Airline’s Jarvis Davis catches a touchdown pass from Ben Taylor
Airline’s Jarvis Davis catches a touchdown pass from Ben Taylor in a win over Benton on Friday night
Here’s a look at some of the action that will take place during the third weekend of the 2024 Louisiana High School Athletic Association high school football season featuring teams from the Shreveport-Bossier City area.
Union Parish (0-2) at Airline (2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
This was a great game last year (a 48-44 Vikings win) when the Farmers were on their way to a state title. The Vikings have too many weapons for the visitors and will remain undefeated.
Watson’s prediction: Airline 44, Union Parish 28
Huntington (1-1) at Benton (0-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
It’s time for the Tigers to get their first win of the season, but the Raiders want to prove that the victory over Captain Shreve was no fluke.
Watson’s prediction: Huntington 44, Benton 40
Byrd (2-0) at Evangel (1-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
This District 1-5A matchup could be the best game of the week, featuring two contrasting offenses and a defense built around some run-stoppers.
Watson’s prediction: Byrd 28, Evangel 24
Natchitoches Central (1-1) at Captain Shreve (1-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
NCHS has scored just 21 points in two games, but the Gators’ defense could give them some more room. The Gators need a win to bounce back from last week’s disappointing loss to Huntington.
Watson’s prediction: Captain Shreve 27, NCHS 24
THE BEST OF THE BEST: The best football players in the Shreveport-Bossier City area for the week of September 12-13
WINNER WINNER: Byrd, Parkway, Northwood, Loyola and others secured the victories in Week 2
Parkway (2-0) at Haughton (1-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Two previous opponents have not come close to stopping the Panthers’ offensive power. We’d like to say the Buccaneers have a chance to rebound from last week’s blowout loss to Byrd, but that’s probably not the case.
Watson’s prediction: Parkway 48, Haughton 21
Loyola (1-1) at Cedar Creek (0-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
The Flyers haven’t scored many points, but they won’t need many to win this week. The Cougars have only scored two points in two games.
Watson’s prediction: Loyola 32, Cedar Creek 7
Lakeview (0-2) vs. Woodlawn (0-2), Indy
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
The Gators have yet to score a point in 2024 and the Knights’ defense won’t give them much wiggle room. Woodlawn should have an outstanding game.
Watson’s prediction: Woodlawn 30, Lakeview 6
Northwood (2-0) at Mansfield (1-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
The Wolverines were dominant last week, but it won’t be so easy against a group of Falcons that are on a roll. John Sneed scored four touchdowns in Week 2, including two on passes from Jaxon Bentzler. That combination will likely continue.
Watson’s prediction: Northwood 38, Mansfield 28
Calvary (1-1) at Franklin Parish (2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
The Cavaliers will look to rebound from their first regular season loss since September 15, 2022, when Byrd earned a narrow 14-7 victory. Calvary’s James Simon will have a great game.
Watson’s prediction: Calvary 55, Franklin Parish 44
Homer (0-2) at Haynesville (2-0)
When: Friday, 7.30 p.m.
There’s nothing better in northern Louisiana than this battle of Claiborne Parish rivals. The two towns are only 20 miles apart and it’s usually cousins versus cousins for a year’s worth of bragging rights. Forget the records.
Watson’s prediction: Haynesville 28, Homer 27
Last week: 6-4 Season: 13-7
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. You can email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @JimmyWatson6.
