With the 2019 football season drawing near, here are our top five preseason private school football teams in Louisiana:
5) Lafayette Christian Academy
After closing last season by scoring 42 points in a half to lock up its second consecutive state title, Lafayette Christian has plenty of momentum heading into its 2019 campaign. The powerful Lafayette offense—which averaged over 54 points per game in the state tournament—will once again feature speedy four-star athlete Sage Ryan. With weapons all over the field, the Knights look ready to capture the three-peat in 2019.
4) Notre Dame
Notre Dame went on a blistering state championship run in 2018, scoring over 40 points in every tournament game and ousting Catholic High-New Iberia 42-21 in the final. Following last year's undefeated season, the Pioneers bring back quarterback Ben Broussard, as well as a solid running back in C.J. Thibodeaux. Notre Dame has played to a consistently excellent standard—having won 51 of its past 53 games—and should continue to do so this upcoming season.
3) Catholic (Baton Rouge)
Catholic has made the state finals three times in the past four years, and its success will likely continue in 2019. Despite losing in a lopsided affair against Curtis in last year's state championship, the Bears are set up to bounce back strong. With All-Metro running back Josh Parker returning, the Catholic offense can rely on a strong ground game.
2) University Lab
University Lab's devastating offense brought the Cubs their second consecutive state championship last season. At the state tournament, the Cubs never scored less than 43 points in a game. Now in pursuit of a three-peat, U-Lab looks to continue its dominance. The Cubs will likely continue to score at a high clip, as they boast the state's most prolific receiver duo in four-star Theodore Knox and three-star Reginald Johnson. The U-Lab defense, featuring four-star defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy, is also staunch.
1) John Curtis Christian
The defending state champions were utterly dominant in their 2018 campaign, capping off a perfect season with a 49-7 rout of Catholic in the Division I final. With a strong cast of returning players, the Patriots show no signs of slowing down. Versatile three-star athlete Corey Wren is a proven playmaker with game-breaking speed. On defense, three-star defensive end Angelo Anderson is a stalwart on the strong side.
With the 2019 football season drawing near, here are our top five preseason public school football teams in Louisiana:
5) Destrehan
Despite falling short of the state finals last season, Destrehan is dangerous. The Wildcats' 2018 season ended with a 67-57 barnburner against eventual champions Zachary in the state semifinals, but they come into 2019 with firepower on both sides of the ball. Four-star running back Kyle Edwards and four-star wide receiver Quincy Brown are game changers on the offensive end while three-star defensive end Noah Taliancich will be terrorizing quarterbacks from the strong side edge.
4) Warren Easton
As the returning 4A state runner-ups, Warren Easton comes into the 2019 season with top-end talent. Four-star recruit and first team All-State center Sedrick Van Pran will be paving the way for fellow four-star recruit, running back Ashaad Johnson, all season long. Competing with 4A rival Edna Karr is no easy task, but the Fighting Eagles have cemented their position as a worthy contender.
3) West Monroe
After losing to Zachary by just three points in the 2018 state final, 17-time state champion West Monroe will look to reclaim its title this year. The Rebels are equipped to do so, with yet another talented squad slated to hit the field in 2019. The redoubtable defensive unit—led by second team All-State safety Brooks —will be crucial to WM's success next season.
2) Edna Karr
Edna Karr, a 4A dynasty and the defending state champions, will return a loaded line up in 2019. Riding a 26-game win streak, the Cougars will be chasing a four-peat. Three-star cornerback Jamie Vance will anchor the secondary while wide receiver Destyn Pazon—who recently clocked a 4.5 second 40 yard dash at the Rivals Combine—has the potential to be a major difference maker on offense.
1) Zachary
The defending state champions are poised for another title run in 2019. Matching their 2018 championship season should not be a problem for the Broncos, as they return a formidable defense and the 2018 Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Keilon Brown. Zachary's aerial assault will continue throughout 2019, as Brown will be throwing to five-star wide receiver Chris Hilton. Also look for wide receiver Jeremiah Grimes and tight end Jalen Bolden to shine as targets for Brown this year.
