MAURICE-For Joe Heintz, the transition from Pine Prairie to North Vermilion has been a seamless one as he prepares for his first season in Vermilion Parish.
“It’s been good so far,” Heintz said when asked about the first offseason with the Patriots. “The entire coaching staff came back, so I’m the only new guy and that’s been a great help. The kids have also been great, with close to 65 or 70 kids showing up for workouts every day this summer.”
This isn’t Heintz’s first rodeo in Acadiana, however, as he spent nearly 30 years at Teurlings as an assistant coach as well as the girl’s basketball head coach.
The Patriots made it to the quarterfinals last season and will look to continue that level of success in a daunting District 5-4A with powerhouses STM, Lafayette Christian, and others lurking.
IMPACT PLAYERS:
Logan Thompson QB, 5’10”, 180 lbs, Sr
Thompson is very familiar with the option-style offense that was put in place last season by Brett Blakely, who departed NV to join Vermilion Catholic’s staff. Now that he’s a senior, Thompson looks prepared to not only lead the offense but the team as well.
Myles Johnson DE, 6’2″, 225 lbs, Sr
Johnson is an absolute monster on the defensive edge. He possesses a long and strong frame that makes it almost impossible to slow down. Earlier this summer, Heintz told the Advocate that Johnson was one of the best defensive linemen he’s ever seen.
Tucker Denais RB, 6’0″, 195 lbs, Sr
Denais is a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s a well-built running back that can power his line through a line and then pull away from chasing defenders in the second level. When you run an option, Denais is the guy you want because of his bruising ability mixed with his home run capability.
HEAD COACH: Joe Heintz
Heintz takes over at North Vermilion after being at Pine Prairie in 2022. He will keep the option-style offense for the Patriots due to their strength being the running game with both Thompson and Denais. Also, a powerful defense at North Vermilion should make the Patriots competitive in the SEC of Louisiana high school football.
2022 RECORD: 6-7
2023 SCHEDULE
Sept. 1 Kaplan
Sept. 8 @ Erath
Sept. 15 @ Abbeville
Sept. 21 Loreauville
Sept. 29 LaGrange
Oct. 6 @ St. Thomas More
Oct. 13 @ Westgate
Oct. 20 Northside
Oct. 27 @ Lafayette Christian
Nov. 3 Teurlings
Make sure to listen to the Vermilion Parish Game of the Week live over the air on 106.3 Lafayette’s Rock & Alternative or by downloading the free 106.3 mobile app.