West Ouachita rebuilds in post-Tassin era
West Ouachita hopes to build on the one of the most successful seasons in the tenure of head coach Joey Pender, but will have to do so without one of the best running backs in school history.
West Ouachita must replace fullback Joseph Tassin, one of the leading rushers in the area in 2014.
Logan Ratcliff will try to fill those shoes. Ratcliff has been in this situation before after getting some Friday night experience last season.
“Logan is a senior and has played a good bit,” Pender said. “He is real strong and a hard-nosed guy. It isn’t quite as big as Tassin but he is tough and hard-nosed.”
Quarterback is also set with Hunter Chatham coming back about 15 pounds heavier and in the best shape of his career.
After that, the offense gets thin on returning starters. The offensive line is the biggest question mark.
“Several positions are up in the air right now,” Pender said. “We are still looking at offensive line for some guys to step up. Also, a couple in the secondary.”
One spot in the secondary sees senior Ty Jackson return at free safety. Jackson is one of the fastest players on the team and also has the most big game experience.
Josh Turner returns as the top tackler from a year ago among the defensive ends. Malcolm Menard has also impressed coaches so far this preseason at linebacker.
“(Menard) is a real physical kid,” Pender said.
The coach said the offense must come around and it starts with some simple concepts.
“You have to be able to block and you to be able to tackle,” Pender said. “We have to get better at those things. The offensive line has to get better and grow up. That is our game, running the football and keeping possession. Our offense staying on the field.”
Tioga and Grant join District 2-4A this year and Wossman moves down to Class 3A. West Ouachita got an early jump on learning the teams after playing both the past two years.
“We know Grant real well and respect what they do as a program,” Pender said. “The staff at Tioga is new so we kind of start over there. I like playing those teams. They run good programs so I don’t mind at all those guys joining (the district).”
Connect with Cody on Twitter @cfutrellTNS or via e-mail cfutrell@thenewsstar.com
Getting To Know
Ty Jackson, Senior, Free Safety
Q: What do you feel like you improved the most this summer?
A: My strength and my size. I have added 15 pounds over summer.
Q: What colleges are you hearing from the most?
A: Colorado State and ULM
Q: What is most important to you in a college program?
A: Academics
Q: What are you planning to major in?
A: Civil Enginering
Team Info
Coach: Joey Pender
2014 Record: 7-4
2014 Playoffs: Class 4A First-Round
Playoff Streak: 1 season
Plays at: “Red” Sims Stadium
School Phone: 318-249-2117
Tickets: $6
Radio: KRLQ 94.1 FM