NEW IBERIA – A coach’s dream.
That’s one of the best ways to describe Catholic High of New Iberia’s Owen Morris, a senior running back who has played an instrumental role in the Panthers’ success since his arrival on campus.
“As a coach, he is what you envision a player being,” Panthers coach Matt Desormeaux said. “You never have to fuss at him for disciplinary problems or because of grades. He just does everything the right way.”
Morris, a three-year starter for the Panthers, has established himself as a leader on and off the field for the Panthers. On the field, Morris, who played soccer as a freshman, is a three-sport athlete – football, baseball and track and field – at Catholic-N.I. and he has excelled at all of them.
“The thing about Owen is you don’t have to tell him anything more than once,” said Desormeaux, whose Panthers will travel to face the Notre Dame Pios at 7 p.m. Friday at Gardiner Memorial Stadium in Crowley. “If he makes a mistake, he’s going to correct it immediately and it won’t happen again. He learns quickly.”
And off the field, inside the classroom, Morris is equally committed to his academics. Desormeaux said Morris has only made one ‘B’ in high school and currently has a 3.95 GPA.
“Owen just goes out to work every day,” Desormeaux said. “He doesn’t complain. He just goes out and does what is asked of him. He’s very blue collar. If we need him to go on scout team, he will do it.”
Morris, who hurt is ankle in the second quarter of the Panthers’ Week 1 victory over Vermilion Catholic that caused him to sit out Week 2, returned from the ankle injury with a strong rushing performance against Patterson. Morris finished with a game-high 94 yards and one touchdown on eight carries, while also catching one pass for 13 yards.
“It was a normal game really,” Morris said. “I have to give it up to my offensive line. My offensive line played well and gave me some good holes to run through.”
Desormeaux cited Morris’ “agility and quickness” as vital parts for his success in the running game.
“Owen’s biggest strength is his agility and quickness. He changes direction fast,” Desormeaux said. “He’s pretty quick. He’s explosive and he has the ability to get to top speed pretty fast.”
But Morris’ contributions aren’t limited to him having the football, as he prides himself on doing whatever his team needs him to do in order for the Panthers to be successful.
“Owen isn’t afraid,” Desormeaux said. “He squats 400-pounds and bench presses more than 225-pounds, so he’s a strong kid. So, he’s not afraid to block in the running game or in the passing game. He’s very physical.”
The Panthers are the defending Division III select state champions, and if they are going to go back-to-back, Morris understands there is going to be more pressure on him to help lead the way.
“There’s always pressure,” Morris said. “My coaches have helped me with taking that pressure off. They have put me in the best places to succeed. It’s also not much pressure when you have 10 other guys that will do anything for you.”