Louisiana High School Football Preview: Ruston Bearcats at Airline Vikings
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
After a considerable delay to the start of the regular season, high school football in Louisiana will finally kick off with an eight-game schedule during the weekend of October 1-3. One big 5A matchup during opening week will take place in Bossier City as the Airline Vikings host the Ruston Bearcats.
In 2019, Ruston finished 7-6 and reached the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs where they were defeated by Zachary (35-27). Airline, on the other hand, had one of the best seasons in school history as the Vikings finished 10-3 also making it to the quarterfinals where they were taken down by eventual champion Acadiana (34-7). Both teams have playoff aspirations again in 2020 and are looking to kick off the new campaign with a victory.
Ruston Bearcats
The Bearcats are led on offense by 4-star senior running back Ke’Travion Hargrove (6’0”, 195). Hargrove returns after rushing for 1,537 yards and 20 touchdowns on ground while also snagging 17 passes for an additional 460 yards and six more scores through the air. Another weapon on offense is Hargrove’s partner in the backfield, senior Deontre Griffin. The 6’0”, 200-pound, playmaker rushed for 726 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019 and is looking to put up even better numbers during his senior season. Seniors Richard Page (6’3”, 285) and Jeb White (6’2”, 275) are the leaders of the Bearcat offensive line.
Up front on defense, Ruston is led by senior Jalen Pengar who spends time at defensive end and linebacker and senior defensive tackle Samuel Andrews (6’2”, 270). Senior Jordan Williams (5’11”, 200) racked up over 100 tackles last year and is a player to watch at the linebacker position.
Fred Manning Jr.
Airline Vikings
The Vikings are led by senior quarterback Alex Garcia (6’0”, 185), who threw for 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns during his junior season. The playmaker in the backfield is senior running back Rovelle Young (5’11”, 205). Rovelle rushed for 631 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2019. Seniors Jackson White (5’11”, 240) and Daimian McDowell (5’10”, 230) will be the anchors of the offensive line.
The front seven of the Vikings defense will be led by senior lineman Devarrick Woods (6’3”, 275) and senior linebacker Fred Manning Jr (6’1”, 190). Manning racked up 84 total tackles including seven for a loss and two forced fumbles in 2019. The only other returning starter on defense is junior free safety Tracy Hudson. One up and coming talents who is looking to make big plays and start 2020 is junior linebacker Willie Sanders III (5’10”, 205).
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Airline LB Fred Manning Jr
Photo credit: The News Star; Ruston RB Ke’Travion Hargrove