Louisiana Football: 2019 John Curtis Patriots Preseason Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
John Curtis is one of the most storied high school football programs in the nation as the Patriots have captured 27 state championships, a Louisiana state record. Their 27th title came last season as John Curtis destroyed Catholic-Baton Rouge 49-7. This season, the Patriots are returning the majority of their 2018 team and are once again not only the favorites to capture a fourth straight Catholic League crown, which has only been accomplished twice before, but are favorites to add another state championship to their already full trophy case.
Patriots’ Offense
John Curtis scored 38 points per game last season led by 2020 stars dual-threat quarterback Collin Guggenheim (Army commit) and senior running back Corey Wren (Georgia). Last season, Guggenheim threw for 1,096 yards and 10 touchdowns while running for a team-high 1,128 yards with another team-high 15 scores. Wren notched 886 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns during his junior campaign. The leading returning wide receiver is senior Joey Taylor, who caught five touchdowns and had just under 300 receiving yards in 2018. The offensive line is anchored by senior Robert Pizzolato (6-4, 295).
Patriots’ Defense
Last season the Patriots only allowed 15 points per contest. That group returns five starters led by senior defensive lineman Angelo Anderson (Tulane). Anderson recorded 61 total tackles including 19 for a loss with 11 sacks in 2018. The leader of the John Curtis secondary is senior cornerback Dante Thomas. Thomas registered 19 tackles and three interceptions during his junior season. Another player to watch is junior defensive back Caleb Spann, who chipped in 23 tackles and in one interception during his sophomore campaign. Senior Marquis Martin will spend time on the defensive line and at linebacker.
Patriots’ 2019 Schedule
September 5 at Edna Karr
September 14 vs. Westlake (Atlanta, GA) – Battle on the Border event, Shreveport, LA
September 20 at Landry-Walker
September 28 at St. Augustine
October 4 vs. Lake Placid (Lake Placid, FL) at John Curtis Christian High School
October 11 at Archbishop Shaw
October 18 vs. Jesuit at John Curtis Christian High School
October 25 at Holy Cross
November 1 vs. Archbishop Rummel at John Curtis Christian High School
November 8 vs. Brother Martin at John Curtis Christian High School
Overview
With all the talent surrounding this team, look for John Curtis to make another trip to the Super Dome in New Orleans ready to contend for a 28th state title.
Photo credit: NOLA.com; John Curtis QB Collin Guggenheim