Parker Nunez looks to make mark for Delcambre with monumental senior season

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, July 17, 2019

DELCAMBRE — Wingback Parker Nunez could be on the verge of a monumental senior season for the Delcambre Panthers and first-year head coach Artie Liuzza.

With graduation claiming last year’s quarterback, Colt Dooley, and junior running back Noah Broussard relegated to the sidelines because of a shoulder injury, it’s imperative that Nunez touches the football often if the Panthers are to reach their potential.

“We haven’t been at .500 in a while, so our big goal is to win at least five regular season games,” Liuzza said. “If we can do that, we feel like that’s going to put us in the playoffs, and that’s where we want to be.”

Delcambre went 3-7 in 2018 and finished four spots outside of the 32-team Class 2A bracket.

“I think we’re having a pretty good summer,” Liuzza said. “We’re implementing some new things on defense, trying to simplify things for the guys, and they seem to be picking it up pretty well.

“I’ve been at Delcambre for three years as an assistant coach. We’ll be Wing-T. It’s going to look a little different, but I think the biggest changes will come on defense.”

Nunez rushed for approximately 900 yards with a dozen touchdowns last year, including 180 yards from scrimmage and four TDs in a week one win over South Cameron.

“Parker, being a senior, is going to have to carry the load,” Liuzza said. “I think Nate Picard and Tierny Dejean — if they can come on strong for us — I think that will give us a pretty balanced attack in the backfield.

“It’s great because last year was really a growing season for Parker. He grew into that position last year, not only as a runner but as a blocker. He’ll come into this year with a lot more confidence. I expect that we’ll see it early on, not just late in the season, and I think he’ll have a great senior year.”

Nunez said ball security is a major focus.

“We need to take care of the football,” he said. “Fumbles hurt us a bunch last year. I had a fumble against Loreauville in the third quarter that changed the game around.

“I also fumbled in our loss to Centerville. That was a big fumble that changed the complexion of that game, too.”

The Panthers will be moving behind a veteran offensive line.

“We have a very experienced offensive line,” Nunez said. “Most of them have been starting since their freshman year, and now they’re all seniors. I have a good feeling about things.”