GeauxPreps.com Week 1 Games of the Week & Predictions
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
Evangel vs. Neville
Neville enters the season at #5 in the GeauxPreps.com Preseason Rankings and brings a state championship-caliber defense to Bill Ruple Stadium. Led by Julian Burns, a North Carolina commit, the Tigers will look to contain Evangel’s high-powered passing attack led by star 2027 quarterback Peyton Houston and a deep group of receivers.
Last season, Neville took care of business with a 42-24 victory, but Evangel has redemption on its mind in 2025. Expect big plays on both sides of the ball in this 5A showdown.
Prediction: Neville 34, Evangel 24
Newman vs. St. Charles Catholic
No, Arch Manning isn’t walking back through Newman’s doors, but the Greenies field a talented roster under new head coach Aaron Vice. Senior running back Jake Randle (Tulane commit) will carry much of the load offensively.
St. Charles, coached by Wayne Stein – who has guided the Comets to two state championships, brings plenty of firepower of its own, including junior quarterback Landree LeBlanc and senior running back Skyler Edwards. This one has all the makings of a physical, old-school battle.
Prediction: St. Charles 24, Newman 17
Calvary vs. Oak Grove
If last year’s meeting was any indication, fans are in for a track meet. In 2024, Calvary outgunned Oak Grove 62-41, with quarterback Abram Wardell throwing for 417 yards and 7 touchdowns. Wardell may have graduated, but Calvary still boasts dynamic playmakers like Braylun Huglon, who makes an impact on both sides of the ball.
Oak Grove will counter with a stout defense anchored by Devin Franklin (UL commit) as they look to flip the script in 2025.
Prediction: Calvary 31, Oak Grove 20
Jena vs. Mangham
One of last season’s tightest matchups returns as Jena escaped with a 26-22 win over Mangham in 2024. The Giants went 10-4 last season, making a run to the state semifinals, and are looking to get over the hump in 2025.
Mangham, coming off a 9-4 season and a quarterfinal appearance, is hungry for revenge and has the firepower to push this one down to the wire again.
Prediction: Jena 35, Mangham 30
Ruston vs. Acadiana
A true powerhouse battle headlines the Week 1 slate. Ruston opens the season ranked as our #3 in 5A, while Acadiana sits at #10 in our preseason rankings. Both teams are loaded with Division I talent- Acadiana’s Darryus McKinley, an LSU commit, while Ruston counters with TE Ahmad Hudson and S Jayden Anding.
This week 1 matchup promises to be physical and full of playoff-caliber intensity.
Prediction: Ruston 24, Acadiana 14