Neville High School is a public high school located in Monroe, LA. Nevilles mascot is a Tiger and the school colors are yellow and black. The school was founded in 1931 and has a student body that has grown to approximately 900 students. Neville’s football program has a total of 12 state championship titles as well as 5 runner up titles. The most recent state title coming in 2015 against a scrapy 14th seeded Edna Karr. The Tigers won this matchup 45-26 to claim the state title. Neville High School’s football program has featured many players who play on Sundays including Justin Ellis (Defensive Tackle for the New York Giants), Rashard Lawrence ( Former LSU and current Arizona Cardinals Defensive Lineman), Phidarian Mathis (Offensive Lineman for the Washington Commanders), Max Mitchell (Offensive Lineman for the New York Jets) and KaVonte Turpin (Wide Receiver and Return Specialist for the Dallas Cowboys). LSU offensive Lineman Will Campbell and Zalance Heard are also former Neville Tigers.
The Neville Tigers are currently coached by Jeff Tannehill. Coach Tannehill has held the head coaching position for the Tigers the past three season where he has an all-time record of 26-7.
The last time we saw the Tigers take the field they took a tough loss to Westgate in the 4A LHSAA playoffs where they had good offensive production but struggled to find the endzone.
I got the chance to speak with Coach Tannehill to see how the team is learning from the previous game and what the team is looking like this offseason.
“Westgate was a quality opponent, a very athletic team too. It was a tough loss in a game where our seniors played outstanding but you live and learn with each win and loss. We may want a few plays back in that one but we’ve taken notes from that game and left it in the rear view from that point on.”
Head COach Jeff Tannehill
The Tigers have a solid return of players who have quality playing time under their belt. Losing only eight starters on both sides of the ball, the Tigers are looking to make great strides in the program over the next couple of years. Most returning starters were sophomores this past season who were able to make an impact on the field.
“Losing 4 starters on each side of the ball is not too bad but those are some quality guys that we have to replace. Im looking forward to seeing how the offseason helps our program going into next year.”
Head Coach Jeff Tannehill
On the defensive side of the ball the Tigers look towards returning starters Brelen Robinson (LB), Brody Whatley (DE) and fellow Corner Backs Allen Price and Cameron Riley . Hybrid players like Defensive Back Julian “Juju” Burns and Defensive Lineman Anzelon Perkins add an extra dimension to this stacked Tiger defense. As for the offense Wide Receivers Kaleb Vaughn and Bradley Hanlon look to make highlight plays in the passing game. Running back Jaylon Nichols is getting primed for another 1000+ yard season. In the trenches the Tigers return Center Taylor Quin and Guard Brayden Blade look to open up holes for their running backs. Tight End Thomas Campbell returns as a runblocker as well as pass catcher for the Tigers offense.
With this large return for the Neville Tigers its safe to say they should be on every teams radar as an opponent this season, as well as a team to be on the lookout for a State Championship appearance.
You must be logged in to post a comment.