Donald Dardar and the South Terrebonne Gators Look to See Their Hard Work Payoff By Making the Playoffs in 2018

by Cameron Cerniglia

The South Terrebonne talented backfield which features Terrance Sims (2), Johnathan Smith (1), and Donald Dardar (49) might be the key piece for the Gators to make it back to the playoffs this season. (Photo courtesy of Mrs. Dardar)

In recent years, the fullback position is not seen as much throughout high school football like it was in the past. That trend would change if more teams had players such as Donald Dardar. Dardar, who is a 5-10, 230 pound FB/DE, looks to standout and catch the attention of scouts in his senior season.

Dardar is going into his fourth year starting on the varsity team under Coach Richard Curlin, who is going into his 28th year leading the Gators. Dardar says that it is an honor playing for a veteran coach like Curlin.

“It’s an honor to play for a coach as experienced as him,” Dardar said. “I’ve learned a lot more about the sport because of him.”

He also discusses the expectations that he and Coach Curlin have for the team each season.

“We want to come together, work hard as a team, and make it to the playoffs,” Dardar said.

These are realistic expectations with the group of players that the team has coming back this season. The Gators have two returning running backs in Terrance Sims and Johnathan Smith along with a strong offensive line. Louisiana Football Magazine’s recruiting guru Lee Brecheen thinks highly of all three players.

“I am a huge fan of Donald Dardar’s effort,” Brecheen said. “He is one of the best blocking fullbacks in Louisiana. He brings it all day as a fullback or defensive lineman for the team and can run when needed too as he has really good feet. He Could go to a DI school as a fullback or IAA school as a middle linebacker or fullback.”

“Johnathan Smith reminds me sometimes watching him of former South Terrebonne RB/Athlete Phillip Livas in stature at 5-7, 170 pounds,” Brecheen said. “He has big time quickness in open space.”

“I saw a lot of ability in Terrance Sims last season, but you can tell that 2018 is his year to show more power as a runner and be a more complete player,” Brecheen said. “He has some 4.5/40 speed and good size at 5-11, 180 pounds.”

Dardar and Smith both believe that the offense will be the strength of the team.

Our offense is pretty stacked at the skill positions,” Smith said. “We should be able to make big plays here and there when we really need them.”

“I feel as if the offense will have a strong running game,” Dardar said. “It always starts with the offensive line giving our backs holes.”

Smith agrees that the offensive line can be great.

“Our line has the potential to be good if we keep putting in work everyday to improve and execute on every play,” Smith said.

By being tough, strong, and quick off the snap, Dardar can help with that as well.

Those few attributes can translate to the opposite side of the ball and help Dardar at DE. It can be difficult to play on both sides of the ball, but Dardar loves the challenge.

“It can be rough,” he said. “I like working and having a part on both sides of the ball.”

The defense that Coach Curlin has this year is experienced and poised to have a great season.

“I feel as if we will have a lot more big plays and less mistakes than last year,” Dardar said.

During his time at with the Gators, Dardar has received honorable mention for All-District his sophomore year and 2nd team All-District his junior season. This year, he looks to gain more honors and recognition from colleges. That can surely be done if he continues to learn and play at the same level he has the last two seasons.

Cameron is from Baton Rouge, LA. He graduated from Woodlawn High School in 2014. Cameron is now attending LSU where he is seeking a degree in Sport Administration with a concentration in commerce. Cameron joined the Louisiana Football Magazine staff in the summer of 2018 for his school internship. During the his days off, Cameron enjoys spending time with family and friends. Outside of being a football fan, Cameron also enjoys watching baseball and playing music.

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