The Denham Springs Yellowjackets are making their presence known early in the 2026 football season, combining explosive offensive talent with an aggressive defense that puts pressure on opposing teams. Coming off an incredible 73–54 victory over Woodlawn High School, the Yellowjackets improved to 2–1 on the season and showed just how dangerous they can be when their playmakers get going.
One of the team’s most exciting offensive weapons is senior running back Tanner Koerner, No. 4. At 5’9″ and 165 pounds, Koerner brings speed, quick footwork and explosiveness to the Yellowjackets’ offense. Against Woodlawn, he made an immediate impact, scoring Denham Springs’ opening touchdown after a fumble recovery. He continued to create problems for the Panthers with an explosive kickoff return and another touchdown later in the first half. His ability to accelerate through openings and turn ordinary plays into major gains makes him a player opposing defenses must constantly account for.
Quarterback Devin Kinchen plays an important role in bringing these offensive weapons together. His ability to move the ball through the air gives Denham Springs opportunities to stretch the field, while the team’s explosive rushing attack forces opponents to defend every part of the offense. Against Woodlawn, the Yellowjackets demonstrated this balance by repeatedly answering Panthers touchdowns with scoring drives of their own.
While Denham Springs’ offense has attracted attention, its intense defensive pressure is another major part of the team’s identity. The Yellowjackets play with an aggressive mentality, swarming ball carriers, challenging opposing quarterbacks and looking for opportunities to force turnovers. Their ability to apply pressure can disrupt an offense’s rhythm and turn a single mistake into an immediate scoring opportunity.
That defensive intensity was on display early against Woodlawn. Denham Springs’ No. 25, Cameron Moore, recovered a Panthers fumble, setting up the Yellowjackets’ first touchdown. Another Woodlawn fumble gave Denham Springs an additional opportunity to extend its lead. The defense continued to attack throughout the first half, limiting gains on several plays and forcing Woodlawn to fight for every yard. One of the biggest moments came when No. 27, Jackson Golmond, intercepted a Panthers pass and returned it for a touchdown, extending Denham Springs’ lead to 35–14.
Although Woodlawn ultimately scored 54 points, the Yellowjackets’ defensive takeaways played a crucial role in establishing their early advantage. Their aggressive style creates constant pressure, forcing opposing offenses to remain alert because one turnover can quickly change the momentum of a game. The defense will look to build on those moments and improve its consistency as the season progresses.
The Yellowjackets’ victory over Woodlawn also demonstrated their ability to respond to adversity. After suffering a 38–7 loss to Central the previous week, Denham Springs bounced back with an explosive 73-point performance. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers, create big plays and consistently answer Woodlawn’s scoring drives ultimately secured the 19-point victory.
As Denham Springs prepares for district competition, the team has several strengths to build upon. With Koerner’s speed, dependable offensive targets, Kinchen’s leadership at quarterback and a defense determined to create pressure, the Yellowjackets have shown they can be a difficult matchup.
The next challenge will be maintaining that offensive production while improving defensive consistency against tougher opponents. If Denham Springs can continue forcing turnovers and turning them into points, the Yellowjackets will have opportunities to build on their early-season success.