The Madison Middle School Jaguars completed their football season undefeated, finishing with a 5–0 record under first-year head coach Shaun Archer and his staff. The team outscored opponents 152–34, securing shutouts against General Trass and Rayville.
Archer said the success came from teamwork and coaching consistency.
“We went 5-0, and from what I’ve been told, that’s the first time this team has gone done that in a while,” Archer said. “I attribute that success to the coaches. They committed to the program, and we had a lot of kids with talent. We just put that together and worked hard.”
Assistant coach F. Estes said the team’s discipline made the difference.
“We were stressing discipline,” Estes said. “Regardless of talent, you still need the basic principles and knowing where you need to be at the right time. The ones that didn’t have experience still got the program down.”
The Jaguars opened with a 28–22 win over Crowville, their closest contest of the year. They later defeated Bastrop 24–8, General Trass 30–6, Rayville 36–0, and General Trass 34–0.
Archer credited his assistant coaches—B. Vaughn, M. McDonald, F. Estes, and E. Smith—for guiding the players throughout the season.
“It was just a commitment to the kids and hard work from the coaches and the kids,” Archer said. “Being my first year here, I didn’t know any of the players or teams we played. I had to rely a lot on the other coaches to help me along. They did all of that.”
Among the standout players were quarterback Fabian Williams, receiver and cornerback De’Antra Allen, and sixth-grader Melvin Russell, who played both sides of the ball. Wide receiver Ayden Barnes was also a key player with multiple offensive touchdowns. Archer said those athletes are expected to be key contributors when they advance to high school.
“Melvin plays offense and defense. He’s really just an all-around athlete,” Archer said. “Fabian was our quarterback, and he’s going to be a real good athlete. De’Antra played cornerback and receiver and could be a two-sport athlete.”
In the win over Bastrop, Russell scored two touchdowns, Allen added one, and Williams threw and rushed for scores. Against General Trass, Russell again found the end zone twice, while Williams passed for one touchdown and ran for another.
The defense recorded multiple sacks from Donavan Commings and Marshall Hamilton, and interceptions from Kendrick Miller, Fredrick Nunley, and King James helped seal victories.
Archer said the team’s dominance reflected the players’ commitment to learning and performing.
“Those kids, the talent level was so high that we dominated every game,” Archer said. “It let me know that these kids were serious about what they were doing.”
Team Roster
8th Grade: De’Antra Allen, Fredrick Nunley, Syreen Thomas, Benjamin Hamilton, Orlando Harris, AydeHan Dixon, Frederick Meadows, Tristian Martin, Byron Brown, Marshall Hamilton, Alandis Harris, Jakayden Carter, Christian Martin, Toney Larry, Fabian Williams, Kendrick Miller, Torrence Marshall, Ayden Truitt, Nemirah Davidson, Ayden Barnes, Jamillion Vaughn, Troy Alexander.
7th Grade: Joel Steward, Jaden Cooper, Khyrin Bates, King James, Acillie Callier, Ladarian Kinsey, Kedarrion Hawkins, Donavan Commings.
6th Grade: Gabrien Moore, Caiden Ezell, Melvin Russell, Andrew Johnson, Christopher White, Tom Jackson, Karmalace Bates, Le’Kayden Barnett, Collin Jackson, Logan Carraway.
Coaching Staff
Head Coach S. Archer; Assistant Coaches B. Vaughn, M. McDonald, F. Estes, and E. Smith.
The season marks Madison Middle School’s first undefeated run in recent memory, setting the tone for the program’s future.
