Louisiana Football: Green Oaks Giants 2019 Preseason Preview
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
The Green Oaks High School football team is certainly a program on the rise in Shreveport. The Giants took another big leap forward by finishing 5-5 in the 2018 regular season clinching a home playoff game for the first time since 2002. Unfortunately, the dream playoff run was crushed by Wossman (32-26) in double-overtime. Luckily for the Giants, head coach Terrence Isaac is bringing back talented skilled players ready to lift this program to yet another level with an eye on contending for the state championship in 2019.
Giants’ Offense
The Giants offense was on point last season averaging 29 a game against 3A Louisiana competition. The squad was led by Class of 2021 quarterback Keith Baker. Baker carved out a name for himself as a rising in-state talent after throwing for 2,808 with 30 touchdowns. The team loses its top three targets, due to graduation, and must find a playmaker to fill the 1,393-yard 17-touchdown void left by Davion Sanders. Baker’s top two targets at wide receiver in 2019 will be sophomore De’Coldest Crawford and junior Terrence Isaac Jr., both of whom are already receiving college offers. Crawford had a standout freshman season at the varsity level with Green Oaks hauling in 18 passes for 203 yards with three touchdowns. Junior Ja’mee Sanders will be highlighted at the running back position after scrambling for 768 yards and nine touchdowns during his sophomore season. The offensive line is anchored by senior Michael Vinson (6-1, 270).
Giants’ Defense
Last season Green Oaks yielded 30 points a game but return several talented players at key positions that should make this unit a strength of the team. Upfront, junior Christopher Larry Jr. will lead the charge on the defensive line after registering 71 total tackles including 11 for a loss, six sacks, and four forced fumbles. The star linebackers for the Giants will be senior Joseph Mason (Louisiana Tech commit), senior D’ante Johns, and junior Jaden Moore. Moore contributed with a whopping 102 total tackles, nine sacks and three interceptions last season.
Giants’ 2019 Schedule
September 6 at Captain Shreve
September 13 at Northwood
September 21 vs. Booker T. Washington
September 27 at DeRidder
October 4 at Alexandria
October 11 vs. Loyola College Prep
October 17 vs. Mansfield
October 25 vs. Union Parish
November 1 at Bossier
November 8 at North Webster
Overview
Green Oaks is returning experienced veterans on both sides of the ball and all of them, including their head coach, has high expectations for this team. When asked about the progress the Giants are making on the field and the expectations for the 2019 season, head coach Terrence Isaac stated, “Our expectations are to build off of the season we had last year. Going 5-5 was our first non-losing season in 16 years. We were able to secure our first home playoff game in 16 years. We are pleased but not satisfied. We are definitely looking to make a run at state.”
Photo credit: The Shreveport Times; Green Oaks Head Coach Terrence Isaac and Wide Receiver De’Coldest Crawford