by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

We had the opportunity to catch up with Jake Martin, the award-winning sports writer, Ouachita Citizen Sports Editor, and KMLB Morning Drive Co-Host, to discuss the upcoming high school football season and the top teams to watch in the Monroe area. Jake offered his insights on the challenges and expectations facing Ruston, West Monroe, Neville, Sterlington, and Ouachita Christian. We discussed how Ruston is handling the pressure to reload after their impressive run last season, the excitement at West Monroe, and key contributors at Neville. Jake also shares his thoughts on Sterlington’s backfield, tough schedule, and the new star emerging at OCS. His analysis highlighted the competitive landscape of Monroe-area football and what fans can anticipate as these teams take the field this year.

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Ruston:

• Ruston had an impressive run last season. How are they managing the pressure to reload and aim for another state championship this year? Additionally, what are your thoughts on Ruston’s ambitious schedule this year, which includes challenging out-of-state opponents like Longview, Midland Legacy, and Stephenville?

Jake: Jerrod Baugh is arguably his own critic, so when I asked him the other day about some positives the Bearcats have had this offseason, it was met with a long sigh. He finally caved and revealed that Aidan Anding and Zheric Hill were doing a great job of leading this team, and you’ve always got a chance when your best players are your best leaders. Anding is the only starter back in the secondary, which is concerning, but he’s a bonafide superstar with his recruitment heating up between Texas and LSU. This year’s bunch will actually be flipped from last year. Many expected the defense to carry the team early on, as the offense found its footing. The opposite might be the case this year with Tulane commit Joshua Brantley back at quarterback and Jordan “The Jet” Hayes returning alongside him in the backfield. They’ve got to replace some studs in the front seven with LSU’s Ahmad Breaux, Louisiana Tech’s Jaden Mayfield and Tulane’s Geordan Guidry no longer around. And as for that schedule, that’s just what Baugh does. Several years ago he made a point to make the most difficult schedule in the state, and he’s continued that trend ever since. 

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West Monroe:

• West Monroe has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and with Kevin Davis officially taking over the squad after his interim tag was removed in November of last year, what are your thoughts on the 2024 team under his leadership? Additionally, West Monroe faces a daunting schedule this season. How do you think they will navigate?

Jake: There’s a lot of excitement around West Monroe this offseason because they’ve gotten a boost in athleticism with several basketball players coming out to play football. That should help them tremendously in the secondary and in spots on offense. The Rebels were pretty stout in the front seven last year, and some of those major pieces like Tyler Roark (DE) and Parker Todd (LB) are back. The offensive line has a chance to be really good with Ty George leading the way, and they return a lot of experience at running back. The biggest question with this team revolves around the quarterback position. Is Ryder DeJean ready to step up and lead this team or will a younger player like Brady Guillot or Luke Vallery take charge? West Monroe’s schedule is unique because it features six road games. I asked play-by-play announcer Rick Guillot, who played on some of the best West Monroe teams in school history, when the last time that had happened, and he estimated over 30 years ago. 

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Neville

• What key contributors do you see emerging for the Tigers in the 2024 season, and how pivotal will Brody Whatley’s role be in leading Neville football this season?

Jake: Brody Whatley is no doubt a key player for this defense and this team, but I’m really fired up for this secondary. Cam Riley is a ULL commit, Julian Burns has multiple SEC offers and Robert Graves is “the best player on the team,” according to Mike Collins. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Their skill positions are going to be dangerous on both sides of the ball, but much like West Monroe, they have to figure out the quarterback situation. If Neville gets solid quarterback play this year, especially with Jaylon Nichols returning at tailback, the Tigers will more than belong in the new District 2-5A. 

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Sterlington

• As we look ahead to the 2024 season, what are the key factors you believe will drive Sterlington’s success, and how do you anticipate the team to evolve to meet the challenges of a competitive schedule?

Jake: The Panthers are in a transition period due to the Downs brothers (Dylan and Devyn) transferring to play football at Bastrop, but that doesn’t mean Sterlington can’t be good. I really like their backfield, which is spearheaded by Hagen Herring (Hunter Herring’s little brother) and Lee Doty believes in his offensive line quite a bit. Any other team, I’d argue this is a rebuild season, but Sterlington is always in the hunt. The challenge will be managing a tough schedule early on and keeping the team together for a district title chase that got easier with Union and Wossman moving out of it. 

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Ouachita Christian

• Ouachita Christian had a strong run to the semi-finals last year, setting a high bar for this season. As the team gears up for the new year, what are the expectations for their performance? Additionally, are there any key players or emerging talents who could play a pivotal role in OCS’s success?

Jake: Just like Sterlington, OCS would be in a rebuild year if it was another school. This team lost seven starters on offense and nine starters on defense. That’s tough to replace, but this is OCS. And this squad should benefit from Luke Vidrine coming back at quarterback after emerging as a weapon for this offense last season. A name to watch out for is undoubtedly Makin Lenard. He got some reps behind Zach White last season at tailback, and we saw how fast he was, especially when he got the edge. He’s going to make some big plays for the Eagles this year. You can never count OCS out, but now that the Eagles are back in the same district with Oak Grove, it’s hard to call the Eagles the favorite in District 2-2A. 

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As we wrap up our preview of the 2024 Monroe-area football landscape, it’s clear that this season holds great promise and challenge. Ruston’s quest for another state championship will hinge on navigating a rigorous schedule and key leadership from standout players like Aidan Anding and Joshua Brantley. West Monroe, with Kevin Davis at the helm, faces a formidable schedule but benefits from renewed athleticism and depth. Neville’s success may very well depend on Brody Whatley’s leadership and the development of emerging talents in their secondary. Sterlington, despite the loss of key players, remains a contender with a strong backfield and the ability to adapt to their competitive schedule. Lastly, Ouachita Christian will need to overcome roster changes, relying on emerging talents like Makin Lenard and returning quarterback, Luke Vidrine, to continue their tradition of excellence.

Stay tuned as we preview more teams in the Monroe area as well as preview different areas of the state!