K.J. Fontenette

ST. MARTINVILLE – It’s like clockwork the way St. Martinville Senior High sends football players to the next level.

2023 was no different as coach Vince DeRouen saw tailback Steven Blanco and receiver Cullen Charles sign with UL, which landed receiver Harvey Broussard from SMSH the previous year.

The Tigers continue to have college prospects on their roster, beginning with receivers Makharee Narcisse and Kervin Fontenette Jr., who caught 30 passes for 350 yards with two touchdowns as a sophomore and made all-district.

“KJ is lightning quick,” DeRouen said of Fontenette. “He catches the ball really well and is dangerous after the catch.”

Fontenette, who caught a 76-yard pass last year, takes pride in his hands and route-running ability. The Tigers will look to him and Narcisse as leaders after graduating Charles, Blanco and quarterback Kaden Zenon.

“I wasn’t the star player with Cullen here, but I feel like I helped out a lot as a sophomore,” Fontenette said. “Mak (Narcisse), he takes a lot of weight off my shoulders as the receiver on the other side.”

Narcisse, (6-1, 175, Sr.), a second team Best of the Teche selection in basketball, camped at Nicholls State and Louisiana Christian earlier this summer. LCU signed SMSH offensive lineman Dillan Phillips this year.

“Makharee is also a basketball and track guy,” DeRouen said. “He’s really athletic and has big-play potential. He has skyrocketed from where we left off last year. He’s been tremendous in 7-on-7.”

An inviting target for quarterbacks with his size and athleticism, Narcisse feels like he’s at his best when the ball is up for grabs in the air. He caught five passes for a season-high 100 yards in a Week 1 loss to Cecilia.

“Nine times out of 10, I’m going to come down with a 50/50 ball,” he said.

When he isn’t working on his craft as a receiver, Narcisse is usually on a basketball court somewhere “putting up shots,” he said.

“I expect to play a major role in the offense and make plays for my team,” he said.