Louisiana Football Magazine 2026 Class 4A Football Preview (Written by Lee Brecheen)

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District 5 

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Beau Chene Gators

Head Coach: Buck Harris(3^rd year)

2025 Record:1-8

2026 Non District Games: Week 1 East Iberville HS(Away), Week 2 Basile HS(Home), Week 3 Port Barre HS(Away), Week 4 Helix Mentorship HS(Home), and Week 5 East Beauregard HS(Away).

Team Outlook: "We are returning 5 starters on Offense and 5 on Defense. We have added some experienced coaches to the staff looking to make an impact." "We are looking to continue to improve the program. Offensively, we have some key skill players returning." "Defensively, we are rebuilding after losing a couple key players." "The younger guys are looking to step up and are eager to fill those positions," said Coach Harris.

These are the leaders of the team to watch this year: Malyq Mayfield 6'5" 285 pounds, Offensive Lineman; Christian Wheeler 6'0" 185 pounds, RB, a 4-year starter; Braydon Marks 5'10" 175 pounds, QB; Tyrese Henry 5'10" 175 pounds, WR/Athlete; Jaeden Ledet 5'9" 175 pounds, RB; Isaiah Cisneros 6'1" 175 pounds, LB; Kendrick Chavis 5'11" 175 pounds, LB; Kyron Lemelle 6'1" 285 pounds, DL; Santiago Solis 6'3" 225 pounds, DL; and Landon Winters, DB.

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Breaux Bridge Tigers

| Emanuel Watson

| Photo by: Vegas Kays

| Dakowen Celestine

| Photo by: Vegas Kays

Head Coach:Tyler Pierce (3^rd year)

2025 Record:3-7

Signees Colleges: Athlete Isaiah Leblanc(Nicholls State)

2026 Non District Games: Week 1 Opelousas Catholic HS(Away), Week 2 St. Martinville HS(Home), Week 3 Crowley HS(Away), Week 4 Franklin HS(Away), Week 5 Acadiana Renaissance HS(Away).

Team Outlook: “Goal now is to keep chipping away with growth as a program and win more games in 2026,” said coach Pierce. “We are preaching to the kids and coaches all hands on deck to get better.” “We will still be young and most of our team is made up of Soph’s and Freshman in 2026.” “We are also going more to a Flex-Bone Offense to fit our personnel as an Offense.” 

The Tigers will rely heavily on new starting Quarterback/Athlete Dakowen Celestine 6'3" 185 pounds as a runner and passer to move the chains in 2026. Celestine will be one of the better players in the District and a great player to build around for this program. The Offense and Defense will also return a big-time leader in 2-way starter Nelson Borel 6'2" 195 pounds as a TE/FB and Linebacker on Defense with 4.6 speed and toughness, the program is teaching with the younger players.

More players to watch are RB/LB Cruz Trail 5'11" 180 pounds, 3-year starter, leader; CB/RB/Safety Noah Solomon 5'10" 170 pounds, 3-year starter and playmaker for the team, leader; OL/DL Ken'yan Domonter 6'0" 285 pounds, 3-year starter; Center/OL Jyric Luwis 6'0" 285 pounds; OL Tyler Judice 6'0" 245 pounds; DT/OL/LB Emmanuel Watson 5'11" 220 pounds; LB/FB Kyle Bonin 5'8" 165 pounds; RB/Safety Ricky Gray 5'6" 155 pounds, playmaker; WR/DB Kai Lalonde 5'10" 160 pounds, new starter; and OL Joseph Roberts 5'11" 290 pounds, new starter.

Special Teams, starting at both Kicker and Punter, will be Dru Cormier 5'9" 155 pounds, who does a really good job for the team. Long Snapper will be determined in the Summer/Fall.

Carencro Golden Bears

| Hayden Monroe

| Photo by Paul Angelle Jr

| Head Coach Gavin Peters

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

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Head Coach:Gavin Peters(3^rd year)

2025 Record:6-5

2025 Playoffs: 1^st round lost to Acadiana HS

Signees Colleges: DB Rontrell Woods(Centenary), WR Kydon Davis(McNeese State), and Athlete Chantz Babineaux(Nicholls State)

2026 Non District Games: Week 1 Lafayette Christian HS(Away), Week 2 Northside HS(Home), Week 3 Acadiana HS(Home), Week 4 West Feliciana HS(Away), Week 5 Westgate HS(Away)

Team Outlook: “I will focus more on the Offensive side of the ball in 2026,” said coach Peters. “ We have a great young staff. I'm known for coaching Defense.” “The team is young but battle tested.” “We are a team of mostly Juniors, and I think moving down from Class 5A to Class 4A will allow us to be one of the premier programs in the state again.” “I am excited about the 2026 season.”

The skill talent this Bear program will put on the field in 2026 will be as good as anyone in all of Class 4A, speed-wise, and playmakers. I think the Bears are one of, if not the fastest team in Louisiana as far as the starters at the skill spots.

I'm a huge fan of Quarterback Carson Gurzi, a 3-year starter in 2026 with size, 6'2" 215 pounds, cannon arm and feet when flushed to make all the runs and throws. I think this kid is one of the best players in Louisiana. If he puts it all together in 2026, a lot of people are going to wonder why he is not a National recruit based on 2025 even. Here are more playmakers to watch on both sides of the football: WR/DB/RB Brandon Duffy, another National Recruit, 6'1" 185 pounds, 4.45 speed in the forty; WR Kameron Bernard 5'9" 165 pounds, legit 4.5 speed in the forty; RB/WR Khylen Taylor 5'10" 190 pounds, a 3-year starter, great athlete, 4.5 speed; SS/OLB Jaden Dwyer 5'8" 170 pounds, big-time hitter; RB/SS Cardaye Batiste 5'7" 160 pounds, 4.45 speed in the forty, playmaker, a 3-year starter; RB/WR Seigon Woods 6'1" 180 pounds, the fastest player on the team, 4.4 speed; RB/CB/WR Malachi Menard 5'6" 145 pounds, 4.5 speed; and CB/RB Jermany Arceneaux 5'8" 190 pounds, competing to start or play a lot in 2026.

Key Linemen, Tight Ends, and Linebackers back are OG Gavin Joseph 5'7" 240 pounds, a 2-year starter, leader; Center Eddiel Robles 5'6" 195 pounds, big-time athlete; DE/OLB/TE Hayden Monroe 6'3" 225 pounds, a 3-year starter with 4.7 speed; TE/OLB Derace James Jr. 6'3" 205 pounds, new starter, great athlete; TE Kelvin Helaire 6'1" 192 pounds, a 3-year starter; Center/OG Mason Roger 5'10" 265 pounds, a 3-year starter; DE Joel Claiborne 6'5" 245 pounds; LB Dmauri Fisher 5'10" 205 pounds, new starter; and OL/DL Mister Marcello-Finney 6'6" 300 pounds, a 3-year starter.

The Bears have two really good Kickers in the program. Holden Link returns to handle the Field Goals and Extra Points. Kicker Matthew Latham 5'5" 135 pounds will handle Kickoffs.

Cecilia Bulldogs

| Cecilia Coaching Staff

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

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| Braylon Calais

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

Head Coach:Cody Champagne(2^nd year)

2025 Record:7-5

2025 Playoffs:2^nd Round beat Lakeshore HS, and 3^rd Round lost to Plaquemine HS in the Quarterfinals

2026 Non District Games: Week 1 Northside HS(Away), Week 2 Teurlings Catholic HS(Away), Week 3 Barbe HS(Away), Week 4 St. Martinville HS(Home),and Week 5 Notre Dame HS(Away).

Team Outlook: “We started 1-4 on the season in 2025.” “Our slogan in 2026 will be: Man the Ropes. Kids need to step up.” “Lost a lot of the Defense to graduation and lots to replace,” said coach Champagne. “We need to fill some voids at the Offensive Line also, some competition there too.” 

The Team's best player returns in 4-year starter, leader Braylon Calais 6'3" 215 pounds, WR/FS/OLB/QB, one of the more gifted athletes you will see playing high school football, and I have these past 3 years. Calais can take over a game on either side of the football and will play a lot of WR/FS/OLB but also can play some Quarterback if needed as a Wildcat or as a QB. You have QB Lane Champagne 6'0" 180 pounds, who really does a great job with the Offense and had a good Spring. There's also Athlete/QB Javion Wilson 5'7" 165 pounds with 4.5 speed in the forty, competing for snaps and could play WR/RB/CB for the team. More skill players to watch are RB/OLB Chase Narcisse 5'9" 175 pounds; WR Ashton Ruffin 6'4" 180 pounds; CB/SS Franky Franks, a 4-year starter, leader on Defense, 6'1" 185 pounds; RB/LB Deondre Briscoe 6'1" 200 pounds, a 3-year starter, athlete, plays all over; CB/Safety B.J. Patt 5'7" 170 pounds; WR Kently James 5'10" 170 pounds; CB Dakorey Livings 6'1" 170 pounds, 4.5 speed in the forty; RB/WR Nathan Thornton IV 5'7" 165 pounds, 4.5 speed; and Safety DaMarcus Babineaux 5'11" 175 pounds, a returning starter with 4.5 speed in the forty.

Key Linemen and Linebackers back will be OLB/MLB Brandon Lejeune 6'0" 185 pounds; DE Dylan Wolfe 6'3" 220 pounds; OG Ethan Journet 6'0" 300 pounds, a 3-year starter, leader; DE Kennan Batiste 6'1" 220 pounds, the anchor of the Defensive Line; LB Kaden Journet 6'0" 200 pounds; DT Hayden Hurd 5'9" 215 pounds; LB Kaleb Journet 6'0" 185 pounds; DE Lamar Thomas 5'9" 185 pounds; OL Davion Charles 5'7" 185 pounds; Center/OL James Deluna 5'10" 210 pounds; and OL Chance Guidry 5'8" 235 pounds, new starter.

Special Teams, Aiden Landry will be back for his 4th year as the starting Kicker/Punter, 5'9" 170 pounds. Landry has a good leg also on kickoffs, where most of the time he will hit the end zone on kickoffs.

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Livonia Wildcats

Head Coach:Khalil Thomas(3^rd year)

2025 Record:4-7

2025 Playoffs:1^st Round lost to Plaquemine HS

2026 Non District Games:Week 2 Amite HS(Home),Week 3 Port Allen HS(Away),Week 4 University High HS(Away),Week 5 Belaire HS(Home)

Team Outlook: “Bigger, stronger, faster, more committed as a team in 2026,” said coach Thomas. 

The Wildcats have some big-time playmakers with experience returning: WR Bo Stewart 6'4" 187 pounds, a senior with 4.59 speed in the forty; WR/Athlete, 4-year starter C.J. Aguillard 5'7" 174 pounds with 4.44 speed in the forty, also an experienced senior; and WR Julien Andre 5'10" 167 pounds, had a great Spring. More skill players to watch are SS/CB Jamyrie Lambert 5'9" 185 pounds, a 3-year starter, 2nd Team All-District in 2025, 5 interceptions and 7 Touchdowns on Offense; CB Adric Collar 5'9" 175 pounds, a 3-year starter; OLB/Safety Jamarion Campbell 6'0" 180 pounds, big-time hitter, led the team with 125 tackles in 2025; RB Terryl Waters 6'0" 208 pounds; new starting QB Chandler Aguillard 6'1" 170 pounds; and Safety Marcus Bowser 5'11" 170 pounds, had a great Spring.

Key Linemen to watch are DT/OL Delaney James 6'2" 256 pounds, a 3-year starter, leader; DT/OL Jacorryan Aguillard 6'2" 270 pounds, a 3-year starter, full throttle every play, leader; OG/Center D'Markis Munson 6'0" 320 pounds, a 3-year starter; DE Donovan Williams 6'2" 236 pounds, new starter; OL Ethan Darensburg 5'8" 251 pounds, leader; Center Darius Harris 6'0" 230 pounds; and DT Willie Williams 5'10" 244 pounds, one of the strongest players in Louisiana with a bench press close to 400 pounds.

Special Teams, the starting Kicker will be Anthony Roppollo 5'10" 175 pounds, a returning starter from the 2025 season.

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Opelousas Fighting Tigers

Head Coach: Harry Coleman(2^nd year)

2025 Record: 5-6

2025 Playoffs: 1^st Round beat Pearl River HS, and 2^nd Round lost to Belle Chasse HS

2026 Non District Games: Week 1 Pineville HS(Away), Week 2 Mamou HS(Home), Week 3 Northwest HS(Home), Week 4 Westgate HS(Away), and Week 5 Lafayette Christian HS(Home)

Team Outlook: “When I was hired we came in late and did not have a Spring in 2025,” said coach Coleman. “The credit goes to the coaches and players for having a really good season in 2025.” “We have a strong Freshman class coming in that I am excited about for the future of this program.” “We also have 4 starters back on the Offensive Line to build around in 2026.” “We will have more depth in 2026 but still a very young team in Class 4A.”

The program will return starting Quarterback Collin Rideaux 6'0" 180 pounds, with 1,451 yards passing and 20 Touchdowns, and rushing for 642 yards with 13 Touchdowns in 2025, a dual-threat QB with 4.5 speed in the forty. Collin is a 4-year starter in the program. More players to watch in 2026 are RB Joseph Clues 5'11" 175 pounds, ran for 650 yards and 6 Touchdowns in 2025; OG Shane Broussard 6'1" 270 pounds, a 3-year starter, leader; RB/WR/CB Jalon Owens 5'7" 155 pounds, had 1,149 total yards in 2025 with 4.45 speed, and on Defense had 53 tackles, 2 Interceptions, with 1 pick-6 Defensive Touchdown; WR/DB Marley Richard 6'1" 175 pounds, 74 tackles with 1 Interception in 2025, All-District as a WR with 36 catches on Offense, a 3-year starter; Center Daedon Roby 5'9" 265 pounds, 2nd Team All-District in 2025; OG Damien Rubin 5'11" 225 pounds; OL/DL De'Marian Ladbe 5'11" 270 pounds; WR Aaron Hall 6'2" 168 pounds; OLB/DE Brandon Gradnigo 5'11" 165 pounds; DT Ethan Martinez 5'11" 250 pounds; DT Braylen Gradnigo 5'11" 220 pounds; and OLB/DE Javean Hill 6'4" 180 pounds, a returning starter.

Special Teams, Kicker and Punting spots were still open after Spring Practice.

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