Rayville takes strong roster to 2A

Last year’s District 2-3A runners-up and state quarterfinalists not only return their starting quarterback, but also move down a classification to become one the largest 2A schools in the state.

Rayville projects as one of the better teams in a brutally difficult District 2-2A that also includes Mangham, Ouachita Christian and Sterlington, but the Hornets come in off a successful 2014 that included two playoff wins away from a home and losses to local 3A juggernaut Union Parish and 4A Bastrop by a combined 11 points.

To make matters even more difficult, the Hornets will face Ouachita Christian, Sterlington and Mangham in that order in the final four weeks of the season, seperated only by a home game against General Trass in Week. The season finale against Mangham at home will be of special importance as an revival of Richland Parish rivals.

Quarterback Kahmod Naylor is not the only threat returning to Rayville’s offense, which will also feature running back Natrone Kendricks and offensive lineman Monterriuous Fletcher, both of whom were first team all-district players last season. Defensive lineman J.W. Jones was also a first team all-district selection last season and cornerback Demond Hanes earned second team honors.

Among those returners are the voids left by last season’s 10 seniors that played a pivotal role in the run to the quarterfinals, including wide receiver Duke McGraw and tight end Jamarion “Papa” Johnson.

District 2-2A

Coach: Lent Bursey (fifth year)

2014 record: 9-4, 3-1

2014 playoffs: Quarterfinals

Playoff streak: Two seasons

Home field: Hornets Stadium

School phone: (318) 728-3296

Tickets: $6

Radio: KGGM 93.5-FM