GeauxPreps Impact Players from Week 1: Standout Performances Across Louisiana
by Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
In Week 1, standout players across Louisiana high school football left their mark with remarkable performances. From record-breaking quarterbacks to defensive stalwarts, these student-athletes continue to impress under the Friday (sometimes Thursday) Night Lights. Here’s a look at our top impact players from week one.
Abram Wardell – Calvary
Abram Wardell delivered a stellar performance for Calvary, throwing for 417 yards and 7 touchdown passes in a victory over Oak Grove. His precision and ability to find the end zone were key in the high-powered offensive showcase. Wardell’s Touchdown to touchdown-to-interception ratio is now 85-6, certainly the best in the state.
Josh Brantley – Ruston
Josh Brantley led Ruston High School to a 35-27 victory over Acadiana, amassing 351 passing yards and throwing for 4 touchdowns. His poise and leadership on the field were instrumental in outdueling a tough opponent, keeping Ruston’s offense firing on all cylinders.
Drew Bailey – Sam Houston
Drew Bailey put on a remarkable display of offensive firepower, running 310 yards and 6 touchdowns in a high-scoring 56-41 victory over Leesville. His ability to light up the scoreboard helped his team pull away late in a shootout against another great running-back.
Elijah Haven – Dunham
Dunham quarterback Elijah Haven made history with a record-setting night, accounting for 6 total touchdowns in a 46-0 rout of Parkview Baptist. With this performance, Haven broke the school’s all-time passing touchdown and total touchdown records, cementing his legacy at Dunham.
Blaine Bradford – Catholic-BR
In pouring rain, Catholic High battled to a gritty 23-20 victory over Destrehan, thanks to the key contributions of the #17 player in the Rivals250 for the class of 2026. His all-around was critical, especially in securing the last-second victory.
Gresham Perry – Teurlings Catholic
Teurlings Catholic pulled off a 21-14 upset over the defending state champion Opelousas, largely due to the dominant play of Gresham Perry on the offensive line. The Tulane commit bulldozed defenders on the left side, paving the way for the win and helping control the game’s tempo.
Ben Taylor – Airline
Ben Taylor had a career night for Airline, throwing for 490 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 52-49 shootout win over Barbe. His explosive performance in the high-scoring affair demonstrated his ability to lead his team under pressure, coming through when it mattered most.
Xavier Ford – Leesville
Xavier Ford went toe-to-toe with the previously mentioned Drew Bailey in another shootout, matching him with 311 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns of his own. Although Ford’s efforts weren’t enough to secure the win, his standout performance for the Wampus Cats promises a strong rebound in the next game.
Brian Broussard Jr. – St. Thomas More
Brian Broussard Jr. was the defensive hero for St. Thomas More, securing four crucial interceptions in their narrow 21-20 victory over Carencro. His ball-hawking skills helped shut down Carencro’s offense and preserved the victory in a tight contest.
J.T. Lindsey – Alexandria
Lindsey was a force on the ground, rushing for 178 yards and a touchdown in the Trojans’ commanding 44-7 win over West Feliciana. The LSU commit also contributed with a 25-yard touchdown reception, showcasing his versatility as a dynamic offensive threat.