WEST MONROE — Brady Guillot was extremely blessed to return to West Monroe's starting lineup.
The senior quarterback injured his ankle during the Rebels' Week 4 victory against Central-B.R. Junior Tre King stepped up under center in the next three games, and Guillot made his first start back from injury in West Monroe's District 2-5A showdown against Pineville.
LHSAA football: OCS defeats St. Fred's behind Tristan Raymond's strong outing
"Everyone was absolutely excited," senior Luke Vallery said when the Rebels found out Guillot was returning. "He's just such a leader, and he can just change a ball game around."
For the second week in a row, West Monroe pitched a shutout victory. Guillot threw for 166 yards, two touchdowns and an interception as the Rebels defeated Pineville 51-0 on Friday, Oct. 23, at Rebels Stadium.
"I think we're just kind of playing complimentary football," West Monroe coach DeMichael Dizer said. "The defense is playing really good right now, and our offense is kind of finding its rhythm on the ground, was able to be a little more balanced (Friday) and throw the ball a little bit and run the football. So I think we're moving in the right direction."
Guillot's first pass back from injury was a 13-yard strike to senior Jordan Coleman. Their connection picked up from where it left off as Coleman had five catches for 146 yards and a touchdown. His 65-yard catch-and-run on the play before his touchdown reception was among West Monroe's biggest plays. Vallery also had a touchdown reception.
"All glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for healing me faster than I thought," Guillot said. "I thought it was going to be a little longer, but I just want to get back to my team so bad that I was going to do whatever it takes to get back. No matter how much I can help, whether that's a couple of drives or just playing the whole game, whatever I can do to help my team, that's what I want to do."
Guillot also commended King for continuing to step up at quarterback, entering the Pineville game in the second half.
"He did an outstanding job. That's not an easy role," Guillot said of King starting under center. "He surpassed those expectations. You see him day in and day out, just working super hard at practice. I was not surprised when he got in there and stepped up and did his job. I'm super proud of him."
As West Monroe (5-3) forced another running clock against Pineville (1-7), younger guys delivered when their names were called upon. Sophomores Hudson Spillers (55 rushing yards, TD), Broxton Oestreich (67 receiving yards, TD) and Jace Frost (TD pass) continued stepping up in the Rebels' offense; junior Finnon Flowers also registered his first career varsity touchdown near the end of the first half with a scoop-and score.
"I love seeing other receivers go out there and make plays," Coleman said. "I'm really glad that (Oestreich) went in there. (Senior) Braxton May went in. (Senior) Messiah (Stevens) went in. (Junior) Lane Russell had a couple of catches. We've got a really good group in the receiver room."
West Monroe's confidence continues to skyrocket as the LHSAA playoffs loom. One of Louisiana's top programs wants to punch its ticket to its first championship since 2018 and clinch its ninth overall title.
There's still room for the Rebels to improve as they host Peabody and Ruston to close out the regular season. Both West Monroe and the Bearcats have one loss in District 2-5A as Alexandria defeated Ruston at home Friday.
"We're hungry," Coleman said. "We might have dropped a couple (of games) early, but we're ready to come back and go on a good playoff run this year."
This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: West Monroe football shuts out Pineville in Brady Guillot's return