LAKE CHARLES — The Barbe Buccaneers nearly made the playoffs in 2022.
Barbe had won three straight games heading into last year’s regular-season finale against Acadiana High. The Buccaneers then jumped out to an early 31-17 lead over the Wreckin’ Rams and a win would have earned them a spot in the Class 5A playoffs.
Barbe was unable to hold on to that lead as Acadiana rallied to win 35-31 and promptly dashed the Bucs’ playoff hopes.
With 13 starters returning from last year’s team, first-head coach Skeet Owens is looking to guide Barbe back to the postseason.
IMPACT PLAYERS:
CARSON SANFORD, QB, Sr.
After being thrust into the starter’s role due to injury, Sanford passed for 1,282 yards, completed 59 percent of his passes, and had a TD-INT ratio of 19 to 3 last season. Sanford’s favorite target (Jamaal Levi) is now playing at McNeese so the Bucs’ signal caller will need to develop chemistry with others.
ERIC JONES, RB, Jr.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound running back will be looking to build off a productive 2022 season in which he rushed for 967 yards, averaged 6.6 yards per carry, and scored 11 rushing touchdowns. Expect Jones to carry the load even more in 2023.
DANE DIXON, CB-WR, Sr.
A speedy two-way starter at cornerback and wide receiver, Dixon will be one of the most experienced players on defense. His speed and playmaking ability could be instrumental in the passing game too.
Head Coach: Skeet Owens
Even with the loss of wide receiver Jamaal Levi to graduation, Barbe will have plenty of firepower from an offense that averaged 36.7 points per game during the 2022 season. The key for Owens is to improve the defense.
The Bucs gave up 25.9 points per game but in their five defeats, that number ballooned up to 37.4. If the defense can make strides then the Bucs could be back in the postseason.
2022 Record: 5-5
2023 SCHEDULE
09-01 @ LaGrange
09-08 @ Carencro*
09-15 vs. Sam Houston*
09-22 vs. Pineville
09-29 vs. Southside*
10-06 @ Sulphur*
10-13 vs. NISH*
10-20 vs. Lafayette*
10-27 @ Comeaux*
11-02 @ Acadiana*
*Denotes District 3-5A game
Make sure to listen to Barbe Buccaneers football live over the air on ESPN 104.1 FM or by downloading the free ESPN 104.1 FM mobile app.