Notes, standouts from Belly of the Beast 7v7 tournament

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tons of talented young players from all over Louisiana and even some spilling in from Mississippi met at Nicholls State this weekend for the "Belly of the Beast" tournament hosted by the Thibodaux-based Naturals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two-day event featured 18U, 15U, 14U and 12U divisions and saw a wide range of prospects generating buzz from already-headline names to even the youngsters having fun competing before following the older student-athletes' footsteps to their local high schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few notes and names on some current high school standouts from the weekend, starting with a couple of title-winning organizations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With four fields going at all times, the list is extensive, but not necessarily complete. Also, given the Louisiana focus of the site and more than 60 names already mentioned, we didn't branch out even farther to out-of-state standouts such as Mississippi cornerback PJ Woodland, who had a great weekend with the Bayou/River Bootleggers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JackBoyz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few seniors participated in the tournament, which isn't typical of bigger events and circuits but does occur in some limited instances and circumstances. And one of the notable 2023 prospects, St. Mary's quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='138499' first='Adam' last='Parker']</strong>, helped lead the predominantly central Louisiana-based JackBoyz to the 18U title. The Southern Arkansas-bound passer settled into a rhythm and chemistry with his receivers and started connecting for darts all over the field to fellow senior <strong>Derek Patterson</strong> of McDonogh 35, juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='407686' first='Jac' last='Comeaux'] Jr.</strong> of Dunham and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139511' first='Amyrion' last='Mingo']</strong> of Alexandria and the rest of the group. The speedy Comeaux shone in particular during bracket play on Sunday as the team's top vertical threat, while Mingo showed his versatility during the weekend also playing a lot of snaps at safety.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>N.O. Dolphins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pair of Edna Karr teammates were among the standouts for the New Orleans-based Dolphins' "Top Jacks" squad that won the 15U tournament. Long, rangy 2026 safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401932' first='Aiden' last='Hall']</strong>, with LSU and Ole Miss already among his early offers, covered tons of ground on the back end. The same can be said for 2025 safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='291158' first='Arsenio' last='Bolds Jr.']</strong>, the highly communicative defensive quarterback nicknamed "Ace," whether playing the back end or up in a backer role in the middle of the field. Bolds has recently sprouted from about 5-foot-8 or 5-foot-9 to closer to 5-foot-11 with a thick frame and appears ready in his development both physically and as a leader to step into a larger role anticipated of him as an upperclassman for the Cougars this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dolphins' 18U group, which reached the semifinals before following short in a close matchup with the JackBoyz, also featured one of the event's breakout stars in receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='421653' first='Darnell' last='O'Quinn']</strong>. The long, lean Helen Cox standout looked like and stretched the field vertically like a track standout he is with a 52.61-second 400-meter time that's among the best in his school's history. But he also showcased a well-rounded game going over defenders and high-pointing highlight-reel catches, working the middle of the field on slants and the back of the end zone on goal-line plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Naturals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The host team featured its share of standouts during a weekend of strong showings at all levels, including a 12U championship. Among the Naturals' best high school performers were: highly productive Bogalusa quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285659' first='Ashton' last='Levi']</strong>, who looked in complete control of the field for stretches as he spread the ball around to a deep receiving corps with precision; quick East St. John receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='677948' first='D'Khai' last='Joseph']</strong>, who cut up opposing defenses with his route-running; big E.D. White receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='314043' first='Paxton' last='Lafont']</strong>, competing on the field of the program where his father played and that extended his first offer; explosive 2025 running back and slot weapon <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='145332' first='Jaylon' last='Coleman']</strong> of Vandebilt Catholic; physical Mandeville cornerback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='145328' first='Tasmin' last='Showers']</strong>; and, for the 15U squad, the 2026 Destrehan duo of quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401763' first='Jackson' last='Fields']</strong> and speedy receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710969' first='Gregory' last='Wilfred']</strong> and Ellender freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710975' first='Jaden' last='Carter']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>F3 Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Baton Rouge-based F3, one of the most talented organizations in attendance, factored heavily into the title chase at multiple levels, including a championship-game run in 18U. Denham Springs corner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='421519' first='Maison' last='Vorise']</strong> may have been the top performer of a defense full of standouts, including high school teammate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='675887' first='Da'Shawn' last='McBryde']</strong>; University Lab teammates [player_tooltip player_id='139503' first='Marcus' last='Dawson Jr.'], <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='144887' first='Tony' last='Burns']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='144905' first='Keylan' last='Moses']</strong>; Colorado-committed Lafayette Christian star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139261' first='Ju'Juan' last='Johnson']</strong>; red-hot Southern Lab defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='675891' first='Dylan' last='Day']</strong>; and a breakout performer in 2025 Central (Baton Rouge) athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710078' first='Steven' last='Ranel']</strong>. Vorise had a pair of early interceptions and five for the weekend overall, including an acrobatic leaping snatch at the goal-line during a tight and tense bracket game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139258' first='Daniel' last='Beale']</strong> (2024) of Catholic (BR) led the offense, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='291087' first='Caleb' last='Gonzales']</strong> (2025) of Zachary also earning series. Record-setting 2024 University Lab receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285207' first='Granville' last='Anderson II']</strong> was a focal point with catches all over the field, and quick 2025 route-runner in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='145331' first='Semaj' last='Pierre']</strong> of Madison Prep and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='148530' first='Zay' last='Martin']</strong> of University Lab and big targets <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='291082' first='Amari' last='Clayton']</strong> of Catholic (Baton Rouge) and McBryde garnering some offensive snaps were among other notable weapons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NOLA HotBoy$</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another of the most talented teams in attendance was the New Orleans-based HotBoy$. John Ehret defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139477' first='Wardell' last='Mack']</strong> was the highest-ranked rising senior in attendance, according to the Prep Redzone Louisiana rankings. A roster that included <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285271' first='Anthony' last='Robinson III']</strong> (2024), <strong>Phillip Wright</strong> (2025), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710272' first='Jhase' last='Thomas']</strong> (2025),<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='291153' first='Johnnie' last='Thiel IV'] </strong>(2025) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212340' first='Jabari' last='Mack']</strong> (2026), among others, was one of the clearest examples (of many) of how loaded reigning Division-I non-select champion Destrehan will be for years to come. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139627' first='Michael' last='Turner'] Jr.</strong>, a two-way standout for Division-I select champion John Curtis, was a top pass-catcher. And underrated West Jefferson receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='421609' first='Shaun' last='Nicholas']</strong> and Edna Karr defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='900864' first='Shavez' last='Morris']</strong> may have been among the best at their respective positions throughout the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>318 HotBoyz</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another set of HotBoyz from the opposite corner of the state was another top program to watch at multiple divisions, with a 2027 quarterback in future Calvary Baptist star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261907' first='Peyton' last='Houston']</strong> playing up in age (more on him in the quick 2027 and 2028 rundown) and still throwing some of the best balls of any passer throughout the weekend. Rising junior safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='144898' first='Tre' last='Fuller']</strong> joined the team Sunday after visiting LSU on Saturday and looked like one of the state's best players in his class. Two-way 2024 Calvary Baptist standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139494' first='Xavier' last='McGlothan']</strong>, a likely nickel in college, was a go-to receiver, particularly deep; 2026 Captain Shreve athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401969' first='Jamarcea' last='Plater']</strong> was an impact player on both sides of the ball; and 2026 Parkway receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401735' first='Antonio' last='Gladney']</strong> was a standout for the 15U team that should we a well-known name around the state in coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>River/Bayou Bootleggers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Ascension standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='139480' first='Brennon' last='Thompson']</strong> continued his strong spring after returning late in the fall season from injury, and the St. James duo of quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285279' first='Brayden' last='Williams']</strong> and receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285273' first='Kobe' last='Brown']</strong> helped lead the offense as they have since their younger days within the organization.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NOLA Bootleggers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The New Orleans regional branch of Louisiana's nationally prominent organization focused primarily on its younger divisions with some high-level 2026, 2027 and 2028 talent on hand. A few more names will come up in the 2027 and 2028 rundown, but a couple freshmen of note were <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='695357' first='Brodie' last='DuMontier']</strong> (Brother Martin), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710979' first='Anton' last='Ross']</strong> (Rummel) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710973' first='Dwain' last='Swilley']</strong> (Riverdale).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4th Quarter Mentality</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lafayette-based group had multiple teams in attendance, including two in the 18U bracket. Long, athletic Beau Chene receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='675894' first='Matthew' last='Mayfield']</strong> stood out as a touchdown threat from anywhere on the field with St. Thomas Aquinas athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='407478' first='Cace' last='Reed']</strong> and St. Thomas More running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='421649' first='Hutch' last='Swilley']</strong> among other pass catchers who found the end zone repeatedly throughout the weekend. Rangy, flexible and aggressive cornerback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285193' first='Bernard' last='Causey']</strong> played with the group this weekend and showed flashes of his high potential as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2024 class. St. Thomas More freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401749' first='Cole' last='Bergeron']</strong> continues to show potential as one of the state's top quarterbacks for the 2026 class. And two-way Booker T. Washington athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710968' first='Nathan' last='Green']</strong>, the younger cousin of Terrace Marshall Jr., was another notable 2026 prospect to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Louisiana Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pineville quarterback <strong>Jaylan Witty</strong> led Louisiana Elite's 18U offense, with local standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='421515' first='Kylan' last='Billiot']</strong> of Terrebonne and Plaquemine's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='901031' first='Aidan' last='Joseph']</strong> among his lead targets. St. Augustine corner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='655272' first='Charles' last='Gurley III']</strong> and Warren Easton defensive back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='901567' first='Ivin' last='Clark']</strong>, a pair of long, rangy athletes in the secondary, were among the defensive standouts. The 15U team also included some intriguing young standouts such as 6-foot-4 Madison Prep freshman receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710974' first='Jarvis' last='Washington']</strong>, speedy Terrebonne freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710978' first='Alvin' last='Celestin']</strong> and two-way Central (Baton Rouge) freshman standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710977' first='Keithon' last='Womack']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Runnin Bayou</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Covington 2025 cornerback <strong>Jeremie Elzy</strong> had a great weekend with Runnin Bayou 15U.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->