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5 Big Louisiana HS Semifinal Matchups: The Massey Ratings (and Jerit's Take)

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5 Big Louisiana HS Semifinal Matchups: The Massey Ratings (and Jerit's Take)


High school football stadiums around Louisiana will host their final games of the season Friday.

Thirty-two teams will back in eight divisions for 16 spots in the Caesars Superdome for next week’s Prep Classic.

The semifinal slate is loaded with exciting matchups, and we’ll look at five of the most intriguing, including players to watch and predictions from the Massey High School Rankings and myself.

No. 4 Catholic-Baton Rouge (11-0) at No. 1 Edna Karr (11-0)

Division-I Select

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Friday, 7 p.m., at Morris F.X. Jeff Stadium (Jerit will be covering from the sidelines)

Massey Rankings: No. 5 vs. No. 1

Last week: Catholic beat No. 5 Archbishop Rummel, 14-7. Edna Karr beat No. 8 St. Thomas More, 42-14.

Players to Watch: 2025 Edna Karr DL Corey Adams Jr. (Ole Miss), 2026 Edna Karr DL Richard Anderson (LSU), 2025 Edna Karr LB Arsenio Bolds Jr., 2026 Catholic S Blaine Bradford, 2025 Catholic DB Jacob Bradford (LSU), 2025 Edna Karr DB/LB Tyrik Brigalia, 2025 Catholic WR Amari Clayton (Nicholls State), 2025 Edna Karr WR TaRon Francis (LSU), 2026 Edna Karr DB Aiden Hall (LSU), 2026 Edna Karr DB Hayward Howard Jr., 2026 Edna Karr QB John Johnson Jr., 2025 Catholic DB Cayden Jones, 2025 Catholic WR Cohen LeBlanc, 2027 Catholic RB Jayden Miles, 2025 Edna Karr WR Oliver Mitchell Jr. (Tulane), 2025 Catholic RB Rylan Parker, 2026 Edna Karr DB Torrence Sanders, 2025 Catholic OT Ervin Smith (Louisiana Tech), 2025 Edna Karr WR Daejawn Smith, 2026 Catholic OT Blaise Thomassie, 2026 Edna Karr DB Maurice Williams Jr.

Recent History: Catholic won a 2022 quarterfinal, 32-24, at BREC’s Memorial Stadium to hold Edna Karr out of the semifinals for the only time this decade.

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Massey Prediction: Edna Karr (80%), 41-21.

Jerit Thoughts: Two of the state’s top few teams in any classification. The undefeated top team vs. the reigning champion. Edna Karr vs. Catholic (Baton Rouge) matchups through the years have consistently been epic battles — aside from a lopsided Bears win in Baton Rouge in 2019. This year, the Cougars have rolled through just about every opponent in their path in dominant fashion. But win or not, that type of margin feels unlikely in this matchup. That said, Edna Karr has little-to-no weakness from a talent standpoint and is the best team in the state when it avoids its own miscues. Junior quarterback John Johnson has been exceptional, and his cast of weapons speaks for itself when you look at Wednesday’s signing day celebrations of wide receivers TaRon Francis (LSU), Oliver Mitchell Jr. (Tulane) and Daejawn Smith (Louisiana Tech). Catholic figures to bring a battle to town. But slowing down the Cougars’ full spread of firepower or keeping up with it against a stacked Karr defense for four quarters in Algiers might prove too tall a task this year.

No. 5 Union Parish (9-4) at No. 1 St. James (9-2)

Division-III Non-Select

Friday, 7 p.m., at St. James Wildcat Stadium

Massey Rankings: No. 55 vs. No. 45

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Last week: Union Parish beat No. 4 Kinder, 44-14. St. James beat No. 9 Pine, 26-7.

Players to Watch: 2027 St. James DB Jye Blain, 2025 Union Parish RB Derrick Dew, 2028 St. James QB Ja’Juan Jackson, 2027 St. James RB/DB Kendrick Joseph Jr., 2026 St. James RB Kani King-Young, 2025 Union Parish WR/DB Chase Meeking, 2025 St. James LB Chaidyn Parker, 2027 Union Parish QB Braxton Patterson, 2026 Union Parish DE/TE Ari Slocum, 2025 Union Parish DL Tyreon Traylor, 2026 St. James WR/ATH Jakias Villanueva, 2025 St. James DB Garry White, 2025 Union Parish LB Tyquereis Wilson (Mississippi Valley State), 2025 St. James DB Jarrell Williams, 2026 St. James WR Kanye Zenon, 2026 St. James LB Nolan Zenon.

Recent History: Union Parish beat St. James, 36-35, on a late two-point conversion in last season’s state title game. St. James won a 2019 semifinal at home, 25-14.

Massey Prediction: St. James (59%), 27-21.

Jerit Thoughts: A rematch of a 2023 state championship game couldn’t be left of the list. And the home Wildcats will be itching to host the Farmers in Beautiful Downtown Vacherie after last season’s heartbreak. The story on St. James is youth, but talent and depth in that youth, and the group has continued finding its way toward its annual goal — regardless of age or experience — of reaching the Superdome. Union Parish is meanwhile in its sixth straight semifinal and has already shown time and time again its ability to get back to not only this point, but also to the Superdome regardless of its roster turnover with any given senior class. Friday figures to be physical and intense in the River Parishes, but I’m giving the edge to the home team in a relative toss-up.

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No. 18 Cecilia (10-3) at No. 6 Plaquemine (12-1)

Division-II Non-Select

Friday, 7 p.m., at Plaquemine’s Andrew Canova Green Devil Stadium

Massey Rankings: No. 26 vs. No. 35

Last week: Cecilia beat No. 7 North DeSoto, 57-40. Plaquemine beat No. 14 Opelouas, 35-22.

Players to Watch: 2025 Cecilia OL Ryker Airhart, 2026 Plaquemine ATH Dajon Beloney, 2026 Plaquemine DB/LB Roderick Bingham, 2027 Cecilia ATH Braylon Calais, 2026 Cecilia WR Jermaine Davis, 2027 Cecilia DB Franky Frank Jr., 2025 Cecilia DB/WR Brent Gordon Jr. (Ragin’ Cajuns), 2026 Cecilia LB Braylon Jones, 2025 Cecilia OL Christian Menard, 2025 Plaquemine RB Tyrese Mosby, 2025 Cecilia QB/ATH Diesel Solari, 2025 Cecilia WR/ATH Ellis Stewart, 2025 Plaquemine QB Nico Victorian, 2027 Plaquemine ATH John Walker V.

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Recent History: Cecilia won a 2007 non-district game, 34-8.

Massey Prediction: Cecilia (62%), 42-35.

Jerit Thoughts: Both of these teams have been underrated much of the season and explosive as all get-out most Friday evenings. No one looks like to completely stop either one particularly consistently, so which one can come up with the more timely stops could ultimately determine this one. And Cecilia appears to have the greater depth of firepower and versatility on offense to cope with, more experience in games of this magnitude and a field general in Diesel Solari that is one of the toughest, most dynamic players in the state. Expect the Bulldogs to scrap their way back to the Superdome, even if it gets a thrilling battle from the Green Devils in front of what figures to be a raucous home crowd.

No. 7 Catholic-New Iberia (11-1) at No. 3 Calvary Baptist (10-2)

Division-III Select

Friday, 7 p.m., at Jerry Barker Stadium

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Massey Rankings: No. 40 vs. No. 22

Last week: Catholic (New Iberia) beat No. 2 Isidore Newman, 31-0. Calvary Baptist beat No. 6 Episcopal (Baton Rouge), 52-10.

Players to Watch: 2025 Calvary Baptist OL Devin Harper (LSU), 2027 Calvary Baptist DB Braylun Huglon, 2025 Catholic (New Iberia) QB Luke LeBlanc, 2025 Calvary Baptist LB Cole Miller, 2026 Calvary Baptist S Luke Miller, 2025 Catholic (New Iberia) WR/DB Jaiden Mitchell, 2025 Calvary Baptist S/RB Julius Moss (Air Force), 2025 Calvary Baptist DL Ethan Sands, 2025 Calvary Baptist RB James Simon (Texas), 2025 Calvary Baptist WR Kaleb Tucker (Texas Southern), 2025 Calvary Baptist QB Abram Wardell, 2025 Catholic (New Iberia) LB Bennett Woodring, 2025 Catholic (New Iberia) ATH Jake Wyman.

Recent History: The teams have met three times, with the winner going on to a state championship each time. Catholic (New Iberia) got the best of a second-round game, 49-28, on its way to a 2017 title, while Calvary Baptist won the 2014 championship game, 27-24, and a 2013 semifinal, 34-33.

Massey Prediction: Calvary Baptist (80%), 40-20.

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Jerit Thoughts: The games between these schools have been historically fun, and this year’s teams enter the matchup with booming momentum on each side. Don’t count out Catholic (New Iberia), which looks likely to be Calvary Baptist’s biggest test since early-season matchups against Division-I Non-Select No. 1 Neville and Division-II Non-Select No. 4 Franklin Parish. But those types of games along the way, as well as last season’s title run — not to mention home-field advantage — should serve the Cavaliers well. Calvary Baptist has levels of balance and efficiency on both sides of the ball that should prove too much for the visiting Panthers in this one, and Jerry Barker Stadium may turn into another celebration by the back half of the fourth quarter.

No. 10 Destrehan (10-3) at No. 3 Ruston (10-2)

Division-I Select

Friday, 7 p.m., at Ruston’s Hoss Garrett Stadium

Massey Rankings: No. 15 vs. No. 2

Last week: Destrehan beat No. 2 Airline, 69-41. Ruston beat No. 6 Southside, 49-7.

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Players to Watch: 2025 Ruston DB Aidan Anding (LSU), 2027 Ruston DB Jayden Anding, 2025 Ruston DL Payton Bell, 2025 Ruston QB/ATH Joshua Brantley (Tulane), 2025 Ruston RB Dylone Brooks, 2026 Destrehan DL Bryce Bufkin, 2027 Destrehan RB Malachi Dabney, Destrehan QB Jackson Fields, 2025 Destrehan LB Myd Gilbert, 2025 Ruston RB Jordan Hayes, 2025 Ruston LB Zheric Hill (Louisiana Tech), 2026 Destrehan WR Jabari Mack, 2026 Destrehan OL/DL Braylon Montero, 2025 Ruston C Sam Nations (Northwestern State), 2025 Ruston WR Joran Parker, 2026 Destrehan DB Damien Richard II, 2025 Destrehan WR/DB Johnnie Thiel IV (Louisiana Tech), 2025 Destrehan LB Semaj Walker, 2026 Destrehan WR Greg Wilfred, 2025 Destrehan WR Phillip Wright III (LSU).

Recent History: Destrehan won playoff games vs. Ruston three straight postseasons culminating in the 17-10 state championship victory in 2022.

Massey Prediction: Ruston (93%), 42-14.

Jerit Thoughts: This Destrehan team is much different from the banged-up version of itself that dropped a few early-season games and had some fans start prematurely counting it out. I expect these Wildcats to move the ball a bit better and put some more points on the board than people might expect against Ruston. But the Bearcats will be the best defense Destrehan has faced in months, if not all season, and will also be able to move the ball effectively behind Joshua Brantley and their senior running back duo. Ruston will be tough to beat at home Friday — and the likely favorite next week in the Superdome as well. Don’t be surprised if new LSU signee Aidan Anding provides a crazy highlight or two each week on interceptions and return opportunities.



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Louisiana

Louisiana Tech launches Center for Literacy and Learning to support students, educators

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June 4, 2026

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Louisiana Tech launches Center for Literacy and Learning to support students, educators


RUSTON, La. (KNOE) – Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education and Human Sciences announced it has established a new Center for Literacy and Learning designed to expand evidence-based reading support for children and professional development for educators across North Louisiana.

The university’s Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership said the launch of the Center for Literacy and Learning at Louisiana Tech, also known as L3, will provide diagnostic assessments, tutoring and workshop opportunities, combining academic research with hands-on clinical practice.

“As literacy rates and reading achievement continue to present challenges across Louisiana and the nation, the Center for Literacy and Learning is rooted in supporting evidence-based instruction, applied research, and community partnerships,” said Dr. Dustin Whitlock, interim department head of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership.

Officials said planning for the center began more than a decade ago as faculty sought to expand literacy services for local schools and the surrounding community, but the effort faced delays due to space and funding challenges.

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University leaders said momentum increased after faculty partnered with the Louisiana Department of Education and literacy experts nationwide to create a professional learning course for Louisiana K-3 educators. The course, “The Science and Art of Teaching Reading,” focuses on structured literacy practices aligned with Science of Reading research. Louisiana Tech said funding connected to the course and the state education department helped make the center possible.

Megan Hunt, a teacher at A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, was selected to lead the center. Whitlock said Hunt brings a strong background in foundational literacy instruction and is working toward becoming a certified UFLI coach.

“Mrs. Hunt’s skill and expertise allow her to support both students and educators through high-quality literacy instruction and professional learning,” Whitlock said.

Hunt said the center is aimed at building long-term support for literacy instruction through collaboration with districts, families and community partners.

“Literacy affects all aspects of life and is ultimately how people access opportunity and how communities grow stronger,” Hunt said. “When children become proficient readers, it represents more than just academic progress; it changes the trajectory of their lives.”

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Local school leaders also praised the partnership. Michelle Thrower, K-2 facilitator for Lincoln Parish Schools, said professional development and resources connected to Louisiana Tech have supported literacy growth in the district.

“Our collaboration with Louisiana Tech has been a cornerstone of our success in elevating literacy proficiency across Lincoln Parish Schools,” Thrower said, citing DIBELS growth tied to the UFLI Foundations curriculum in K-2.

Louisiana Tech said the center will operate through three main components:

  • The Literacy Clinic
  • The Literacy Institute
  • The Literacy Resource Center.

The center is expected to provide individualized assessments, targeted intervention services, literacy workshops and educator professional development.

Officials said the components will be developed in phases over the next few years.

For more information, Louisiana Tech said the public can contact Dr. Dustin Whitlock at whitlock@latech.edu.

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Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.



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Louisiana among states selected to receive federal funding for rare earth projects

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17 hours ago

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June 4, 2026

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Louisiana among states selected to receive federal funding for rare earth projects



The U.S. Department of Energy announced Tuesday that Louisiana was one of the few states chosen for a $134 million rare earth element initiative in a move that would give the U.S. more independence from China, Reuters reports. 

ElementUSA has been awarded about $67 million for a rare earth refining facility projected to cost $850 million in St. John the Baptist Parish to ramp up its production of core material for military vehicles, naval ships and aircrafts.

Louisiana’s rare earth element initiatives are aimed at relocating the critical American minerals supply chain for electric vehicles, renewable energy and national defense. The minerals include bauxite residue, which is a waste product from aluminium production. The plant is expected to produce roughly 150-1,000 metric tons of rare earths annually.

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Oklahoma was also chosen to receive grant money for a refining facility in Tulsa.

Reuters has the full story.

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DHS watchdog finds use-of-force issues and safety and sanitation concerns at Louisiana ICE center

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June 4, 2026

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DHS watchdog finds use-of-force issues and safety and sanitation concerns at Louisiana ICE center


A Department of Homeland Security watchdog report revealed that staff members at an ICE detention center in Louisiana used a prohibited chokehold to “gain control” of a person being held there and stabbed another in the hand with a pen when an officer could not close the door to a housing unit.

The newly released findings about Winn Correctional Center in central Louisiana follow the DHS inspector general’s review of video of the use-of-force incidents as part of an unannounced facility inspection. The report, which was published on the DHS website, also noted that the officer who stabbed the detainee with a pen was disciplined.

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Staff members failed to maintain safe and sanitary conditions, the report says, noting leaking vents and ceilings with insulation falling through. Staff members used napkins and Styrofoam containers to collect the water from the leaks, according to the report.

Scrutiny of conditions inside ICE detention centers that house more than 60,000 detainees has been growing.

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Earlier Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended his agency’s detention standards on Capitol Hill amid complaints about ICE’s Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. That center has been the site of frequent protests.

Rep. Tim Kennedy, D-N.Y., accused Mullin of leaving detainees without food or medical care.

Mullin rejected the claims. “You can say all you want, but don’t accuse me of something that’s not accurate,” he said.

The inspector general made nine recommendations, ranging from environmental health and safety standards to proper handling of use-of-force incidents and maintaining food service standards.

ICE is working to address all of the issues, including by providing additional staff training, a spokesperson for the agency said.

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“These minor infractions included failing to provide detainees exercise equipment, record keeping errors and leaking vents. Another infraction included providing a shared computer for legal research that would allow other detainees to see other detainees’ case information,” the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for DHS said the report shows that the facility complies with detention standards.

“ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens,” the spokesperson said.

Winn Correctional is one of the largest ICE detention centers in the country, housing more than 1,500 men. It opened in 1990, and ICE took it over from the state in 2019.

The report was produced after an unannounced inspection by the DHS inspector general, whose office recently got an infusion of $20 million and plans to boost its inspections from four to six per year to potentially as many as 40 to 60.

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ICE lists 70% of the 1,500 detainees at Winn as having “No ICE threat level,” meaning they do not have violent criminal histories.

Winn is an hour north of Alexandria, which is one of four hubs for ICE deportation flights around the country.



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