Crutchfield Committed to Rebuilding at Bogalusa with Young, Talented Roster

Photo by Kevin Magee/Bogalusa Tribune

BOGALUSA, Louisiana - Cyril Crutchfield knows what it takes to build a winning program. A multiple state championship coach, he has brought that winning mindset to Bogalusa, where he's steadily working to restore the Lumberjacks to prominence.

After reaching the Division III Non-Select quarterfinals in 2023, the Lumberjacks took a step back in 2024, finishing with a 2-8 record as a youthful roster gained valuable experience. Now in 2025, Bogalusa remains young—with just five seniors—but Crutchfield is laying the foundation for future success.

“We’re trying to build it up again,” Crutchfield said. “Only one of our seniors is a four-year player. But we’ve got a strong nucleus of young talent, and the sky is the limit in the years to come. We just have to grind through this season. We’re building for the future.”

Leading the way is sophomore quarterback Deontae Ishman (5-11, 175), who returns with both experience and leadership potential.

“Deontae is still young, but he’s grown by leaps and bounds,” Crutchfield said. “He pays close attention to detail, wants to be coached hard, and is always working on his technique and watching film. He wants to be great.”

The backfield features a pair of promising freshmen: Lezarick Peters (5-9, 170) and Danny Ellsworth (5-6, 165).

“Danny had a strong summer,” Crutchfield noted. “He’s not far from being a very good player. We’re excited about his talent and growth potential.”

At wide receiver, junior Jayden Levi (6-1, 190) leads a group that includes three underclassmen: Jaylieon Hines (5-9, 165), Aiden Daniels (5-7, 145), and Raphael Morris (5-6, 140), an eighth-grader with a bright future.

“Daniels is the fastest kid on the team,” said Crutchfield. “Morris has big potential, and Hines is another talented player. Levi gives us versatility, and Daniels will be one to watch.”

Several players will be asked to contribute on both sides of the ball, including senior Jakyren Brock (5-8, 205) and junior William Rawls (6-0, 160).

The offensive line is anchored by junior Aydan Roberts (5-9, 225), returning junior center Jordon Tate (5-8, 240), and sophomore Rashad Daniels (6-0, 250). Their development will be key to the offense’s success.

Defensively, the line gets a boost with the return of Dominick Duncan (5-10, 245), who missed the 2024 season. Sophomore Elias Morris (6-2, 225) is expected to be a standout at end, while William Thomas (6-0, 340) brings size and strength at tackle and could also see snaps on offense.

At linebacker, sophomore Jemarcus Bickham (5-8, 165), Brock, and Peters will start, with junior Roger Taylor also in the mix.

In the secondary, seniors Tobias King (5-6, 140) and Talan Guy (5-9, 150), along with freshman Lemaj Levi (5-9, 150) and Jayden Levi, round out a group that will be tested early.

And that test comes fast.

Bogalusa opens the season at home against Covington before traveling to face defending Division IV Non-Select state champion South Plaquemines—where Crutchfield once led a title-winning team. The Lumberjacks then host Salmen and Liberty, a competitive 5A program.

“It’s a tough early schedule for such a young team,” Crutchfield said. “But it’s what we need. Whether we win or lose, it will help us long-term. Covington is tough. South Plaquemines will be emotional for me. Salmen is solid, and Liberty is loaded with talent.”

The Lumberjacks begin District 8-3A play at home against Amite, then hit the road to face Jewel Sumner and Springfield. Home games with Pine and a season finale at Albany round out the schedule.

“It’s one of the toughest districts in our classification,” Crutchfield said. “Amite is always strong. Pine and Sumner are well-coached and consistent. We’ll have to bring our best every week.”

Despite the youth and a grueling schedule, Crutchfield remains optimistic that this season can be a stepping stone.

“We welcome the challenge,” he said. “I’m honest with the players—we’re building. Our goal is to make the playoffs. The schedule will help us with power points. As long as we win the games we’re supposed to, we’ll get there—and once we do, we can build from it.”