St. Tammany News

Salmen's Spartans will travel to 3-A powerhouse Independence tonight for a 7 o'clock non-district game.

Salmen (1-2) comes in after falling 28-12 to John Curtis last week, while Independence (2-1) shutout Varnado, 26-0. This is the first meeting for the two teams since 1998 when Salmen edged Independence, 14-13. Last season, Independence went 14-1. The only loss was to Lutcher, 27-7, in the state finals, but this is a different team.

The Tigers have four returning starters (three defense and one offense). Their only returning offensive starter is senior fullback Justin Owens.

Independence coach Keith Carona said Salmen's offense poses problems for his squad.

"They are a well-coached team," Carona said. "Salmen is sound on offense and defense. It looks like they will be playing in one heck of a district this season."

Carona said the speed of the Spartan offense is the major thing his squad needs to stop.

He pointed out that junior quarterback Julien Troullier and senior running back Anthony Johnson can change things with their quickness.

Last week, Troullier was 17-of-30 for 207 yards and a touchdown. His main target was junior wide out Isiah Tate, who had six receptions for 102 yards and a TD.

The Spartans will be going up against a defense that is similar to their own. Independence runs a 4-2-5, while Salmen runs a 3-3-5. Senior safeties Jomel Pack (6-foot, 190 pounds) and Otis Ellison (5-10, 210), along with senior defensive end Jonathan Carter (5-11, 220), are the Tigers' returning starters on defense. Pack and Carter are tied for second on the team with 27 tackles. Pack has 12 assists and a sack. Carter has been in on 13 stops.

Independence has forced its opponents into eight turnovers (five interceptions and three fumbles). Junior Darrin Arline (6-1, 165) leads the squad with two picks.

The young Independent offense runs out of a base I-formation but will give shotgun looks. The quarterback is sophomore Chris Carter (5-9, 180). This season he is 14-of-32 for 140 yards. He has a touchdown and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 131 yards, tops on the team, and two scores.

The running back is sophomore Kendall Milton, who has 20 carries for 75 yards.

The leading receiver is junior Zach Reed. He has recorded six receptions for 49 yards.

The Spartans forced Curtis into three turnovers last week, including two by senior safety Anthony Pizza. He had a pick and a fumble recovery, while defensive lineman Joseph Rudolph had a fumble recovery.