Louisiana High School Football Preseason Preview: Calvary Baptist Academy

Written by Charlie Beuttel

 

Calvary Baptist Academy

Location: Shreveport, Louisiana

Head Coach: John Bachman

Mascot: Cavaliers

District: 1-2A

2014: 12-1

Louisiana Division III State Champions 2013 and 2014

Overview
Calvary has been preparing to defend their state title all offseason. The Cavaliers return a bunch of talent and experience on both offense and defense leading to high expectations for a three-peat.

One noticeable difference on the roster from the last two seasons is starting quarterback Shea Patterson. In July, Patterson announced that he was transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. Now it is Jake Bartley’s turn to lead this team to the promise land. Bartley may not be as talented as 5-star ranked Patterson in the pocket but he has the leadership and heart to lead Calvary to another title.

The Cavaliers have some tough non-district games early in the year when they travel to Teurlings Catholic and Byrd and then host Zachary. Once Calvary gets past these early tests they should easily make the playoffs and be in contention for a third straight state title.

Offense
This Cavalier offense scored 40 points a game last year. Unfortunately they lost two offensive weapons, wide receiver Shun Brown (67/1,362/23) and all-purpose running back Orlando Bradford (1,130 yards,17 TDs), to graduation. However, Calvary will still score a lot of points this season. Sophomore Kordavion Washington had over 600 rushing yards and looks to fill the void left by Bradford at running back. Caleb Ryan will be the leading returning receiver for the Cavaliers. Ryan will give Bartley a down field threat. Another returning offensive threat is junior Kyle Jones. Jones excelled at receiver and running back last year.

Defense
Calvary’s defense is the strength of this team after only giving up 14 points a game in 2014. The Cavs defense is led by their highly skilled secondary. Corner back Rodarius Williams, an Oklahoma State commit, led the team with five interceptions. Safety Chanse Sylvie, an Oklahoma commit, added 122 tackles. Andraez Williams, a LSU commit, is Calvary’s other lockdown cornerback. Calvary’s best linebacker, Nick Rogers, had 131 tackles in 2014 and returns for his senior season. David Fitzwater (6’5”, 245) is the best returning defensive lineman for Calvary.

Schedule
9/4 at Teurlings Catholic
9/11 Peabody
9/17 at Byrd
9/25 Zachary
10/2 at Union Parish
10/8 North Caddo
10/16 at Red River
10/23 Lakeview
10/30 at Lakeside
11/6 at Jonesboro-Hodge

Photo credit: shreveporttimes.com; Calvary Baptist raises the Louisiana state championship trophy
Photo credit: highschoolsports.nola.com; No. 6 Jake Bartley