Why the physical play of Dylan Dauzart, Cole Jeansonne is important for Alexandria football

Alexandria Senior High coach Thomas Bachman’s message for this week was clear after Monday’s practice.

“Let’s show everyone that Central Louisiana can play physical football, too.”

The Trojans pride themselves with their physical play and it all begins with offensive linemen Dylan Dauzart and Cole Jeansonne. It will be needed  to get past the regional round Friday at 7 p.m. against Haughton at J.L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium.

More:Cenla Preps football schedule | Regional Round

"We’re feeling confident, because we feel that we are the more physical team,” Dauzart said. “I feel like we can go out there and dominate them if we play our game.”

“I’m feeling really confident, because we’ve been working hard all year for this,” Jeansonne said. “We’re just trying to get past the second round and trying to make some history.”

While this season has been a trying one for ASH with them having four games canceled due to weather or COVID-19 related issues, Dauzart and Jeansonne have remained constant as leaders of the offensive line.

More:No rust in Trojans' armor: ASH sharp in first-round win over Slidell

"We have been best friends for 10 years and have been close ever since," Jeansonne said.

"Cole runs the show and ID's everything for us — making sure we're in the right protection and that our schemes are good. (With) his intelligence on top of his toughness, there's no way for me to talk about how valuable that is," Bachman said. "Dauz played some defense the other night and he's the dominating factor. We feel good when we get him matched up with somebody, regardless of who that somebody is."

With the Trojans’ recent and unexpected three-week break allowing them to get healthy, the duo were key in keeping quarterback Judd Barton upright and helping the rushing attack of Chris Gray, Jarvis Newton and Abu Kamara gain 152 yards in a 35-0 win over Slidell Nov. 27.

"It's easy at times because you don't have to have a huge hole for them to hit," Dauzart said. 

"I think we all kind of get along together really well," Jeansonne said. "We can work really well together and get everything done right. I feel like we have a good class this year.

That hard work has worked well on the recruiting trail too, with Dauzart recently committing to ULM and Jeansonne drawing interest from Louisiana College and East Central University.

"I'm just trying to find the right place to go," Jeansonne said. "But it's not over yet, I'll try to find some place close to home."

A win Friday will mean a lot to the two, as it will be the Trojans' first trip to the LHSAA quarterfinals since 2011, when it was in Class 4A.

The Buccaneers are like ASH as they are a run-first offense that relies on physicality.

"I know it will mean a lot to me because I've been real upset at losing in the second round the last two years," Jeansonne said. "I just hope we can get past this year."

"The last few years have been really tough, so this year, we're trying to make a statement," Dauzart said.

REGIONAL ROUND MATCHUPS

CLASS 5A

• No. 6 ASH (4-1) vs. No. 11 Haughton (8-1); 103.5-FM

CLASS 4A

• No. 3 Tioga (7-1) vs. No. 14 North DeSoto (6-3); 104.3-FM
• No. 5 Leesville (5-3) vs. No. 12 Minden (6-2)

CLASS 3A

• No. 11 Jena (6-2) at No. 6 Jewel Sumner (8-1), 3 p.m. Saturday

CLASS 2A

• No. 1 Many 2, No. 16 South Plaquemines 0 (via forfeit)
• No. 11 Avoyelles (5-3) at No. 6 Kinder (6-2)
• No. 13 Bunkie (6-3) at No. 4 St. Helena (4-3)
• No. 14 Rosepine (5-2) at No. 3 Loureauville (7-0)

CLASS 1A

• No. 12 Block (4-5) at No. 5 Homer (7-2)
• No. 20 LaSalle (2-5) at No. 4 White Castle (5-3)