Q&A with Robin Fambrough: Previewing 2024 Baton Rouge-Area Football Landscape

August 12, 2024

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

We had the pleasure of catching up with Robin Fambrough of The Advocate in Baton Rouge. Robin is a member of the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. We dive into the 2024 high school football season in the Baton Rouge area. Our discussion spans the new quarterback situation at Catholic High, Central’s playmakers, Dutchtown’s speed and playmaking ability, Dunham’s rising star, East Ascension’s new head coach, Southern Lab’s hope to return to the dome, University High’s two stars, and Zachary’s expectations for the season.

CATHOLIC HIGH

  • Catholic High has high expectations following their 2023 state championship, but they’re facing a new quarterback situation. What do you see as the key factors for them to maintain their dominance this season? Given the program’s history of success, what kind of pressure does the new quarterback or quarterbacks face, and how do you think the coaching staff is preparing him to step into such a crucial role?

Robin: The plan this summer was to play two quarterbacks, Baylor Graves and Hunter Goldsmith. Multiple wide receivers return, led by Cohen LeBlanc and Amari Clayton, who both have college offers. Offensive linemen Erv Smith (Louisiana Tech Commit) is notable. Brothers Jacob and Blaine Bradford, both top recruits, help lead the defense. The offense will be geared toward the talents and experience of the quarterback or quarterback(s). Coach Hudson Fuller is a former offensive coordinator and played quarterback in high school. He’s developed quarterbacks before and knows how to orchestrate an offense.

CENTRAL

  • Central had an impressive run to the Division I Non-Select quarterfinals last year, coming up just one point short at Dutchtown. What are your thoughts on Central’s 2024 campaign? Fans are well aware of Central’s star, DK Mays, a Houston commit. Beyond Mays, are there any up-and-coming players on the roster that fans should be watching out for this season?

I expect Central to build on last year’s success. The program is energized. Mays’ twin brother KB is a solid linebacker and the secondary returns several talented players. Quarterback Jackson Firmin is a Nicholls commitment and should have several solid targets to lean on. Someone will have to grab the lead running-back role.

DUTCHTOWN

Photo Courtesy: D-Town Athletics
  • After reaching the semifinals in 2023, Dutchtown faces a challenging 2024 campaign, especially with the need to replace 13 starters. How do you see their season playing out, and what key factors could influence another deep playoff run? With such significant turnover, do you see the defense emerging as the team’s strength?

Robin: Replacing 13 starters will be the toughest obstacle. Having running-back LaKedrin Harvey (a track sprinter) in the backfield again and Northwestern State commitment Andrew Fields will help. The Dutchtown defense should be a strength. Lewis will have a leadership role and is part of a large defensive line group that should set the tone.

DUNHAM

  • Elijah Haven is gaining attention as a rising two-sport star at Dunham, and his impact on the football team’s success this season could be significant. With him stepping into a more prominent role, what do you think Dunham’s outlook is for the season? Are there other players you believe will complement his efforts and help push the team forward?

Robin: Haven will be the key to Dunham’s success just like he was last year. His skills are elite and they improved, based on 7-on-7 reviews this summer. There will be a new corps of receivers this year. Haven was the key player last year. His role won’t change much though he may be called on to run the ball a bit more. Linebacker/wide-receiver Trevor Haman and transfers running-back JJ Harris and wide receiver-Jarvis Washington could be impact players too.

EAST ASCENSION

Photo Courtesy: Elias Valverde II // The Dallas Morning News
  • With Brock Matherne taking over as head coach, East Ascension faces both challenges and opportunities this season. What do you see as the biggest hurdles the team will need to overcome, and how important do you think Matherne’s leadership will be in shaping the team’s identity? Additionally, with Brysten Martinez, an On3 top 100 recruit, on the roster, how do you think his presence will influence the team’s performance?

Robin: Finding an identity and getting comfortable with new schemes is a big part of this story. Losing offensive coordinator Lowell Narcisse (ex-St. James, LSU, UTSA quarterback) who became the head coach at Ascension Catholic) complicated things a bit, but not too much. Martinez’s presence depends on the scheme and what they ask him to do. As a junior, I suspect he will be given a lead role. They have always been known for athleticism but have had trouble finding a scheme that best utilizes the talent. East Ascension pushed Zachary to the limit twice – a season-opener last year and a playoff game in 2021 (a 24-21 game).

SOUTHERN LAB

  • Southern Lab is coming off a state championship, and the big question is whether they can sustain that success. What are your thoughts on their chances of repeating, and which players do you think will be most critical in that pursuit? Are there any new talents or returning players on Southern Lab’s roster who you believe could emerge as game-changers this season?

Robin: I would not bet against Southern Lab with 11 starters returning, size on the line, and two LHSAA titles in the last three years. Running-back Amaruyan Asberry (coach’s son) was a breakout player who rushed for over 900 yards last year.  Denim Hunt is a top-returning wide receiver. Jerry Bottley is expected to fill the quarterback role in the 2024 season.

UNIVERSITY HIGH

Photo Courtesy: On3
  • With Emile Picarella entering his second year as the starting quarterback, his experience is likely to have a positive impact on Lab’s performance this season. Additionally, Keylan Moses, an LSU commit, will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s overall dynamic. How do you see Picarella’s seasoned leadership and Moses’s talent influencing the team’s success and cohesion on the field?

Robin: Picarella threw for over 2,300 yards last year and he has wide-receiver Zay Martin (Southeastern Louisiana University Commit) and Trushaad Bush (basketball 3-point ace) figure to have key roles. Moses will make plays and attract attention. If opponents run away from him or pay too much attention to him (two blockers), others like linebacker Alec Haynes and defensive-back Jayden Gholston (University of Louisiana commit) make plays. Offensive and defensive lineman Lamar Brown is a top recruit for 2026.

ZACHARY

Photo Courtesy: Gridiron Football
  • After reaching the state championship last season, Coach David Brewerton will likely lean on several key players to lead Zachary back to the Dome this year. Are there specific players who stand out as crucial contributors to the team? With such a strong program, how do you think Zachary will balance the pressure of past success with the need to focus on the current season?

Robin: Quarterback Caleb Gonzales split time last year and the role is his, this time around. He looked good in 7-on-7. There won’t be a Trey’Dez Green, but there won’t be a shortage of wide-receivers with Jaiden Cockerham and Kristion Brooks in that number. The expectation is to win and the players take that on with confidence, not worrying so much about pressure. And why not? Brewerton is 117-20 in 10 seasons.

As we move closer to the 2024 Louisiana high school football season, be on the lookout for more area previews!

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