Grant Cougars

Dillon Barrett's influence and work ethic as the head football coach at Grant High School has helped revitalize a program that once served as a doormat to its foes.

In just two years at the helm, Barrett helped lead the Cougars to more wins (12) than in the previous eight seasons (2012-2019) before his arrival. His team quickly bought into his philosophy and it has paid off with back-to-back playoff appearances. Grant's eight victories in 2021 are the most for the program over the last decade.

The community has bought in as well and are excited for the light's to shine upon the field at Grant Stadium on Friday night's as family and friends gather to cheer on a resurrected program that has shown signs of being a significant player come playoff time.

However, the competition will look much different in 2022, as Grant moves up to Class 4A following reclassification and will participate in a new district comprised of Franklin Parish, Neville, Peabody and Tioga. In non-district action, the Cougars will face Montgomery, Block, Marksville, West Ouachita and Buckeye.

"We are optimistic about our team moving to (Class) 4A," said Barrett. "We are excited about the opportunity to compete with some of the storied programs in Louisiana as we prepare to propel Grant Football to the next level."

The Cougars return an experienced offensive unit led by senior Eli Morrison, who totaled over 1,600 offensive yards and 14 touchdowns last season, and an offensive line anchored by senior guard Shawn McGlothlin and junior tackle Landon Vallee. On defense, sophomore linebacker Landon Friedu (45 tackles) will serve as a key component to leading a young defense which returns only four starters from last year.