By Trent Friedel
Saint Mary’s Tiger football received many accolades for their gridiron action this season. Led by an impressive senior class and aided by several underclassmen the Tigers posted a 10 and 3 record. This group had a four year record that may be the best since the title run of the late 1970s. The Tigers had all the ingredients for a State title but came up a game short of a repeat appearance in the Mercedes Benz Super Dome.
Two semi final losses and a trip to the dome in 2015 made for a memorable four years in a Tiger uniform for these young men. They leave large shoes to fill for those coming up through the ranks. The Tigers compete in district 3-1A and lost a winner take all game for district supremacy against Logansport in breathtaking action. T
he loss did not take away from the district honors bestowed upon the team.
The Tigers had five members garnering first team recognition on defense. They are Wes Manuel at linebacker, Clayton Jackson at defensive line, Slade Bienvenu at defensive back, Bailey Shelton as kick returner and Parker Bankston as place kicker.
Second team honors went to Damon LeGrande at defensive line, Parker Bankston at defensive back and Jeremy Friedel as a flex player.
Honorable mention was awarded to Zach Harrell, Kayne Rachal and Nick Torrent.
On offense, the Tigers again had five members getting first team honors.
Aaron Howell as an athlete, Bailey Shelton at wide receiver, David Thibodaux and Zach White as offensive linemen and Matt Nelson at running back.
Second team recognition was bestowed upon Slade Bienvenu at wide receiver and Damon LeGrande on the offensive line.
Honorable mention was given to Matt Thibodaux at offensive line and Jay Parker at wide receiver.
The co-offensive MVP was awarded to senior quarterback Aaron Howell.
