REVEALED: 2024 Preseason Top Ten Teams in Class 5A
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
The Louisiana high school football season is almost here, that means it’s time to unveil the GeauxPreps preseason rankings for Class 5A! Don’t worry, the remaining classes will be here in the coming days. The rankings are compiled by GeauxPreps.com staff and offer an early glimpse into the teams poised to make a run in 2024.
Check out each Team Page for their schedule, district standings, players to watch and more. Team pages will also have live scores throughout the season.
#1 RUSTON
- 2023 Record: 14-0
- 2023 District Record: 5-0
- 2023 Division I (Non-Select) State Champions
Ruston Team Page
We caught up with Jake Martin, award-winning sports writer, earlier in the summer in our Monroe-Area preview. Ruston is gearing up for another deep run in the playoffs with an extremely tough schedule. Jake had this to say about Ruston’s upcoming campaign: 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.
#2 EDNA KARR
- 2023 Record: 10-2
- 2023 District Record: 5-1
- 2023 Division I (Select) Semifinalist
Edna Karr Team Page
In our New Orleans Area Football preview with Crescent City’s Ken Trahan, he had this to say about Edna Karr’s upcoming season: “Karr will have a real shot at winning the Division I Select title this season. The Cougars have to be better and more consistent up front, as we saw against Acadiana, and they have the players and experience for that to occur this season. This looks like the best Karr team since the 2019 state championship team. There is size and there is speed. There is experience and there is fine coaching. The key will be surviving a brutal district and a very tough schedule.” Ken is correct in saying Karr’s schedule will be a tough one. At Warren Easton, at John Curtis, and at home against Rummel will be a tall task but Brice Brown’s squad will be up for it.
#3 CATHOLIC HIGH – BATON ROUGE
- 2023 Record: 12-2
- 2023 District Record: 5-0
- 2023 Division I (Select) State Champions
Catholic High Team Page
Coming off of a state championship win over Acadiana, Catholic High looks to reload and reshape their offense. The Division I Select’s Most Outstanding Player, Daniel Beale, has moved on to ULL, and Catholic High moves on to a new quarterback or quarterback(s). Over the summer, GeauxPreps contributor William Weathers covered the quarterback battle. Baylor Graves and Turner Goldsmith look to continue the quarterback tradition at Catholic and bring home another state championship for the Bears.
To support the quarterbacks, the Bears will bring back standout receivers Cohen LeBlanc and Amari Clayton. CHS also returns two of the best defensive backs in the state, Jacob (2025) and Blaine (2026) Bradford. They’ll need that defense to be strong because the 2024 slate is not an easy one. Hudson Fuller’s crew faces a challenging stretch with matchups against St. Thomas More on September 12, U-High on September 20, and West Monroe on September 27, ensuring they’ll have their hands full.
#4 JOHN CURTIS
- 2023 Record: 8-3
- 2023 District Record: 4-2
- 2023 Division I (Select) Quarterfinalist
John Curtis Team Page
During our Q&A Segment with Ken Trahan of Crescent City Sports, he reminded us, John Curtis is simply, John Curtis. They’ll always be excellent and always be a threat to win the Division I Select State Championship. “The big key is replacing a brilliant quarterback in Dagan Bruno and finding stability with a host of new offensive linemen,” says Ken. The defense is both experienced and loaded with talent, providing a solid foundation for the team. A.J. Smith, who previously excelled on the defensive side, is transitioning to become the feature running back.
However, true to Curtis’ philosophy, the team is expected to distribute the workload across the backfield. On offense, Xavier Brown and Juan Washington are reliable and capable targets at receiver, adding depth to the passing game. At quarterback, Reggie Johnson and Drake Mason will share the responsibilities, offering versatility and different skill sets to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
#5 ZACHARY
- 2023 Record: 12-2
- 2023 District Record: 4-1
- 2023 Division I (Non-Select) State Championship Finalist
Zachary Team Page
After a trip to the Superdome in 2023, Coach Brewerton and this Zachary team look to return in 2024. With quarterback Caleb Gonzales stepping into the starting role after splitting time last season, the Broncos offense hopes to not miss a beat. Gonzales impressed in 7-on-7 competitions over the summer, and though the Broncos won’t have current LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green this year, they’re not lacking in firepower with Jaiden Cockerham and Kristion Brooks leading the receiving corps.
The expectation to win remains high, but the players embrace it with confidence rather than pressure. And why not? Head Coach David Brewerton has led Zachary to an impressive 117-20 record over the past 10 seasons, a testament to the program’s consistent excellence. Shoutout to the Louisiana High School Hall of Famer, Robin Fambrough, for that stat on Coach Brewerton.
#6 ACADIANA
- 2023 Record: 11-3
- 2023 District Record: 8-0
- 2023 Division I (Select) State Championship Finalist
Acadiana Team Page
The Wreckin’ Rams are poised for another run as they return almost twenty starters from their state semi-final team. Acadiana’s offense is poised for another strong season, returning key players like quarterback Caden DiBetta, running back Jonah Gauthier, and standout receiver Russell Babineaux. On the defensive side, Darryus McKinley aims to build on his family’s legacy, following in the footsteps of his brother Dominick, while the secondary remains solid with the return of Keeman Thibodeaux and the Noel siblings, Braylon and Dalyn. The Wreckin’ Rams will face an exciting and challenging start to their season with a tough three-game stretch against Ruston on the road, followed by home matchups against Zachary and St. Thomas More. Acadiana is my pick to make it back to the Dome and win the trophy this year.
#7 DESTREHAN
- 2023 Record: 11-1
- 2023 District Record: 6-0
- 2023 Division I (Non-Select) Quarterfinalist
Destrehan Team Page
The Wildcats are gearing up for another promising season under head coach Marcus Scott, with a team loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jackson Fields is a standout, bringing a strong arm to an offense that thrives on balance, with a potent running game complementing his passing abilities. The Wildcats are not only fast but also deep at wide receiver, giving Fields plenty of options. His main option will most likely be recent LSU commitment, Phillip Wright III. With “Olympic-level” speed, according to Coach Scott, Wright is set to have one of the most impressive seasons in the state.
Both the offensive and defensive lines are formidable, with size and physicality. On defense, the Wildcats boast speed and talent, highlighted by LSU commit Jhase Thomas at safety. With such a well-rounded roster, Destrehan is expected to be a serious contender for the Division I Non-Select title, living up to the high expectations surrounding the program.
#8 NEVILLE
- 2023 Record: 8-2
- 2023 District Record: 4-0
- 2023 Division I Regional Finalist
Neville Team Page
Under first-year head coach Mike Collins, Neville Football is ready to bounce back and exceed last season’s playoff expectations. The defense is anchored by defensive linemen and TCU commit Brody Whatley, but it’s the secondary that truly stands out. Cam Riley, a ULL commit, Julian Burns, with multiple SEC offers, and Robert Graves, whom Collins calls “the best player on the team,” form a daunting unit for opposing quarterbacks.
The Tigers are loaded with talent at the skill positions on both sides of the ball, and if they can solidify their quarterback situation, they’ll be a force in the new District 2-5A. With Jaylon Nichols returning at tailback, Neville is poised to make a serious run this year. Thanks to our friend Jake Martin at the Ouachita Citizen for his scoop on the 2024 Tigers.
#9 DUTCHTOWN
- 2023 Record: 11-2
- 2023 District Record: 4-1
- 2023 Division I (Non-Select) Semifinalist
Dutchtown Team Page
In 2023, Dutchtown enjoyed the school’s most productive season. The Griffins shared the District 5-5A title with Walker and advanced to the school’s first Division I state non-select semifinal, falling 31-28 in overtime to Zachary. Replacing 13 starters will be the biggest challenge for the Griffins in 2024. However, having track-speed running back LaKedrin Harvey back in the backfield and Northwestern State commit Andrew Fields on the outside will provide a significant boost.
The defense is expected to be a standout feature, led by Joshua Lewis, a Missouri commit, who totaled 50 tackles with eight stops for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble in 2023. Lewis, along with a talented defensive line, is poised to set a strong tone for the team’s defensive efforts in 2024. This defensive strength, combined with crucial playmakers on offense, could help Dutchtown navigate the season’s challenges and make it to the school’s division I state championship game.
#10 WEST MONROE
- 2023 Record: 8-3
- 2023 District Record: 4-1
- 2023 Division I Bi-District Finalist
West Monroe Team Page
“There’s a lot of excitement around West Monroe this offseason,” says Jake Martin of the Ouachita Citizen. The Rebels have gotten a boost in athleticism with several basketball players joining the football team. This infusion of talent should enhance both the secondary and in spots on the offensive side of the ball. The Rebels defensive front seven remains strong, with key pieces such as defensive end Tyler Roark and linebacker Parker Todd. The offensive line, led by Ty George, has the potential to be a major asset, and the running back group brings considerable experience.
The main uncertainty lies at quarterback: Jake asks the question “Will Ryder DeJean rise to the occasion, or will younger players like Brady Guillot or Luke Vallery emerge as leaders?” West Monroe faces a unique challenge this season with a schedule that includes six road games, a rarity not seen in over 30 years, according to former player and announcer Rick Guillot.
If you haven’t figured it out, our man Jake Martin knows a thing or two about high school football in the Monroe area. Again, thanks to him for his contribution to the site.
First Five Out: Carencro, Rummel, Brother Martin, Central, Evangel. All of which can absolutely make a run at a state championship. Stay tuned for the remainder of our “Top 10” series as we move to Class 4A!