REVEALED: 2024 Preseason Top Ten Teams in Class 2A

August 20, 2024

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

The Louisiana high school football season is just around the corner, and it’s time to unveil the GeauxPreps preseason rankings for Class 2A! Stay tuned, as Class 1A will be revealed tomorrow. Compiled by the GeauxPreps.com staff, these rankings provide an early look at the teams expected to make a deep playoff run and make it 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 CALVARY

2023 Record: 14-0
2023 District Record: 5-0
2023 Division III (Select) State Champions

Calvary Team Page

Calvary is poised to have the top offense in the state and is my pick to repeat as state champions. With quarterback Abram Wardell returning after an impressive season of 45 TDs and just 2 interceptions, the offense is in great shape. Wardell’s 78/6 TD-to-INT ratio and nearly 80% completion rate set the stage for a high-powered attack, supported by standout players like Texas commit James Simon, Air Force commit Julius Moss, and receiver Kolby Thomas, who caught the game-winning touchdown in last year’s state championship game.

The addition of LSU commit Devin Harper and WR Kaleb Tucker further boosts the offense. Calvary’s season opens with games against Oak Grove and Westgate, with a notable matchup against 5A Huntington later on. The defense, led by linebacker Cole Miller, cornerback Braylun Huglon, and Moss, is equally formidable, having honed their skills against top offenses in the state throughout the 2023 season. Despite winning the state title last year without Harper and only partially utilizing Simon, Calvary’s potential is even higher with these additions. The combination of Simon and Harper promises a dominant run game, making it tough for opponents to contain their offensive prowess. Special thanks to Joel Rodgers at 318 Sports for the assist in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Check out our Q&A previewing the 318 here!

As my former head coach at Loyola (Go Flyers) and 2023 Calvary quarterbacks coach, Steven Geter would say, ‘it’s the little things’ that matter the most, and Calvary will need to focus on those little things to repeat as state champions.

#2 LAFAYETTE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

2023 Record: 11-3
2023 District Record: 4-1
2023 Division II (Select) State Championship Runner-Up

Lafayette Christian Academy Team Page

The 2024 Knights are primed to pursue both District and State Championships, building on their 11-3 record and their status as Division II (Select) State Championship runners-up from 2023. With a rich championship pedigree, including four state titles and three runner-up finishes in the past seven seasons, the team is well-positioned to continue their winning tradition.

Despite key losses including top wide receivers Treanders Marzell (McNeese) and Trae Grogan (Louisiana Christian), cornerback Ty Lee (Southern), quarterback Ju’Juan Johnson (LSU), and defenders Sandy Lewis (McNeese), Sam Taylor (Blinn), and Melvin Hills (Texas), the team remains strong.

The top returners for the 2024 season will feature junior free safety Luke Green, with offers from Baylor and Liberty; sophomore cornerback Sky Ryan, drawing interest from Baylor, Grambling, and Southern; junior wide receiver Brayden Allen (Graceland offer); senior wide receiver Brennan Walker (Louisiana Christian, Graceland, Grinnell); senior cornerback Christopher Helaire (Graceland offer); and senior athlete Calvin Larker (Graceland offer).

With their potent offense, solid special teams, and depth in the secondary, Lafayette Christian Academy is set to make a strong push for another championship. GeauxPreps.com Contributor William Weathers covered the Knights and Assistant Coach Tyrell Fenroy earlier in the summer.

#3 NOTRE DAME

2023 Record: 9-4
2023 District Record: 5-0
2023 Division III (Select) Quarterfinalist

Notre Dame Team Page

For the 2024 season, Notre Dame is preparing under the leadership of Head Coach Lewis Cook, Jr., who has 401 career wins, placing him third in Louisiana history and among the top 20 active coaches nationwide. Coming off a solid 9-4 record in 2023, where they reached the Division III state quarterfinals but fell to St. Charles Catholic, the Pios are poised for a strong showing this year. Coach Cook, celebrating his 400th career win with a 49-14 playoff victory over Green Oaks in 2023, brings a wealth of experience, including five state championships and two stints as offensive coordinator at UL-Lafayette.

With St. Charles Catholic having moved to Division II, Notre Dame will not face them this season, but they will see the return of state powerhouse Lafayette Christian Academy to their District 6-2A and Division III playoff bracket after the Comets’ recent Division II success. The Pios’ 28th team under Cook promises to be a blend of seasoned talent and depth, ready to contend for top honors. Special thanks to GeauxPreps.com contributor, William Weathers, for the assist and his feature on Coach Cook here!

#4 UNION PARISH

2023 Record: 10-4
2023 District Record: 4-2
2023 Division III (Non-Select) State Champions

Union Parish Team Page

For the 2024 season, Union Parish is making a transition to Class 3A after an impressive 2023 campaign where they finished with a 10-4 record and clinched the Division III (Non-Select) State Championship. Under the guidance of Head Coach Joe Spatafora, the team is poised to leverage its recent success with a talented roster.

Key players for a return to the dome include receiver Chase Meeking, versatile offensive and defensive lineman Jousha May, senior linebacker Tyquereis Wilson, and dynamic quarterback Braxton Patterson. With a solid 4-2 district record from last season, Union Parish is set to build on its championship pedigree and compete in a new classification.

#5 OAK GROVE

2023 Record: 12-2
2023 District Record: 6-0
2023 Division IV (Non-Select) State Champions

Oak Grove Team Page

The 2024 Oak Grove Tigers are driven by a mindset of continuous improvement, aiming to be stronger despite the loss of standout players from the previous year. Under the guidance of Coach Ryan Gregory the Tigers are focused on leveraging their unique experience in key positions while integrating younger players into the lineup. Although they lost key contributors like James Harris (LB, Southeastern), Mark Alvizo (ULM), and Gunner Hale (ULM), the team is poised for a deep playoff run.

Players to watch include Louisiana Tech commit Jackson Bradley, versatile tight end JT Layton, who has offers from Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, ULM, and Houston, and 6’4 receiver Brodie Stuart. On the defensive side, Isaiah Joles and Tamarques Pritchard will play crucial roles, along with senior linebacker Seth Ray. With the combination of seasoned talent and emerging players, the Tigers are set to make another deep

#6 DUNHAM

2023 Record: 8-3
2023 District Record: 5-0
2023 Division III (Select) Regional Finalist

Dunham Team Page

For the 2024 season, the Dunham football team, led by Head Coach Neil Weiner, is ready to build on its strong foundation despite notable graduations. The team will miss key players such as lineman Louis Phillips, defensive lineman Malachi Jackson, athlete Drew Bourgeois, and wide receiver Jac Comeaux.

However, they are set to leverage a wealth of experience, with seven returning starters on defense and five on offense. The defense will feature veteran players in the secondary and linebackers, although they will need to overcome a lack of size on the defensive line by relying on speed and agility to disrupt opponents’ plays.

On offense, the Tigers will benefit from three returning starters on the offensive line, with two new starters expected to step up. Sophomore sensation Elijah Haven, who set records last year, will be a focal point, while first-year wide receiver Khris Thomas is poised for a breakout season. With a blend of experienced talent and emerging stars, Dunham aims to make a strong impact this year. Read GeauxPreps.com William Weathers contributor’s story on Elijah Haven, who was recently named the top quarterback in the 2027 class by 247Sports and On3.

#7 NEWMAN

2023 Record: 10-2
2023 District Record: 2-1
2023 Division III (Select) Semifinalist

Newman Team Page

The Newman Greenies, coming off a standout 2023 season with a 10-2 record and a Division III (Select) Semifinal appearance, are gearing up for another daunting campaign. With a strong 2-1 district record last year, Newman’s lineup is anchored by LSU commit Brett Bordelon, a 6’4″, 300-pound offensive powerhouse.

As the season kicks off, Newman faces an early test against our #2-ranked team in class 4A, St. Charles Catholic, a 2023 state championship participant, followed by a challenging matchup with Riverside and other tough opponents. Under the leadership of Head Coach John Stewart, the Greenies are poised to build on their recent success and tackle a demanding schedule head-on.

#8 OUACHITA CHRISTIAN

2023 Record: 11-2
2023 District Record: 3-0
2023 Division IV (Select) Semifinalist

Ouachita Christian Team Page

For the 2024 season, Ouachita Christian faces a significant transition with 16 lettermen departing from last year’s squad. Despite the loss of standout players like Tate Hamby, Ryder Bentley, Ben Devall, Noah Lovelady, and Zach White, the team retains 19 lettermen, including 4 offensive and 2 defensive starters. The offensive line will need to develop quickly as they replace four key players, while the defense, which lost 9 starters, will rely on players who can execute assignments with high energy.

Key returnees include Gavin Polk, a reliable kicker and punter; Cooper Russell, a versatile tight-end and middle linebacker; Luke Vidrine, a dynamic QB with over 2,200 passing yards last season; and John Turner, a disruptive DL. Micah Mosher and Aiden Eldridge also stand out, with Mosher’s impressive pancake blocks and Eldridge’s strong defensive presence. Under Head Coach Steve Fitzhugh, the team aims to harness the potential of these returnees to navigate a challenging season ahead.

#9 CATHOLIC HIGH – NEW IBERIA

2023 Record: 8-3
2023 District Record: 4-1
2023 Division III (Select) Regional Finalist

Catholic High – New Iberia Team Page

The 2024 Catholic High-New Iberia squad, under Head Coach Matthew Desormeaux, looks poised to be a contender with 10 of 14 skill players returning on both sides of the ball. However, the team faces a critical challenge with new starters on the offensive and defensive lines.

The lines have the potential to become a team strength if they can develop and gel quickly. Key returning players include Jaiden Mitchell, a standout WR with 53 receptions for 910 yards and 12 touchdowns; Luke Landry, the experienced QB who threw for 1,830 yards and 19 TDs last season; and Bennett Boudreaux, a reliable kicker who hit 30/31 extra points and was 3/6 on field goals in 2023.

On defense, Bennett Woodring and JD Hidalgo bring experience at the linebacker position, while Tristan Lewis and Chris Green offer consistency in the secondary. As the team works to solidify its new line units, they will look to leverage their returning talent in running-back Owen Morris to achieve their ambitious goals for the season.

#10 MANGHAM

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

Mangham Team Page

Under the leadership of Head Coach Scott Wilcher, the Mangham Dragons are gearing up for a challenging 2024 season, determined to break through and reach the state championship. With a rich history and a lone state title dating back to 1956, the Dragons are eager to bring another championship home to Mangham.

Having made it to the semifinals in 2020 and 2022 and reaching the quarterfinals last year, the team is focused on taking that next step. Their path won’t be easy, as they face a tough schedule, including matchups with our #9 team in Class 3A, Jena, the reigning state champion Oak Grove, and the always formidable Ouachita Christian, among others. As they prepare to navigate this challenging slate, the Dragons are setting their sights on a deep playoff run and a shot at the title.

First Five Out: Many, Welsh, Loreauville, Kinder, Homer

Stay tuned for the remainder of our “Top 10” series as we move to Class 1A!

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