Zachary Broncos

By Lee Brecheen

Head Coach: David Brewerton (10th year)

2022 Record: 10-3

2022 Class & District: Class 5A (District 4)

2022 Playoffs: Defeated St. Amant 42-7 in 1st Round, Defeated West Monroe 20-10 in 2nd Round, Defeated Southside 48-37 in Quarterfinals, Lost to Ruston 37-22 in Semifinals of Division I (Select) Playoffs 

Zachary lost more talent on the defensive line than any school I can think of in Louisiana where all of the players signed Power 5 Scholarships: DE A.J Thomas (Tulane), DE Ashley Williams (Arizona State), and DE Landen Thomas (Western Kentucky).

You can also throw in FS/LB Kylin Jackson (LSU), QB Eli Holstein (Alabama) and OT Desmond Parker (Jones Junior College-Mississippi). 

Zachary is one of the best programs in the state and the coaching staff has about as much experience as any you will find in High School Football with most of the staff together for at least 10 years.

The quarterback position is a spot where Zachary has been blessed for many years with players like Eli Holstein, Lindsey Scott and Keilon Brown. We are talking about 11 years in a row of some of the best QB play in the state in a row. The program has two quarterbacks competing in 2023: Caleb Gonzales & Hudson Spangler. Spangler got some playing time in 2022 and Gonzales got some late-minute snaps as well. Neither QB won the job during the summer so we will see who wins this job in the fall and it might go on all year. 

The good news is the offensive line and skill spots on offense are still very talented. 

The offensive line returns three-year starter senior OT Kavion Broussard (6-6, 276), OG/OT Jarrick Nedie 6-2 310 3 year starter, senior center Freddie Millican (6-0, 250) who is a leader on this team and OT Clifton Webb (6-4, 270). You also have a good blocker in senior TE/HB/FB Trenton Peterson (5-11, 215).

The receiving corps is strong again led by a newcomer in East Feliciana transfer TE/WR Trey’Dez Green (6-7, 250, 4.59 speed), one of the most gifted players in the country. Green, who is an LSU commit, has soft hands and is still evolving so who knows how good he can be after this year. There’s also All-District and potential All-State candidate senior WR Luke Wisham (6-2, 185, 4.5 speed or better). Wisham is a great athlete and also plays free safety for the team making him a rare two-way starter for the program. Senior WR Tyson George (6-0, 170, 4.5 speed) was the breakout star of the spring game with five touchdowns. There’s also WR Jonas Hayes (6-2, 180) who would start for most teams but he rotates in.

The run game is always solid for Zachary and it will return senior RB Kameron Thomas (5-10, 185, 4.6 speed). Thomas has power and is quick to burst when hitting the hole. There are also newcomers Nate James (5-8, 180) & RB Da’Veio Ruffin (5-8, 180) who will both lend depth at this spot.

“We return a lot on offense and we feel good about that,” said Zachary head coach David Brewerton. “We also have playmakers at wide receiver. However, we just need one quarterback to step up. “

For the first time, Zachary will have a 3-4 Defense and rely on pressure more than in the past. The defense will be young in the front seven and will try and replace some very special players from the 2022 season.

The front seven will return one of its leaders in senior LB Ethan Veal (6-0, 205) with football speed and had over 100 tackles last season. You also have DT Sean Hamilton (6-2, 260), senior OLB Stetson Bell (5-9, 185) who is a tough leader, sleeper college player SS Dillan Durand (6-2, 175), new starter DE Ryan Ward DE (5-11, 225) who lettered in 2022, three-year starter senior CB Dave Peterson (5-11, 170), CB Jeremiah Smith (4.5 speed) and senior LB Kameron Peterson (6-0, 210) who is a returning letterman after starting a few games in 2022.

The special teams return three-year starter senior kicker Kellen Conachen (6-2, 180) and Punter will be Ryan Burns who has a cannon leg at this spot.

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