By james art This is what Friday nights are made for. And yes, some Thursdays too.
There are rivalry games, a few big games we didn’t expect and maybe an upset or two. Don’t forget about the annual horror over what the final LHSAA power ratings might look like.
Yes, Baton Rouge, Week 9 is coming in hot starting Thursday night. That’s when Class 3A’s top-ranked varsity (7-1, 4-0) puts its seven-game winning streak on the line against No. 10 Madison Prep (5-3, 4-0) in a District 6- 3A at Memorial Stadium.
Next, The Dunham School (7-0, 4-0), ranked third in 2A, hosts No. 7 Episcopal (7-1, 4-0) for a District 8-2A blockbuster game between two longtime rivals on Friday night.
While the Cubs-Chargers rivalry is relatively new, it has become a notable one for two teams that traditionally make deep playoff runs.
U-High has won 13 straight district games since losing to Madison Prep in 6-3A play two years ago. MPA’s QB Tylan Johnson and U-High’s Emile Picarella meet again.
The Episcopal-Dunham series has had its share of drama. Three years ago, the Knights rallied from a 17-point deficit to edge Dunham 44-40.
This week marks the 30th time the Knights and Tigers have faced off. The fact that Dunham’s Elijah Haven is the nation’s top QB prospect for 2027 and EHS; Reid Chauvin is a 1,000-yard rusher, adds more buzz.
Main events may appear to be limited to teams in Class 3A and below. Appearances can be deceiving.
In District 4-5A, seventh-ranked Zachary (6-1, 3-0) travels to Central (7-1, 2-1) for a key District 4-5A game. A Bronco win would likely set the stage for the season finale against No. 5 Catholic High (6-1, 3-0) in Week 10 Thursday.
There is unfinished business in both Districts 5-5A and 6-4A this week.
Let’s start with Plaquemine at Istrouma in 6-4A. A year ago, Istruma (7-1, 5-1) started the season strong and trailed. The Indians beat the Green Devils a year ago in a district opener.
Plaquemine (7-1, 6-0) has won seven in a row since losing to Zachary back in Week 1. The Indians have won five in a row since losing their district opener to St. Michael.
Istruma has since added a new starting quarterback in Frank Alexander, who became eligible after sitting out a year as a transfer.
Plaquemine’s Tyrese Mosby is a top zone rusher and Istrouma’s Kyree Paul is a top playmaker, which should put pressure on the defense.
And speaking of pressure – how about District 5-5A? This district could once again finish in a three-way tie for the title with Dutchtown (6-1, 3-1), St. Amant (5-2, 3-1) and Walker (5-3, 3-1).
This week, Walker plays rival Denham Springs (5-3, 2-2), while Dutchtown travels to East Ascension (3-5, 2-2) and St. Amant travels to Prairieville (1-7, 0-5).
Around the boot
The family of Benton QB Malachi Ziegler took to social media to thank those offering prayers and support following the scary injury in Friday’s home game against CE Byrd.
Benton coach Reynolds Moore told the SBC Advocate that Ziegler hit his head on the turf after being sacked and was transported to Ochsner LSU Health for tests and observation. Ziegler has offers from Arkansas and Baylor.
• Defending unseeded Division I champion Ruston, the No. 3 seed, dropped its second straight game Friday night. Sixth-ranked Alexandria defeated the Bearcats 40-36 on Friday night.
• Former Ascension Catholic, Liberty and Plaquemine head coach Drey Trosclair was relieved of his duties as Thibodaux’s head coach prior to the Week 8 non-district win over McMain. The Tigers are now 4-3.
I’m rolling
With a 50-14 win over North Iberville on Thursday night, third-ranked Class 1A Ascension Catholic (6-1, 3-0) has won 24 straight in the district.
The last district loss for the Bulldogs was in 2018. Southern Lab beat ACHS 22-19 that year.