The 2024 season was an acceptable one for Assumption football.
The Mustangs made it to the playoffs.
On the flip side, it was not the season fourth-year coach Wil Broussard was looking for.
Assumption went 9-3 and reached the Division II Non-Select quarterfinals in 2023, losing a tough 46-44 battle to Northwest.
In 2024, the Mustangs fell to 4-7 but made the playoffs, falling to Iota in the first round.
Broussard is looking to return to winning ways in 2025 and appears to have the players to do so.
“I think we are in a better spot,” Broussard said. “We had injuries to key players last season. We lost our running back for nearly the whole season. Our guy playing quarterback got hurt as well. It was chaotic. We finally got going against a young schedule. The young guys got playing time and they are back with confidence.”
Despite graduating quarterback Landen Sanchez and running back Trevion Jackson and wide receiver Koby Bimah, among others, there are many key players back this season.
The new quarterback is senior Zion Willoughby (5-11, 170), who moves from playing cornerback and wide receiver.
“Zion brings more athleticism to the position,” Broussard said. “Landen was a traditional passing quarterback. Zion is more of a runner first and passer second. I’m very pleased with the improvement of his passing. He’s smart and picks up things quickly. When he speaks, his teammates listen.”
Senior Kaleb Davis (5-8, 180) returns to provide punch in the run game. Davis battled injuries in 2024 but is healthy now. Junior Cemajh Myles (5-6, 145) can play running back or wide receiver.
“Davis is a two-year starter,” Broussard said. “He played the first two games before getting hurt last year. He’s a very good young man and he may be our best receiver.”
Senior Keyzonta Preston (5-8, 150) returns and could play on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and defensive back. The same is true of Brexton Benoit (5-8, 150) and sophomore Zamajh Jamison (5-7, 150).
“Benoit started at corner last year and he will play receiver for us,” Broussard said. “He will play some defensive back. Jamison started at corner last year. Myles started in the slot last year and he has some experience. Preston played last year. I like our team speed on the outside.”
The offensive line features brothers Tiago Flores (6-1, 285 Sr.) and Kairo Flores (6-0, 270 Sr.), along with junior Braxton Duval (6-2, 305).
“We lost our center to family issues,” Broussard said. “We found Hayden Thibodaux to play there. Tiago and Kairo are twins and they have good size. Duval was our nose guard last year and he will be our left tackle. We have size to lean on people to give Caleb the ball with room to run.”
Defensively, there are two-way players.
“We lost a lot from last year so we have moved people around,” Broussard said.
Junior Mason Johnson is an excellent tackle while Landyn Watkins is the other tackle. Brennan Mumphrey lines up at one end spot Dannan Verner is the other end.
“Johnson has good feet and is quick off the ball,” Broussard said. “Watkins can hold his own.
Junior Reid Diaz (5-10, 175) is a three-year starter and can line up at linebacker. Sophomore Brayden Gaudet (5-8, 170) is a sophomore who dealt with injury a year ago and should be a good one. Caleb Bender will play outside as a first-time starter.
“Gaudet does not look the part but he can play and he can really move,” Broussard said. “We moved Diaz inside. We got a little faster at those positions.”
Junior defensive end Brennon Mumphrey (5-10, 170) returns and could play on both sides of the ball.
Benoit, Jamison and junior Tahj Beasley will line up at the cornerback position.
“Beasley will spell Benoit and Jamison,” Broussard said.
Junior Dontrell Dorsey (6-0, 160) is one safety who is also a basketball player. Junior Ty’jae Floyd (6-0, 175) is the other safety, who has length.
“Dorsey is long and can help us,” Broussard said. “We like Floyd’s length and he can run.”
The schedule is very challenging early as the Mustangs open the season with four straight road games.
Assumption travels to Donaldsonville, H.L. Bourgeois and Thibodaux in non-district play before opening District 8-4A play at Lutcher.
“We have to play a lot of road games early,” Broussard said. “Thibodaux always has athletes. H.L. Bourgeois has a few college players. Donaldsonville is a rivalry game.”
The first home game is against Morgan City before playing at Ellender. The Mustangs will host South Lafourche before traveling to Vandebilt Catholic. The final two games are at home against E.D. White Catholic and South Terrebonne.
“Lutcher, E.D. White, Vandebilt, that’s a tough road,” Broussard said. “We won’t have a week off. South Lafourche and South Terrebonne are improving as well.”
With solid skill players, the Mustangs expect to improve on last season but must be road warriors to do so.
“We are faster, have more numbers, more height and more athleticism,” Broussard said. “I like the camaraderie. I really like what I see. I feel the potential is there. If we can avoid the injury bug, I think the sky is the limit. E.D. White and Lutcher are as good as it gets. I think we can challenge for a district title.”
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