In the football coaches’ office of Emerson High School, people generally just appreciate the head coach. Today, The Charge highlights Teacher of the Year and defensive end Coach Dondre’ Leblanc, who has become the varsity defensive end coach despite being the freshman defensive coordinator two years prior.

Leblanc played varsity football at Wakeland High School and has very good knowledge and experience despite being considered young for a coach. When Leblanc first got here two years ago, he wasn’t even the football coach. He coached on the soccer team.

“When I was trying to get a job at Emerson there were no more football coach spots available,” Leblanc said. “So I joined as a soccer coach and helped coach the freshman football team at games.”

Even though Leblanc has only been the defensive end coach for one year, he has done a fantastic job. Leblanc has helped three players be chosen on the first and second all defensive teams in our district. This is a huge deal in high school football especially with a new coach stepping into a big role.

“I was confident in my coaching ability and the players I coached before the season even started. They were coachable and fixed mistakes in practice that led to them balling out on Friday nights,” Leblanc said.

Players on the team have lots of experience with Leblanc. In hallways and on the field he is always joking and laughing with students and players. 

“I think I’m able to connect with the players easier than the other coaches because of my age,” Leblanc said. “I grew up with their music, lingo, and games. I just have a lot of similarities that the other coaches don’t have.”

As another year of high school football is only a summer away, Leblanc and the rest of the Emerson football coaching staff is preparing for a year like the last. Leblanc is putting his all into this season over the spring and the summer so that they can complete the ultimate goal, to win state. Leblanc had some leftover feelings about last year’s season.

“We’re going to get back in blood for the seniors that couldn’t be here,” Leblanc said.