<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3KNI7h_0vistbSM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3KNI7h_0vistbSM00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>The Covington football team takes the field before a game against Franklinton on Sept. 8, 2023. PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY</figcaption></figure>And then there were four.Four undefeated teams remain in St. Tammany Parish — Covington, Lakeshore, Mandeville and Pope John Paul II.Three of those four teams will be home this week, with the Jaguars headed across the Twin Spans to play Ben Franklin.So, let's take a look at each of these teams after the first three weeks of the season.Covington has won each game comfortably, with victories over Bogalusa, Franklinton and Booker T. Washington. The Lions have been far from perfect, but that doesn't matter when you're 3-0. Junior running back Kylen Williams is averaging 11 yards a carry, and quarterback Caden Heck has thrown for 314 yards on 23-of-41 passing.If the Lions can continue that balance, they should be undefeated going into a huge District 6-5A matchup against Mandeville in Week 6.Perhaps the most complete team in the parish right now is Lakeshore. The Titans are just a good, well-coached football team. How good? They are currently No. 1 in the Division II nonselect power rankings. That's a very good place to be.The Titans' wins have come against three Class 5A opponents — Fontainebleau, Chalmette and Northshore — and all have been by 20 points or more. The defense is allowing just 15 points per game. The only flaw has been that Lakeshore hasn't thrown the ball much, but they haven't had to yet. It's a good problem to have.Every game left on their schedule is winnable, so the sky is the limit for the Titans.Then, there is Mandeville and Nate the Great. There is more to this Skippers' team than Duke commitment Nate Sheppard, but he makes Mandeville special.The senior has 16 total TDs in three games. SIXTEEN! He's rushed for 11 scores, hauled in two TD passes, returned two punts for scores and recorded a Pick-6. Those are video game numbers. And if I'm being honest, I have yet to see him really turn it on this season. That's a scary thought.The Skippers are a special team as long as Sheppard is locked in. Every game on their schedule is winnable, so running the table is a definite possibility if they can knock off district foes Covington and St. Paul's.Finally, Pope John Paul II looks like a team on a mission. The Jaguars should have put Riverdale away earlier, but they found a way to win. That's the mark of a good team.More importantly, they showed that they can throw the ball. Andrew Hoff hauled in three touchdowns and more than 100 yards receiving. If the Jaguars can find that balance on offense, they are hard to beat.I often joke with fourth-year PJP II coach Philip Pigott that I've never seen him this excited about his team — ever. He's usually one to enjoy a win, but quickly point out what could be better. He still does that, but with a noticeable smile in his voice.He has good reason to be optimistic because the Jaguars are a complete team. The Wing-T is still effective, and the defense has recovered eight fumbles.Looking ahead on the schedule, the Jaguars have some tests, but they are another team with a clear path to an unbeaten regular season.Yes, it's just three games, but each of these teams have put themselves in position to have an extraordinary season with a little luck and a lot of continued focus. The full parish schedule is below, but first, our Farmer Football 5 rankings for the week.<h2>FARMER FOOTBALL 5</h2>1 | Mandeville | 3-0 (Last week: 1)This week: vs. SlidellAnother Friday night. Another Nate Sheppard six TD performance. There is not another player in the parish, who has more of an impact on his team. Now, the Skippers get to host former district rival Slidell and take another step toward their ultimate goal.2 | Lakeshore | 3-0 (Last week: 3)This week: vs. Northlake ChristianI want the record to show that I was on the Titans' bandwagon from Day 1. No, this team is not scary getting off the bus, but it is a team full of good football players. Defensive coordinator Cory Brodie has that unit playing with a chip on its shoulder. The offensive line is pushing teams around. Lakeshore is built to win both ugly and pretty, and that's a very good skill to have.3 | St. Paul's | 2-1 (Last week: 2)This week: vs. KennedyWhen St. Paul's is focused on offense, they are pretty darn good. But when the mistakes creep in, they are very average. I saw that up-close and personal last week. The Wolves should have run away from De La Salle, but they needed a late interception to seal to game. Kennedy will pose another challenge this week. The Wolves have the skill to beat anybody, but they have to bring a renewed consistency to reach their lofty goals.4 | Pope John Paul II | 3-0 (Last week: 4)This week: at Ben FranklinThe Jaguars are reaping the benefits of a three-year build under Pigott. Last year's district title was a good first step, and now they want a high playoff seed and a deep playoff run. PJP II gets a bit of breather this week against Ben Franklin before St. Martin's comes to town for a Week 5 showdown.5 | Covington | 3-0 (Last week: 5)This week: vs. NorthshoreThe Lions just keep winning, and that's the name of the game. It has been anything but perfect, but it's been effective. Now, they need to take care of business against Northshore and Fontainebleau before a Week 6 district showdown with Mandeville.On the fringe: Pearl River, Northlake Christian<h2>Week 4 St. Tammany Football Schedule</h2>Friday, Sept. 27<ul><li>Fontainebleau at Franklinton</li><li>Hannan at Covenant Christian</li><li>Kennedy at St. Paul's</li><li>Northlake Christian at Lakeshore</li><li>Northshore at Covington</li><li>Pearl River at Pine</li><li>PJP II at Ben Franklin</li><li>Salmen at Liberty</li><li>Slidell at Mandeville</li></ul></div></body>

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Farmer Football 5: Breaking down St. Tammany's 4 undefeated teams

And then there were four. Four undefeated teams remain in St. Tammany Parish — Covington, Lakeshore, Mandeville and Pope John Paul II. Three of those four teams will be home this week, with the Jaguars headed across the Twin Spans to play Ben Franklin. So, let's take a look...

Farmer Football 5: Breaking down St. Tammany's 4 undefeated teams

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