Louisiana
The Sporting News Louisiana high school football Top 25 for Week 2: Carencro enters | Sporting News
Week 1 started off with a bang.
There were many statement wins, as well as tough losses from most of the teams on this list. A couple of those games were the Neville/Evangel and Lafayette Christian/Archbishop Rummel games, which led to great finishes in matchups against ranked opponents.
As expected, we have a few new teams joining the list led by Carencro and 2024 state finalists Dunham and St. James.
Here is the Week 2 version of The Sporting News’ Louisiana football Top 25.
1. Edna Karr
Next Game: Sept. 12, American Heritage (Fla.) (1-1)
Last Game: No. 1 Edna Karr 35, No. Archbishop Shaw 0
Current Streak: 14 wins
The Cougars are already in midseason form following their shutout of Archbishop Shaw and did not allow a first down until the third quarter. Nicholls commit Tre Garrison added a pair of touchdowns to power Karr to a big win. Now, Karr shifts its focus to a national power in American Heritage in the Superdome.
2. Catholic (Baton Rouge)
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 2
Next Game: Sept. 12, No. 15 St. Thomas More (0-1)
Last Game: No. 2 Catholic (Baton Rouge) 32, No. 8 Destrehan 23
Current Streak: 1 win
Bear junior running back Justin Batiste only rushed for 21 yards, but he propelled them to a big win over Destrehan with four touchdowns. Catholic’s two-quarterback attack was able to go for 246 yards, as Turner Goldsmith threw for 191 on 16-for-22 aim. Now, the Bears get to prep for Virginia Tech commit Cole Bergeron and St. Thomas More.
3. Ruston
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 3
Next Game: Sept. 12, at Cabot (Ark.) (0-2)
Last Game: No. 3 Ruston 49, No. 11 Acadiana 7
Current Streak: 1 win
Do not count the Bearcats out just yet as they went on the road and won big over Acadiana. Sophomore running back Dalen Powell ran for 259 yards and scored four touchdowns to help answer any question marks about Ruston’s ability to run the ball. The Bearcats’ next four games are against out-of-state teams.
4. Neville
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 4
Next Game: Sept. 12, Calvary (1-0)
Last Game: No. 4 Neville 33, No. 23 Evangel 32
Current Streak: 1 win
A win is a win, no matter how you take it. A blocked field goal by Jakobe Collins sealed an entertaining game for the Tigers as they overcame a 14-0 first quarter deficit. Neville will try to defeat another Shreveport private school – Calvary – at Bill Ruple Stadium Friday.
5. St. Augustine
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 5
Next Game: Sept. 13, at East St. John (0-1)
Last Game: No. 5 St. Augustine 56, McDonogh #35 6
Current Streak: 1 win
The Purple Knights were the only team on last week’s list to play Saturday, but the extra day was not a problem as they defeated McDonogh #35 handily. Vashaun Coulon was in a great rhythm with his receivers all game and accounted for 218 yards and four touchdowns. St. Aug has another Saturday game this week and travels to Reserve to play East St. John.
6. John Curtis
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 6
Next Game: Sept. 12, Northshore (0-1)
Last Game: No. 6 John Curtis 54, Cathedral (Calif.) 26
Current Streak: 1 win
The Patriots made the 1,900-mile trek to Hollywood and came away with a resounding victory over Cathedral. John Curtis ran for a program record 654 yards as Jacobi Boudreaux, Gavin Ledet and London Padgett each rushed for over 100 yards. The Patriots return to New Orleans to host Northshore in Week 2.
7. Central (Baton Rouge)
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 9
Next Game: Sept. 12, at Denham Springs (1-0)
Last Game: No. 9 Central (Baton Rouge) 20, De La Salle 13
Current Streak: 8 wins
The Wildcats pushed the state’s second-longest winning streak to eight after defeating De La Salle and will make the short trek to Denham Springs this week.
Here’s some postgame interviews from last night’s @ash_trojanFB game vs. West Feliciana. @CenLaPrepsLLC #cenlapreps
First, we hear from Coach Thomas Bachman. pic.twitter.com/MwicULvMp7
— LaMar Gafford (@lamargafford) September 6, 2025
8. Alexandria
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 10
Next Game: Sept. 11, Union Parish (0-1)
Last Game: No. 10 Alexandria 54, West Feliciana 7
Current Streak: 1 win
Everything went right for the Trojans in Week 1, as they jumped to a 21-0 lead in the first five minutes and did not look back. ASH quarterback Karsen Sellers passed for 236 yards and four touchdowns, while the defense did not allow a point until the running clock was implemented. It is a short week for the Trojans as they host Union Parish.
9. Zachary
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 12
Next Game: Sept. 12, Acadiana (0-1)
Last Game: No. 12 Zachary 52, Plaquemine 28
Current Streak: 1 win
The Broncos got themselves a good win last week against Plaquemine – attacking by air and ground to control the Green Devils. Jeremey Patton rushed for a pair of touchdowns, while Michael Kirby passed for three. Zachary hosts an Acadiana squad that is reeling off its 49-7 loss at home to Ruston.
10. Lafayette Christian
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 13
Next Game: Sept. 12, at No. 13 Carencro (1-0)
Last Game: No. 13 Lafayette Christian 27, No. 16 Archbishop Rummel 26
Current Streak: 1 win
The Knights climbed to the top 10 this week after surviving in their win over Rummel, thanks to a missed extra point. UL Lafayette commit Braylon Walker was incredible in pacing LCA – tallying 322 total yards and two touchdowns. The Knights head north on Interstate 49 to Exit 4 to face Carencro.
11. Teurlings Catholic
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 14
Next Game: Sept. 12, at Sam Houston (1-0)
Last Game: No. 14 Teurlings Catholic 48, Opelousas 12
Current Streak: 1 win
The Rebels opened the 2025 season with an empathic win to spoil Harry Coleman’s debut at Opelousas. Teurlings will travel for the next two weeks, beginning with a trip to Moss Bluff to face Sam Houston.
12. Destrehan
- 2025 Record: 0-1
- Last Week: No. 8
Next Game: Sept. 12, Bonnabel (1-0)
Last Game: No. 2 Catholic (Baton Rouge) 32, No. 8 Destrehan 23
Current Streak: 1 loss
Credit to the Wildcats for jumping out to an early 10-0 lead against Catholic (Baton Rouge), as they are still in the top 15 despite their loss. LSU commit Jabari Mack had an interception return for a touchdown and Incarnate Word commit Jackson Field also scored, but it was not enough against a tough Bear defense. Destrehan will look to get back on track against Bonnabel, who shut out Sophie B. Wright in Week 1.
13. Carencro
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: Not Ranked
Next Game: Sept. 12, No. 10 Lafayette Christian (1-0)
Last Game: Carencro 30, No. 7 St. Thomas More 27
Current Streak: 1 win
What a statement win for the Bears, who defeated St. Thomas More for the first time since 2006 and the first time on the road since 2003. Nicholls commit Chantz Babineaux intercepted a pair of passes, while returning one for a touchdown as the game was the opposite of last year’s showdown. Reaching the highest spot of any debuting team this week, Carencro will look for another top 10 win against Lafayette Christian.
14. Brother Martin
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 17
Next Game: Sept. 12, at St. Paul’s (1-0)
Last Game: No. 17 Brother Martin 29, East Ascension 22
Current Streak: 1 win
The Crusaders were on the ropes at East Ascension but rallied from a 22-9 halftime deficit thanks to Easton Royal’s 130 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. Brother Martin gave up 239 rushing yards, but made a red zone stand when it counted most to preserve the win. The Crusaders will look to slow down St. Paul’s on the Northshore this week.
15. St. Thomas More
- 2025 Record: 0-1
- Last Week: No. 7
Next Game: Sept. 12, at No. 2 Catholic (Baton Rouge) (1-0)
Last Game: Carencro 30, No. 7 St. Thomas More 27
Current Streak: 1 loss
Virginia Tech commit Cole Bergeron earned 224 total yards and three touchdowns, but Carencro made him earn every yard and touchdown. Bergeron only completed 16 of 48 passes and both of his interceptions came against Babineaux, who took one back for a touchdown. Bergeron will battle another one of the top quarterbacks in the state – Baylor Graves – this week.
16. North DeSoto
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 19
Next Game: Sept. 12, Center (Texas) (2-0)
Last Game: No. 19 North DeSoto 46, Union Parish 3
Current Streak: 1 win
The Griffins earned a quality victory against Union Parish last week – outgaining it, 394-224, in yards. Northwestern State commit Luke Delafield not only spread the ball well with six receivers catching his 16 completions, but he also caught an 11-yard pass. North DeSoto will look to slow down Center (Texas) running back, who has rushed for 365 yards and four touchdowns.
17. Jesuit
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 21
Next Game: Sept. 12, E.D. White (0-1)
Last Game: No. 21 Jesuit 31, Jesuit Dallas (Texas) 6
Current Streak: 1 win
The Blue Jays won a rain-shortened game and evened the home-and-home series against their neighboring state brethren. Jesuit returns to Louisiana to host an E.D. White squad that aims to return to the rankings.
18. University Lab
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 24
Next Game: Sept. 12, at No. 20 Archbishop Rummel (0-1) (at Caesars Superdome)
Last Game: No. 24 University Lab 49, Woodlawn (Baton Rouge) 8
Current Streak: 2 wins
The Cubs ran, ran and ran some more behind the duo of Sage Ingram and Corbin Odell against Woodlawn (Baton Rouge) to kick off their season. Ingram and Odell rushed for a total of 211 yards and three touchdowns as the Panthers did not have an answer to slow either back down. University has its sights on the Superdome in December but will get a preliminary trip there this week to play Archbishop Rummel.
19. Franklin Parish
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: No. 25
Next Game: Sept. 12, at St. Frederick (0-1)
Last Game: No. 25 Franklin Parish 52, West Jefferson 0
Current Streak: 1 win
It was a great all-around effort for the Patriots, who cruised past West Jeff in a shutout win. LSU commit Dezyrian “Pook” Ellis pass for three touchdowns, while junior running back added 127 yards and three touchdowns on just six carries. Franklin Parish heads north to play St. Frederick, after the Warriors lost to Loyola.
20. Archbishop Rummel
- 2025 Record: 0-1
- Last Week: No. 16
Next Game: Sept. 12, No. 19 University Lab (1-0) (at Caesars Superdome)
Last Game: No. 13 Lafayette Christian 27, No. 16 Archbishop Rummel 26
Current Streak: 2 losses
The Raiders nearly rallied back from a 10-point deficit against LCA but fell prey to a missed extra point late in the ball game. Despite the loss, Jaden Terrance helped lead the comeback with an 80-yard rushing touchdown. Rummel draws another ranked opponent in University Lab in the Superdome Friday.
21. Dunham
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: Not Ranked
Next Game: Sept. 11, Live Oak (0-1)
Last Game: Dunham 49, Parkview Baptist 14
Current Streak: 1 win
The Tigers make their debut on this list after making a short road trip to take on Parkview Baptist. Dunham junior quarterback Elijah Haven picked up where he left off last season with five passing touchdowns in the first half. Up next is the Tigers’ home opener with Class 5A’s Live Oak, which lost to St. Paul’s, 48-13.
SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network
22. St. James
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: Not Ranked
Next Game: Sept. 12, at West St. John (0-1)
Last Game: St. James 49, East St. John 6
Current Streak: 1 win
St. James took care of business against East St. John and makes its first appearance in this year’s Louisiana Top 25. Jakias Villanueva caught 10 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns – one of those being a 75-yarder to open the second half. Up next for the Wildcats is West St. John, which dropped a close to Young Audiences Charter.
23. Holy Cross
- 2025 Record: 1-0
- Last Week: Not Ranked
Next Game: Sept. 11, at De La Salle (0-1)
Last Game: Holy Cross 27, No. 20 E.D. White 26
Current Streak: 1 win
The Tigers swap spots with E.D. White by going from one of the first five out to the main poll. Ke’Rynn Smith powered Holy Cross with 210 yards and two touchdowns as it scored a late touchdown to secure the win.
24. Archbishop Shaw
- 2025 Record: 0-1
- Last Week: No. 18
Next Game: Sept. 12, West Jefferson (0-1)
Last Game: No. 1 Edna Karr 35, No. 18 Archbishop Shaw
Current Streak: 1 loss
Credit to the Eagles for keeping the game close at 7-0 at halftime, but Karr was just too strong in the third quarter and pulled away. Shaw did not get a first down until the second half and the game was out of reach by then.
25. Evangel
- 2025 Record: 0-1
- Last Week: No. 23
Next Game: Sept. 12, Natchitoches Central (1-0)
Last Game: No. 4 Neville 33, No. 23 Evangel 32
Current Streak: 2 losses
The Eagles jumped out to a 14-0 lead at Neville and controlled most of the game until a blocked field goal did them in. Overall, it was a good showing as junior Peyton “Pop” Houston accounted for 348 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Ethan Mandigo made 10 tackles and four sacks. Evangel enters District 1-5A against a Natchitoches Central squad that shut out Breaux Bridge, 41-0.
FIRST FIVE OUT
No. 26 Catholic (New Iberia); No. 27 Sterlington; No. 28 E.D. White, No. 29 Franklinton; No. 30 Madison Prep
DROPPED OUT
No. 11 Acadiana; No. 15 Southside; No. 20 E.D. White; No. 22 Cecilia
MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HEADLINES
Top stars, individual performances from Week 1 of Louisiana high school football
Louisiana’s Top 25 Quarterbacks to Watch for the 2025 Season
The Sporting News 2025 National High School Football Top 25 rankings
The Sporting News 2025 Texas High School Football Top 25 rankings
Louisiana
Louisiana is the eighth most affordable state to retire, study says
Louisiana ranks among the top 10 most affordable states to retire, according to a new study from Retirement Living, a national journal of retirement research.
Researchers analyzed each state’s housing costs, living expenses and tax friendliness to compile the ranking. Louisiana, they say, is the eighth most affordable state for retirees.
In Louisiana, the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $932, the median home sale price is $255,000, monthly grocery spend per capita is $272, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $4, the average Medicare Advantage monthly premium is $13.35 and the average effective property tax rate is 0.55%.
West Virginia is the most affordable state to retire, followed by Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Louisiana, Indiana and Kansas. Researchers describe the South as “the sweet spot for an affordable retirement.”
The most expensive state to retire, meanwhile, is California, followed by Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Utah, New York and Minnesota.
Read Retirement Living’s full report here.
Louisiana
Louisiana agencies urge hurricane preparation ahead of season start
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – With hurricane season approaching, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is bringing the community together to prepare before a storm forms.
“We can’t stop disasters from happening. We can’t stop hurricanes from happening. But what we can do is equip our communities with the resources that they need to prepare for these storms ahead of time,” said Jayda Morris, CPRA outreach manager.
The agency hosted an event featuring interactive storm simulations and a full model of the Mississippi River.
“If you do it now, like on a sunny day like today, you’re ready to go for the rest of the season,” Jay Grymes said.
El Niño may reduce storms, but Louisiana still at risk
State Climatologist Jay Grymes said an El Niño pattern may reduce the number of storms in the Atlantic but warned against a false sense of security.
“In those 25 years, Louisiana, some part of the state has been impacted by 29 storms. That’s one a year, regardless of El Niño. So that should tell you something,” Grymes said.
He said the bigger concern is storms that can form in the Gulf with little warning.
“If we’re going to get a storm, it very possibly could be one that bubbles up in the Gulf and doesn’t give us five or seven days to track it coming our way. It gives us 40 hours to get ready for a landfall. So it’s imperative that you go ahead and do it now,” Grymes said.
Preparation goes beyond stocking water
Preparing now includes walking through yards, checking trees, and knowing whether everyone in the family can survive two weeks without power.
PhD students with the LSU College of the Coast and Environment gave the community a virtual reality experience that puts users inside a storm.
“If they wear the goggles or play with the Apple Vision Pro, they can understand how high will the flood be, and they can know how dangerous is the hurricane scenario,” said Yixuan Wang.
The VR simulation uses real historical data to show users what compound flooding looks like in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The goal is to make the science real for people who can’t picture what a flood map means.
“It’s just to let you understand the environment. We will add the audios, the different sound of the wind and the storm. And you can see how tense of the rainfall around you,” Wang said.
Organizers said the event is about making sure that when a storm threatens the area, families already know their plan.
Information from the event is available on CPRA’s website. Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
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Watch the latest WAFB news and weather now.
Louisiana
Louisiana homeowners can apply for grants to upgrade, protect roofs against storms
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Louisiana homeowners can get financial help to upgrade their roofs and ensure they can better stand up to strong storms.
According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, registration for next Louisiana Fortify Homes Program lottery opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1. The registration period will stay open through 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.
Under the latest round of the program, 3,000 grants of up to $10,000 will go out. After applying, homeowners will get placed into a lottery and will be randomly selected.
There are many specific benefits of having a roof upgraded through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Officials said the roofs have stronger shingles that can protect against hail up to two inches wide, sealed roof decks to help prevent water damage, and stronger edges to keep wind from getting underneath.
Homeowners with a fortified roof can also get a certificate to receive a discount on insurance premiums.
“At the end of the day, this program is about more than just roofs,” said Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. “It is about protecting families, it is about strengthening communities, and it is about putting Louisiana in a stronger position—both physically and economically—to face the challenges ahead.”
Only people living in Ascension Parish, Livingston Parish, Assumption Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Acadia Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish, Iberia Parish, Jefferson Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Lafayette Parish, Lafourche Parish, Orleans Parish, Plaquemines Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Mary Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Terrebonne Parish, and Vermilion Parish are eligible to apply for the latest round of the program.
People living in a newly built home, mobile home, or condominium are not qualified.
For a detailed list of eligibility requirements, click here.
If a person registered for the program previously, he or she must do so again. The person will also need to provide the following information:
- A homestead exemption on the primary residence.
- A policy of insurance that provides wind coverage for the primary residence.
- A flood insurance policy on the primary residence if it is in a special flood hazard area.
For more information about applying, click here.
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