Looking ahead to the weekend of prep football games in the Baton Rouge area.
FOUR DOWNS
1. DISTRICT TITLE HOPES Several games played this week offer major district title implications. West Feliciana (7-0) and University High (5-2) are both unbeaten in District 7-3A play. The winner will likely decide the district. Catholic will also look to stay unbeaten in District 4-5A play this week against Central.
2. POWER RATINGS A notable note in the latest update of the power ratings is No. 1 seed East Feliciana. The Tigers are 6-1 and currently hold the top seed in the Division IV nonselect bracket. East Feliciana still has three games left, including a notable Week 9 matchup against Kentwood, which is unbeaten at 7-0.
3. HAVEN BACK One of the state’s top prospects, Dunham quarterback Elijah Haven, returned from a shoulder injury in Week 7 against Donaldsonville. Haven has been out after an injury suffered in Week 2. His return is massive for a Dunham side that is 4-3 overall. He’s also three touchdown passes away from tying Brock Berlin’s career passing touchdown record (145).
4. STATE TITLE REMATCH A top game outside of the Baton Rouge area this week is Riverside (6-1) hosting Ascension Catholic (7-0). The battle is a rematch of last year’s Division IV select state title game. This game will also play a factor in power ratings. The Bulldogs sit at No. 1 currently in the Division IV select power ratings, while the Rebels are just behind them at No. 2.
FRIDAY’S TOP GAMES
West Feliciana at University High
7 p.m.
University High (5-2) will host West Feliciana (7-0) in a game that could decide the District 7-3A title. Knox Kiffin and company have found their groove, with the Cubs winning five straight games since a 0-2 start. The Saints are still unbeaten with a high-flying offense that has scored 40 or more points in all but one game this year.
Parkway at East Ascension
7 p.m.
While most teams are in the thick of District 5-5A play, East Ascension has one more non-district game against Parkway (4-3). The Spartans (6-1) are No. 6 in the Division I nonselect power ratings and could boost that ranking against 20th-ranked Parkway. A win would also be East Ascension’s fifth straight.
Episcopal at Dunham
7 p.m.
Dunham (4-3) looks to meet its preseason expectations with star QB Elijah Haven back under center. The Tigers will have a big test against Episcopal (5-2), which has won four straight after a 1-2 start. Both sides are unbeaten in District 9-2A play, and the winner will take a big step toward a district title.
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB Caiden Bellard, University High: The Cubs running back has put up big numbers in his last five games. The junior 3-star recruit has totaled almost 500 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns during U-High’s winning streak.
LB Bryson Smith, Denham Springs: The Yellow Jackets linebacker has put up massive numbers this year. He has 98 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception. Smith has anchored the Denham Springs defense this season.
WR Marcus Watson, Central: The Wildcats’ senior receiver is a threat any time he has the ball in his hands. The 3-star Houston commitment has 617 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 37 receptions this year. Watson is one of the most explosive athletes in the state this year.
THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE
All games at 7 p.m.
Thursday
Madison Prep at St. Michael
East Feliciana at Central Private
Baker at Morris Jeff
Westminster Christian at Collegiate Baton Rouge
Friday
Highland Baptist at Ascension Christian
Belaire at Glen Oaks
Woodlawn at Zachary
East Iberville at White Castle
Tara vs. McKinley at Olympia Stadium
Parkway at East Ascension
Central vs. Catholic at Memorial Stadium
Plaquemine at Broadmoor
Walker at Live Oak
St. Amant at Prairieville
Helix Mentorship Academy at Istrouma
Slaughter Community Charter at Northeast
Port Allen at Parkview Baptist
West Feliciana at University High
Springfield vs. Donaldsonville at Floyd Boutte Memorial Stadium
North Iberville at Ben Franklin
Denham Springs at Dutchtown
Liberty at Northside
Scotlandville at Brusly
Livonia at Carencro
Pope John Paul II at Albany
Vandebilt Catholic at Lutcher
Patterson at St. James
Episcopal at Dunham
Ascension Catholic at Riverside Academy
Catholic-PC at Kentwood
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