REVEALED: 2024 Preseason Top Ten Teams in Class 3A
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
The Louisiana high school football season is nearly here, and it’s time to roll out the GeauxPreps preseason rankings for Class 3A! Don’t fret—rankings for the other classes will be released in the days ahead. Compiled by the dedicated GeauxPreps.com staff, these rankings give an early preview of the teams likely to make a deep run in 2024.
Don’t forget to explore each Team Page, where you’ll find schedules, district standings, standout players, and more. Plus, live scores will be available throughout the season on these pages.
#1 UNIVERSITY LAB
- 2023 Record: 11-2
- 2023 District Record: 6-0
- 2023 Division III (Select) Semifinalist
University Lab Team Page
To put it simply, University is one of the most talented teams in the state, if not the most talented. Can they put that talent to good use and bring home a state championship? We shall see… Coming off an 11-2 season with an appearance in the Division III Select Semifinal, the Cubs look to put it together and bring the trophy home to Baton Rouge. Leading the charge is LSU commit Keylan Moses, who showcased his versatility in 2023 with 482 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on offense, along with 69 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles on defense.
Second-year quarterback Emile Picarella is set to elevate his game even further after an impressive 2023 season where he threw for 34 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions, earning offers from schools like Arkansas State, Houston, Marshall, Pitt, and Akron. Senior Jayden Gloston brings his dual-threat capability as a defensive back and wide receiver, with offers from Texas Tech and Marshall. Anchoring both lines is the formidable Lamar Brown, who not only holds offers from LSU, Alabama, and others but also excels in the shot put. With this talent-rich roster, the Cubs are my pick to make it to the Dome in Division III.
#2 STERLINGTON
- 2023 Record: 11-2
- 2023 District Record: 6-0
- 2023 Division III (Non-Select) Semifinalist
Sterlington Team Page
After a strong 11-2 season and an undefeated 6-0 record in district play, Sterlington is aiming to return to the Dome this year. Despite the loss of key players, the Downs brothers (Dylan and Devyn), who transferred to Bastrop, the Panthers remain a formidable force. The backfield, led by Hagen Herring—following in the footsteps of his brother Hunter Herring—is poised for a breakout season. Head coach Lee Doty has expressed confidence in his offensive line, which will be crucial to the team’s success.
While many teams might view this as a rebuilding year, Sterlington’s consistent presence in the playoff hunt suggests otherwise. The key challenges will be navigating a tough early-season schedule and keeping the team focused and cohesive as they pursue another district title, a task made slightly easier with Union and Wossman no longer in the mix. A special thanks to Jake Martin at the Ouachita Citizen for his information in our Monroe area Q&A! Give him a follow for the upcoming football season for all your Monroe-area coverage.
#3 ST. JAMES
- 2023 Record: 11-3
- 2023 District Record: 3-1
- 2023 Division III (Non-Select) State Championship Finalist
St. James Team Page
The St. James Wildcats are hungry for redemption in 2024 after an impressive 11-3 season that saw them fall just short in the Division III (Non-Select) State Championship. Under the leadership of Head Coach LaVanta Davis, the Wildcats finished 3-1 in district play and are determined to make another deep playoff run. This season, they face a challenging schedule, with tough road games at Ponchatoula and St. Charles, as well as a highly anticipated home matchup against Archbishop Shaw. Despite the stiff competition, the Wildcats are focused on getting back to the Dome and avenging last year’s one-point loss in the state championship game to Union Parish. With a strong returning core and a chip on their shoulder, St. James is poised to be a contender once again.
#4 DE LA SALLE
- 2023 Record: 5-7
- 2023 District Record: 3-0
- 2023 Division II (Select) Regional Finalist
DE LA SALLE TEAM PAGE
The De La Salle Cavaliers are eager to build on a mixed 2023 season, where they finished with a 5-7 overall record but dominated their district with a perfect 3-0 mark, ultimately reaching the Division II (Select) Regional Final. After a narrow loss to E.D. White in that round, the Cavaliers are determined to push further in 2024. Led by Head Coach Graham, a proud De La Salle alum, the team is focused on taking the next step and making a deeper playoff run. With a renewed sense of purpose and a strong core returning, the Cavaliers are poised for a season of continued growth and success.
#5 MADISON PREP
- 2023 Record: 8-4
- 2023 District Record: 4-2
- 2023 Division II (Select) Regional Finalist
Madison Prep Team Page
The Madison Prep Chargers are gearing up for a challenging 2024 season after an 8-4 record in 2023 that saw them advance to the Division II (Select) Regional Final. With a district record of 4-2, the Chargers proved their resilience, but they’re aiming for even greater success this year. Leading the charge is Calvin Spears, a versatile Navy commit who is set to make an impact as a linebacker, kicker, and tight end. Madison Prep’s schedule is anything but easy, with a tough opening game against our #9 team in Class 5A, Dutchtown, followed by matchups against our #10 team in Class 3A, Parkview Baptist, a Southside squad coached by Jess Curtis, and a showdown with our top-ranked team in Class 3A, University Lab. With such a rigorous slate of games, the Chargers will need to be at their best to navigate the season and make a deep playoff run.
#6 AMITE
- 2023 Record: 7-5
- 2023 District Record: 3-1
- 2023 Division III (Non-Select) Quarterfinalist
Amite Team Page
The Amite Warriors enter the 2024 season with a blend of experience and potential, aiming to build on a 7-5 record that included a trip to the Division III state semifinals. Under the steady leadership of Head Coach Zephaniah Powell, the Warriors have been one of Louisiana’s most consistent programs, with two state championships (2018, 2021), a state runner-up finish, and multiple deep playoff runs. Despite graduating a talented senior class, Amite remains a formidable squad. Senior quarterback Jeremy Franklin returns to lead the offense, equipped with a trio of reliable receivers, including seniors Brandon Coleman and Jack Johnson, along with sophomore Braylen Taylor.
The running game will be powered by senior Malcolm Patrick, who will benefit from a massive offensive line anchored by future Division I prospects Hayward (330 pounds) and Wilson (320 pounds), along with 310-pound center Cole Sharkey. On defense, senior linebacker Earl Tillman, junior free safety/outside linebacker Cam Madison, and junior cornerback/athlete Frank Morgan are poised to be game-changers, providing the Warriors with a strong back seven. With this combination of talent and experience, Amite is set to continue its tradition of success. GeauxPreps.com contributor wrote a story about head coach Zephaniah Powell and his new lease on life, check it out here!
#7 LAKE CHARLES COLLEGE PREP
- 2023 Record: 5-7
- 2023 District Record: 2-3
- 2023 Division III (Select) Regional Finalist
Lake Charles College Prep Team Page
Lake Charles College Prep is preparing for a demanding 2024 season under the leadership of Head Coach Erick Franklin. With a tough schedule that includes a matchup against our #5 ranked team in Class 4A, Westgate, as well as games against Catholic-NI and other challenging opponents, the Trailblazers will need to be at their best to make a deep playoff run. Team captains Lamarion Armstead and Brenden Malveaux, both standout linebackers, will anchor the defense, while Careion Franklin, a dynamic defensive back, is expected to make plays in the back end. On the offensive side, the line will be fortified by captains Micah Louis and Gary Durriseau, providing protection and paving the way for a potent offense. With this leadership core and a rigorous schedule, the Trailblazers are positioned to be a formidable contender in the 2024 playoffs.
#8 JOHN F KENNEDY
- 2023 Record: 10-3
- 2023 District Record: 5-0
- 2023 Division II (Select) Quarterfinalist
John F Kennedy Team Page
The Cougars are poised for an exciting 2024 season after a strong showing in 2023, where they finished with a 10-3 record and a perfect 5-0 mark in district play, advancing to the Division II (Select) quarterfinals. Head Coach Lynarise Elpheage, former Tulane star, is focused on taking the team beyond the quarterfinals this year. The Cougars face a challenging schedule that includes matchups against top teams like Warren Easton, St. Paul’s, John Ehret, and our #4 team in Class 3A, De La Salle. With a solid foundation from last year and a rigorous slate of games ahead, John F. Kennedy is primed for a deep playoff run and is determined to push past the quarterfinal round to achieve greater success in 2024.
#9 JENA
- 2023 Record: 12-1
- 2023 District Record: 5-0
- 2023 Division III (Non-Select) Semifinalist
Jena Team Page
The Jena Giants are ready to build on their impressive 2023 season under Head Coach Jay Roark. With a remarkable 12-1 record and an undefeated 5-0 mark in district play, the Giants advanced to the Division III (Non-Select) semifinals. However, the team faces a significant challenge this year, having lost six starters on both offense and defense, including standout All-State running back Zerrick Jones. Despite these losses, Jena remains a strong contender with Roark’s proven leadership and a solid foundation of returning talent. The Giants will need to effectively integrate new players and adapt to the changes, but their track record suggests they are well-equipped to compete at a high level once again.
#10 PARKVIEW BAPTIST
- 2023 Record: 10-3
- 2023 District Record: 5-1
- 2023 Division III Select Quarterfinalist
Parkview Baptist Team Page
The Eagles are preparing for a competitive 2024 season following a strong 10-3 campaign and a run to the Division III Select quarterfinals last year. Under Head Coach Stefan LeFors, the Eagles will face a challenging schedule that includes a tough opener at Dunham, a visit to a new school in Prairieville, and key matchups later in the season against our #5 team in Class 3A, Madison Prep, and a highly anticipated showdown on October 25 with our top-ranked team in Class 3A, University Lab.
Senior Noah Graves is set to battle a Dunham transfer for the quarterback position. At wide receiver, All-State performer Brock Comeaux returns after a stellar season in which he racked up 46 catches for 1,075 yards and 15 touchdowns. With a blend of returning talent and new challenges, Parkview Baptist looks to continue its strong performance and make a significant impact in the 2024 season.
First Five Out: Bogalusa, St. Martinville, Abbeville, Northwest, St. Louis Catholic
Stay tuned for the remainder of our “Top 10” series as we move to Class 2A!