Preseason Preview Of The Ellender Patriots

Third year head coach Jesse Turner has had to endure a lot of adversity his first two seasons as head coach. Year one was Covid-19 & in year two it was hurricane Ida that caused major damages to their school forcing them to have to share a school with Terrebonne High for the rest of the year. Turner still was able to lead his program to two playoff births & he has high hopes for his program in year 3.

"One thing I've noticed about this year's team is that they're not taking anything for granted," Turner said. "The last two years we haven't been able to have a full season or even summer for that matter. Our kids have been bringing a lot of intensity day in & day out because they know any given day football can be taken from them. We still have some areas we can get better at but I really like this group & I'm excited to see us take that next step as a program this season."

Here are some prospects for the Patriots to keep an eye on this upcoming season.


​(Sr.) WR Royal Williams has had the most production at the receiver position the last two seasons & he should continue that same trend this year. Williams is very dynamic in space & he's a problem as a return specialist as well. You can make a case that he's the best receiver in this 7-4A district.

(Sr.) OL/DL Zarontay Smith will be the heart & soul for the Patriots offensive line. He brings a lot of versatility being able to play anywhere on the line & he should be a 1st team all-district performer at season's end.

(Soph.) QB Kade Adkins showed flashes last season that he's capable of being the future at quarterback for the Patriots. With a ton of playmakers at the skill positions, Adkins should have a good year & throw for a lot of yards.

(Sr.) DB Brandon Harris is a 3 year starter & expectations are high for him in his senior year. He will be the leader on the backend & the Patriots secondary will go as far as Harris takes them. He has all the tools to be one of the best defensive backs in this 7-4A district.

(Sr.) WR Tamaj Vergin probably is the most talented skill player on the team. If he can put it all together in his senior year, this Patriots team could be very scary on offense. Vergin currently has 2 offers from Mississippi St & Alcorn St.

(Sr.) ATH Deviante Scott will be the leader of the Patriots defense this season. He'll be moved all over the field depending on the scheme each week, but expect Scott to lead the team in tackles & be the biggest impact player on the defense.

(Fresh.) WR Jaden Carter will make a difference for the Patriots offense in year 1. He's definitely somebody that coach Turner & his staff should be excited about for years to come. Carter is also a standout on the basketball court  & track as well.

(Sr.) WR Tai Raymond will help the Patriots offense a lot this season after transferring over from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans.  He will bring another dynamic to this Patriots receiving core for sure.

(Jr.) OL Terrell James is due for a breakout year. He has that tough nasty mentality you look for in the trenches & should have a chance to be an all-district performer at season's end.

(Soph.) DL Ahmad James should be arguably the Patriots best D-lineman this season. His twitchiness combined with his power should give a lot of offensive lineman problems this year. Comes from good genes with his brother who was a standout WR for the Patriots last season & signed to play at Louisiana Tech. 

(Jr.) RB Xaviah Bryant will be the lead back this year for this offense. He had a ton of production last season & he will definitely be one of the Patriots homerun threats. 

Other notable names to lookout for is (Fresh.) ATH Deonte Coler, (Sr.) DL Joe Holly, (Jr.) QB Trenton Raymond & (Sr.) DE Christian Falgout.