EUNICE – The St. Edmund Blue Jays enter 2023 looking to build on a promising 2022. Coach James Shiver described last year’s team as a “JV team playing a Varsity schedule” and yet they still went 5-5 in the regular season and made a playoff appearance.
The Blue Jays only lost four seniors from last year’s team, and they will only lose a handful from this team as well. Having played such a young team last year, Coach Shiver brings back experience at almost every position, and has the chance to do the same next year. The schedule is tough and even includes a non-district game against Nolan Catholic out of Fort Worth, Texas.
That being said, the Blue Jays think their young pieces are ready to take the next step and contend in District 6-1A.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Kane West, QB, JR
West returns with experience and leadership at the quarterback position. He threw for over 1100 yards with 11 TDs a year ago, but turnovers were a problem at times as he compiled 15 interceptions. The running game was excellent, totaling over 2000 yards. If West can take the next step as a passer, that balance could lead this offense to even higher levels in 2023.
Ke’von Johnson, RB, SO
Johnson broke plenty of records as just a freshman last season. Almost 1800 rushing yards and 20 TDs have this sophomore as one of the best skill players in the area going into 2023. This offense will once again rely on the running game, and that ground attack will lean heavily on this talented young player.
JP Fruge, LB, JR
Fruge is a linebacker that will look to be a contributor for the Blue Jay defense. Last year he tallied 38.5 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks. The defense as a whole was inconsistent, but with the majority of starters coming back, Fruge will look to lead this group and help out the talented offensive group.
Head Coach: James Shiver
Shiver is looking to keep progressing with his young team. He is entering his 5th season, and his teams have never finished a regular season below .500. The Blue Jays will look to take the next step this season behind Coach Shiver and their young core.
2022 Record: 5-6
2023 SCHEDULE
Sept. 1 vs South Lafourche
Sept. 9 vs Nolan Catholic (TX)
Sept. 15 vs Westminster Christian Academy
Sept. 22 vs Crescent City Christian
Sept. 29 vs Oakdale
Oct. 6 vs North Central
Oct. 13 @ Sacred Heart VP
Oct. 20 @ Catholic of Point Coupee
Oct. 26 vs Westminster Academy
Nov. 3 vs Opelousas Catholic
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.