Wossman embraces challenge at Rebel Stadium
There is no traditional rivalry on the gridiron between West Monroe and Wossman. Yet, neither team could be more excited for the clash between the two programs set for 7 p.m. Friday on Don Shows Field at Rebel Stadium.
It is two proud programs, one of which is fighting to regain former glories.
The two programs’ glory days have more in common than one might think.
In 1993, Wossman reached the Class 4A state championship games at the Superdome in New Orleans. The Wildcats lost that game to John Curtis, 42-14. On that same day, West Monroe defeated Destrehan 28-21 to win the program’s first Class 5A state championship in football.
West Monroe would go on to win eight Class 5A titles over the years while Wossman has yet to return to the state finals.
Coach Dean Smith has steadily built up the Wossman program over the past two years. Wossman begins play in Class 3A this season and is led by senior quarterback Cam Lewis, an LSU commitment. The Wildcats are explosive on offense and it starts with the dual threat abilities of Lewis.
“He is an outstanding athlete,” West Monroe coach Jerry Arledge said. “He has the ability to light up the scoreboard every time he touches the ball. You always have to be aware of where he is on the field.”
Sophomore linebacker John Bailey Gullatt said the Rebels can see on game film the talent of the Wildcats and in particular Lewis and running back Ladarrius Thomas.
“(Lewis) can make a lot out of nothing,” Gullatt said. “We know he is a great athlete. We are excited for the challenge as it helps us become stronger before we get to district and we have to work together.”
Thomas, a Louisiana Tech commitment, was one of the most explosive running backs in District 2-4A last year before the Wildcats moved down this season. In 2-4A, Wossman battled teams such as defending Class 4A champion Neville and playoff teams Bastrop, Franklin Parish and West Ouachita.
Wossman knows that the bread is buttered up front if the Wildcats plan to move the chains against the Rebels.
“If no one is blocking then you won’t see it,” Wossman coach Dean Smith said of his offensive talent.
West Monroe has its own brand of hard-nosed running offense. A three-quarterback system of Jon Randall Belton, Slade Bolden and Robert Scott Foust effeciently ran the offense in both passing and running against Neville.
The Wossman defense is preparing for a lot of the unknown as West Monroe continues to play three different quarterbacks each with their own unique skill sets.
“You never know who it will be out there,” Smith said.
Foust ran for a 17-yard touchdown in the second half while Belton passed for a 77-yard touchdown.
Bolden played quarterback, running back, wide receiver and returned punts during the game.
Despite the fact the teams are not district rivals that does not mean the two teams don’t have plenty to play for.
“It is exciting,” Gullatt said. “Just having pride in our cities and our town.”
Connect with Cody on Twitter @cfutrellTNS or via e-mail cfutrell@thenewsstar.com
Wossman at No. 4 West Monroe
Kickoff: 7 p.m. (Don Shows Feild at Rebel Stadium)
Radio: KLIP 105.3 FM (West Monroe)
Who/What To Watch: West Monroe QB Jon Randall Belton is making his first regular season appearance since 2013. Wossman QB Cam Lewis is a LSU commit while RB Ladarrius Thomas is committed to Louisiana Tech.
Get in the game: West Monroe won its first of eight football state championships in 1993 when Wossman made its last state championship finals, losing to John Curtis.