The 2024 football season was one of gaining valuable experience, trials and growth for Albany.
The Hornets struggled to find their offensive identity, enduring three shutout defeats while scoring eight or fewer points in three other losses as the Hornets went 3-7.
In the process, there was a coaching change as Travis Mikel was named Interim head coach in the middle of the season, replacing John Legoria, who stepped down with four games remaining.
It was undoubtedly a difficult season for players, coaches and the program alike.
Fortunately, the transition was a smooth one.
Mikel had the Interim tag removed after the season was over and is now the permanent head coach.
It is not Mikel’s first experience as a head coach.
He brings the experience of serving as the head coach at Independence in 2023 to the Hornets, which will serve him well.
“We’ve settled down and settled in,” Mikel said. “The kids are really starting to buy in and believe in what we are doing. It is kind of business as usual now.”
Additionally, Mikel brings college coaching experience to the table, having spent several years as an assistant at Southeastern Louisiana. Mikel also served as an assistant coach at Ponchatoula High School.
The formation for being a successful head coach began at a young age for Mikel.
“It’s hard for young guys to understand what it actually means to be a head coach if they have not been a graduate assistant,” Mikel said. “I was a graduate assistant at Delta State and that is where you learn how to do everything, all the things you don’t understand or don’t see. That set the tone for being an assistant and head coach.”
While the Hornets graduated a few key players, there is talent returning.
“We don’t really have a true identity offensively yet,” Mikel said. “The questions have to be answered. Hopefully, we will answer them pretty quickly. I love our mindset. They are busting their tails to be good.”
Senior Jonah Grob (6-0, 205) is an excellent two-way performer.
Last season, Grob rushed 16 times for 206 yards and caught 12 passes for 198 yards.
Grob was even better defensively, recording 75 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups.
“Grob is the heartbeat of our team,” Mikel said.
Junior Kaleb Smith-Hiley (5-11, 211) returns after rushing 75 times for 427 yards while recording 60 tackles and five interceptions in 2024.
“Smith-Hiley can play,” Mikel said. “He is a good athlete and a leader who helps run our summer camp. He is good on both sides of the ball.”
Junior cornerback Jaylen Lapine (5-9, 165) had four interceptions and broke up 14 passes last season and will play running back as well.
The offensive line should be a strength, with three starters returning.
Tackles Johnathon Melendez (5-9, 205 Jr.) and senior James Bates (5-10, 220 Sr.) are back, along with senior left guard Gavin Harvey (5-9, 215).
The new starters are junior guard Garrett Bankston (6-2, 300) and sophomore center Shedrick Rachell (5-9, 245).
The tight end is sophomore Levin Shockley (5-10, 180).
Receivers include freshman Yadrieon Williams (6-0, 190), junior Devin Murray (5-8, 160) and seniors Lawson Pierre (5-11, 180) and Donovan Rogers (5-10 175).
The quarterback position is unsettled. Junior Jake Milton (5-9, 177) has a chance to emerge as the starter.
“We have a solid group of skill guys who can run it and catch it,” Mikel said. “We have four kids taking reps at quarterback who can get the job done for us. We have linemen who have played a lot of football but we are changing the offense so it is new to them. They have embraced it and their willingness to learn is a key.”
Six starters return on defense, including Grob at safety, Lapine at corner and Smith at outside linebacker.
The other secondary starters include returning starters Devin Murray (5-8, 158 Jr.) at the star spot and corner Quenton Smith (5-10, 177 Jr.). The new starter is sophomore Shermyon Smith (5-11, 189 Soph.).
Junior Elijah Shockley (6-2, 215) returns to anchor the second level at outside linebacker. The middle linebacker is junior Beau Thompson (5-9, 210).
Up front, senior Josh Robinson (5-11, 285) returns as a stalwart at left end. He is joined right end Luke Smiley (6-0 250 Soph.) and junior Tommy Windom (5-11, 275 Jr.) at nose guard.
“We have Shockley, a really good player and a better person,” Mikel said. “Robinson is a returning starter who can really play. He has changed his work ethic and effort. Lapine returns. He is a workaholic. You have to kick him out of the building and lock the gates. He is probably the leader.”
Grob will handle kicking and punting duties.
The season opens at Lafayette against Westminster Christian Academy Sept. 5, followed by the first home game against Sarah T. Reed.
After a road trip to East Feliciana, Mikel hosts his former team, Independence, Sept. 26.
The final non-district game is against Jefferson Rise.
District 8-3A play begins at Pine Oct. 10 before home games with Springfield and Amite. A road game on Halloween follows at Jewel Sumner and the regular season concludes Nov. 7 at home against Bogalusa.
“We compete hard and we love each other,” Mikel said. “That is a strength of this team. Trey Bennett is as good a defensive coordinator as anyone in the state. If we want to make the playoffs, we have to go 3-2 or 4-1 in the first five games. Our district is extremely tough. We have to win early.”
With 12 players who have started games previously and with an experienced head coach providing stability, the Hornets appear on the verge of returning to better times and a possible playoff appearance in 2025.
For more Louisiana high school football team previews, click here.