Calvary’s Jimmy Wright, Layton Terrell love fishing, football, farming and friendship

When Jimmy Wright and Layton Terrell take the turf Friday night in Jerry Barker Stadium against Newman, the two longtime fishing buddies know well it could be their last time they get to fend off defenders on one of the best offensive lines in the state.

Already with one state championship ring in hand from their freshmen campaigns, a win gives the dynamic duo a chance to get a second next weekend in the Louisiana Superdome. But getting past the Greenies will be no easy task despite the graduation of 2022 quarterback Arch Manning to Texas, according to coach Rodney Guin.

“I believe they’re better as a team this year with the guys they have,” Guin said. “They are balanced running and throwing and they have a good quarterback. I suspect the game will come down to the fourth quarter.”

STATEWIDE SEMIFINALS:LHSAA high school football state semifinal matchups set

LHSAA PREDICTIONS:Top Shreveport-Bossier high football games in Week 14 — and predictions

If the Cavaliers are to advance, Wright and Terrell will be among the unseen keys to success. Their play has been honed by playing football and fishing together for most of the past seven years. They compete on the water in the 21-foot Ranger bass boat belonging to Wright’s father. They drop about 550 pounds of combined weight into the boat when they launch and usually add more weight due to the number of fish they catch.

Their best outing was a 22-pound stringer in the Lake Bistineau tournament.

“I enjoy fishing more than football because it’s less stress,” Wright said. “But I still get to have a good time with my friend, and I like the outdoors.”

In addition to football and fishing, Terrell raises championship market steers through 4-H on the family farm. He’s put aside much of the money from the sale of the steers over his four years to help pay for college.

“I was told from a young age that livestock had a purpose no matter what it may be,” Terrell said.

The senior buddies have had more ups than downs on the football field over their careers, and they’ve never experienced a bad day on the water.

“Jimmy’s been there with me through thick and thin and there’s never been a dull moment in that boat,” Terrell said. “Hands down some of my greatest memories I’ll ever make and one of my best friends.”

Wright is the quarterback of the offensive line carrying with him the knowledge what every teammate is supposed to do on every play. That comes from starting at tackle since he was a freshman.

“Jimmy plays better in big games because he gets amped up,” Guin said. “He moves very well at tackle and he’s very smart. He takes care of the younger guys.”

Terrell played a lot at various line positions as a junior, but didn’t start until this season when he was handed the starting gig at center.

“We operate out of the gun and Layton has done a fantastic job,” Guin said. “This has been a good year for him.”

If the Cavaliers advance past Newman, Wright and Terrell will wake up Saturday morning making plans for a trip to New Orleans. If their season ends against Newman, Wright said he’ll either go fishing or hunting on Saturday.

“Win or lose Friday, I will be either hunting or working cows,” Terrell said.

Never hurts to have a backup plan.

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.

Shreveport area LHSAA football semifinals

Non-Select Division I

No. 22 Mandeville (9-4) at No. 1 Ruston (12-0)

Non-Select Division II

No. 12 Opelousas (10-3) at No. 1 North Desoto (11-1)

Non-Select Division III

No. 4 Union Parish (8-4) at No. 1 Jena (12-0)

Select Division III

No. 3 Isidore Newman (10-1) at No. 2 Calvary (12-0)

Non-Select Division IV

No. 4 Haynesville (11-1) at No. 1 Logansport (11-1)