Entering the new season also brings a new beginning to football at J.S. Clark Leadership Academy. With hiring a new head coach, Juan Thomas, and a new offensive coordinator, Traye Jones, the Bulldogs look to put their program on the map this season. While both coaches have been in coaching for numerous years, and have established impressive track records, they both agreed that there is just something different in the air in Opelousas.
When you go into Opelousas, you know you are going to have talent. I just was surprised on the amount of talent that we have.
J.S. Clark Head Coach Juan Thomas
When I finally got here physically, I was able to see that the talent is just all over. The talent is there, their will to want to get better is there. They show up, they study, they’re ready to go. It’s the best thing that a coach can ask for.
J.S. Clark Offensive Coordinator Traye Jones
This season is filled with so much potential as the Bulldogs roster is made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores. Coaches will be looking for big things out of 2027 6-foot QB Kevin Johnwell and know that their offense can go as far as Johnwell takes them. Entering the school’s last season as a JV program, they look to take these players’ mindsets and physical abilities to the next level to prepare them for what is yet to come in these next few years.
When I called Coach Jones, and he decided to take the job, we just got right in and started working with Kevin Johnwell.
J.S. Clark Head Coach Juan Thomas
Entering the season, the coaches have already recognized who their star players will be this year and how they can impact the game. Knowing who the big playmakers are and getting them the opportunities to make those plays will be huge for this very young but talented, J.S. Clark squad. When Jones was asked if he already had a play from the 10-yard-line with the game on the line, he quickly and confidently gave us what he had dialed up for opposing teams.
I’m going to go to a corner route to what’s going to be my number one receiver, Caden Arvie.
J.S. Clark Offensive Coordinator Traye Jones
Coach Thomas wrapped up the interview by highlighting the school’s academic excellence and elite athletics, and how it makes the school a special opportunity for these players. J.S. Clark Leadership Academy was opened in 2012 and has since expanded to include grades K-12. This school started as and still is an academic-focused school, boasting high test scores and overall academic excellence.
If you’re looking for a great academic school, that’s also a champion in athletics, come to J.S. Clark. Becuase we are graduating champions.
J.S. Clark Head Coach Juan Thomas
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