Belle Chasse High School celebrated the athletic accomplishments that earned two students a place in college football. Senoirs Brock Matherne and Taren Turner signed letters of intent to play football at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton Texas. Pictured above, at the signing, are students Taren Turner, left, and Brock Matherne. Standing are, from left, Coach Geoff Bourgeois, Coach Dennis Skains, Head Coach Bob Becnel, Coach Josh Euper and Coach Clint Harrison.

Belle Chasse High School football players Brock Matherne and Taren Turner have signed letters of intent to play football at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton Texas. Both Brock and Taren are four-year members of the Belle Chasse program. Their career as Cardinals includes three years of playoff participation and a State Championship in 2008. Both athletes were primarily used on the defensive side of the ball, but the Cardinals found a way to get the ball in their hands on offense.

Matherne ended his career at Belle Chasse as a three-year starter, two years as an outside linebacker, and one as a cornerback. Matherne was voted to the All-District Team his junior and senior years. The Cardinals will miss his play on the field but may have a harder time trying to replace his leadership. He brought the needed vocal leadership in the weight room, classroom and on the field.

“We have big shoes to fill in that area,” said Head Coach Bob Becnel. “Brock has been our vocal leader the last three-years. You kind of take for granted that you will always have that player to get the guys going; we will miss him a great deal.”

Turner spent two years as a starting defensive back in the Cardinal defense. His speed is the most obvious thing that the Cardinals will be losing next season.

Turner has spent his junior and senior years as the fastest player on the team and the second fastest in school history, clocking a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash.

The cardinals moved Turner around his senior season to take advantage of his athleticism; he played corner, safety and outside linebacker. Turner is also a two-year member of the All-District Team.

“The biggest thing Taren brought to the table is his speed; we knew that each week we had a guy that could match up on their fastest player,” commented Coach Becnel. Coach Becnel commented on Taren off the field by saying, “We are going to miss that smile Taren always seemed to have each day his last season. He was kind of shy the first few years, but when he came out of his shell you could really tell what a great young man he was.”