It was a difficult season for Fontainebleau in 2020.
Of course, that was true of all teams dealing with the difficulties of the pandemic.
The Bulldogs were only able to play five games, winning just one last season. To say the least, it was quite a challenge for head coach Chris Blocker.
“Last year was some of the biggest adversity we have ever faced and that probably goes for a lot of teams,” Blocker said. “It was a blessing to just be able to play at all last year. It was tough having to cancel a couple of games but we had to look out for the safety of our players. We got through it, managing it.”
Fontainebleau must replace a trio of excellent players in running back Iverson Celestine, now at Tulane, linebacker Colin Gagnon, now at Southeastern Louisiana and quarterback Josh Bailey, now at Baylor.
Stepping in at quarterback is junior Ronde White (6-0, 165).
“White will take the lead but we have a good sophomore in Brody Landry who will push for playing time,” Blocker said. “White has some experience with Bailey missing time last year and has grown up in the offseason.”
Senior wide receiver Kobe Barnes (6-3, 205) was superb last season with 875 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Donovan Neumann (6-0, 180), Ryan Seifried (6-1, 180) and Lonnie Tankersley (5-9, 165), giving the Bulldogs a group of huge targets for White.
“Barnes is huge and experienced,” Blocker said. “He is a special talent. He runs good routes and has great hands.”
The running back position is manned by junior JJ O’Neal (5-8, 180), but he will have company.
“It is hard to replace a talent like Iverson but we have been fortunate over several years to have good players. Junior Joe Ferry, sophomore Jaden Echols and O’Neal should all play.”
Up front, senior Alexander Smith (6-3, 280) returns to anchor a huge offensive line. He will be joined by senior Justin Dufrene (6-0, 270), juniors Donald Mulkey (6-1, 275) and Mixon Senseney (6-4, 278) along with sophomore Fletcher Vanhaelen (6-1, 300).
“We do have size up front,” Blocker said. “Smith is a returning starter and our captain. He has played defense as well but offensive line is our best fit at center. Senseney has experience from last year and Mulkey does as well. Vanhaelen and Dufrene are the new starters. We like our group.”
The defensive front features seniors Blake Bird (5-8, 220), Brady Jones (6-3, 284) and Dominick Rousse (6-0, 220).
“We will play an odd front and we are pretty happy with our linemen,” Blocker said. “Jones has a lot of experience on both sides of the ball. Bird and Rousse are seniors with experience. Brady moves from guard and will play nose guard.”
Senior linebackers Turrelle Monk (6-0, 190) is back to lead the second level for the Bulldogs, coming off of a season with 68 total tackles, including seven sacks. Monk will be joined by senior Hayden Maddox (5-9, 200), junior Shadrach Nelson (5-9, 185) and sophomore Christian Capdeboscq (6-0, 190).
“Monk is a special talent,” Blocker said. “He missed a lot of time last year with COVID issues. When he is on the field, he is such a difference maker like Celestine was. He has really good speed and is a really good leader. Capdeboscq is young but talented. Nelson and Maddox have ability as well and we hope they will grow as time goes on.”
The secondary features three juniors and a sophomore.
The juniors include Cameron Baham (5-11, 130), Kaleb Holiday (5-7, 155), Damion Marshall (5-8, 170) and sophomore Trent Gagnon (6-1, 175).
“Marshall is a two-year starter for us,” Blocker said. “Holiday is a returning starter, which will help us school the others. Baham and Gagnon should be solid. We should be solid in the back.”
The kicking game is solid with junior William Rocha (6-1, 185), who made 14-of-18 extra points and booted a 47-yard field goal last season.
“William is a three-year starter and we love him to depth,” Blocker said. “He can flip the field and can kick touchbacks. His accuracy has improved as well. He is a good player.”
The schedule opens on the road at but close to home at Lakeshore, followed by a home game with Walker. The final non-district game is at Franklinton.
“Lakeshore is a big rivalry and always a good program,” Blocker said. “Our kids cannot wait to play that game annually. Our kids are friends with their kids. They have great success recently. Walker is a really tough opponent. We will play a lot of guys to get ready. It’s a good matchup. We have to travel to Franklinton and they have a really good running back.”
District 6-5A play opens on Sept. 23 at home against Hammond before the Bulldogs visit Covington. Fontainebleau will host Northshore and will then face a tough test at Mandeville. The Bulldogs host powerful Ponchatoula before finishing the regular season at Slidell and at St. Paul’s.
Fontainebleau will have to play home games away from home as the turf is being replaced at its stadium.
“As of right now, we will play the first few home games at Lakeshore,” Blocker said. “We will play those games on Thursdays. We hope to be back at our stadium by our game with Northshore. It’s always a tough district. We have really good coaches. Ponchatoula is the team to beat.”
While Ponchatoula, Mandeville, Covington and St. Paul’s and Slidell will contend for district honors, Fontainebleau hopes to surprise as a sleeper in 2021.
“I think we can accomplish a good bit,” Blocker said. “We feel that if we can avoid major injuries and any serious COVID issues, we have a good group with good senior leadership. Our guys have bonded well and are ready to go.”
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