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ERATH — Star receiver Christian Pillette is looking to make his senior season memorable.
While he put up big numbers in 2022, leading all Vermilion Parish high school players in receptions (44), receiving yards (843) and receiving touchdowns (8), Pillette has his eyes set on a bigger goal.
“We’re looking to make something big,” he said. “We’re looking to do something Erath has never done before, just get to the second round and get through it, and keep working.”
He knows the way to do that is to “just step up more and become the leader that I should be,” he said. “I’m just preaching it to them every day, day in and day out, leading by example.”
Erath reached the second round this past season for the first time since 2016 before falling to unbeaten West Feliciana. The team was disappointed with the finish.
“We had a couple of things that hit us, and we all noticed that we weren’t on track,” he said. “That’s the main thing this year, is getting back on track. We all have the same mentality.”
Pillette and senior quarterback Lynkon Romero are team captains this year, head coach Eric LeBlanc said. He’s looking for them to help the Bobcats make headway in the playoffs.
“Once you get to the playoffs, it’s one game at a time, so it’s a little bit different than in-season,” he said. “In-season, you’ve got that next game to look forward to and learn from. When you get to those five in the playoffs, it’s win or go home.”
One way the coaches can help them get to that point is to make sure they take care of business in the regular season so they have a better power ranking and aren’t facing one of the top seeds early on.
“I think those guys felt the same way, so that’s why this offseason’s been nice, because they know where the mistakes were last year and we know as a team, and we’ve been working every day to correct those mistakes,” the coach said.
Pillette and Romero, meanwhile, have developed stronger chemistry both on and off the field.
“We’ve been working out, we hang out whenever we can,” Pillette said. “We went to a couple of camps together. I got to know him way closer than I ever have.”
That will “most definitely” help the two on the field, he said.
Romero passed for 1,653 yards and 16 touchdowns and ran for 477 yards and a dozen touchdowns as a junior.
“Our relationship is great,” Romero said. “We’re always hanging out, talking. We throw a lot during the week. We have that connection on the field, but also off the field with our friendship.
“I have full, hundred percent trust in him, and I know he has 100 percent trust in me too.”
It’s something the coach has noticed, too.
“They worked their butts off this offseason,” coach Eric LeBlanc said. “Mentally they’re ahead of where they were last year. I’m expecting them to continue to grow.
“They bonded together more with the senior class and the junior class because they feel this year could be special if they have some good days out there on Friday nights.”
Pillette said the seniors are close as a group.
“We have a great group, by far,” he said. “Go Bobcats.”

John Tommasini has an impressive resumé at the age of 34.
He is married with a child, a college graduate (Oregon State, predentist), a former D-I college baseball player (played infield for Oregon State), and a successful business owner (he owns four Jet Coffee establishments in Lafayette). Now, he can put on his resumé — a championship golfer.
On Sunday, July 30, Tommansini won his first-ever golf title by winning the Southern Oaks Country Club Members Championship Tournament.
He shot a two-day total of 139 (68-71) to beat 2021 Southern Oaks championship Aaron David by three strokes (142, 72-70). Ryan Mayard was third (144, 72-72).
When Tommasini approached the 18th green, he was unsure he was leading. At the start of the second day, he was one stroke behind the leader, and there was no leaderboard to glance at to see who had the overall lead.
It was not until he missed his birdie putt on the final hole and tournament director Cade Hebert advised him to mark his last shot instead of tapping in. That is when he realized he was probably in first place.
Hebert took a photo of him making a par on the final hole to secure his first-ever golf title.
“I am very thankful,” Tommasini said. “I am thankful because you are never guaranteed the next day. God is good.”
On Sunday, Tommasini’s strategy was simple — play against the course and not worry about other golfers.
“To me, I play against the course,” he said. “I focus on what is before me and not think about other scores.”
On the par-5 18th hole, Tommasini was around 200 yards from the green after his drive. There was water on the left and in front of the green and a missed shot could have cost him the tournament. He smashed an iron away from the water to the right side of the green. When he saw the ball flight heading to where he aimed, he said out loud, “Play it safe.”
He would par the hole and claim the title.
The sport of golf is new to Tommasini. He is from Oregon and never picked up a golf club because baseball was his love. When he moved to south Louisiana in 2018, he took up golf. He has been playing for less than five years. His baseball skills have helped make him a good golfer, he said.
“Baseball has helped me a lot, especially with hand and eye coordination,” he said. “Also, the golf ball is not moving 95 miles per hour like a baseball. You are hitting a stationary ball.
“In baseball, you are playing against someone who can throw the baseball anywhere he can. But in golf, you are playing against yourself. I play against myself the best that I can.”
That style of golf helped him win the club championship.
For the victory, he won a glass cup trophy and now has a specific parking spot at the club for the year.

Top 3 in Each Flight
Here are the top three finishers of each flight at the Southern Oaks Country Club Members Championship Golf Tournament played Saturday and Sunday.

Championship Flight

1. John Tommasini - 139 (68-71)
2. Aaron David - 142 (72-70)
3. Ryan Mayard - 144 (72-72)

First Flight
1. Les Bradley 153 (76-77)
2. Jonathan Faulk -157 (78-79)
(tie) 3. Cole Delcambre - 160 (73-87)
3. Drake Broussard - 160 (80-80)

Second Flight
1. Garrett Becker - 160 (75-85)
2. Alec Broussard - 161 (85-76)
3. Brennan Gallet - 170 (84-86)

Third Flight
1. Titus Pillette - 188 (96-92)
2. Jacob David - 192 (102-89)
3. Emile Chiasson - 193 (96-97)

Senior Flight
1. Brent Eckert - 158 (78-80)
2. J.P. Kolb - 167 (83-84)
3. Kirk Mitchell - 176 (91-85)

Super Senior Flight
1. Weston Reed - 159 (73-86)
2. Randal Falgout - 160 (80-80)
3. Johnny Hollier - 165 (82-83)

Legends Flight
1. Scott Hollier - 155 (78-77)
2. Ricky Broussard - 164 (80-84)
3. John Reed - 190 (97-93)

Junior Flight
1. Christopher Cain - 144 (72-72)
2. Phillip Summers - 151 (74-77)
3. Kaine Stevens - 165 (83-82)

Miss Alison Marin Romero of Abbeville, Louisiana and Mr. Hunter James Terro of Rayne, Louisiana were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on August 5 at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville. Father Bill John Melancon officiated during the ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Leonard Romero of Abbeville. Grandparents of the bride are Mrs. Renée Burke Stirling of Franklin, the late Mr. Thomas Keith Stirling, and the late Mr. Michael Arthur Burke, Sr. Also, Mrs. Dorothy Olander Romero of Abbeville and the late Mr. Norman John Romero.
The groom is the son of Ms. Randee Reneé Vasseur of Rayne and Mr. and Mrs. Eric Wade Terro of Rayne. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Randal Louis Vasseur of Rayne and Mr. and Mrs. Curley James Terro of Rayne.
The bride, escorted by her father, wore a stunning A-line white bridal gown dressed with hand beaded lace. The gown was adorned with three-dimensional florals throughout. Her veil was a simple raw edge royal cathedral length veil which complimented the beading of the gown. To complete her ensemble, the bride wore a necklace made of white gold with a diamond pendant that was from her grandmother’s original wedding band.
She carried a gathered bouquet of white peonies and Playa Blanca roses accented with Italian Ruscus. Entwined in her bouquet was her rosary made up of blush-colored beads which belonged to the mother of the bride’s late cousin whom the bride was named after.
Miss Emma Leigh LeBlanc, best friend of the bride, served as the Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included Madison Terro and Reiley Terro, sisters of the groom, Kaitlyn Constantin, cousin of the groom, and Zoe Broussard and Caroline Daigle, friends of the bride. They wore a sleeveless gown with an asymmetrical waist pleating bodice and an A-line chiffon floor-length skirt in blush. The bridesmaids carried gathered bouquets consisting of blush and Playa Blanca roses with pure hydrangeas at the base accented with seeded eucalyptus.
Josslyn Brochard, cousin of the groom, served as the flower girl. She wore a beautiful white heirloom dress with French lace adorning the neck, sleeves, and hem. The pleated bodice with lace insertions add to the elegance of the dress. She carried a small bouquet of sweetheart blush and white roses accented with eucalyptus leaves. A dainty flower crown adorned her head made up of eucalyptus leaves and small rose blossoms.
Mr. Lance Louis Terro, brother of the groom, served as the Best Man. Groomsmen were Andrew Romero, brother of the bride, Arlen Abshire, brother of the groom, and Wil Benoit, Aaron Enlund, and Bailey Bergeron, all friends of the groom. Ushers for the ceremony were Ethan Balfa, Garrett Becker, and Robert Allbritton, all friends of the groom. Serving as Ring Bearer was Luke Charpentier, cousin and Godchild of the bride.
The mother of the bride was escorted by her son, Andrew Romero. She wore an elegant A-line floor-length designer gown embellished with pearls and rhinestones. The gown had cape sleeves and a high illusion neckline on premium lace fabric in mauve.
The mother of the groom was escorted by her son, Lance Terro. She wore a long V-neck evening gown with long cap sleeves, an empire waist, and a corded lace bodice adorned with sparkling sequins in the color Wedgewood.
Scriptures for the ceremony were read by Mary Beth Berry, aunt of the bride and Shelly Marie Constantin, aunt of the groom. Nicholas Cope was an altar server. Program attendants were Madeline Kate Charpentier, cousin of the bride and Ava Jeanne Constantin, cousin of the groom. Music for the ceremony was provided by Tommy Guidry, organist, Scotty Walker, trumpeter, and Laura Humble, vocalist.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Rip Van Winkle Gardens where candlelit tables were adorned with elegant greenery centerpieces that were accented with Playa Blanca and blush roses.
The bride’s cake was a four-tier white almond cake with vanilla buttercream icing consisting of alternating fillings of pecan praline, strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream, and lemon. Small clusters of Playa Blanca, blush roses, and Italian Ruscus adorned the cake. The cake was displayed on a large silver plateau that belongs to the grandmother of the bride. The groom’s cake was a cookies and cream cake with Oreo cream cheese icing. Adorning the groom’s cake table were also miniature Oreo and cookie dough cheesecakes.
Upon returning from their honeymoon trip, the couple will reside in Abbeville.

July 20, 1954 ~ August 3, 2023

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of James Keith Breaux, 69, of Meaux, LA was called to his spiritual home on Thursday, August 3, 2023. He will be laid to rest at Abshire Cemetery with Fr. Daniel Picard officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Scott A. Breaux, Marcus J. Breaux, Michael K. Breaux, Justin Meaux, Lance Lege, and Casey Broussard.
James was born July 20, 1954 to Cecile and Percy Breaux.
James was a hard-working, generous-to-a-fault man. He loved spending time in his garden, bird watching, and when his sons were younger, coaching his boys in the various sports they played. James was the absolute epitome of the person who would do anything for anyone and as an auto parts aficionado he was the go-to guy if you were looking for the elusive part.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 50 years, Kathy Broussard Breaux; sons, Scott Anthony Breaux (Danielle), Marcus James Breaux, and Michael Keith Breaux (Sandra); grandchildren, Alexia Breaux and Brody White; brother, Gerald A. Breaux (Cheryl); and sister, Sandra Meaux.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cecile Romero Breaux; father, Percy David Breaux; grandchildren, Gabriel A. Breaux and Ella E. Breaux; brother, Edward D. Breaux; and brother-in-law, Gary L. Meaux.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 3:30 PM and will remain open throughout the evening. A rosary being prayed on Friday evening at 6:00 PM. The procession will depart for the church at 11:15 AM on Saturday morning.
The family would like to thank Drs. Itty and Puri at Our Lady of Lourdes Reginal Medical Center, along with nurses in ICU unit, especially, Tori and Cade.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.