Cecilia – A shift from H-back to running back for Deondre Briscoe has worked out well for both the Cecilia High football team and the senior speedster.
Briscoe has taken on the role of being the team’s lead ballcarrier with 100 rushes for 697 yards, both team highs through six games, and nine touchdowns for the Bulldogs (6-2 overall, 2-0 district).
He’s also caught seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown with a reception in six of seven games.
“I’m going to be in the backfield the whole year, so it’s going to be a great feeling to have the ball most of the time,” Briscoe said before the season. “It’s something I’m prepared for.”
The move came as a result of Layne Champagne taking over at quarterback, which allowed the coaching staff to move Braylon Calais back to his more natural position of receiver.
Calais, who split time at running back, quarterback and receiver in 2025, still sees some time at QB, especially with Champagne missing a couple of games due to injury.
Cecilia head coach Cody Champagne said Briscoe is one of several players with strong family ties to the football program.
“We’ve had a lot of families come through here like the Patts and the Briscoes,” Champagne said. “You had Devin Briscoe, who was a great running back for us. His sister was an all-around athlete who played a lot of sports for us.”
Having played multiple positions has helped the 6-foot tall, 195-pounder and Astudent adapt quickly to the new spot.
He also has the ability to split out to the X position, usually the receiver on the line on the opposite side of the tight end in a typical offensive formation. He also plays linebacker on defense.
“I definitely know the whole offensive playbook and what each spot is supposed to do,” Briscoe said. “I’m excited to play anywhere on the field, as long as I’m on the field.”
“He played our H for us last year,” Champagne said. “Now he’s going to be the primary running back. He can catch the ball in the slot for us too, if we need.”
As for goals, Briscoe is looking to help the Bulldogs make a deep run in the playoffs and win a second state championship in three seasons.
“I’m looking forward to playing with these guys,” he said. “It’s going to be a great season.
“I think we all have to be on the same page on what we want.”
Briscoe plans to major in mechanical engineering in college and is open to whatever schools recruit him to play football.
“He’s a 4.2 student,” Champagne said. “He works extremely hard. He’s a great kid. I think karma is great because it’s going to be something that pays off in the end for him.”
Champagne expects Briscoe to keep contributing, noting that Calais, an All-State and All-American pick who is planning to sign with LSU as a receiver, inspires those around him to be their best as well.
“We had the pro agiity test and (Briscoe and Calais) were neck and neck,” Champagne said. “Braylon ran a 4.33 (second run) and I think Briscoe ran a 4.5. That broke the record that’s been here for a while. They both actually broke it. They work out together. They’re always coming out on the field together. Always pushing yourself against that talent, you’re going to end up catching up sooner than later.”
