With the 2019 football season drawing near, here are our top five preseason public school football teams in Louisiana:
5) Destrehan
Despite falling short of the state finals last season, Destrehan is dangerous. The Wildcats' 2018 season ended with a 67-57 barnburner against eventual champions Zachary in the state semifinals, but they come into 2019 with firepower on both sides of the ball. Four-star running back Kyle Edwards and four-star wide receiver Quincy Brown are game changers on the offensive end while three-star defensive end Noah Taliancich will be terrorizing quarterbacks from the strong side edge.
4) Warren Easton
As the returning 4A state runner-ups, Warren Easton comes into the 2019 season with top-end talent. Four-star recruit and first team All-State center Sedrick Van Pran will be paving the way for fellow four-star recruit, running back Ashaad Johnson, all season long. Competing with 4A rival Edna Karr is no easy task, but the Fighting Eagles have cemented their position as a worthy contender.
3) West Monroe
After losing to Zachary by just three points in the 2018 state final, 17-time state champion West Monroe will look to reclaim its title this year. The Rebels are equipped to do so, with yet another talented squad slated to hit the field in 2019. The redoubtable defensive unit—led by second team All-State safety Brooks —will be crucial to WM's success next season.
2) Edna Karr
Edna Karr, a 4A dynasty and the defending state champions, will return a loaded line up in 2019. Riding a 26-game win streak, the Cougars will be chasing a four-peat. Three-star cornerback Jamie Vance will anchor the secondary while wide receiver Destyn Pazon—who recently clocked a 4.5 second 40 yard dash at the Rivals Combine—has the potential to be a major difference maker on offense.
1) Zachary
The defending state champions are poised for another title run in 2019. Matching their 2018 championship season should not be a problem for the Broncos, as they return a formidable defense and the 2018 Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Keilon Brown. Zachary's aerial assault will continue throughout 2019, as Brown will be throwing to five-star wide receiver Chris Hilton. Also look for wide receiver Jeremiah Grimes and tight end Jalen Bolden to shine as targets for Brown this year.