Louisiana High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Sept. 29

After a wild weekend of Louisiana high school football matchups, we’ve seen some big moves up, down, in and out of the updated state rankings. The state’s top two teams, Edna Karr and Ruston, remain in those spots.

But with Baton Rouge Catholic’s first loss of the year to West Monroe, a door opened for a new team in the top five this week. That wasn’t the only big upset, though. Archbishop Shaw returned to the top-25 after routing Lafayette Christian Academy, while Brother Martin went on the road and upset Jesuit. And Evangel Christian Academy returns to the list as well after upsetting Airline.

Heading into a huge Week 5, here’s where the top teams in Louisiana stand:

1. Edna Karr Cougars (4-0)

Karr has been tested early and often this season, facing two in-state top 25 opponents, as well as American Heritage — a perennial Florida state contender. Nothing has fazed the Cougars, though. On Friday night, they went on the road to face a top-15 Holy Cross squad and absolutely dominated in a 42-3 blowout. Running back John Johnson was one of three Edna Karr ball-carriers to score, finding the end zone twice himself.

2. Ruston Bearcats (4-0)

Ruston has faced a slew of out of-state opponents to open the year, and this week was no different. The Bearcats welcome Midland Legacy (Texas) to town, and had no problem with the Lone Star State program. After beating Longview (Texas) the week prior, Ruston rolled 49-21 in this one and moved to 4-0. This weekend, they’ll face another Texas-based squad when they travel to 5-1 Stephenville.

3. Alexandria Trojans (5-0)

After a close call against No. 21 Destrehan the week prior, Alexandria got back to its dominant ways with a 59-6 victory over winless Opelousas. Quarterback Karsen Sellers threw for 199 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers. Running back Kason Williams led the way on the ground with 166 rushing yards and two scores of his own.

4. John Curtis Patriots (3-0)

The Patriots won their first two games of the season, but got their first big test of the year on Friday night against No. 10 Archbishop Rummel at home. Curtis lost 14-7 last season, but avenged that defeat with a nail-biting 21-19 win over the visitors this time. The Patriots struggled with turnovers, and Rummel cut the deficit to just two points early in the fourth quarter. But Curtis’ offense ate up the final 11:45 of the game, using 19 plays to drive 78 yards and run the clock out.

5. St. Augustine Purple Knights (4-0)

St. Aug’s offense has been nearly unstoppable through four games, racking up more than 56 points per contest. Friday marked their first game against a ranked opponent this season, but the Purple Knights had little trouble handling Warren Easton in a 47-22 blowout. But arguably their biggest game of the year awaits this weekend when they host No. 1 Edna Karr.

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

6. Baton Rouge Catholic Bears (3-1)
7. Brother Martin Crusaders (5-0)
8. North DeSoto Griffins (4-0)
9. Zachary Broncos (4-0)
10. Archbishop Rummel Raiders (2-2)

11. Ouachita Parish Lions (5-0)
12. West Monroe Rebels (3-2)
13. Teurlings Catholic Rebels (4-0)
14. Jesuit Blue Jays (4-1)
15. Lafayette Christian Academy Knights (3-1)

16. Central Wildcats (3-1)
17. St. Thomas More Cougars (2-2)
18. Holy Cross Tigers (3-1)
19. St. Charles Catholic Comets (5-0)
20. Neville Tigers (2-2)

21. Archbishop Shaw Eagles (2-2)
22. Destrehan Wildcats (2-2)
23. Evangel Christian Academy Eagles (4-1)
24. Parkway Panthers (5-0)
25. St. Amant Gators (4-0)

Dropped out of Louisiana High School Football Top 25 rankings: Airline Vikings (3-1); Warren Easton Fighting Eagles (3-1); University Lab Cubs (3-2)