While Captain Shreve romped to the District 1-5A football title last fall behind quarterback Quortni Beaner, running back Jamarlon Otis and offensive lineman Devin Harper, a repeat of that effort isn’t predicted this fall.
In an anonymous poll of the league’s coaches, Airline was selected as the overwhelming favorite to rule the roost this fall thanks in large part to having Shreveport Times All-City Offensive Player of the Year Ben Taylor back calling signals.
The Gators, who finished 7-0 last season lost Beaner to graduation, Otis to a move out of state, Harper to a transfer to Calvary and All-District coach Adam Kirby to a school in Arkansas. That should pave the way for the Vikings, who had a perfect regular season going last fall until they lost 60-35 to the Gators.
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Parkway was selected to finish second in 1-5A this fall with Shreve, along with newcomers Evangel and Huntington, tied for third. Byrd came in sixth, Benton seventh, Haughton eighth and Natchitoches Central ninth in the expanded nine-team district that lost Southwood to District 1-4A.
“The district is going to be tough, with nine good, well-coached teams,” Parkway coach Coy Brotherton said. “There will be no off weeks and for the casual fan, there will be good games to go to every week.”
The Panthers return junior quarterback Kaleb Williams, who started seven games last fall, and are loaded in the offensive backfield where at least five players will get carries, anchored by senior CJ Dudley. Parkway’s defense is built around lineman Devon Oliver, who has several SEC offers.
After a two-year stay in District 1-4A, Evangel returns to 1-5A, a league it dominated under former coach Byron Dawson. The Eagles’ potential success is likely built around talented young quarterback Peyton “Pops” Houston. Huntington coach Steve Dennis has been quietly building quality talent on Raspberry Lane that could contend in the Raiders’ return to 5A. Senior running back Nyles Hullaby will be difficult for defenses to track down.
And no one’s weeping for Captain Shreve despite their losses. Coach Jeremy Wilburn has six athletes with collegiate offers, including LJ Prudhomme and Tre Fuller, who have multiple SEC offers.
2024 District 1-5A Coaches Poll
- Airline (10 points)
2. Parkway (25 pts.)
3. (Tie) Captain Shreve, Evangel, Huntington (27 pts. each)
6. Byrd (31 pts.)
7. Benton (43 pts.)
8. Haughton (56 pts.)
9. Natchitoches Central (60 pts.)
Jimmy covers Louisiana sports him for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.