High school football in Louisiana is right around the corner.
Week 1 games kick off on Sept. 5, around seven weeks away, with practices starting in August. The season runs through Nov. 9, with playoff pairings announced one day later. The playoffs run through the Prep Classic, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans from December 12-14.
With the season 50 days away, here's one storyline for every Houma-Thibodaux area high school football team for fans to follow throughout the 2024 season:
When will A.J. Ellender snap the streak?
The Patriots slumped to an 0-10 record in 2023, with their last win coming in Week 9 of 2022. The Patriots will need to pull off an upset to avoid a dubious stretch of back-to-back winless seasons.
What does Assumption do without Reece Turner?
Turner was a hidden gem of Louisiana football last season, accounting for nearly 3,000 yards of offense and 44 touchdowns. Now, the Mustangs will need to rebuild without their star quarterback.
Does Central Lafourche have momentum?
CL narrowly avoided a winless season in 2023, but its only victory came in convincing fashion: 36-7 over H.L. Bourgeois in Week 10. In 2024, the Trojans can continue to build on that.
What will the Carter brothers do for Covenant Christian?
Jahari and Jaden Carter spent all of the 2023 season suspended after the LHSAA ruled the brothers' move to CCA was due to undue influence by their uncle and Lions head coach Jesse Turner. This season, though, the brothers are eligible again.
Will E.D. White's drought finally end?
The Cardinals haven't won a state championship since 1969. EDW looked like a serious title threat last season following a 10-0 regular season, but lost in the quarterfinals of the LHSAA tournament. While perfection may be difficult, the Cardinals could be a contender again.
Will the H.L. Bourgeois offense improve?
HLB struggled for the final seven weeks of the season on both sides of the ball, but the offense was particularly moribund: the Braves scored 27 points since Week 3, averaging fewer than four points per game. They will need to improve down the stretch in 2024.
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How will Houma Christian fare in its new district?
The Warriors made the playoffs after an undefeated run in Class 3A District 9 last season. Now, they move to Class 2A District 7, alongside West St. Mary, Loreauville, Franklin, Delcambre, and Catholic-New Iberia. Three of those schools made the LHSAA playoffs in 2023.
How does St. James rebound from a heartbreaker?
The Wildcats were seconds away from a state championship in December, but allowed Union Parish to score a game- and title-winning two-point conversion. SJHS will need to put one of the most heartbreaking losses in program history behind heading into 2024.
Can South Lafourche finally win a playoff game?
The Fighting Tarpons did make it into the LHSAA playoffs last season, but were dispatched in a 42-0, first-round loss to eventual semifinalist Dutchtown. SL is still looking to advance to the second round of the tournament, though: South Lafourche hasn't won a playoff game since 2009.
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Which South Terrebonne will show up?
On paper, South Terrebonne's 2023 season was less than impressive, slumping to a 3-7 record. However, the Gators showed flashes of a complete football team in late October, shutting out by both Morgan City and H.L. Bourgeois by a combined 72-0. Although it wasn't enough to salvage the season, it showed ST and its fans what the Gators are capable of.
Will Terrebonne's defense grow up enough?
THS lost numerous veterans on defense, and have to replace them with freshmen and sophomore. These young Tigers were tested in the spring game against McDonogh 35, and had an up-and-down performance — allowing some big plays while also forcing turnovers.
Can Thibodaux keep up its close-game success?
The Tigers only played two one-score games in 2023, but they managed to win both of them: a two-point win over Central Lafourche and a five-point win over Terrebonne in back to back weeks. In 2024, Thibodaux will need to pull off games like those to have a shot at the LHSAA playoffs.
How will Vandebilt Catholic fare with a new coach?
Legendary coach Tommy Minton retired in December after 38 seasons coaching at three different schools. To replace a legend, the Terriers tapped Brian Wallace, fresh off spending nine seasons as the special teams coordinator at Nicholls. Despite 15 years as an assistant, this is Wallace's first head coaching job at any level of football.
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