Louisiana: West Monroe High School 2015 Football Season Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Head Coach: Jerry Arledge
Mascot: Rebels
District: 2-5A
2014: 11-3
Location: West Monroe, Louisiana

Overview
West Monroe had an astounding season in 2014. The Rebels advanced all the way to the 5A state semifinals where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Destrehan, 27-22. In the quarterfinals, West Monroe upset No. 1 seed, Byrd, 19-7. The expectations around this West Monroe team are just as high going into the 2015 season. The Rebels have many of their key players returning and have their eyes set on making another deep run into the playoffs.

The biggest game for the Rebels in 2015 is when they host their rival, Ouachita Parish on Oct. 23. West Monroe also plays games against teams from Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

Offense
The Rebels powerful offense scored just under 34 points a game in 2014. The good news for West Monroe fans is that a core of offensive stars returns. Dual-threat quarterback Jon Randall Belton is coming off his second ACL injury but is focused on having a monster senior season. The 6’3”, 200 pound, quarterback has seven Division-I offers at this time.

The leading returning running back is junior Trey Coleman. Coleman was selected second-team All-District in 2014. The leading returning receiver is Jake Norris.

The offensive line is led by 6’4”, 350 pound, senior Nordoriyan Boatner. Another offensive weapon is sophomore Slade Bolden, who was selected second-team All-District.

Defense
West Monroe only gave up an impressive 12 points a game last season. The Rebels will once again have a lockdown defense in 2015 as they return some talented and experienced defensive stars.

Senior Matthew Pihl (6’1”, 210) is the leader of the linebackers. Pihl had 96 tackles, six sacks, and four batted passes and was selected first-team All-District and second-team All-Northeast Louisiana in his junior season. The defensive line is led by 6’3”, 230 pound, junior Dennis Collins who was selected first-team All-District in 2014. Two more returning defensive players are Jacob Adams and Sawyer Passman. Both players were selected second-team All-District in 2014.

Schedule
9/4 Wossman
9/11 Lufkin (TX) at Battle on the Border event in Shreveport, LA
9/18 Madison Central (MS)
9/25 Franklinton
10/2 Ridgeway (TN)
10/9 at Ruston
10/16 at Natchitoches Central
10/23 Ouachita Parish
10/30 Pineville
11/6 at Alexandria

Photo credit: scout.com; Dennis Collins
Photo credit: nola.com; West Monroe takes the field