Delcambre QB leads team in rushing

DELCAMBRE — It’s a rarity for a Wing-T offensive team that the quarterback is the leading rusher.
“It is,” Delcambre coach Artie Liuzza said. “But it helps if the quarterback can run. It makes us a little more two-dimensional, and he’s doing a much better job as a passer.
“When he gets this season under his belt and can grow each week, he can go into his senior year. He could be really fun to watch.”
And so, Delcambre sophomore Parker LeBlanc has already become an indispensable part of the Panther offensive attack.
Through two games, a win last week against Gueydan, and a loss the week before against Hanson, the Panthers have had more than 300 yards of offense each time out, with LeBlanc leading the way.
On the year, he has 53 carries for 225 yards and one score. Passing, he has completed five out of 10 passes for 112 yards.
Not bad for someone with only two varsity starts under his belt.
“It would have been three if the opener against Centerville was canceled due to Hurricane Ida,” Liuzza said. “He’s just been getting more experienced each time out.”
The Delcambre coach said that part of the reason LeBlanc had become the leading rusher for the team is that Liuzza has a habit of rotating his running backs to keep them fresher.
“The other backs also play defense, and Parkier is the one that stays on the field on offense,” Liuzza said. “Parker has been getting the most touches so far, and we’re just doing what the defenses allow us to do.”
The adage is that there is a lot of growth between the first and second games. Liuzza said that just might have been the case for the sophomore.
“I think in the Hanson game it took a little too much on his shoulders,” the Delcambre coach said. “We talked about that in the week between Hanson and Gueydan, and he did a great job of coming out against Gueydan and understanding his role and that he doesn’t have to be perfect, and he had a great game.
“He threw the ball with a lot more confidence and completed three passes and had a touchdown pass as well and ran the offense well.”
Now LeBlanc and the rest of the Panthers play host to Catholic High Thursday night in the District 7-2A opener for both teams.
The super sophomore credits his early successes to his offensive line.
“First and foremost, I have to give it up to the line because without the O-line we wouldn’t be going anywhere,” LeBlanc said. “It’s all about thrust and knowing the other 10 people on the offense got my back no matter what happens or the situation.”
The sophomore is ready for the challenge Catholic High brings.
“It’s no surprise that they have had our number in recent years,” he said. “But we are looking for a good challenge and looking forward to the battle.
“Like I said at the beginning of the year, every week we’re going to go out there and play and make a statement. I want people to know after every game that they played Delcambre.”
Other ball carriers for DHS are Miguel Hernandez (7-107) and Rogan Saunier (11-91-0).
Trevor Viator leads DHS in catches with five for 147 and two TDs.