (1st Year)

2022 Record: 8-3

Class & District: Class 5A (District  2)

2022 Playoffs: Defeated Chalmette 45-6 in 1st Round, Lost to Zachary 20-10 in 2nd Round of Division I (Non-Select) Playoffs

New West Monroe head coach Todd Garvin comes over from Ouachita where he was the head coach for the past two seasons where he beat the Rebels in 2021, which is not something that has been done much in the last few years. However, Garvin is not new to West Monroe HS as he was on the staff for several years at West Monroe.

I think West Monroe hiring Coach Garvin is a home run hire and he will do great things at the school. He knows the fans, alumni, coaches and history to get things back in time. Coach Garvin will go with a multiple system on offense & multiple for the defense too in his first year. The program only returns three starters on defense. However, the great news is the freshman team for West Monroe went 8-0 on the season in 2022 so the future is bright for this program.

“This summer we’ve worked diligently within the West Monroe HS football program to build and grasp our base offensive & defensive playbook and personnel,” Garvin said. We have a special team of players and coaches who are hungry and eager for another championship. Our senior-led offense will need to play and execute well as we patch up a defense that only returns three starters.”

A major theme for this team is that the offense will have to carry this young defense in the beginning to make a run for a championship. It all starts at quarterback with three-year starter senior Hayden Federico (5-10, 180), who has a handle on the offense after three years of passing and running when needed. 

The run game will rely on RB Caden Willis (5-9, 193) to have a big year with a few young backs behind him rotating in for a full season. The team also returns FB Clayton Perodeau (5-7, 185) who is a good blocker and can get some carries if needed for the offense. 

The Rebels also have three really good wide receivers in three-year starter David Moore (5-11, 174, 4.5 speed), experienced senior WR Grant Edmondson (6-2, 178), and Trez Davis (5-10, 150, 4.5 speed). Tight end Jay Cash (5-10, 185) will provide blocking and the ability to catch some passes if needed. 

The offensive line has a chance to become a great unit in 2023. The unit is led by center Nate Green (6-4, 280) who was an All-District tight end a year ago. The O-Line also has OG Matthew Nixon (6-2, 235), OG Jamison Slater (5-9 279), OT Cooper Simmons (6-2, 255) and OT Tylan George (6-2, 304).

The defense has talent but is young and some new starters in the beginning. The front seven will have three-year starting senior DT Hayden Stewart (5-11 240) who is a tough kid with tons of experience, DE Tyler Roark (6-3, 228), DE Nikaidon Williams (6-0, 256), DT Hayes Fuqua (6-3, 225), senior LB Cole Stephens (6-1, 198) who is an experienced leader and LB Parker Todd (6-3, 205) talented young player again on the front seven. The defensive backfield to start should consist of CB Chris Dade (5-8, 135, 4.45 speed), CB J’Tavian James (5-9, 145, 4.5 speed), FS Sam Regan (5-8, 150) and senior SS Cayden Cunningham (5-11, 170). 

The special teams unit will have punter Daniel Lane (6-0, 176), kicker Hunter Fox (5-9, 145), long snapper Daniel Cheveallier (5-9, 173), and holder Ryder DeJean (5-11, 191). West Monroe will return one of the best returners in the state with David Moore, who can take it back for six on any play.

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