ELLENDER MEMORIAL PATRIOTS
2024 record: 2-8
Head coach: Aaron Butler
High Point of 2024: The finale: Look, very few teams get the chance to say that they ended their season with a win. But that’s exactly what Ellender was able to say to close 2024 when they got a district victory over Morgan City to close out their season. Sure, it’s a new team and a new roster. But those returning boys’ last game experience was a win and that matters.
Low Point of 2024: The Suspension: Ellender got off to a 1-0 start to the year, but was never fully able to ride that wave of momentum because a post-game incident caused the LHSAA to shut both the Patriots and Broadmoor for 2 weeks. We saw the video. Heck, we posted the video. We got heat for doing it at the time, but we did so to show that we do not think Ellender instigated that situation. It was a shame those kids lost 2 weeks of action because of that situation.
Key Returnees: defensive lineman Devonta Colar, receiver Travon James, defensive back Chandler Hartman, athlete Kovante Howard, athlete Markus Thomas and many others
Breakout player: Quarterback Ladainian Perna – The Patriots have athletes all over the field and Perna is a stabilizing impact on that offense, a senior leader who is going to spread the ball out to the team’s playmakers and make a nice name for himself in the 2025 season.
Key to 2025: The start – Coming off a 2-8 where the Patriots only scored 31 points all season, it has to happen fast for Ellender in 2025 to keep the kids out of ‘basketball season’ mode. Having a guy familiar with the program in Aaron Butler helps, but that team – especially offensively – has to have something to feel good about in 2025. Just about every local team had at least 1 30 point game last year. The Patriots had 31 points the entire season.
Casey’s Call: For me to sit here and say that I think the Patriots will win the State Championship in 2025 would be an outright lie. I don’t. But I do think the team will make improvements under Butler, who understands the culture there and what it takes to be successful. Give it time. I don’t see this being a dominant season, but I do think Butler will get the Patriots back on track in time.
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