GeauxPreps Impact Players from Week 5: Standout Performances Across Louisiana
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
Week 5 saw some big-time performances from players all across Louisiana. Quarterbacks were slinging it, making huge throws when their teams needed it most, while running backs and receivers broke off some game-changing runs and catches. On the defensive side, linebackers and DBs were locking it down with clutch tackles and key turnovers. These impact players really stepped up, helping their teams grab those all-important wins as we head deeper into the season.
Jonathan Dartez – Vermilion Catholic
Jonathan Dartez of Vermilion Catholic has been named the Week 5 GeauxPreps Offensive Player of the Week after a record-breaking performance in his team’s 49-34 victory over Riverside Academy.
The standout quarterback accounted for 598 total yards of offense and seven touchdowns.
Dartez completed 6-of-13 passes for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also dominating on the ground with 40 carries for 371 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns, averaging 9.3 yards per carry.
His rushing total set a new single-game school record, surpassing his previous mark of 359 yards, and his 598 total yards also set a new school record for total offense in a single game.
Landon Lemaire – Erath
Erath’s Landon Lemaire had a monster game in their 21-20 win over Westlake, earning him GeauxPreps impact player recognition.
The standout free safety recorded 11 tackles, including several crucial solo stops, and was a nightmare for Westlake’s passing game, snagging two interceptions with 20 return yards.
Lemaire also broke up three passes and forced two key fumbles, making his presence felt all over the field.
His clutch performance helped seal a nail-biting victory for Erath in Week 5.
Jarvis Davis Jr. – Airline
Airline High School’s Jarvis Davis Jr. put up an incredible performance in their 69-68 victory over Captain Shreve.
Davis was unstoppable in the passing game, hauling in 15 receptions for 271 yards and 2 touchdowns.
He also contributed on the ground with 2 rushes for 8 yards and another score.
Davis’ ability to make big plays throughout the game was a key factor in Airline’s high-scoring win and showed why he’s one of the top receivers in the state.
Xavier Ford – Leesville
Xavier Ford with seven (7) touchdowns vs Benton on Friday night in their 48-28 victory.
A note from our friend Chaston Tavares (@chaston_tavares) on X: Ford needs 1 touchdown to tie and 2 touchdowns to surpass Cecile Collins for career touchdowns at Leesville.
Cecil Collins had 93 touchdowns, and Xavier has 92.
Braylon Brown – Terrebonne
Braylon Brown of Terrebonne High School has been named the Week 5 GeauxPreps Defensive Player of the Week following his key role in a 30-21 victory over Destrehan.
The standout cornerback recorded 7 total tackles and made a crucial interception that he returned 47 yards for a touchdown.
Brown’s defensive efforts were instrumental in slowing down Destrehan’s offense, and his interception helped shift momentum in Terrebonne’s favor during the game.
His outstanding performance contributed significantly to the Tiger’s win, securing his recognition as the top defensive player of the week.
Za’Kyrin Howard – West St. John
Za’Kyrin Howard delivered a fantastic performance for West St. John in their 52-32 victory over East Iberville.
The hard-hitting linebacker racked up 18 total tackles, constantly swarming to the ball and making his presence felt on every play.
Howard also tallied 3 sacks and kept the opposing offense off-balance all night. His relentless effort and game-changing plays were key in West St. John’s win.
Nate Sheppard – Mandeville
The Duke commit is having an absolutely absurd season.
He has 27 total touchdowns through 5 games. In their 42-0 victory over Northshore, Nate had 15 carries for 306 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Special thanks to Pete Vicknair for the following stats, Nate has 20 rushing touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns, 4 special teams touchdowns, and one defensive touchdown.
Kylin Wheeler – Rayne
Rayne’s wide receiver Kylin Wheeler had an all-around performance in their win over Northside, showing off his versatility and big-play ability.
Wheeler rushed for 52 yards on 8 carries and hauled in 3 catches, totaling 261 all-purpose yards.
He found the end zone 3 times, including an electric 82-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
His dynamic performance was key in Rayne’s victory, proving Wheeler is a game-changer whenever he touches the ball.
Kenny Darby – Airline
Kenny Darby was a crucial factor in Airline’s 69-68 shootout victory over Captain Shreve, catching four touchdown passes in the high-scoring affair.
Darby consistently came through with big plays, helping Airline keep pace in the back-and-forth battle.
His ability to find the end zone and make clutch receptions was pivotal in securing the win for Airline in one of the most exciting games of the 2024 season.
Jase Campbell – East Ascension
Jase Campbell was a defensive powerhouse in East Ascension’s 18-14 win over Live Oak, dominating the line of scrimmage with a standout performance.
The defensive lineman recorded 8 total tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, totaling 5 yards lost.
Campbell also added 1 sack and forced a fumble, making his presence felt on every play.
His relentless effort was key in keeping Live Oak’s offense in check and helping secure the victory 18-14 win over Live Oak.