SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A new season, with a familiar face leading the way. Nick Peoples guided Green Oaks to three wins as the interim head coach last season. Now, after officially taking over in January, he gets his first full season at the helm. Peoples is motivated to "Protect Giant Land." “I preach to the guys to start fast. They were able to do that, we led mostly every game going into the half last season but we ended up kind of folding at the end, so, that's what that taught me, man. We got to finish the game and play an entirely complete game,” Peoples said. He inherits a roster with plenty of experience.
Soul Bowl unites Shreveport in football, pride and community Junior quarterback Javontaye Dean is back after earning first-team all-district honors as a sophomore. Seniors Jamarcus Hooper and Torrence Lee also return alongside a plethora of seniors. “Majority of these guys, they had to step in as young guys about three years ago. These guys have a lot of on-field experience, so that's what we bring to the table. A lot of experience, a lot of wisdom, and we have a lot of young guys that's willing to learn," Peoples said. He continued, "We have some nice-sized young guys also that look like seniors, so our real strength is going to be just being led by those seniors on offense and defense.” Green Oaks will have to replace some major production, especially on the defensive line. Keshawn Williams is now playing at Louisiana Christian University after setting a school record with 14.5 sacks a year ago. “I had a guy, we called him Keshawn 2.0, Ja’Kerrious Smith. He acted like a younger brother to Keshawn and he mentored him and when he came back from college, he was giving Ja’Kerrious all these nuggets or whatever. I look forward to seeing Ja’Kerrious Smith. He's going to do great things for us, man,” Peoples said. “We're more aggressive. Keshawn, I'm coming, I want that sack record too, boy. I'm telling you, I'm coming. That's my guy,” Smith said. The Giants believe the pieces are there to improve on last year’s record, especially with the whole community behind them. “It's really a chip on my shoulder. I love playing for this community. It's a great school, great community, great everything. I just love it,” senior cornerback Quantavious Sanford said. “Cooper Road vs. Everybody. We've always been against everybody,” Smith said.
Underdogs get ‘Giant’ recognition Green Oaks opens the 2026 season at home against Southwood. Kick-off is set for Thursday, September 3 at 7 pm. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.