A Milestone on the Gridiron
East Ascension High School gathered its community last weekend to mark six decades of football excellence, bringing together former coaches, players, alumni and local leaders in a celebration that underscored the program’s deep roots in the parish.
Van Lambert, who helmed the Spartans from 1981 to 1988, recalled the program’s humble beginnings, noting the 1968 squad that claimed the school’s first district championship and the undefeated 1982 regular season that set a benchmark for future teams.
Larry Dauterive, who succeeded Lambert, shared memories of a 228‑26 career that included a district runner‑up finish in 1989, and highlighted his ongoing connection to the school through his daughter, Jamie Andrews, a social studies teacher at East Ascension.
Billy Beasley, who coached from 1996 to 2007, described a tenure marked by four district titles, seven playoff appearances and a 2003 quarterfinal run, emphasizing how those successes helped shape the culture of the program.
Current head coach Brock Matherne, in his second year at the helm, spoke about the importance of honoring the legacy left by previous generations while building a future that prizes teamwork, discipline and community involvement.
Matherne reflected on recent achievements, including an 8‑4 record in his second season, a district championship and a narrow loss in the regional round, and he credited alumni support for providing the foundation upon which the program continues to grow.
The reunion served not only as a nostalgic look back but also as a rallying call for continued engagement, with alumni and community members pledging to support the Spartans’ next chapter on and off the field.