Denham Springs Yellow Jackets

| Bryson Smith

| Photo by: Beau David

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

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Head Coach: Brett Beard(7^th year)

2025 Record: 8-3

2025 Playoffs: 2^nd Round lost to Zachary HS

Signees Colleges:TE Brayden Ray (Southeastern), DB Anjel Moreaux (McNeese State), QB Da’Jean Golmond (Norfolk State), and WR Da’Sean Golmond (Norfolk State)

Team Outlook: “We will build around the Offensive Line on Offense and will start a new Quarterback,” said coach Beard. “The Defense we lost a few starters 5 Defensive Lineman graduated and will work on building more depth in the Summer/early Fall for a tough Class 5A season. “We are excited about getting the new Field House, locker rooms, coaching offices, team meeting room and weight room which is a game changer for this program. We have a large group of inexperienced players that love Denham Springs High School.”

I had a chance to tour the new facilities the day they were being finished, and they are on par with any college in Louisiana outside of LSU. The Weight Room is a big-time game changer for the program because it’s bigger than most college weight rooms.

The Offense will go into the Summer with 3 really talented Quarterbacks for the job: Andre Adams, 6'0", 185 pounds; Michael Herrera; and David Kitchen, 6'1", 185 pounds. All three of these kids will help this program somewhere on the field if not at QB. I am sure coach will name a clear-cut starter sometime in the Fall.

The run game will feature a new group of players in 2026. Senior Tanner Koerner, 5'8", 175 pounds, will be the starter going into the Summer, lettered in 2025. The Wide Receiver room has a few players still competing, but one player is a clear-cut starter in playmaker senior Trey Seals, a 2-year starter, 6'0", 180 pounds, with legit 4.5 speed in the forty. WR Aiden Davis is competing to start at 6'4", 185 pounds, and again several others.

The Offensive Line, like coach said, will be the strength of the Offense going in, led by Center Bryson McCabe, 6'0", 275 pounds, a 3-year starter, senior; OG Evan Sikes, 5'11", 275 pounds, senior, 2nd-year starter; OL Caden Campbell, 6'4", 285 pounds, senior, 2nd-year starter; OL Darius Gascon, 6'1", 255 pounds, 2nd-year starter; and competing to start with others are OL Chase Gordon, 6'3", 280 pounds, and OL Darren Allemon, 5'10", 240 pounds. Oren Russell is back as a starter at TE/FB, 6'2", 205 pounds, an Athletic kid and good blocker, senior.

The Defense will build around 3 returning starters in DE Jason Dixon, 6'4", 245 pounds, senior; OLB Kaden Milligan, 5'11", 185 pounds, senior; OLB Dre’dyn Goldmond, 6'4", 215 pounds; LB Derrick Parker, new starter; new starter Braydon Lennox; and MLB Bryson Smith, 6'0", 195 pounds, 2nd-year starter. CB/Safety Rhiley Johnson, 5'11", 170 pounds, 4.5 speed in the forty, tough player; Safety Braylon Hawkins, 6'0", 180 pounds; and DE David Gilpin, 6'1", 230 pounds, are players competing to start along with several others for the 2026 season.

Special Teams: Starting at Punter will be Luke Wilson, 6'2", 170 pounds, a senior with a really good leg and should have a great year in 2026. The starting Kicker spot will be a new starter for the 1st time in 4 years. New starting Kicker will be Joseph Herrera, 6'0", 175 pounds, a WR in 2025. In the return game, Trey Seals did a great job in 2025 as a Kick Returner. Long Snapper will be Evan Sikes.

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Dutchtown Griffins

| Joseph "JoJo" Deverteuil

| Photo by: Camden Lewis

Head Coach:Guy Mistretta(10^th year)

2025 Record:5-5

2025 Playoffs:1^st Round lost to Central HS.

Signees Colleges:WR Martell Rogers(Trinity College), and OL England Phillips.

2026 Non District Games: Week 1 Magnolia School Excellence HS (Away), Week 2 E.D White HS (Away), Week 3 St. Michaels HS (Away), Week 7 Tioga HS (Home)

Team Outlook: “2025 we had our smallest senior group since I’ve been at Dutchtown High School," said coach Mistretta. “The good news is 25 players returned that started a game for the program.” “We are hoping we can build on that experience going into the 2026 season but we still need to get better, improve as a team and build depth on both sides of the football.” 

The Quarterback position's leading candidate to win the job is senior Owen Fletcher, 5'10", 165 pounds, but there are 2 more talented kids who also play Baseball that will compete for the position over the Summer in Brock Black, 6'0", 715 pounds, and Ethan Odom, 5'11", 175 pounds.

The Offensive Line will be OT Max Montgomery, 6'2", 255 pounds; OG Logan Breaux, 5'8", 220 pounds, senior; OG Jordan Plante, 6'1", 245 pounds; OT Duncan McCloud, 6'1", 255 pounds; and the 5th spot will possibly be Mason Dunn, 5'9", 220 pounds, senior, along with some younger players competing for time on the Offensive Line.

The run game has a clear starter in team leader senior RB Carter Hedden, 5'10", 210 pounds, a 3-year starter with legit 4.5 speed in the forty and power. The run game also has RB/WR Hayden Becnel, 5'9", 155 pounds; RB/WR Landon Ruffins, 5'8", 155 pounds, one of the fastest kids on the team; and RB Jay Lovelady, 6'0", 190 pounds, who will get reps at Running Back.

Top Wide Receivers returning after Spring are Derrick Walker-Vice, 5'11", 165 pounds; TE Brooks Bumstead, 6'4", 210 pounds, senior; Derrick York; WR Hayden Becnel; and WR/RB Landon Ruffins.

The Defense returns a lot of experience and will have a chance to be strong in the front seven, led by DE/TE JoJo Deverteuil, 6'1", 215 pounds; DT Aj Price, 5'11", 330 pounds; DT Drue Price, 6'2", 295 pounds; DE Carter Rentz, 5'10", 198 pounds; DT Colby Moore, 5'11", 330 pounds; LB Camden Hanberry, 5'9", 190 pounds; LB Brayden Robichaux, 5'9", 185 pounds; LB Bryce Chatfield, 6'1", 185 pounds; and converted Defensive Lineman Jake Monson, 6'0", 220 pounds, now a Linebacker.

The Defensive Backfield has CB Gavin Stansbury, 5'9", 155 pounds; CB Terron Reese, 5'8", 160 pounds; FS Brayden Dunn, 5'8", 170 pounds; SS Marcello Rizzuto, 5'10", 170 pounds; and DB Cedric Seals, 5'10", 170 pounds.

Special Teams: Punter, Kicker, and Long Snapper are all open jobs to win over the Summer or early Fall after talking to coach Mistretta.

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East Ascension Spartans

| Micah Levy

| Photo by: Tyler Gandy

| Jeremyah Merriweather

| Photo by: shotby.clew

Head Coach: Brock Matherne(3^rd year)

2025 Record: 8-4

2025 Playoffs: 1^st Round beat West Ouachita HS, and 2^nd Round lost to Central HS

Signees Colleges:OT/TE Brysten Martinez (LSU), OL Javaughn Matthews (Southern U), RB Jason Blackburn (St Olah College Minnesota), LB Tony Miles (Butler Kansas JC), CB Javon Javius (College Track), and WR Joseph Gautreau (Millsaps).

2026 Non District Games: Week 1 Warren Easton HS(Home), Week 2 Sam Houston HS(Away), Week 3 St.Augustine HS(Away), and Week 8 Parkway HS(Home).

Team Outlook: “ Keep improving the program, and the standard is set in year three,” said coach Matherne. “Take the next step and set sights on reaching our goal of playing in a State Title game in the Superdome in 2026.” 

I will say this, the Spartans are due as a Class 5A program to go to a State Title game, and when they get off the Bus they look the part as a team to be in the hunt to break through in 2026, coached by a staff with experience and tons of drive and energy.

The Offense will have one of the best Wide Receiver rooms you will see in 2026 in Louisiana, led by 2-way starter WR/FS All State player Jeremyah Merriweather, 6'2", 190 pounds, a special Athlete with 4.45 speed who can cover ground fast with high effort and football skills. There’s also WR Jayden Ursin, 6'1", 180 pounds, 4.5 speed, great player; WR Johnathan Stokes, 6'1", 170 pounds, big-play target, long experienced; WR Terrance Wilson, 6'5", 195 pounds, skilled; and WR leader senior Makaylin Alston, 6'1", 180 pounds, also a big-time gunner on Special Teams for the team.

The run game lost some experience but returns strong talent again in RB Zion Delong, 5'11", 180 pounds, starter, 4.5 speed, power; RB Nyrein Jones, 5'10", 185 pounds; and RB Traivion Bennett, 5'7", 180 pounds, quick and power.

The Offensive Line will have Class 5A size again, led by Carson Lacombe, 6'2", 290 pounds; OL James Crisp, 6'3", 285 pounds; OL LeDaveon Curry, 6'4", 305 pounds, new starter; and new starter Gabe Denley, 5'10", 275 pounds.

Returning as the starting Quarterback will be the Athletic Zaylen Smith, 5'11", 190 pounds, who is not only a dual-threat with 4.55 speed in the forty but, as a passer, will be really good in 2026. Also back to supply really good blocking are FB/TE Mason Coto, 6'0", 205 pounds, and TE/FB Isiah Weams, 6'0", 198 pounds.

The Defense front seven will have Championship size and quickness, led by Defensive End King Short, 6'2", 225 pounds; DE Jordan Elder, 6'2", 215 pounds; OLB/DE Jhaivon Johnson, 6'3", 265 pounds, had a monster offseason; DE/OLB Micah Levy, 6'3", 220 pounds, brings it; converted WR, now LB, Demirain Williams, 6'3", 205 pounds; LB Carson Landry, 5'10", 185 pounds; and rotating in DE Derrick Dotson, 6'1", 230 pounds; DE Myrien Perrier, 6'3", 210 pounds; and LB Sha’Mar Chatman, 5'8", 190 pounds, might see some reps at RB too.

The Defensive Backfield will be one of the best in the State, led by Jeremyah Merriweather at Safety. I would not throw to his side of the field. CB D’Landon Nabor, 5'11", 180 pounds, 4.5 speed, hitter; CB Jayd’n Washington, 6'0", 185 pounds; and newcomer CB/Safety Cedric Jones, 6'3", 180 pounds, also can run and hit.

Special Teams Kicking and Punting jobs are still open to win in the Summer/Fall. Long Snapper will be Luke Gulino, 6'0", 290 pounds, in his 1st year as a starter.

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Live Oak Eagles

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| Cash Davis

| Photo provided by Cash Davis

| Hudson Hyde

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

Head Coach: Randell Legette(3^rd year)

2025 Record: 3-6

2026 Non District Games: Week 1 Lafayette HS(Home), Week 2 Salmen HS(Home), Week 3 Westminster HS(Home), Week 4 West St. Mary HS(Home)

Team Outlook: “For us growth is important," said coach Legette. “We must improve in all areas of the game in order to accomplish our goal and move this program in the right direction.”

The Offense will have a new Quarterback in A.J. Beeson, 5'11", 180 pounds, a senior in 2026, knows the Offense. The leading rusher is back in RB Brayden Felton, 5'9", 165 pounds, ran for 514 yards in 2025 with 8 Touchdowns. WR Cash Davis, 6'1", 170 pounds, is back with 4.5 speed in the forty and looks to have a great senior season as the team's playmaker.

Here are some more key skill players to watch for on both sides of the football: RB Jackson Monistere, 5'9", 165 pounds; TE Hudson Hyde, 6'2", 215 pounds, tough blocker, leader; WR Jake Landry, 6'0", 180 pounds, senior; Safety Aidan Karras, 6'2", 185 pounds; and CB/DB Brayden Everett, 5'7", 145 pounds.

The Offensive Line is led by Jake Smart, 5'10", 220 pounds; OL Brantley Facundus, 6'1", 326 pounds; OG Daston McGee, 6'3", 279 pounds; and new starter Ryan Garcia, 6'2", 260 pounds.

The Defense front has a chance to be a really good group, led by DE Kade Parks, 6'3", 250 pounds; MLB Davin Williams, 5'10", 205 pounds, tough leader; OLB/DE Zeke Long, 5'11", 190 pounds; DT Avery London, 6'1", 270 pounds; DT Julian Casher, 6'2", 260 pounds; and LB Adam King, 5'9", 180 pounds.

Special Teams: The new starting Kicker and Punter will be Mattew Landry, 6'0", 170 pounds.

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Prairieville Hurricanes

| Skyler Kelly

| Photo provided by Skyler Kelly

| Cade Hebert

| Photo by: Shot by Mason

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

Head Coach:Michael Schmitt (3^rd year)

2025 Record:5-6

2025 Playoffs:1^st Round lost to Southside HS

2026 Non District Schedule: Week 1 Hammond HS (Away), Week 2 Ponchatoula HS (Home), Week 3 Brusly HS (Away), and Week 10 Franklinton HS (Home)

Team Outlook:Excited to build on the momentum from last year as we build the program for year 3 said coach Schmitt.” 

The Hurricanes are one of the fastest growing High Schools in Louisiana and will enter 2026 in only their third year of varsity football. This program, I think, could shock some people because they have the depth, experience, and now some size to compete with anyone in the State.

One of the main reasons I feel this team and program could go deep in the playoffs in 2026 is because they return a Quarterback who reminds me of a taller version of Johnny Manziel, former Texas A&M QB who dazzled college football with his feet and arm, and that’s what I see in senior leader QB Skyler Kelly, 5'11", 185 pounds, who runs a legit 4.43 forty, has a cannon arm, and competes at a high level.

There are several skill players back with experience, led by WR Kale Daigle, 5'8", 180 pounds, 4.5 speed in the forty with great hands; RB Nigel Turner, 5'10", 168 pounds; WR Chance Jackson, 6'2", 180 pounds; WR Hudson Dettman, 5'10", 160 pounds, good blocker and runs well, 4.6 speed; RB Tahj Wallace, 5'8", 175 pounds, 4.55 speed; WR Nayden Paul, 6'1", 170 pounds, big-time playmaker; FB Parker Faist, 6'1", 205 pounds, Athlete, really good blocker; and rotating in as an Athlete Charlie Green, 5'9", 155 pounds.

The Offensive Line will have some experience back and depth, led by Abram Ogeron, 6'1", 240 pounds; OG Evans Quibodeaux, 6'3", 300 pounds, 3-year starter, tough leader; Center Jackson Creel, 5'11", 290 pounds; OG Richard Orgeron, 6'3", 265 pounds; OG/OC Damien Ford, 6'1", 275 pounds; and competing to rotate in or start Carter Barnes, 5'11", 260 pounds; Maddox Franz, 6'1", 265 pounds; and OG Jalen Julien, 6'1", 255 pounds. TE/LB Michael Schmitt, 6'4", 210 pounds, will play both sides of the football as a Tight End and Linebacker with great feet and a high IQ of the game.

The Defense, like the Offense, has some players back with experience, led by LB Statyn Delapasse, 5'10", 190 pounds, 45 tackles in 2025, 2 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss; DE Daniel Williams, 6'3", 220 pounds, 3-year starter; CB Brycen Glover, 5'8", 160 pounds, 4.5 speed; CB Khywan Striggs, 5'6", 155 pounds; MLB Joel Pearley, 5'10", 220 pounds, 3-year starter; OLB/SS Cade Hebert, 5'11", 170 pounds, 62 tackles, 2 interceptions with 2 Pick 6 Touchdowns in 2025, a big-time leader and hitter as a senior; LB Michael Schmitt, 6'4", 210 pounds; and DT Roddrick James, 6'0", 240 pounds.

Special Teams: Starting at Punter will be Luke Lyons, 5'7", 155 pounds, returning for his 2nd year as the starter. The starting Kicker will be new starter Jovani Rodriguez, 5'9", 150 pounds.

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St. Amant Gators

| Head Coach David Oliver

| Photo by Lee Brecheen (Louisiana Football Magazine)

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Head Coach:David Oliver (18^th year)

2025 Record:7-4

2025 Playoffs:1^st Round lost to Ouachita HS.

Signees Colleges:QB Cooper Babin(Nicholls State),DB Marcus Dunn(Millsaps),WR Kavin Taylor(Millsaps)DB Ronald Guillory(Southern Nazerne Oklahoma)

2026  Non District Games:Week 1 Woodlawn (Home), Week 2 Liberty HS (Home), Week 3 John F. Kennedy HS (Home), Week 5 Zachary (Home).

Team Outlook: “I believe in building a team from the inside out (Lineman), we will be led by the Offensive and Defensive Lineman with many players going into 2026 with experience. We will start a new Quarterback for the 1^st time in 2 years,” said coach Oliver.

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Let’s start with the linemen to keep an eye on on the Offensive and Defensive Lines: DT Jeremy Whatley, 6'4", 255 pounds, a 3-year starter, leader; DT Jacoby Davis, 6'3", 255 pounds, 3-year starter; DE Kyler Rock, 6'3", 225 pounds (10 Sacks in 2025); DT Brayden Zeller, 5'10", 245 pounds; DT/FB Max Keller, 5'10", 245 pounds; DE Brody Chauvin, 6'4", 245 pounds; DE C’Jay Francois, 6'2", 210 pounds; DE/LB Richard Cooper, 5'8", 230 pounds; OT Carter Babin, 6'3", 280 pounds, 3-year starter; OT Caden Tassin, 6'6", 290 pounds, 2nd-year starter; Center Devin Gilliand, 5'10", 255 pounds, new starter; OG Ethan Meza, 6'2", 251 pounds, new starter; OL Landon Hooper, 6'0", 298 pounds; and Calhoun Austin, 6'2", 275 pounds, both competing for a starting job as new starters.

The Quarterback position is a battle among leading candidate Brock Koontz, 6'0", 180 pounds; Ezra Kernan, 5'10", 170 pounds; and QB Tyson Morin, 5'7", 155 pounds, all really good Athletes.

The run game will be led by returning starter RB Jourdan Hickerson, 5'10", 183 pounds, a 3-year starter; RB/WR Jaquan Gordon, 5'7", 165 pounds; and newcomer RB Cooper Templet, 5'10", 180 pounds.

The Wide Receiver group will be young, but there’s talent back, led by TE/WR Andrew Euhus, 6'4", 200 pounds, new starter; WR Dreyden Torbert, 5'8", 185 pounds, 4.6 speed in the forty; WR Mason Says, 5'10", 150 pounds; WR Jordan Potier, 6'2", 165 pounds; WR Trey Bailey, 5'6", 155 pounds, 4.5 speed in the forty; Kayden Thodile, 6'0", 160 pounds; and WR Rylen Delaune, 5'5", 130 pounds, all newcomers with great skill sets.

On Defense, keep an eye on these players also: LB Brody Bumgardner, 5'8", 228 pounds, new starter; CB/Safety Kaleb Hines, 6'4", 180 pounds, new starter; CB Clarence Jackson, 5'9", 155 pounds, 3-year starter with 4.5 speed in the forty; Safety Brody Mire, 5'8", 177 pounds, new starter; and FS Camden Clouatre, 5'9", 175 pounds, new starter.

Special Teams will return Kicker/Punter Paxton Leblanc, 5'9", 150 pounds, who did a great job in 2025.

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Walker Wildcats

Head Coach: Chris Harrell(1^st year)

2025 Record: 1-9

Signees Colleges: OL Charlie Ward (Nicholls State), and OL Miguel D’Angelo(McNeese State)

2026  Non District Games:Week 1 Ponchatoula HS(Home), Week 2 Erath HS(Away),Week 3 Scotlandville HS(Away), Week 4 Dutchtown HS(Home), Week 9 Albany HS(Home).

Team Outlook: “ Good mix of young players with some experienced players coming back in 2026,” said coach Harrell. “We have the mindset to out work teams and be gritty as a team in Class 5A football.” 

The Wildcats had their 1st losing season since 2021 in football. I love the hire and think coach Harrell will do a great job for the Wildcats. He learned from one of the best coaches in Baton Rouge while at Dutchtown High School under Head Coach Guy Mistretta as his Defensive Coordinator for Dutchtown for 7 years through 2025.

The Offense returns one of the best Athletes on the team at Quarterback, Jayce Evans, 5'9", 170 pounds, but there’s also another talented QB in the mix, Kyle Riche, 5'10", 175 pounds, also has a really good arm.

More skill players to watch are RB Brashard London, 5'9", 175 pounds, SR; RB/LB Dylan Breaux, 6'0", 185 pounds, SR; WR Travion Helm, 5'10", 170 pounds, 2nd-year starter; RB Mike Garcia, 5'11", 195 pounds; WR Chris Moore, 6'0", 160 pounds; WR Gaige House, 6'0", 175 pounds; and a few young players competing for playing time.

The Offensive Line, Tight Ends, and Fullbacks to start out will be TE/FB Caleb Humphries, 5'8", 190 pounds; rotating in TE/DE Nathan Ray, 6'1", 182 pounds, SR; FB/TE Christian Heughan, 5'11", 185 pounds; OL Rowdy Armstrong, 6'5", 275 pounds, 2nd-year starter; OL Aiden Hebert, 5'8", 240 pounds; and OL Graham Schiro, 5'10", 270 pounds. The rest of the OL will be decided during the Summer/Fall by younger players.

The Defense will start out with DE Chris Liddie, 6'4", 235 pounds, SR; CB/Safety Tyler Whisman, 5'11", 170 pounds, 2nd-year starter; DT Hayden Taylor, 5'9", 260 pounds; DE Lee Johnson, 5'10", 205 pounds; LB Dylan Armstead, 5'10", 195 pounds; Safety Gage Poe, 5'10", 165 pounds, SR; and Safety Malachi Viator, 6'0", 165 pounds, best Defensive Back on the team.

Special Teams will be a strong point of the team with Aaron Stern, 5'11", 155 pounds, returning as the starting Kicker, and Long Snapper Liam Breaux, 5'7", 165 pounds, one of the best in Baton Rouge.

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