Monsters of the Game: Louisiana’s Scariest Players
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
Happy Halloween! As the spookiest day of the year unfolds, Louisiana high school football is packed with players who could send shivers down anyone’s spine.
These student-athletes don’t just play the game; they haunt the field with bone-crushing tackles and game-changing moves.
From intimidating defensive linemen to electrifying playmakers, these guys bring a whole new meaning to the term “scary.” So grab your treats and get ready to meet the most spine-chilling players in Louisiana high school football!
Ben Taylor – Airline – Among Louisiana’s scariest players this season is Airline’s own Ben Taylor, a quarterback who’s been haunting defenses all year. With a chilling 3,019 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions, Taylor has led Airline to an undefeated 8-0 record. Known for his accuracy and ability to strike fear into any secondary, Taylor is more than just a playmaker—he’s the nightmare opponents hope to wake up from.
Jonathan Dartez – Vermilion Catholic – Vermilion Catholic’s Jonathan Dartez is the player defenders dread facing. Known for his scary runs, Dartez has racked up a terrifying 1,734 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, leading his team to an undefeated 8-0 record. With his speed and elusiveness, he leaves defenders haunted by missed tackles and broken plays. Dartez doesn’t just run the ball—he strikes fear into any defense unlucky enough to face him.
Xavier Ford – Leesville – No one brings more fear to the field than Leesville’s Xavier Ford. With 2,121 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Ford surpassed 100 career touchdowns last week—a haunting milestone for any defense he faces. Known for his ability to break open any play, Ford is the Wampus Cats’ game-changer, turning each snap into a nightmare for his opponents.
JT Lindsey – Alexandria – Alexandria’s JT Lindsey is a name that sends chills down the spine of every defense in Louisiana. An LSU commit with 1,305 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, Lindsey has been instrumental in leading his team to an 8-0 record. Known for his power and speed, he’s a true nightmare for any opponent who dares to get in his way. When Lindsey steps onto the field, defenders know they’re in for a frightening night.
Kenny Darby – Airline – The Airline Viking’s Kenny Darby is the wide receiver every defensive back fears. With 63 receptions for 1,202 yards and 18 touchdowns, Darby has been terrorizing secondaries all season. His speed and ability to make big plays make him a true nightmare on the field, and defenses can only hope to contain him. Facing Darby is like stepping into a haunted house—you never know what kind of scare he’ll deliver next.
TaRon Francis – Edna Karr – Edna Karr’s TaRon Francis is the big-bodied receiver every defense is spooked by. Standing at 6’1″ with strong hands and a powerful presence, this LSU commit has helped lead his undefeated team with relentless playmaking ability. Known for his size and strength, Francis is nearly unstoppable in contested catches—and a defender’s worst nightmare.
Gresham Perry – Teurlings – Teurlings Catholic’s offensive tackle Gresham Perry is a colossal presence on the field. The Tulane commit stands tall, helping lead the Rebels to a haunting 8-0 record. With his strength and skill, Perry creates nightmares for opposing defenses, paving the way for his backs. As the playoffs loom, he looks to keep the Rebels undefeated.
Brett Bordelon – Newman – Brett Bordelon of Newman is a force to be reckoned with on the field. An LSU commit, Bordelon is crucial to the Greenies’ 6-0 record, using his size and skill to dominate opponents. With his terrifying tenacity and strong play, he strikes fear into defensive lines, ensuring Newman remains a state championship contender. As they head into week 9 , Bordelon is ready to conjure up another victory.
Jaboree Antoine – Westgate – Jaboree Antoine, a Miami commit, has been a nightmare for opponents as a versatile force, playing corner, safety, and quarterback. With his team at 5-2, his game-changing talent was crucial to their success. Unfortunately, an injury has sidelined him, leaving a significant void. Facing Antoine was like encountering a ghost—you couldn’t escape his impact.
Aidan Anding – Ruston – Ruston’s Aidan Anding is every receiver’s worst nightmare. An LSU commit and lockdown cornerback, Anding was key to Ruston’s state championship run last year and is now determined to lead his 6-2 team back for another title. Known for his suffocating coverage and game-changing plays, Anding doesn’t just defend—he haunts the passing lanes, making opponents think twice before throwing his way.
Blaine Bradford – Catholic-BR – Catholic High’s Blaine Bradford is a linebacker who sends shivers down the spine of every offense. Standing at 6-1 and 200 pounds, he’s a fearsome presence. Known for his pursuit, Bradford flies downhill like a ghost, diagnosing plays faster than a witch’s spell. He haunts ball carriers with every tackle. With Catholic High sporting a 6-1 record, Bradford is ready to unleash his prowess and make any offense think twice before crossing his path.
Aiden Hall – Edna Karr – Edna Karr’s Aiden Hall is a defensive back who strikes fear into opposing offenses with his versatility. He excels at safety and nickel, covering ground from sideline to sideline. Hall can match up with larger offensive play-makers, making him a nightmare for receivers. With Edna Karr sitting undefeated at 8-0, Hall is ready to bring an instinctive, haunting presence to the field on every play.
Keylan Moses – University Lab – Keylan Moses is a linebacker who scares opponents as soon as he steps on the field. An LSU commit, Moses haunts the field as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker, making bone-crushing tackles every game. He’s not just a defensive force—he’s also a special teams monster, pulling off a fake punt touchdown this season. Plus, with the ability to carry the ball as a running back, he adds even more terror to his already frightening skill set. With University Lab at 7-1, Moses is poised to unleash his haunting presence on a Division III State Championship game.
Corey Amos – Opelousas – Opelousas linebacker Corey Amos is a force to be reckoned with, sending chills through opponents. A 2023 state champion and Ole Miss commit, Amos stands tall at 6’2″ and 200 pounds, making plays all over the field like a ghostly apparition. With Opelousas surging at 4-3 and aiming for a repeat championship, Amos’s relentless pursuit and knack for big plays make him a nightmare for any offense.
Richard Anderson – Edna Karr – Edna Karr defensive lineman Richard Anderson looms large on the field, striking fear into the hearts of opposing offenses. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 320 pounds, Anderson is a presence on an undefeated Edna Karr team with an 8-0 record. His size and strength make him an asset in the trenches, where he disrupts plays and collapses the pocket. As the team aims for a state championship, Anderson remains a figure in Karr’s defensive prowess. With each snap, he embodies the nightmare any offense hopes to avoid.
DK Mays – Central – Central’s defensive-end DK Mays is a towering force on the field. The 6’4″, 250-pound Houston commit has transformed into a nightmare for opponents. His strength and speed has helped Central to a 7-1 record. As the playoffs approach, Mays aims to unleash his haunting prowess, making him a player that every opponent dreads to face.