State of the Program: Covenant Christian football looks to continue building under new coach
Covenant Christian football returned to the LHSAA playoffs in 2022 after a four-year absence in dramatic fashion, with the Lions punching their ticket following a Week 10 win over Centerville, 32-14. Following the season, former coach Cullen Matherne left to take the head coaching job at Opelousas Catholic, so Covenant Christian turned to another former LHSAA playoff coach as his replacement: former A.J. Ellender coach Jesse Turner.
While Turner inherits a playoff team, it's also a team that's just begun its rebuild in Class 1A District 7.
The tradition
Although the Lions made the playoffs a season ago, they did so at 4-6, finishing just short of their first winning season since 2018. Still, four wins in one season in a significant step forward for a program that won just five games from 2019-21 combined.
Joining Turner in moving from Ellender to Covenant Christian are brothers Jaden and Jahari Carter, both wide receivers who starred for the Patriots in 2022 — with Jaden earning all-district honors. The Lions also return two all-state players from last season: linebacker/defensive back Carsen Hebert and offensive lineman Cameron Eschete, both earning spots as honorable mentions on the LSWA 1A team last year.
More High School Football: State of the Program: A.J. Ellender looks to return to playoffs under rookie head coach
The challenge
Hebert will need to take on more leadership this season, as the Lions' defense loses senior defensive back Kevon Evans, who not only made 45 tackles in 2022, but also made four sacks from the secondary.
More High School Football: State of the Program: Assumption football looks to start new playoff streak in 2023
The end of the regular season may also seem daunting for Covenant Christian, with three of the final four regular season games on the road, including district games against Highland Baptist and Centerville. Non-district play may also prove to be difficult, as the Lions travel to face Morgan City in a rematch of 2022's contest, in which the Tigers won on the field, but later forfeited.
Expectations
While Covenant Christian won't take another large step in 2023 like it did in 2022, the Lions should continue to improve, finishing with its first .500 or better record in five years and making another trip to the LHSAA playoffs.
The schedule
Sept. 1: @ Thrive Academy
Sept. 8: vs. Houma Christian
Sept. 15: @ Morgan City
Sept. 22: vs. Central Catholic*
Sept. 29: @ Hanson Memorial*
Oct. 6: vs. Vermillion Catholic*
Oct. 13: @ Highland Catholic*
Oct. 20: @ Ascension Catholic
Oct. 27: vs. Jeanerette*
Nov. 2: @ Centerville*
*Class 1A District 7 game
This article originally appeared on The Courier: State of the Program: Covenant Christian looks to continue building
