Louisiana High School Football 4A Quarterfinals Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Twitter: @charlie_cds3

It was an exciting Friday night in 4A playoff action as eight teams punched their ticket to the quarterfinals while eight other teams finished their season in agony of defeat. Two top seeds that were upset in the second round included No. 6 Leesville who lost No. 11 Rayne and undefeated No. 3 seed Benton who suffered a home defeat to No. 14 seed Cecilia.

Only five of the top 10 seeds remain in the bracket, however those teams should not sleep on Rayne, No. 12 Woodlawn and Cecilia.

Fans around the state are eager to find out who will rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the 4A state semifinals.

Louisiana 4A State Quarterfinal Matchups

No. 8 Northwood Falcons (10-2) at No. 1 Edna Karr Cougars (11-1)

In the second round, Northwood destroyed Salmen 47-6 while Edna Karr took down Carver 40-35. Northwood is making their first ever quarterfinal appearance but will have a tough task to make the semifinals as they must travel all the way from Shreveport to New Orleans to take on Edna Karr. The Cougars are the defending 4A champions and are looking to win another title.

The Falcons high-powered offense is led by sophomore quarterback Luke Bogan who threw for 227 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s win. One of Bogan’s favorite targets is senior wide receiver Lacedric Smith who caught three passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns and also spent some time on the defensive side of the ball. Another wide receiver who played some defense was Trayon Jones Jr., who snagged two interceptions. Jones also had an impact on offense pulling in four passes for 102 yards with a score. Sophomore Detraveon Brown had two receiving touchdowns on four passes caught for 82 yards.

Edna Karr was led last week who by quarterback Skylar Perry who threw for 178 yards and had four touchdown passes including the game winner with 2:23 remaining in the game. Perry can also make big plays in the rushing game. Another player to watch on the Cougars is offensive lineman Titus Jones who has committed to Memphis.

No. 4 Warren Easton Eagles (9-2) at No. 12 Woodlawn Knights (9-3)

Last Friday, Warren Easton shutout North DeSoto 54-0 while Woodlawn edged out Belle Chasse 14-13. Warren Easton has yet to give up any points in their two playoff games and will now have to travel to Shreveport from New Orleans to take on an explosive Knight offense.

The Eagles made quick work of North DeSoto, a district rival of Woodlawn, led by quarterback Lance LeGendre. LeGendre threw for 206 yards, had 34 rushing yards, and accounted for four total touchdowns in the win. Running back Ashaad Calyton chipped in with 74 rushing yards and a score.

Woodlawn was led in their second round win by senior running back Trivensky Mosley who ran for 246 yards and scored both of the Knights’ touchdowns. On the Knights offense, watch for quarterback Kentrez Roby and athlete Larry Moton.

No. 14 Cecilia Bulldogs (8-4) at No. 11 Rayne Wolves (9-2)

In the second round, Cecilia squeaked past Benton 23-21 while Rayne routed Leesville 28-7. This will be a great battle between two hot teams who are separated by just 30 miles. The atmosphere will be electric as fans of both teams will pack the stands.

Cecilia was led in their upset of Benton by quarterback Lance Lalonde and wide receiver Kaleb Carter. Lalonde threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns while Carter snagged nine passes for 218 yards and one touchdown.

The Wolves obtained their victory by relying on the legs of Darien Harmon and Trent Winbush as both scored a rushing touchdown. Harmon finished with 96 rushing yards while Winbush finished with 136 yards.

No. 7 Neville Tigers (8-3) at No. 2 Lakeshore (12-0)

Last Friday, Neville got past McDonogh 35, 14-3, while Lakeshore dominated Tioga, 40-19. Neville has won two out of the last three 4A state title and has made the championship game three years in a row, however they have a tall task ahead as they have to travel almost four hours to battle Lakeshore. Lakeshore is trying to continue their undefeated season and make a run at the state championship.

Neville escaped the second round by coming up with big plays both offensively and defensively. Running back DeMaine Riley led the way with 107 rushing yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Lakamion Franklin had two sacks, recovered a fumble and blocked a punt to spear head the Tigers to the quarterfinals.

Lakeshore’s two playmakers, Chris Penton and Max Lowery, helped Lakeshore continue their magical season. Penton threw for 204 yards, rushed for 62 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. Lowery chipped in with 168 rushing yards and a touchdown.

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Photo credit: The Shreveport Times; Northwood QB Luke Bogan