Dunham Tigers

A deep postseason run capped by an appearance in last year's Select Division III state championship game is the experience Dunham will have to rely on as it takes to the gridiron in 2023.

Despite coming up just short of the ultimate goal, Neil Weiner's squad understood what it took to get the dance and the assignment moving forward with hopes of returning to the Caesars Superdome.

However, the journey won't be for the weak at heart. With a workhorse of a pre-district slate coupled with the loss of its core group of upperclassmen, the Tigers will look to freshman quarterback Elijah Haven to anchor an offense that averaged nearly 40 points per game. With only three returning starters on the offensive line and a lack of depth, Dunham will rely on a group of skill players led by senior all-state selection Jac Comeaux to help carry the load early in the season.

Defensively, Weiner returns seven starters on defense including the likes of Malachi Jackson and Louis Phillips who help anchor the line along with an experienced secondary that will carry out Weiner's aggressive mentality philosophy.

Although able to use its size and experience as an advantage in 2022, the Tigers must use its aggressive mentality to set the tone early as it embarks on one of the toughest pre-district slates in Louisiana. The Tigers begin the season at Class 3A Parkview Baptist and will host Class 5A Live Oak. Other non-district games include 2022 playoff participants Ascension Catholic and Southern Lab.

A strong showing with a healthy outcome in its first five contests will help Dunham as it makes the trek through district play. More importantly, it will prepare the Tigers for the long journey ahead as they look to return to New Orleans in December.