By james art Class 5A-4A
1. Catholic (6-1): The Bears are rolling with four straight wins now – this time with a big win over Scotlandville in District 4-5A.
2. Zachary (6-1): More of the same for the Broncos. A solid 4-5A win over Woodlawn was their fifth straight since a Week 2 loss to Acadiana.
3. Lutcher (7-0): The Class 4A Bulldogs did their hard work in District 8-4A. Now is the time to fine tune for the playoffs.
4. Central (7-1): A big 4-5A game with Zachary looms on the horizon. The Wildcats could derail plans for a Week 10 matchup between Zachary and Catholic.
5. Plaquemin (7-1): Seven straight wins for the Green Devils, win can lock up the 6-4A title with a road win over Istruma this week.
6. St. Amant (5-2) and Walker (5-3): All tied up again? Walker’s big win over Dutchtown last week makes another 5-5A three-way tie with Dutchtown and St. Amant possible.
8. Istruma (7-1) and Dutchtown (6-1): Istrouma can force a 6-4A tie at the top with a win over Plaquemine. Meanwhile, Dutchtown need a win after losing for the first time this season.
10. Denham Springs (5-3): The Yellow Jackets look to play 5-5A spoiler when they host rival Livingston Walker on Friday night.
Looking from the outside: Brusly, East Ascension, St. Michael, West Feliciana, Woodlawn.
Class 3A and below
1. University (7-1): Another week and another big win for the Cubs, who have won seven in a row in a 6-3A matchup with Madison Prep.
2. Dunham (8-0): It’s on this week. The Tigers host rival Episcopal with the District 8-2A title hanging in the balance.
3. Ascension Catholic (6-1) and St. James (5-2): Class 1A Ascension Catholic looks to clinch its 25th straight district win and the 8-1A title Friday against White Castle. Class 3A St. James has won four of its last five and needs two more wins to clinch the 7-3A title.
5. Episcopal (7-1): Bragging rights, an 8-2A title and a possible rise in the power rankings are on the line for the Knights against Dunham this week.
6. Madison Prep (5-3): Can the Chargers have U-High where they want them? Madison Prep has won five straight and is the last team to beat the Cubs in 6-3A in 2022.
7. Catholic-PC (8-0) and Southern Lab (4-3): Two 1A teams looking to end the streak. Catholic-Pointe Coupee earned regional and state confidence with a win over St. Edmond last week in 5-1A. Southern Lab ended a three game losing streak with a huge win over 9-1A rival Kentwood.
9. Parkview Baptist (4-4): Yes, the Eagles lost to the No. 1 U-High. But with two games remaining in 6-3A, Parkview has a chance to build toward the playoffs.
10. Slaughter Charter (5-2): Give credit to the knights. They are established as the No. 3 team in 8-2A in their first season in Class 2A.
Looking from the outside: Baker, Donaldsonville, North Iberville, Port Allen, White Castle.