PORT BARRE – The Port Barre Red Devils have struggled in recent memory. That is no secret. However, three wins in the past years do not scare first-year head coach Brent Angelle. Instead, he is taking it as an opportunity to have his team motivated and excited to play. He thinks that a “tired of losing” mentality will be an advantage for the Red Devils in 2023. Additionally, they bring back some talent and should be much improved overall. If some of the experienced players take the next step, this can be a much more competitive team than in years past.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Maddox Fontenot, S, Sr
Fontenot should be a big contributor for this team. He is a team captain and one of the vocal leaders of the team. Additionally, Coach Angelle had high praise, saying “In my 16 years of coaching, I have never had a kid work harder on or off the field.” He earned second-team all-district honors a year ago, and will look to build on that in 2023.
Cade Metrejean, OLB, RB, Sr
Metrejean enters 2023 as one of the best athletes on the roster. He is expected to contribute on both sides of the ball, and his versatility will be a big key for the Red Devils. He has had a number of injuries to deal with in past seasons, but a healthy version of Metrejean should be in the conversation for all-district honors.
Keenan Hardy, RB, Sr
Hardy was a second-team all-district running back in 2022. Coach Angelle describes him as the most explosive athlete on the team and expects him to be the workhorse this season. He had over 700 rushing yards last season, in addition to playing special teams as a returner and even contributing on defense. He is a smaller back, but could be a 1000-yard candidate as a rusher this year.
Head Coach: Brent Angelle
Angelle takes over the program after being around in different roles before. This team has struggled mightily in recent years. However, Coach Angelle is looking to put his stamp on things. The Red Devils have history, including winning a state title as recently as 2002. This new coach will have to take incremental steps to get back to those days, and 2023 is the first one on that path.
2022 Record: 1-8
2023 Schedule
Sept. 1 vs Livonia
Sept. 8 vs Beau Chene
Sept. 15 @ Opelousas Catholic
Sept. 22 vs Mamou
Sept. 29 @ Northwest
Oct. 6 @ Church Point
Oct. 13 vs Ville Platte
Oct. 20 @ Basile
Oct. 27 @ Iota
Nov. 3 vs Pine Prairie
Make sure to listen to the St. Landry Parish Game of the Week live over the air on News Talk 98.5 FM — The Talk of Acadiana or by downloading the free News Talk 98.5 FM mobile app.