Kaplan O-line, Speight honored
A group coming together at the right time and a player learning a new position were among the highlights of Week eight of the football season.
The Kaplan Pirates offensive line paved the way, to say the least, in a 51-35 win over Catholic High of New Iberia Friday. The group helped the Pirates gain nearly 500 yards on the ground.
Delcambre’s Dylan Speight started the season as an outside linebacker. Two weeks ago, though, Delcambre head coach Darcy Delcambre moved Speight to the interior defensive line. The move has worked as Speight helped the Panthers to a 35-7 Homecoming win over Ascension Catholic.
With their performances, the Kaplan line and Speight are the Acadiana Ford/Abbeville Meridional Players of the Week.
“We got a lot of movement,” said Kaplan head coach Brent Indest, “from tight end to tackle.
“All six of those guys have played as well as a unit as they have all year long.”
Lance Herpin (left tackle), Sherwin Poumehr (left guard), Damian Gaspard (center), Dustin Langlinais (right tackle), and Blake Bessard (tight end) helped the Pirates gain 493 yards on 47 carries. Jordan Jules rushed 11 time for 196 yards and two scores. Grettney Roy finished with five touchdowns and 160 yards. Tyler Domingue went for 137 yards on eight attempts.
“You can ask our backs,” said Indest, “they had some nice holes to run through.
“Instead of being just a good unit, they are starting to become a dominating unit.”
The line is this week’s collective Offensive Player of the Week.
Speight has drawn the attention of opposing offensive lines lately. The senior moved to defensive tackle two weeks ago against Central Catholic to take advantage of his speed to cause match-up problems. Delcambre’s plan has worked.
“That was a plus for us,” said Delcambre. “We put him in to get some pressure on the quarterback. We use his quickness.
“The thing about it is that he draws double teams.”
Speight has not taken long to adjust to his new spot. Friday against Ascension Catholic, Speight collected seven tackeles, including one for a loss and had a sack. He also forced and recovered a fumble.
For his effort Friday night, Speight is the Defensive Player of the Week.