OXFORD, Miss. – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Volleyball team had the momentum in its favor each of the first two sets before Ole Miss battled back and went on to post a 3-0 win (25-20, 25-22, 25-19) on Friday, September 12 at the Gillom Athletics Performance Center in Oxford, Mississippi.

The Rebels (4-3) leaned upon 16 kills each time to overcome the pressure from the Ragin’ Cajuns (6-2) and open a 2-0 match lead. Then in Set 3, Ole Miss hit .400 and sided out at 80 percent to end the contest early.

Louisiana put itself in position to be the ones ahead 2-0 in the match, tied 13-13 midway through Set 1 and laying hold to a 17-13 advantage late in Set 2. Ultimately the offensive edge for Ole Miss, which held a 45-29 edge in kills and .391 to .176 advantage in hitting percentage for the match, paid dividends.

Both sides had balanced scoring, the Ragin’ Cajuns led by nine kills from Cailin Demps and seven kills from Grace Sweeney. The Rebels, though, were able to have four players score more than five kills led by the trio of Shayla Meyer (10), Melia Johnson (9) and Gabi Placide (9) each reaching nine scores.

The loss snapped Louisiana’s three-match win streak, the squad ending a five-match road swing with a 3-2 mark.

Ole Miss claimed victory in its 2025 season home opener and remained unbeaten in the 2000s against UL.

Jazmine Gaston scored a kill on each of her first two swings in Set 1 as the Cajuns remained ahead early 9-7 after taking the lead at 4-3 on a Kennedy Gustafson ace.

The teams were near even with five kills apiece and both hitting .300-plus through the 13-all tie. Meyer helped the Rebels make the decisive move, scoring the tiebreaking kill and serving up an ace to gain separation for good.

Sweeney asserted herself at the onset of Set 2, scoring two aces and a kill in a personal 3-0 run that pulled Louisiana ahead 4-1, then preserved the lead with yet another early kill to make it 9-7.

Later on, Sweeney teamed up with Harley Krause on back-to-back winners as the Cajuns stretched the lead out to 17-13. The Rebels, though, reversed course as a kill, ace and block all in succession ignited a 12-5 set-ending run that prevented Louisiana from evening the match.

With a kill on each of its first three swings in Set 3 the Rebels quickly opened a 5-3 lead and led the rest of the way. Demps, who scored five kills in the frame, began to find her groove getting two kills over a span of five rallies keeping the Cajuns within striking distance at 15-11.

Ole Miss sided out after a UL service error then came up with another timely block to advance the lead to 17-11. The teams traded side outs through Demps’ final kill of the night which made it 21-16 before the Rebels scored three straight for the final separation.

LEADING THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS
Sweeney in Set 2 and Demps in Set 3 both turned in a five-kill set performance. The duo combined for 16 of the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 29 kills.

Demps’ output marked the eighth time in as many matches she’s scored at least nine kills.

Freshman Lindsey Henry had a hand in both of the team’s blocks while Gustafson collected a team-leading eight digs.

Sweeney was a close second with six digs and setter Ryleigh Garis scooped five digs to go with her team-high tying 12 assists.

Chelsea Gilmore and Sweeney served up two aces apiece to pace the Ragin’ Cajuns to six aces.

UP NEXT FOR LOUISIANA
The Ragin’ Cajuns return home to E.K. Long Gym for the Ragin’ Cajuns Classic scheduled for Friday-Saturday, September 19-20.

Louisiana hosts Southern and Nicholls in the round robin event, meeting the Jaguars on Friday (Sept. 19) at 6:00 p.m. and then matching up with the Colonels on Saturday (Sept. 20) at Noon.

The Ragin’ Cajuns Classic marks the final non-conference matches of the 2025 season. Louisiana opens Sun Belt play the following weekend, September 26-27, on the road at Texas State.

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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

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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.

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

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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