State of the Program: Vandebilt Catholic football looks for first state title since 1959
Vandebilt Catholic's Tommy Minton boasted one of the most impressive résumés in LHSAA football when he took over the Terriers in 2021.
Before coming to Vandebilt Catholic, Minton had won more than 200 games in nearly three decades of LHSAA competition, one of eight active coaches in Louisiana's 200-win club. Minton is also a former LSWA State Coach of the Year, winning the award in 2002 and 2010. However, he's still searching for his first state championship as a head coach, as is his team — which looks to end a state title drought of more than 60 years in Class 4A District 7.
The tradition
Vandebilt Catholic has one of the longest playoff streaks in Louisiana, qualifying for the postseason every year since 2009. The high-water mark for the Terriers came in 2021. That year, Vandebilt Catholic won six of its final seven games to close the regular season and claim a spot in the LHSAA playoffs, which the Terriers turned into a semifinal berth.
Vandebilt Catholic also returns its leaders on both sides of the ball. Linebacker Jacob Fairchild returns for his senior year after being named an All-State performer as a junior. Running back Jaylon Coleman, himself an All-State honoree, returns for his junior year after earning eight Division I scholarship offers as a sophomore.
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The challenge
However, the Terriers will need to run their offense with a new quarterback. Robert Blanchard graduated after the 2022 season, and junior Jack Chestnut will be given full control of the offense after starting three games last season.
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The Terriers will also have to face defending state champions in back-to-back weeks in September. In Week 4, Vandebilt Catholic hosts reigning Division II non-select champion Lutcher in district play. The next week, the Terriers travel to take on reigning Division III select champion St. Charles.
Expectations
Vandebilt Catholic has one of the top coaches and top rosters in the state, and should be a playoff contender yet again. However, the Terriers' quest for their first state title since 1959 will likely have to wait another year.
The schedule
Sept. 1: @ E.D. White
Sept. 8: vs. Central Lafourche
Sept. 15: vs. Belle Chasse
Sept. 22: vs. Lutcher*
Sept. 29: @ St. Charles
Oct. 6: vs. Morgan City*
Oct. 13: @ South Terrebonne*
Oct. 20: vs. A.J. Ellender*
Oct. 27: @ Assumption*
Nov. 3: @ South Lafourche*
*Class 4A District 7 game
This article originally appeared on The Courier: State of the Program: Vandebilt Catholic football eyes title
