Key Players from Carencro’s Scrimmage

On Thursday night, Carencro played Archbishop Rummel in a scrimmage a week before the regular season kicks off. The scrimmage consisted of several twelve play series with the second string taking every third series. Carencro is coming off a 10-3 season where they lost to Warren Easton in the Class 4A Quarterfinals. The Golden Bears return most of their starters from last season, including nine players on defense. Head Coach Tony Courville believes this could be the season his team takes the next step towards a state championship. After watching the scrimmage, here are the players who stood out on Thursday. [player_tooltip player_id="63580" first="Kendrell" last="Williams"] - 5’11", 190 RB (Senior) [player_tooltip player_id="63580" first="Kendrell" last="Williams"] is returning from his All-State junior season. He rushed for 1,900 yards and showed no signs of slowing down this year. He led the Golden Bears in carries during the scrimmage, including an eight yard touchdown run. He not only has plenty of speed and quickness, but displayed some powerful runs as well. With Carencro’s run-heavy offense, I expect Williams to showcase similar if not better numbers this season. Traylon Prejean - 5’9", 190 RB (Senior) If [player_tooltip player_id="63580" first="Kendrell" last="Williams"] does not have as many yards and touchdowns as he did last season, it will be due to Traylon Prejean. Prejean missed most of the 2019 season with an injury, but he is back and looked 100% in the scrimmage. Prejean led Carencro to their first touchdown of the night on a ten yard run. Although not as electrifying as a runner as Williams, Prejean is a bruiser with signs of having explosiveness as well. Assuming a healthy season for the two running backs, expect Williams and Prejean to help Carencro lead Class 4A in rushing yards this season. [player_tooltip player_id="63649" first="John" last="Miller"] - 6’4", 265 OT (Senior) It is hard to standout on the Golden Bears’ massive offensive line. Yet, [player_tooltip player_id="63649" first="John" last="Miller"] is able to do so. The big right tackle has to intimidate defenders with his size. What horrifies defenders though is his strength and ability to move to the second level to block defenders. Miller solidified the right side of the line of scrimmage throughout the game. The Golden Bears have to be confident running to the right side of the offensive line because of Miller’s abilities. Tavion Faulk - 5’11" 170 QB/ATH (Senior) Tavion Faulk looks to lead Carencro’s offense this season and be part of the three-headed rushing attack for the Golden Bears. Faulk displayed great agility in making defenders miss in various runs during the scrimmage. When Faulk was not at quarterback, Courville had him wide at receiver and playing in the slot. I expect to see Faulk carry the ball plenty this season, as well as throw and even have a few receptions. It will be interesting to see how Coach Courville utilizes the dynamic player. [player_tooltip player_id="63586" first="Bailey" last="Despanie"] - 6’2" 170 DB (Senior) Another returning All-State member from last year, [player_tooltip player_id="63586" first="Bailey" last="Despanie"] looks like he will have another terrific season. Despanie played most of the scrimmage at safety but can also lineup at cornerback. Although Despanie did not have the ball come his way much during the scrimmage, many scouts see him playing in a power five conference after he graduates. Despanie has perfect size for a safety and displays great lateral speed pursuing passes and ball carriers. I expect Despanie to have another great season and lead the Golden Bears’ defense. Chantz Ceasar - 6’2" 190 QB (Sophomore) The last player that stood out to me in the scrimmage was the young quarterback Chantz Ceasar. Although he did not start for the Golden Bears, Ceasar rotated in with the first string plenty during the game. Ceasar threw for the lone passing touchdown of the scrimmage, a 70 yard fade on the first play of the series for the second string offense. Ceasar also showed that he has the ability to be effective running the ball. I expect Ceasar to get plenty of time under center this season for the Golden Bears with Faulk playing all over the place on offense as well as cornerback on defense.