REVEALED: 2024 Preseason Top 10 Teams in Class 1A

August 21, 2024 |

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

With the Louisiana high school football season fast approaching, GeauxPreps is excited to reveal its preseason rankings for Class 1A! Curated by the GeauxPreps.com team, these rankings offer an early glimpse at the squads poised for a strong playoff push and a potential trip to the dome in 2024.

Don’t forget to visit each Team Page for schedules, district standings, players to watch, and more. Team Pages will also feature live scores throughout the season.

#1 SOUTHERN LAB

2023 Record: 12-1
2023 District Record: 4-0
2023 Division IV (Select) State Champions

Southern Lab Team Page

The 2024 Southern Lab Kittens, under the leadership of Head Coach Darrell Asberry, are coming off an impressive 12-1 season that culminated in a Division IV (Select) State Championship. Despite having a less experienced team this year, including a new quarterback who has been developing throughout the offseason and a young secondary, the Kittens maintain their high expectations to compete for another title.

The beginning stages of the season will be crucial in gauging their readiness. Mark your calendars for their matchups against Madison Prep and Kentwood, both of which promise to be “Game of the Week” contenders.

#2 RIVERSIDE

2023 Record: 12-2
2023 District Record: 4-0
2023 Division IV (Select) State Championship Runner-Up

Riverside Team Page

The 2024 Riverside Academy Rebels are coming off a strong 2023 season, finishing with a 12-2 overall record and an undefeated 4-0 district record. The team made it to the Division IV (Select) State Championship game but fell just short of claiming the title. Under the leadership of Head Coach Lee Roussel, the Rebels are determined to return to the Superdome and avenge their loss in the championship.

The 2024 season features a tough schedule, including matchups against our number 7 team in Class 2A, Newman, St. Thomas Aquinas, and our number 8 team in Class 1A, St. Martin’s Episcopal. The Rebels are poised for another deep playoff run and have their sights set on bringing home the state championship.

#3 KENTWOOD

2023 Record: 10-3
2023 District Record: 3-1
2023 Division IV (Non-Select) Semifinalist

Kentwood Team Page

The Kentwood Kangaroos enter the 2024 season with high expectations under the leadership of former All-State linebacker Cornelius Blount, who has served as the team’s offensive coordinator for the past decade.

The Kangaroos are coming off a strong 2023 campaign, finishing with a 10-3 overall record and a 3-1 district record, culminating in a deep playoff run as Division IV (Non-Select) Semifinalists. With Blount now at the helm, Kentwood looks to build on last year’s success and push even further in the postseason. The Kangaroos are ready to make another strong bid for a state championship.

#4 VERMILION CATHOLIC

Photo Courtesy: Michael DeMocker – Daily Advertiser

2023 Record: 12-1
2023 District Record: 6-0
2023 Division IV (Select) Semifinalist

Vermilion Catholic Team Page

The Vermilion Catholic Eagles are poised for another dominant season in 2024, following a stellar 2023 campaign that saw them finish with a 12-1 overall record and an unbeaten 6-0 district record. The Eagles advanced to the Division IV (Select) Semifinals, and they are determined to push even further this year. The schedule is packed with tough competition, beginning with our number 9 team in Class 2A, Catholic New Iberia, and our number 2 team in Class 1A, Riverside Academy, among others.

Leading the charge is quarterback Jonathan Dartez, who is set for a big year after accumulating 111 touchdowns and nearly 9,000 yards in his career. Dartez, who holds multiple All-State, All-District, and All-Parish honors, will be a key factor in Vermilion Catholic’s quest for a state title in 2024.

#5 ASCENSION CATHOLIC

2023 Record: 10-3
2023 District Record: 4-0
2023 Division IV (Select) Quarterfinalist

Ascension Catholic Team Page

The Ascension Catholic Bulldogs are entering the 2024 season under the leadership of new head coach Lowell Narcisse, who took over the program on June 15. Narcisse, a first-time head coach with a strong background, quickly got to work directing the team’s offseason program and assembling a skilled staff. Despite the late transition, Narcisse is confident in his ability to lead the Bulldogs to success, following in the footsteps of former head coach Chris Sanders, who guided the team to back-to-back Division IV Select state quarterfinals.

The Bulldogs are coming off a solid 2023 season with a 10-3 overall record and a perfect 4-0 district mark. The offense in 2024 will be centered around senior running back Chad Elzy, who was named the Class 1A Most Outstanding Offensive Player in 2023. Narcisse, who will call the offensive plays, is excited about the potential of his first offense under his leadership. “I’ve surrounded myself with a great staff, a lot of guys with a lot of playing experience,” Narcisse stated, confident in the team’s prospects. With a talented roster and a new leader at the helm, Ascension Catholic is poised for another deep playoff run this season. Read our profile on Ascension Catholic’s Lowell Narcisse by GeauxPreps.com contributor William Weathers.

#6 HAYNESVILLE

2023 Record: 13-2
2023 District Record: 6-0
2023 Division IV (Non-Select) State Runner-Up

Haynesville Team Page

The Haynesville Golden Tornados are gearing up for another strong season in 2024, following a 2023 campaign that saw them finish with a 13-2 overall record and an undefeated 6-0 district record. The Golden Tornado made it all the way to the Division IV (Non-Select) State Championship game, where they finished as runners-up.

Coach David Franklin’s squad returns a wealth of talent, including All-District standouts Jayden Green, Germerian Williams, Keizavion Woods, and Isaiah Washington. With this experienced core, Haynesville is poised to make another deep playoff run and has its sights set on bringing home the state title this season.

#7 LOGANSPORT

2023 Record: 11-2
2023 District Record: 4-0
2023 Division IV (Non-Select) Semifinalist

Logansport Team Page

The Logansport Tigers are set for another promising season in 2024, building on a strong 2023 campaign where they finished with an 11-2 overall record and an undefeated 4-0 district record. The Tigers advanced to the Division IV (Non-Select) Semifinals and are eager to go even further this year.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Kevin Magee, Logansport is not only focused on success on the field but is also nearing the completion of significant stadium upgrades. The improved facilities are designed to provide a first-class experience for both players and fans, adding extra excitement as the Tigers aim for a state championship run.

#8 ST. MARTIN’S

2023 Record: 9-2
2023 District Record: 4-1
2023 Division IV (Select) Quarterfinalist

St. Martin’s Team Page

The St. Martin’s Saints are primed for an explosive 2024 season, building on a strong 2023 campaign that saw them finish with a 9-2 overall record and a 4-1 district mark, with a Division IV (Select) Quarterfinal appearance. The offense is set to be a major force, with dynamic playmakers Harlem Berry (LSU Commit) and Ashton Oliver returning, along with the entire receiving corps. The offensive line, which features two returning starters, is expected to continue its improvement, providing a solid foundation for the high-powered attack.

Defensively, the Saints are aiming to surpass last year’s solid performance, with a more experienced and cohesive unit. Special teams will be a significant strength, with Harlem and Ashton taking on return duties. The Saints have one of the top kickers in the state, Cooper Helmke, who is expected to be a Division I signee. With talent across the board and a well-rounded team, St. Martin’s is poised for another deep playoff run in 2024.

#9 CENTRAL CATHOLIC

2023 Record: 9-4
2023 District Record: 5-1
2023 Division IV (Select) Quarterfinalist

Central Catholic Team Page

The Central Catholic Eagles, led by coach C.L. Grogan Jr., are nearing the 2024 season after a strong 2023 performance, finishing with a 9-4 overall record and a 5-1 district mark that led them to the Division IV (Select) Quarterfinals. Despite the loss of key players like Tylon Hollins (Southern University), Evan Picou, and Thomas Nini, the Eagles are set to remain competitive with a talented group of returning players.

Leading the charge is senior quarterback Benjamin Case, who is coming off a stellar season with 2,750 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. He’ll have a reliable target in senior wide receiver and defensive back Gregory Hamer, a versatile player with speed and size. Senior running back and defensive back Tate Fontenot, known for his quickness and agility, will also play a crucial role on both sides of the ball.

Central Catholic faces a challenging schedule, including key matchups against Catholic High-New Iberia and Riverside Academy. With a solid core of experienced players, the Eagles are poised for another strong season and aim to advance even further in the playoffs.

#10 CATHOLIC OF POINTE COUPEE

2023 Record: 7-5
2023 District Record: 5-1
2023 Division IV Non-Select Quarterfinalist

Catholic of Pointe Coupee Team Page

The Catholic of Pointe Coupee Hornets are gearing up for a promising 2024 season, building on the momentum from last year despite losing some key contributors. The offense is expected to take a significant leap forward in the second year of transitioning from a flexbone to a spread system. The running game, led by a dynamic running back working behind the best offensive line in District 5-1A, remains a strength. All eyes are on Jude Morrison, who is taking over at quarterback from four-year starter Hayden Elliott. If Morrison can elevate the passing game, the Hornets’ offense could be one of the most potent in Class 1A.

Defensively, Catholic PC returns its dominant front seven, which made it nearly impossible for opponents to run the ball last season. The only question mark lies in the secondary, where younger players will need to step up. If they can solidify this area, the Hornets could once again boast the best defense in the district. Two-way star Rory Lambert, a 6’5″, 315-pound force, is also drawing significant attention as his offer sheet continues to grow, with seven offers as of early July. With key players returning and potential in key areas, Catholic PC is poised for another strong season.

First Five Out: Opelousas Catholic, Ascension Episcopal, St. Frederick, Glenbrook, Jeanerette

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