Louisiana High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Sept. 15

In the blink of an eye, the fourth week of high school football is here in Louisiana.

The state’s top five teams largely held serve, though a new program has entered into the top echelon of the rankings after an undefeated start. Elsewhere in the top 25, we saw a handful of upsets but for the most part, the state’s premier teams took care of their business.

This weekend should be another electric one — six top-25 matchups are set for Friday night, headlined by a huge game between Baton Rouge Catholic and crosstown rival University Lab. Ahead of some pivotal mid-season showdowns, here is a look at the latest state rankings provided via the Massey Ratings:

1. Edna Karr Cougars (2-0)

The Cougars have faced a tough opening two weeks, but have passed the test on both occasions. They opened the season with a dominant 35-0 win over Archbishop Shaw, then welcomed one of Florida’s top teams — American Heritage — on Friday night. The visitors were without star quarterback Dia Bell, but still have plenty of Division I talent on the roster. Edna Karr‘s defense came up big, holding Heritage to just 17 points in an overtime thriller. After the Cougars’ offense scored to take a 24-17 lead in the extra frame, Karr’s defense held its ground and got a final stop on fourth down to seal the win.

2. Ruston Bearcats (2-0)

In Week 1, Ruston took No. 9 Acadiana to the woodshed in a 49-7 demolition of the Rams, who came into the season as a state title contender. They were buoyed by a dominant defense in that one, but in Week 2 it was all about the offense. Facing a talented Cabot (Ark.) team on the road, the Bearcats rolled up 63 points in a blowout win.

3. Baton Rouge Catholic Bears (1-0)

Baton Rouge Catholic opened the year with one of the state’s biggest showdowns against Destrehan, a game they won 32-23 behind a dominant running game that accounted for four touchdowns. The schedule didn’t do them any favors over the weekend either, as they faced a very game St. Thomas More squad on the road. But running back Jayden Miles took over for the Bears, rushing for 122 yards and two touchdowns. STM had a chance to tie late, but Taylor Goldsmith’s interception sealed the deal.

4. Alexandria Trojans (3-0)

The newest entrant into the top five, Alexandria has been on a tear to start the year. The Trojans opened the season with a 30-7 win over Sterlington, then crushed West Feliciana 54-7. Union Parish came to down on Thursday night, but the Farmers were overmatched in a 57-0 blowout. Between their three wins, Alexandria has now outscored its opponents 141-14. But a much tougher slate awaits in the second half of the season, including games at No. 17 West Monroe, at No. 2 Ruston, vs. No. 13 Ouachita Parish and at No. 7 Neville.

5. St. Augustine Purple Knights (2-0)

The Purple Knights graduated some key players along the offensive and defensive lines last season, but bring back one of Louisiana high school football’s premier wide receiver duos. After routing McDonogh 35 in a 56-6 blowout to open the season, St. Augustine did it again in a 56-6 win over winless East St. John on Friday night.

Teams 6-25 in the latest Louisiana high school football rankings

6. John Curtis Patriots (2-0)
7. Neville Tigers (2-0)
8. Brother Martin Crusaders (3-0)
9. Zachary Broncos (2-0)
10. Lafayette Christian Academy Knights (2-0)

11. Holy Cross Tigers (2-0)
12. Jesuit Blue Jays (3-0)
13. Ouachita Parish Lions (3-0)
14. North DeSoto Griffins (2-0)
15. Teurlings Catholic Rebels (2-0)

16. Archbishop Rummel Raiders (1-1)
17. West Monroe Rebels (2-1)
18. Central Wildcats (2-1)
19. Archbishop Shaw Eagles (1-1)
20. Destrehan Wildcats (1-1)

21. Airline Vikings (2-0)
22. University Lab Cubs (2-1)
23. Madison Prep Academy Chargers (3-0)
24. Warren Easton Fighting Eagles (2-0)
25. Evangel Christian Academy Eagles (2-1)

Dropped out of Louisiana High School Football Top 25 Rankings: Calvary Baptist Academy Cavaliers (1-1)