By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

BOUTTE — Last year, running back Alfred Blue was the man for Hahnville.

But Blue is gone, now looking to carve out a role with the LSU Tigers.

But there is no question in Boutte these days about whom Blue has passed the torch to. Lou Valdin has made that clear. The Tigers will go as far as quarterback Brian Ensminger will take them.

“Last year, Alfred Blue was the man. This year, Brian’s the man,” said Valdin.

If his junior year is any indication, Ensminger seems like one who would be up to the task. He passed for 25 touchdowns and only five interceptions while tallying 2,027 yards passing on a 65-percent completion rate. He’s a top collegiate recruit who already has garnered interest from numerous schools like LSU, Texas A&M and Tulsa.

But this year, the focus will be on him.

The offensive focus. The defensive focus.

“It’s not so difficult to turn around and toss it to Alfred Blue,” said Valdin. “Last year, we ran it until they had to commit to stopping it. Then we threw it and got our matchups on the outside. This year, we’ll get off the bus throwing it. And when they stop that, we’ll run it.”

Valdin acknowledges that he’s putting plenty of responsibility at his senior quarterback’s feet. But he also feels its Ensminger’s time — he seems to have little doubt that his star can handle it.

“He’ll make calls at the line. Basically, we’re making him the coach on the field,” Valdin said. “There’s a lot on his plate. But he’s a real smart kid. He’s been a football player his entire life.”

Behind Ensminger, running back Ahmad White will carry the rushing load.

“Ahmad White’s a real good back, we feel good about that spot,” said Valdin. “He’ll be running behind an offensive line that’s not real experienced, but we’re bigger there.”

Tackle Alvin Kelly anchors that line. Cole Walker, Alex Brown, Thomas Jones and James Diggs round out a unit that Valdin said needed to get bigger after a quarterfinal loss to Rummel last season.

“Our line wore down, and we got pushed around a little in the playoffs,” said Valdin. “We were good most of the year, but small, and I think it caught up to us.”

Derek Howard (6-foot-2, 195) will be the lead receiver on the outside after a strong season as James Butler’s compliment a year ago.

Defensively, the linebackers look to be the strength of the team. Ben Taylor, Brody Bourg and Trevall Dunmiles all return as starters. They are joined by Lynzell Rhodes. Valdin says those guys have bulked up, and will be made better by increased size up front. The front four are led by Jordon Thompson and Eric Simpson.

That front seven may have to play especially well early on as the team’s inexperienced secondary gets its feet wet. But Valdin did not seem concerned when addressing that unit, saying the team felt good about the new defensive backfield.

Hahnville won District 6-5A a year ago as the most experienced and talented team in the field. This season, the Tigers have come back to the pack in terms of returning starters.

Valdin said predicting 6-5A might well be a fool’s errand.

“It may be the most evenly matched this district has been since it’s started,” he said. “The Ascension Parish schools have caught up. Dutchtown’s been strong for awhile. Destrehan’s got the entire defense back. From everything I hear, East St. John is loaded. It’s going to be a race.”