Revealed 2024 Preseason Top Ten Teams in Class 4A
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
The Louisiana high school football season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to unveil the GeauxPreps preseason rankings for Class 4A! Remain calm, the remaining classes will be revealed in the coming days. The rankings, compiled by the GeauxPreps.com staff, offer an early look at the teams expected to make a strong run in 2024.
Be sure to check out each Team Page for schedules, district standings, players to watch, and more. Team Pages will also feature live scores throughout the season.
#1 ST. THOMAS MORE
- 2023 Record: 14-0
- 2023 District Record: 5-0
- 2023 Division II Select) State Champions
St. Thomas More Team Page
After an undefeated 2023 campaign that concluded with a second consecutive state championship, The St. Thomas More Cougars are aiming to go back-to-back in 2024. However, the Cougars will need to replace 41 seniors who played a pivotal role during their time in Lafayette, including the quarterback position, which was held by one of those seniors. Now, it will be up to senior Matt Parker or junior Cole Bergeron to take the reins. The four-game stretch to start the season will be a significant test for the Cougars, as they open on the road at Carencro, followed by home games against Catholic High-BR and Acadiana, before traveling to Neville. One thing is certain about Jim Hightower’s squads—they won’t back down when tested.
#2 ST. CHARLES CATHOLIC
- 2023 Record: 13-1
- 2023 District Record: 3-0
- 2023 Division III (Select) State Championship Runner-Up
St. Charles Catholic Team Page
St. Charles Catholic has established itself as a perennial powerhouse, having played in the state championship game for the last five seasons and securing victory in two of them. Their loss in the 2023 state championship only adds fuel to their fire as they prepare for a return in 2024. Competing in Division II Select will present new challenges, with formidable opponents like St. Thomas More, Lafayette Christian, Shaw, and Teurlings on the horizon. The Comets will need to replace 16 starters on both offense and defense, but their younger players bring valuable experience to the table. The 2024 schedule is daunting, kicking off with our No. 7 ranked team in 2A, Newman, followed by our No. 8 ranked team in 4A, Lutcher, and then our No. 6 ranked team in 2A, Dunham. Head coach Wayne Stein and the Comets face a tough road ahead, but given their past resilience, you can almost pencil them into the dome—and I probably will again this year.
#3 ARCHBISHOP SHAW
- 2023 Record: 10-3
- 2023 District Record: 3-0
- 2023 Division II (Select) Semifinalist
Archbishop Shaw Team Page
The 2024 Archbishop Shaw Eagles are primed for a strong season, returning 60 lettermen and 98% of their offensive production. With eight starters back on offense, including the district MVP quarterback, Mason Wilson, and their leading rusher Jasper Parker, and leading receiver Jacob Washington, both committed to Michigan, the Eagles’ offense should be even better this year. However, the defense will face challenges, particularly in the secondary, where they lost all four starters, each of whom had two years of experience. The rest of the defense is expected to improve, though, and the team also returns their two-year All-District punter and kicker, who boasts an 83% touchback rate and averages 40 yards per punt. Head Coach Hank Tierney, a seasoned veteran, has a unique connection within the program, having coached three generations of the Richard family, including current senior and starting slotback Gavin Richard, his father Chad Richard in 2000, and Gavin’s grandfather, Scott Richard in 1978. The Eagles and Coach Tierney have the potential for a deep playoff run, especially with the firepower provided by Parker and Washington on offense.
#4 NORTH DESOTO
- 2023 Record: 11-2
- 2023 District Record: 7-0
- 2023 Division II (Non-Select) Semifinalist
North DeSoto Team Page
The North DeSoto Griffins are gearing up for their 2024 campaign, led by junior quarterback Luke Delafield, who has an impressive 23-4 record as a starter. Delafield has helped the Griffins come tantalizingly close to a title, with a trip to the dome in 2022 and a semifinal appearance in 2023. This year, the Griffins are determined to kick down the door and bring a state championship to Stonewall. Their high-tempo offense, which has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, will be spearheaded by senior Cole Cory, one of the state’s top receivers over the last two years.
Head Coach Dennis Dunn enters his sixth season with the Griffins, prepared to lead his team on another deep playoff run. A key game to watch will be their Week 4 district showdown against rival Northwood, always a close and fierce contest, and one of the best local rivalries in North Louisiana. Beyond the dynamic Delafield-Cory duo, look for junior running back Kenny Thomas, who showcased his speed with a 4.42 laser-timed 40 at LSU camp, to be a crucial part of the offense. Wideouts Chaz Martinez and Miller Warren are also expected to shine in this fast-paced system, ensuring the Griffins continue to put up big numbers on the scoreboard. This could be the year North DeSoto finally brings home the championship. A special thank you to our friend Joel Rodgers of 318 Sports for his insight into the Griffins. Give him a follow as he’ll have the 318 covered all season long.
#5 WESTGATE
- 2023 Record: 7-5
- 2023 District Record: 2-3
- 2023 Division I (Non-Select) Regional Finalist
Westgate Team Page
The 2024 Westgate Tigers are poised for another strong season, returning 16 lettermen, including eight starters on both sides of the ball. While they lost key players like Demyrion Johnson, now at LSU, and Andre Williams, who will be suiting up at Northwestern State, the Tigers have a wealth of talent ready to step up. Among the standout players is Jaboree Antoine, ranked No. 8 among safeties in the 2025 class by Rivals. Antoine’s playmaking ability in the secondary will be critical for the Tigers’ defense. The team also has Mississippi State commit Davian Jackson, a versatile athlete who can make an impact on both sides of the ball. Spida Lively, a linebacker committed to the University of Central Arkansas, adds strength to the Tigers’ defense, while 6’5″ defensive lineman Evan Bryant, headed to Grambling, provides a dominant presence up front.
Westgate’s schedule includes a tough stretch in the early part of the season. Week 2 will see them travel to Calvary, followed by back-to-back home games against LCA and Teurlings in Weeks 3 and 4. The Tigers will then hit the road again in Week 5 to face St. Thomas More. This challenging lineup will test the Tigers but with their returning talent and depth, they are more than capable of rising to the occasion. The Tigers are determined to build on their success and make a deep run in the playoffs.
#6 OPELOUSAS
- 2023 Record: 11-4
- 2023 District Record: 2-2
- 2023 Division II (Non-Select) State Champions
Opelousas Team Page
Opelousas is set to embark on a journey to become the first repeat state champion in the Class 4A/Division II non-select bracket since Karr’s impressive four-year title run from 2016 to 2019. The Tigers seem poised for this challenge with a roster filled with top senior talent. Head coach, Jimmy Zachery, emphasizes player development as key to their success, noting that the team’s ability to execute techniques at a high level has drawn the attention of colleges all over the country. The defense, which returns eight starters, will be a cornerstone, led by Ole Miss linebacker commit Corey Amos, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound four-star prospect. The defense also features standout senior linebacker Travis Esprit, who anchors the unit, and defensive ends Jamarion Daughtery and Jonathan Ford. Ford is also a standout on the offensive side of the ball, rushing for more than 2,000 yards a year ago and ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the state title game. Offensively, Opelousas will rely on their veteran players, including senior quarterback Malveaux, who has offers from multiple colleges, and wide receiver Korey Fontenot, a 1,000-yard receiver last season. Despite needing to develop their offensive line, the Tigers’ experience and talent make them strong contenders for another championship run. Special thanks to GeauxPreps.com contributor William Weathers for his great feature on Opelousas!
#7 CECILIA
- 2023 Record: 12-2
- 2023 District Record: 4-0
- 2023 Division II (Non-Select) State Championship Runner-Up
Cecilia Team Page
Cecilia enters the 2024 season with a solid core of around 20 returning lettermen, including 7 offensive starters and 5 defensive starters, positioning the Bulldogs for another strong campaign. Offense remains the team’s strength, led by standout senior free safety and wide-receiver BJ Gordon, a ULL commit who recorded 137 tackles last season, and junior Braylon Calais, a versatile talent with offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Miami. On the line, Christian Menard, a senior with interest from Air Force and Northwestern State, will anchor the offense. Despite losing key players like Landon Dekerlegand, Corey Broussard (Louisiana Christian), and Jonathan Boudreaux, the team remains dangerous, particularly on special teams, known for their ability to return kicks and block punts. The defense, though undersized, will be tough to prepare for, and the young place kicker shows promise. The October 25 rematch against their 2023 state championship rival looms large on the schedule, as Cecilia looks to avenge last year’s loss and solidify their place as one of the top teams in the state.
#8 LUTCHER
- 2023 Record: 8-3
- 2023 District Record: 5-1
- 2023 Division I Regional Quarterfinalist
Lutcher Team Page
The 2024 season for the Lutcher Bulldogs carries special significance, as senior Zach Jenkins steps into the starting quarterback role, hoping to lead his team to a state championship—a victory that would place Lutcher among an elite group of schools with double-digit state titles. The Bulldogs are driven by the memory of their 2023 season, which ended in the Division II non-select state quarterfinals with a 26-10 loss to eventual state champion Opelousas. Jenkins, who was a key running threat last season with 321 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, will take over for the graduating Quinn Smith, who threw for 1,101 yards. As Jenkins takes the reins, he faces a challenging schedule that includes tough matchups against St. Charles in Week 2 and E.D. White in Week 8. The season promises to be a meaningful journey for the Bulldogs, with Jenkins aiming to leave a legacy alongside his father, capped by a potential state championship. GeauxPreps.com contributor William Weathers chronicled the Jenkins journey here!
#9 TEURLINGS CATHOLIC
- 2023 Record: 9-4
- 2023 District Record: 3-2
- 2023 Division II (Select) Semifinalist
Teurlings Catholic Team Page
The 2024 season presents a formidable challenge for head coach Dane Carpentier and the Teurlings Catholic Rebels as they navigate a demanding schedule. The Rebels kick off their campaign with a tough road game at Opelousas, followed by a matchup against Westgate, the #5 team in the preseason rankings, and then face the top-ranked St. Thomas More on the road. After a strong 2023 season that saw them reach the semifinals, the Rebels are determined to take the next step and break through to the state championship game this year.
One of the team’s key strengths lies in their offensive line, particularly on the left side with the Perry brothers, Gresham and Drake. Gresham, who took over the starting left tackle spot in 2022, has developed into one of the state’s top linemen. His dominance in the run game, coupled with his fierce playing style, mirrors the same ‘mean streak’ his father, Adam, exhibited. GeauxPreps.com contributor William Weathers highlighted this connection in a heartfelt story, emphasizing the impact Adam’s legacy has had on Gresham’s development. With the Perry brothers anchoring the line and a high-scoring offense ready to perform, Teurlings Catholic will need to bring their best every week as they aim to solidify their place among the state’s elite and make a deep playoff run.
#10 E.D. WHITE
- 2023 Record: 11-1
- 2023 District Record: 4-0
- 2023 Division II Select Quarterfinalist
E.D. White Team Page
The E.D. White Cardinals are coming off a stellar 2023 season, where they dominated district play with an impressive 11-1 record. Under the leadership of Coach Kyle Lasseigne, the Cardinals are eager to build on that success and make a strong push for their first state championship since 1969. The 2024 season presents a challenging schedule, starting with tough matchups against Holy Cross and Jesuit, and culminating in a highly anticipated game at Lutcher on October 18th. With a focus on continuing their winning ways, E.D. White is determined to rise to the occasion and make a deep playoff run.
First Five Out: Assumption, Wossman, Leesville, Northwood-Shreveport, Belle Chasse.
Stay tuned for the remainder of our “Top 10” series as we move to Class 3A!