Pickering Named GeauxPreps Football Team of the Week

by Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

The Pickering Red Devils snapped a three-season losing streak in dramatic fashion on Friday, with a hard-fought 13-12 victory over Gueydan. Head Coach John Daughtry led the team to its first win since 2021, a momentous achievement for a program that has faced significant challenges.

The Red Devils are now 1-30 since 2021, but the outlook for 2024 is promising. Leading the offense is Xavier Mitchell, a returning All-2nd Team District running back who rushed for 477 yards and four touchdowns last season. Mitchell, who also placed second in the state in the Powerlifting Championships back in March, is the strongest player on the team and a key for Pickering this season.

With a young group of returning players who gained valuable experience last season and new talent that did not participate in 2023, Pickering is poised to improve. Many of the team members excelled in powerlifting during the off-season, with seven student-athletes qualifying for the state 2A Championships. Coach Daughtry believes powerlifting has played a significant role in the program’s turnaround.

A favorable non-district schedule will help the Red Devils compete at a more level playing field as they work toward rebuilding the program for a brighter future. Pickering travels to Montgomery this weekend, looking to continue their winning ways.