Collegiate Baton Rouge is a young football program with a new head coach who is ready to make the leap into higher level competition. They have struggled over their few years of existence, but they are on an upward trajectory with first year head coach Rivers Thompson. He has experience coaching at the middle school level and is looking to bring his skills to help the Dolphins succeed.
We just want to get better every day. We have to change to culture a little bit, change the work ethic, and I think it’s happening. A lot of these older guys are taking a stronger lead than the past seniors we’ve had, and I think we’re moving in the right direction.”
Collegiate Head Coach Rivers Thompson
For a program that is still in its starting years, being able to lean on the veteran leaders of the locker room both on and off the field is vital to their success. Having younger, newer kids that can step up in key positions and bring a new spark to the team is just as vital. The Dolphins have some great players in both areas this year.
“Big Mike is very soft spoken but has a very explosive game. Demetrick plays slot and he also plays linebacker, so he’s huge for us. And Zyon is our receiver 1, and he can also switch to quarterback if we need him to. I think those guys have the biggest impact on our team, playing both sides of the ball, and being leaders when we need them to be.”
“We got a freshman quarterback. He’s put in a lot of work this summer, especially with our receiver 1. Most days after practice, they go to a separate field and get more work in for about 2 hours, run through routes, doing different footwork drills, and working on their mechanics.”
Collegiate Head Coach Rivers Thompson
The Collegiate Dolphins play in a tough 3A district within the Baton Rouge area, with the likes of Parkview Baptist and University High being frequent opponents. On top of that, their out of district schedule this year packs a real punch, with Dutchtown being the biggest name. Week in and week out, Collegiate will play the area’s best of the best, so there are plenty of chances for the young program to prove itself.
“We have a tough schedule, but we’re going to get better. We aren’t going to shy away from these teams.”
Collegiate Head Coach Rivers Thompson
For Coach Thompson, the specific scheme is less important than coaching the specific way the team plays. He gets that it’s a young team that is just getting on their feet, but he is looking for improvement and character within the group he puts out there on the field.
“I want them to play the right way. That’s what I’m working towards – everybody doing their part and being the best in their role.”
Collegiate Head Coach Rivers Thompson
For Collegiate, building the culture and fanbase around the new football team is just as important as building the football team itself. Coach Thompson wants to make sure his team can get as much support as possible.
“You should come out and see Collegiate because it will be a good experience. It will be a better experience than previous ones, and these guys have been working hard. It will be worth your while.”
Collegiate Head Coach Rivers Thompson
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