Tigers want to keep getting better

ST. GABRIEL – East Iberville High School continues to flirt with .500 seasons but is still seeking an elusive playoff berth.

The Tigers are coming off a 3-6 season a year ago and were 1-4 in coach John Young's first year at the helm of the program. East Iberville experienced a winning season in 2011 with a 6-4 record.

"Our strengths will be our offensive and defensive lines along with some quality returning skill position players," Young said. "We are looking improve special teams as well."

The Tigers return six starters on an offense that produced 148 points a year ago. Five return to a defense that gave up 300.

East Iberville will again run out of the spread. Top losses include receiver Darryl Ingram and running back Javonta Sherman.

Senior Junius Chong (6-2, 205) returns at quarterback after completing 109-of-204 pass attempts for 976 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago in an all-district campaign.

Joseph Bailey (5-10, 170, Sr.) is the Tigers' top returning rusher with 567 yards and eight touchdowns on 78 attempts a year ago. Khris Grace (5-10, 170, Fr.) rounds out the backfield.

Guard Reggie Brock (6-1, 315, Sr.), an all-district performer, returns to the offensive line along with Taylor Graf (6-0, 330, Sr.). Center Albert York and tackles Delontre Terrell and Blade Fontenot round out the front.

Wide receivers JaChai Scott (5-10, 175, Jr.) and Mark Tasker (5-8, 150, Jr.) are joined in the corps by tight end Sean Griffin (6-0, 180, Jr.)

The Tigers defense will be run out of a 4-2-5 scheme. Key losses include cornerback Lamont Kerr and defensive end Adrian Cummings.

Brock returns to the defensive line as well after registering 36 tackles, three for loss and three sacks. Graf, Terrell (6-0, 230, Fr.) and Dewayne Bell (6-0, 210, So.) round out the line.

Chong and York (5-10, 260, Fr.) will line up at linebacker.

Scott returns to the secondary after registering two interceptions a year ago and will be joined by Grace, Griffin and Devin Johnson (5-10, 170, Sr.).

East Iberville opens the season at 1A regionalist Pointe Coupee Central before hosting Christian Life. After traveling to Catholic – P.C., the Tigers host 2A Northeast before wrapping up non-district play at 4A Belaire.

The Tigers open district 8-1A play at rival and regionalist White Castle before hosting district champion and semifinalist West St. John.

East Iberville then travels to St. John, hosts Ascension Christian and wraps up the season at Ascension Catholic in Donaldsonville.