ST. MARTINVILLE -- Conditioning was the top priority for the St. Martinville Senior High football team following last season’s disappointing finish.

It was evident to head coach Marc Broussard and his staff after studying last year’s film that if the Tigers were to improve on their 1-9 record, they’d have to not only get stronger but also be in better shape at the end of each game.

“We went back after the season and looked at last year’s weaknesses,” said Broussard. “We put together an offseason program and worked hard. The kids responded.

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“Just getting bigger and more physical (was the focus). We felt that last year we got pushed around. We felt we were significantly weaker than other teams, and we addressed that.”

The coaches also were bothered by the Tigers’ habit of not playing well for a full game.

“This year I’d like to play four good quarters every ballgame,” said Broussard. “Last year we’d play three good quarters and have one bad quarter, or play two good quarters and two bad quarters.”

But Broussard is quick to point out it wasn’t for lack of effort that the Tigers came up short. SMSH lost three games in overtime.

“Last year we were in every game,” he said. “Even though we were 1-9, we never had a bad week of practice.”

Playing in a tough District 5-4A didn’t help, with opponents like Breaux Bridge and Teurlings.

“They’re all tough,” said Broussard. “We start off district with Northside and Breaux Bridge. They all beat us last year except Opelousas, and (OHS has) a new coach I’m hearing good things about.”

Five starters return on offense for the Tigers, including seniors Wallace Wiltz (6-foot, 210 pounds), Rajiv Delahoussaye (5-8, 205) and Jarrett Devillier (5-10, 205) on the offensive line. Split end John Olivier returns, as does Jules Tripeaux, who started last season as a receiver but finished up as the starting quarterback. Tripeaux will lead the Tigers’ wing-T offense again this year as a senior.

“Jules does a good job taking control of the huddle and getting plays out,” said Broussard. “He understands the offense, so if someone has a question he can answer it.”

Backs Lance Charles, Bryson Mallery and Ronald Chevalier and tight end Dedrien Francois (6-3, 240) round out the skill positions, with Christian Guidry (5-8, 175) at center and Kennan Charles (6-0, 265) also on the line.

SMSH will again use its base 4-3 defense, with defensive ends Isaac Johnson (6-2, 260) and DeQuincy Lewis (5-11, 265) and nose guard Quincy Knatt (5-9, 290) back in the starting line, joined by fellow senior Seth Courville (5-10, 270) at defensive tackle.

Returning starter Josh Fontenette and new starters Brandon Jacob and Bryson Theriot are expected to be impact players at linebacker, said their coach. Jacob Sampy returns at free safety and Sheldon Hypolite at cornerback, with Olivier Joseph moving in at strong safety and Jamar Vallaire at the other corner.

“Our secondary has come a long way since last year,” said Broussard. “Two of four will be new. They understand what we want for the secondary, being in the right place at the right time. They understand our coverages. Last year we had two coverages. This year we have the whole package.”