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Louisiana Sports Writers Association

Louisiana Sports Writers Association Dues are $20 per year. (Make checks payable to LSWA)
Please send your name, affiliation, address, telephone numbers and email address to :

C.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association welcomes all members of the sports writing community, including those who write and report for newspapers, web sites, television and radio. The purpose of this organization shall be to foster and promote the dissemination of information on athletics and sports activities and to encourage the highest standards of sports journalism in the communications medi

a, and to promote better working conditions for state sports writers and sports casters. Any person who regularly writes, reports or edits sports news for any wire service based in Louisiana or any newspaper regularly circulated in Louisiana shall be eligible for regular membership. Any person primarily engaged in disseminating sports information or publicity of professional organizations or race tracks, or publicists of non-profit organizations sponsoring or governing sports events in Louisiana shall be eligible for regular membership. Any person primarily engaged in dissemination of information or describing, commenting or reporting on sports regularly on licensed Louisiana radio and television stations shall be eligible for regular membership. Kent Lowe, Treasurer
Post Office Box 29095
Baton Rouge, LA 70894

You also may pay dues through PayPal. [email protected]

12/28/2024

2024 LOUISIANA FARM BUREAU/LSWA MR. FOOTBALL

BY LAMAR GAFFORD
WRITTEN FOR THE LSWA

Leesville has had its share of amazing running backs throughout a storied football history.
However, none of them had a season like the one Xavier Ford had this fall.
The senior, who broke the NFHS national single season record for rushing yard, is now the recipient of the coveted 2024 Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance/LSWA Mr. Football award as selected by sportswriters from across the state.
Ford rushed for 3,467 yards and 52 touchdowns while carrying Leesville to the Division II select semifinals – the central Louisiana school’s first semifinal appearance since 2018.
“He’s a high-character kid,” Wampus Cat coach Robbie Causey said. “Whatever people believe (see) in his athletic ability, his character is so much greater. He just answers the bell. He goes, competes and is a great team kid.”
Ford saw limited varsity action as a freshman but tallied at least 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns as a sophomore and as a junior to have an outside shot of breaking former Leesville and LSU great Cecil Collins if he kept that same pace.
Ford did not just keep that pace. He destroyed it.
In the Wampus Cats’ first game of the season against Sam Houston, he rushed for 298 yards and six touchdowns. However, he topped that by compiling 400 yards and another six touchdowns against Tioga.
Ford’s uncle, Michael, is the only Leesville running back to compile more yards in a single game.
“Without my team, I couldn’t achieve what I achieve,” Ford said. “Me understanding them better, being able to support them and help them stay motivated throughout the game. That’s how I felt like I became a better leader this year.”
Ford was held under 150 yards just twice all season as he continued to take aim at Collins’ records – first with the touchdowns and then the yards.
The magical night came Nov. 8 at LaGrange when Ford rushed for 331 yards to break Collins’ school rushing record.
Finishing with 8,591 yards and 123 touchdowns for his career, Ford awaits the next chapter of his career. Houston and Tulane are among the many schools to offer Ford scholarships.
The honors and records are noteworthy. Most importantly, Ford managed to do all with the grace and humility he displayed throughout his high school career.
“My saying is, ‘No bad days,’” Ford said. “I just always keep a smile on my face. I never like to see anybody down. I always try to stay positive and happy. That’s just the type of person I am off the field.”
With the selection, Ford is the first Leesville player to win the award since Collins in 1995.

Louisiana Farm Bureau/Mr. Football
2024: Xavier Ford, Leesville
2023: Ju’Juan Johnson, Lafayette Christian
2022: Tackett Curtis, Many
2021: Landry Lyddy, Calvary Baptist
2020: Sage Ryan, Lafayette Christian
2019: Christian Westcott, Lakeshore
2018: Derek Stingley Jr., The Dunham School
2017: Anthony “Pooka” Williams, Hahnville
2016: Keytaon Thompson, Landry-Walker
2015: Lindsey Scott, Zachary
2014: Deshawn Capers-Smith, Warren Easton
2013: Leonard Fournette, St. Augustine
2012: John Diarse, Neville
2011: Landon Collins, Dutchtown
2010: Anthony Johnson, O. Perry Walker
2009: Gavin Webster, Lutcher
2008: Blake Matherne, Belle Chasse
2007: Randall Mackey, Bastrop
2006: Joe McKnight, John Curtis
2005: Charles Scott, Jonesboro-Hodge
2004: Ryan Perrilloux, East St. John
2003: Chris Markey, Jesuit
2002: Robert Lane, Neville
2001: Jason Miller, Iota
2000: Byron Robertson, St. Thomas Aquinas
1999: Brock Berlin, Evangel
1998: Bradie James, West Monroe
1997: Adam McConathy, West Monroe
1996: Travis Minor, Baton Rouge-Catholic
1995: Cecil Collins, Leesville

12/27/2024

LSWA Class 5A All-State Football Team

By CHRISTOPHER DABE

For the LSWA

The top offensive and defensive players from Class 5A high schools faced each other in a state championship game, with Edna Karr defensive lineman Corey Adams celebrating with teammates after defeating an Alexandria Senior High team led by running back J.T. Lindsey in the LHSAA’s Division I select final.

Another state final included the state’s top 5A coach, as selected by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association: David Simoneaux of Division I nonselect champion Central. A panel of sportswriters from across the state selected the team.

Adams, voted the Outstanding Defensive Player for the 5A team, played on a Karr defense that included fellow first teamers Richard Anderson and Aiden Hall.

The Ole Miss signee completed his senior season with 47 solo tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 20 quarterback hurries, one interception, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Undefeated Karr won the Catholic League for the third year in a row, and District 9-5A coaches selected the 6-foot-4, 250-pound Adams as the district defensive MVP.

His efforts helped Karr win its first state championship since 2019 and its seventh overall, as Karr overwhelmed Alexandria 53-8 in the LHSAA Division I select final.

For Alexandria, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Lindsey was picked as the LSWA 5A Outstanding Offensive Player after compiling 2,476 yards and 33 touchdowns on 324 carries. He also had 18 receptions for 248 yards and three TDs. The LSU signee ran for 100 yards in 13 of the 14 games, coming up two yards short in the one other game. He topped 200 yards six times.

Alexandria played at the Caesars Superdome for the first time in an LHSAA title game. The Trojans previously advanced to the Prep Classic when it was played at Northwestern State in Natchitoches in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.

Simoneaux coached Central to its first football state championship in 58 years. The Wildcats dominated Ruston 42-0 in the final. Central began the season without three players who were injured in a car crash the day before the team’s first game.

The Wildcats started the season with a 6-0 record and finished 13-1. The title was Simoneaux’s second. He coached Catholic-Baton Rouge to a Division I select title in 2021. He also previously coached Catholic-Pointe Coupee to a title game in 2019.

LSWA CLASS 5A ALL-STATE CHART

OFFENSE

Pos player school ht. wt cl.

WR Kenny Darby, Airline, 6-1, 175, Jr.

WR TaRon Francis, Edna Karr, 6-1, 205, Sr.

TE Ahmad Hudson, Ruston, 6-7, 230, So.

OL Ervin Smith, Catholic-BR, 6-2, 285, Sr.

OL Lionel Prudhomme, Captain Shreve, 6-3, 295, Sr.

OL O’Ryan Mosely, Terrebonne, 6-3, 295, Jr.

OL Sam Nations, Ruston, 6-2, 287, Sr.

OL Leon Noil, Edna Karr, 6-4, 275, Jr.

QB Ben Taylor, Airline, 6-1, 185, Sr.

RB J.T. Lindsey, Alexandria, 5-11, 185, Sr.

RB Nate Sheppard, Mandeville, 5-10, 190, Sr.

RB Jamarcea Plater, Captain Shreve, 5-9, 180, Jr.

PK Asher Murray, C.E. Byrd, 5-11, 160, Jr.

ATH Peyton Houston, Evangel Christian, 5-11, 185, So.

DEFENSE

Pos player school ht. wt cl.

DL Corey Adams, Edna Karr, 6-4, 250, Sr.

DL Richard Anderson, Edna Karr, 6-4, 320, Jr.

DL DK Mays, Central6-5, 255, Sr.

DL Dylan Berymon, Ouachita, 6-3, 305, Jr.

LB KD Mays, Central, 6-0, 195, Sr.

LB Zheric Hill, Ruston, 6-0, 220, Sr.

LB Xzavier White, Alexandria, 6-1, 220, Jr.

LB Damari Drake, Evangel, 6-0, 215, Sr.

DB Jayden Reed, Neville, 5-11, 175, Jr.

DB Aidan Anding, Ruston, 6-0, 170, Jr.

DB Jacob Bradford, Catholic-Baton Rouge, 5-11, 190, Sr.

DB Aiden Hall, Edna Karr, 6-2, 185, Jr.

P Creighton Wilbanks, Mandeville, 5-10, 170, Sr.

ATH Keeman Thibodeaux, Acadiana, 5-9, 175, Sr.

RS Ja’den Williams, Chalmette, 5-9, 160, Sr.

OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: J.T. Lindsey, Alexandria

OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Corey Adams, Karr

COACH OF THE YEAR: David Simoneaux, Central

Honorable mention

Eric Anderson, Chalmette; Cole Austin, Benton; Chantz Babineaux, Carencro; Russel Babineaux, Acadiana; Drew Bailey, Sam Houston; Ayden Baker, Airline; Juelz Baptiste, St. Augustine; Payton Bell, Ruston; Taden Bingham, Terrebonne; Brayden Blade, Neville; Arsenio Bolds, Edna Karr; Chris Bourg, Jesuit; Blaine Bradford, Catholic-BR; Jiwaun Brock, Covington; Joshua Brown, Holy Cross; Xavier Brown, John Curtis; Julian Burns, Neville; Thomas Campbell, Neville; Alvin Celestin, Terrebonne; Wydell Clark, Ouachita; Derrick Collins, Southside; Darrell Cottonham, C.E. Byrd; Jeffrey Curtis, John Curtis; Malachi Dabney, Destrehan; Jarvis Davis, Airline; Trez Davis, West Monroe; Caden DiBetta, Acadiana; Nick DiGerolamo, Holy Cross; CJ Dudley, Parkway; Kaleb Duncan, Evangel; Luke Dutil, Southside; Jack Elliot, Ruston; Zyron Forstall, Jesuit; Jax Gallier, Parkway; Ty George, West Monroe; Rida Ghazzali, Riverdale; Myd Gilbert, Destrehan; Syre Gilmore, St. Augustine; Jaxson Granier, Thibodaux; Sam Greer, C.E. Byrd; Jordan Hayes, Ruston; Caden Heck, Covington; Royuan Jackson, Huntington; Jacob Jeffrey, Hahnville; Lester Johnson, Rummel; Cayden Jones, Walker; John Johnson, Edna Karr; Jamard Jones, Rummel; Bennan Keim, St. Paul’s; Dan Lane, West Monroe; Luke Leger, Barbe; Jabari Mack, Destrehan; Nate Malek, Brother Martin; Camaro Mayo, Parkway; Darryus McKinley, Acadiana; Zaccheaus McNabb, Central Lafourche; Noel Mora, Holy Cross; Jakobi Morris, Alexandria; Malik Myles, H.L. Bourgeois; Jaylon Nichols, Neville; Drew Poche, East Jefferson; Dylan Post, St. Paul’s; Steven Ranel, Central; Chase Ravain, St. Paul’s; Tyler Roark, West Monroe; Warren Roberts, St. Augustine; Easton Royal, Brother Martin; Cam Riley, Neville; Davekio Ruffin, Zachary; Braxton Scriber, Acadiana; Ramon Singleton, Southside; Calvin Smith, Hahnville; Daejawn Smith, Edna Karr; Drew Talley, St. Paul’s; Norman Taylor, Rummel; Keeman Thibodeaux, Acadiana; Parker Todd, West Monroe; JQ Turner, West Monroe; Witten Van Hoy, Benton; Thomas Vaughn, Warren Easton; Brennan Villa, St. Paul’s; Darius Washington, Alexandria; Jamarion Washington, Huntington; Jadon Weber, Brother Martin; Tyler Welch, Huntington; Zane Wyss, Captain Shreve.

12/26/2024

LSWA Class 4A All-State Football Team

By JERIT ROSER

Written for the LSWA

Class 4A teams and players toppled decades-long title droughts and major state records alike during a historic 2024 football season.

The 2024 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State Team, selected by a panel of sports writers across the state, reflects the achievements of a momentous fall.

Leesville senior running back Xavier Ford earned Outstanding Offensive Player honors with his new state-record 3,467 yards and 52 touchdowns on 332 carries and 13 catches for another 239 yards and four scores.

The Wampus Cats' star capped a prolific career with his biggest campaign yet to finish with high school totals of 8,592 yards and 120 touchdowns on 997 carries.

District 3-4A swept the top player awards as versatile Iowa senior Cohen Charles won Outstanding Defensive Player honors.

On defense, Charles finished with 159 tackles — including 109 solo stops, 13 tackles for loss and two sacks — as well as 16 pass break-ups, four interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

He also carried the ball 82 times for 795 yards and 17 touchdowns, caught four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown and returned three punts for scores.

Dennis Skains earned Coach of the Year honors after he, his staff and his senior class helped lead Cecilia to its first state championship since 1995.

The Bulldogs navigated injuries during the regular season and four straight road playoff games as a No. 18 seed to reach the Division-II Non-Select title game for the second straight year.

Once there, the resilient bunch overcame a late deficit to bring the trophy back to St. Martin Parish.

Division-II Select champion Archbishop Shaw, which won its first title since 1987, tied for the most all-state selections in Class 4A with three: senior leaders Jasper Parker and Jacob Washington on offense and sophomore budding star Rontrae Carter on defense.

Eighteen different schools were represented on the 29-player list.

LSWA CLASS 4A ALL-STATE CHART
OFFENSE

Pos Player School Ht Wt Cl
WR Jakai Anderson McDonogh 35 6-0 165 Jr.
WR Jacob Washington Shaw 6-4 175 Sr.
WR Jeremiah Bushnell Iowa 6-3 190 Jr.
OL Gresham Perry Teurlings Catholic 6-4 300 Sr.
OL Tommy Bower E.D. White 6-4 275 Sr.
OL Beau Webb Franklinton 6-3 255 Sr.
OL Jace Williams Assumption 6-1 280 Sr.
OL Nathan Dubroc North DeSoto 6-1 265 Jr.
QB Dezyrian Ellis Franklin Parish 6-2 175 Jr.
RB Xavier Ford Leesville 5-10 210 Sr.
RB Jaylon Coleman Vandebilt Catholic 5-9 160 Sr.
RB Tyrese Mosby Plaquemine 5-8 185 Sr.
PK Ty Powell E.D. White 6-4 175 Sr.
ATH Jasper Parker Shaw 6-2 185 Sr.

DEFENSE

Pos Player School Ht Wt Cl
DL Jeremiah Griffith Wossman 5-11 175 Sr.
DL Paul Boudreaux Vandebilt Catholic 5-10 200 Sr.
DL Reshad Sterling Lutcher 6-3 235 Sr.
DL Keith Newsome McDonogh 35 6-2 210 Sr.
LB Luke Jones West Ouachita 6-0 195 Sr.
LB Charlie Diedrich E.D. White 6-1 220 Jr.
LB Dy'Traevous Lively Westgate 5-11 210 Sr.
LB Ke’Sean Hines Wossman 6-1 225 Sr.
DB Brent Gordon Cecilia 6-0 180 Sr.
DB Rontrae Carter Shaw 6-0 170 So.
DB Cohen Charles Iowa 6-0 170 Sr.
DB Jakobie Anderson McDonogh 35 6-0 170 Sr.
P Cameron Ott Assumption 6-1 175 Sr.
ATH Brian Broussard St. Thomas More 5-10 170 Sr.
RS Diesel Solari Cecilia 5-8 171 Sr.
OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: XAVIER FORD, LEESVILLE

OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: COHEN CHARLES, IOWA

COACH OF THE YEAR: DENNIS SKAINS, CECILIA

Honorable mention
Travis Adams, Tioga; Corey Amos, Opelousas; D.J. Anders, Franklinton; Tashod Badon, Pearl River; Ethan Baer, St. Thomas More; Grant Barbera, E.D. White; Savion Barthelemy, Belle Chasse; Dre Bernard, Washington-Marion; Ben Brewer, Loyola; Roderick Bingham, Plaquemine; Christian Blackmon, Northwood-Shreveport; Braylon Calais, Cecilia; Henry Cardenas, Shaw; Jeremiah Coleman, Istrouma; Jacob Crain, Franklinton; Jordan Cunningham, Southwood; Kaleb Daniels, Teurlings Catholic; Luke Delafield, North DeSoto; Jac Ebarb, Loyola; D’Shaun Ford, Opelousas; Kyle Gegenheimer, Lakeshore; Tavias Gordon, Westgate; Jayden Hagger, Tioga; Landon Hammond, Opelousas; Brandon Henderson, Woodlawn-Shreveport; D’Andre Herron, Leesville; T.J. Hullaby, Peabody; Leesville, Davian Jackson, Westgate; Rylan James, Loranger; Dylan Johnson, Wossman; Kyran Johnson, Northwood-Shreveport; Reece Jones, Lakeshore; Devin Joseph, Loranger; Matthew Lee, West Ouachita; Adam LaMark, Shaw; Chaz Martinez, North DeSoto; DK Mitchell, Booker T. Washington-Shreveport; Gabe Mocek, St. Thomas More; Jaylen O’Neal, Booker T. Washington-Shreveport; Vito Odom, Douglass; M.J. Owens, West Ouachita; Jacob Pajinag, Leesville; Kyree Paul, Istrouma; Marcus Palmer, Woodlawn-Shreveport; Terrance Pitre, South Lafourche; Jack Purser, Teurlings Catholic; Zack Malveaux, Opelousas; Demetrius Robinson, Minden; Darryon Simmons, Istrouma; John Sneed, Northwood-Shreveport; Trenajh Smith, South Terrebonne; Justin Thomas, Northwood-Shreveport; Kenny Thomas, North DeSoto; Uriah Wade, DeRidder; Jordan Veal, Peabody; Jacques Vicknair, St. Charles; Johnathan Walker Jr., Iowa; Carl Williams, Franklin Parish; Mason Wilson, Shaw; John Walker, Plaquemine; Kylin Wheeler, Rayne; Quintin Wilson, Woodlawn-Shreveport.

12/23/2024

LSWA Class 3A All-State Football Team

By LAMAR GAFFORD
Written for the LSWA
The 2024 football season was quite memorable for two Panther teams.
Bunkie was one win shy of advancing to the LHSAA Prep Classic, but it matched its best season finish with its first semifinal trip since 1988.
Sterlington overcame a 2-3 start and rallied to win the Division III non-select title, where it defeated St. James.
Representatives of both teams earned top honors on the 2024 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State Team, as selected by sportswriters across the state.
Bunkie senior quarterback Dillon Compton won Outstanding Offensive Player honors after playing a significant role in leading his team to a 12-1 season and its first district title since 2009. Compton passed for 2,287 yards and 28 touchdowns and added 568 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Sterlington senior linebacker Tre Burch earned Outstanding Defensive Player honors, thanks to making 153 tackles, seven sacks and three fumble recoveries. Burch stepped up as the leader of a team that lost six starters from its front seven and held six of its final 10 opponents to under 20 points.
Lee Doty earned Coach of the Year honors after winning his third LHSAA title, his second as Sterlington’s head coach, since moving from Mississippi in 2014. On top of the defensive replacements, Doty replaced his quarterback, top offensive lineman and a key two-way athlete from last season’s team.

LSWA CLASS 3A ALL-STATE CHART
OFFENSE
Pos Player School Ht Wt Cl
WR Kyle Johnson Bunkie 6-0 175 Sr.
WR Jakias Villanueva St. James 5-7 165 Jr.
WR James Evans John F. Kennedy 5-10 160 Sr.
OL Michael Bozeman Sterlington 5-9 200 Sr.
OL Cale Parker Jena 6-0 215 Jr.
OL John Hebert University 6-3 265 Sr.
OL Robric Walker Madison Prep 6-2 290 Sr.
OL Calvin Grant John F. Kennedy 5-8 245 Sr.
QB Dillon Compton Bunkie 6-0 192 Sr.
RB Hagen Herring Sterlington 5-11 170 Sr.
RB Lochlen Claverie Haynes Academy 6-1 200 Sr.
RB Kevon Johnson Northwest 5-8 175 Jr.
PK Zachry Sugandi-Truitt St. Louis 5-7 170 Sr.
ATH Tylan Johnson Madison Prep 5-11 195 Sr.

DEFENSE
Pos Player School Ht Wt Cl
DL Cam Bagwell Sterlington 6-0 190 So.
DL Jaiden Elly De La Salle 6-0 260 Sr.
DL Dominick Ruth John F. Kenedy 5-10 225 Jr.
DL Curtis Harrison Northwest 6-3 300 Sr.
LB Alec Haynes University 6-1 230 Sr.
LB Tre Burch Sterlington 6-0 235 Sr.
LB Nolan Zenon St. James 6-1 185 Jr.
LB Lucas Mose Bunkie 6-0 175 Jr.
DB Ron Patterson Bunkie 5-8 150 Jr.
DB Jarrell Williams St. James 6-1 175 Sr.
DB Montez Randall De La Salle 5-11 170 Jr.
DB Jacob Hess Parkview Baptist 5-8 155 Sr.
P Nahun Lalin John F. Kennedy 5-11 190 Sr.
ATH Kristopher Griffin L.B. Landry 5-11 170 Jr.
RS Jayce Lantier Iota 5-11 180 Sr.
OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: DILLON COMPTON, BUNKIE
OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: TRE BURCH, STERLINGTON
COACH OF THE YEAR: LEE DOTY, STERLINGTON

HONORABLE MENTION
Brody Anderson, Westlake; Demico Barnes, Booker T. Washington-NO; Jye Blain, St. James; Haidyn Boone, Buckeye; Lamar Brown, University; Omarion Brown, John F. Kennedy; Jim Burlew, Buckeye; Ayden Carter, Lake Charles Prep; Amyne Darensbourg, John F. Kennedy; Ryan Desselle, Buckeye; Davien Edward, Jennings; Gaven Evans, Sterlington; Jeremiah Freeman, Lake Charles Prep; Dane Frick, Kaplan; Brennan Gibson, Port Allen; Dion Griffith, Livington Collegiate; Gavin Higgins, Parkview Baptist; Ju’Juan Jackson, St. James; Kani King-Young, St. James; Jack Landry, Erath; Mason Lantz, Iota; Devin Lavalais, Marksville; Zion Lee, Bunkie; Zay Martin, University; Cedric McDonald, De La Salle; Alfred McKnight, Madison Prep; Elidrick Murray, Marksville; Chris Ned, Jennings; Humphrey Ned, Jennings; Luke Normand, Bunkie; Aidan Parker, Sterlington; Alijah Pete, Lake Charles College Prep; Kyreon Prier, Marksville; Peyton Renfro, Iota; Keyon Robinson, Madison Prep; Kevin Rideau, Westlake; Nate Riordan, Sterlington; Colten Sharp, Jena; JD Smith, Bunkie; Calvin Sparrow, John F. Kennedy; Bryce Wilkerson, Thomas Jefferson; Sedrick Wilson, Jena; Christian Wold, South Beauregard; Re’John Zeno, Jennings.

12/21/2024

LAWA Class 2A A-State Football team

Written for the LSWA
Three teams that finished their seasons at the LHSAA Prep Classic claimed top honors on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 2A All-State teams.
Elijah Haven of The Dunham School was selected as the Outstanding Offensive Player, while Outstanding Defensive Player honors went to J.D. Hidalgo of Catholic High-New Iberia. South Plaquemines coach Lyle F***e garnered Coach of the Year honors. The team was selected by a panel of sportswriters from across the state.
F***e’s South Plaquemines’ squad won the school’s first LHSAA football title since 2008 in his eighth season as head coach at his alma mater. The Hurricanes beat Haynesville 20-7 in the Division IV non-select title game played at the Caesars Superdome. The Hurricanes finished 11-3.
Dunham’s Haven and Hidalgo of CHSNI dueled in the Division III select finals. Catholic-NI won 31-28. Both players made the all-state squad as athletes.
Haven led the Tigers to their second Division III final in two years. He passed for 3,093 yards, completing 193 of 321 passes, with 37 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The sophomore also rushed for 925 yards and 19 TDs
Hidalgo recorded 139 tackles, had 16.5 tackles for losses, five forced fumbles, four sacks, five pass breakups, one interception and two blocked punts for the Panthers, who won their first LHSAA title since 2017.

Offense
Pos Player School Ht Wt Class
WR Kolby Thomas Calvary Baptist 5-10 170 Sr.
WR Brayden Allen Lafayette Christian 6-2 180 Jr.
TE J.T. Layton Oak Grove 6-4 225 Sr.
OL Brett Bordelon Newman 6-4 303 Sr.
OL Devin Harper Calvary Baptist 6-5 295 Sr.
OL Dylan Singleton Loreauville 6-3 285 Sr.
OL Josh Moy Union Parish 6-2 315 Sr.
OL Micah Moser Ouachita Christian 6-6 280 Sr.
QB Abram Wardell Calvary Baptist 6-0 190 Sr.
RB James Simon Calvary Baptist 6-1 210 Sr.
RB Makin Leonard Ouachita Christian 5-11 190 Sr.
RB Jy’heim Williams South Plaquemines 5-9 182 Sr.
PK Bennett Boudreaux Catholic-New Iberia 6-0 155 Sr.
ATH Elijah Haven Dunham 6-5 210 So.

Defense
Pos Player School Ht Wt Class
DL Trevontae Williams, South Plaquemine 6-1 245 Sr.
DL M.J. Clark DeQuincy 6-2 185 Sr.
DL Ethan Sands Calvary Baptist 6-1 255 Sr.
DL Isaiah Joles Oak Grove 5-11 250 Sr.
LB Jaeden Winters Lafayette Christian 6-2 205 Sr.
LB Tyquerius Wilson Union Parish 6-0 175 Sr.
LB Cooper Russell Ouachita Christian 6-5 215 Sr.
LB Alex Phillips South Plaquemines 5-11 186 Sr.
DB Karon Eugene Catholic-New Iberia 6-0 160 So.
DB Kylon Polk Loreauville 5-9 155 Sr.
DB Roy McBride Baker 6-1 180 Sr.
DB Chris Helaire Lafayette Christian 5-10 160 Sr.
P Eason Jarreau Dunham 6-0 180 Sr.
KR Trevor Haman Dunham 5-11 195 Jr.
ATH J.D. Hidalgo Catholic-NI 5-11 195 Sr.
OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: ELIJAH HAVEN, DUNHAM
OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: J.D. HIDALGO, CATHOLIC-NEW IBERIA
COACH OF THE YEAR: LYLE F***E, SOUTH PLAQUEMINES

Honorable Mention
Jacob Beychock, Dunham, Jackson Bradley, Oak Grove, Sam Brocato, Menard, Jaiden Briggs, Vinton, Jackson Casanova, Notre Dame, Reid Chauvin, Episcopal, Chase Cresson, Episcopal, Cortaveus Dorsey, Green Oaks, Caleb Ellis, Ferriday, Dashun Ford, Franklin, Jamey Fisher, D’Arbonne Woods, Jay Freeman, Oake Grove, Eli Friend, Newman, Andrew Hoff, Pope John Paul II, Braylun Huglon, Calvary Baptist, Jaylen Ina, Franklin, Eli Jolie, Welsh, Calvary, Mason Jackson, North Caddo, Luke Landry, Catholic-New Iberia, Wyatt Lavergne, DeQuincy, Jayden Lavespere, Slaughter Charter, Joseph LeBlanc, Catholic-New Iberia, Damascus Lewis, Winnfield, Collin McCann, D’Arbonne Woods, Deanel McGee, South Plaquemines, Chase Meeking, Union Parish, Jaiden Mitchell, Catholic-New Iberia, Angel Moreaux, Oakdale, Cole Miller, Calvary, Julius Moss, Calvary, Landon Mouton, Notre Dame, Jalen Noel, Lafayette Christian, Preston Polhammus, Delhi Charter, Gavin Polk, Ouachita Christian, Blaze Rodriguez, Pope John Paul II, Noah Romero, Kinder, Eli Self, Kinder, Brodie Stuart, Oak Grove, Jacob Sumbler, Oakdale, Isaiah Thomas, Kinder, Keidron Thomas, Delhi Charter, Zaelyn Thomas, Winnfield, Eliot Trahan, Dunham, Luke Vidrine, Ouachita Christian, Jarvis Washington, Dunham, David Weeks, Calvary, Keshawn Williams, Green Oaks, Jordan Willis, Northlake Christian.

12/20/2024

LSWA Class 1A All-State Football Team

By Chris Singleton
Written for the LSWA

Vermilion Catholic and Kentwood enjoyed memorable runs through the LHSAA Division IV select playoff bracket this season.
The two teams met in the semifinals with the winner advancing to Prep Classic championship game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Although Vermilion Catholic rolled to a 33-0 win over Kentwood in the semifinals, both teams topped the 2024 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 1A All-State team.
Vermilion Catholic senior quarterback Jonathan Dartez earned Outstanding Offensive Player honors on the All-State team, while Kentwood senior defensive lineman La’Mikal Callahan took home Outstanding Defensive Player honors. The All-State teams were selected by sportswriters throughout the state.
Dartez led Vermilion Catholic to a perfect 14-0 record and a Division IV select state championship. It was Vermilion Catholic’s third state title in school history and first since 2013.
Dartez dominated throughout the season with 2,761 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns on 348 carries. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry. As a passer, he completed 92-of-146 passes for 1,638 yards, 23 touchdowns and four interceptions. He finished with 177 career touchdowns (a state record) and 13,302 total yards for his career.
Callahan played a key role in Kentwood’s run to the semifinals this season with 172 tackles, 76 tackles for a loss and 27 sacks. He also recorded 36 quarterback hurries for Kentwood, which finished the season with a 10-4 record.
Covenant Christian Academy’s Jesse Turner received LSWA Coach of the Year honors in Class 1A. He helped CCA improve from a 4-8 record in 2023 to a 11-1 record in 2024. The Lions finished 10-0 in the regular season for the first time in school history, won their first district title since the 2016 season and advanced to the Division IV select quarterfinals for the second time in school history.

LSWA CLASS 1A ALL-STATE FOOTBALL TEAM

OFFENSE
Pos player school ht wt cl
WR Nehemiah Philip Riverside Academy 6-0 192 Sr.
WR Jermaine Brown Kentwood 6-0 180 Jr.
TE Allen McLain Vermilion Catholic 6-0 190 Sr.
OL Ayden Bullock Riverside Academy 6-2 270 Jr.
OL Kabren Thomas Covenant Christian Academy 6-1 260 Jr.
OL Jackson Trahan Vermilion Catholic 6-2 255 Sr.
OL Gregory Green Jeanerette 6-2, 265, So.
OL Dakota Davis Haynesville 5-11 230 Sr.
QB Jonathan Dartez Vermilion Catholic 5-8 170 Sr.
RB Harlem Berry St. Martin’s Episcopal 5-11 188 Sr.
RB Dedric Lastie Riverside Academy 5-4 165 Sr.
RB Chad Elzy Jr. Ascension Catholic 5-10 205 Sr.
PK Cooper Helmke St. Martin’s Episcopal 6-3 180 Sr.
ATH Owen Trosclair Covenant Christian Academy 5-10 160 Jr.

DEFENSE
DL Ahmad Cage Riverside Academy 5-9 250 So.
DL Javonte Williams Jeanerette 6-2 240 Jr.
DL La’Mikal Callahan Kentwood 6-0 225 Sr.
DL Germerian Williams Haynesville 5-11 230 Sr.
LB Cole Parrino St. Frederick 5-11 210 Sr.
LB Mace Melancon Ascension Catholic 5-10 200 Sr.
LB Keizavion Woods Haynesville 6-3 215 Sr.
LB Hunter Martin Logansport 5-9 165 Jr
DB Damarion Berry General Trass 5-10 175 Jr.
DB Owen O’Neal St. Frederick 5-9 170 Jr.
DB Luke McLain Vermilion Catholic 6-0 180 Jr.
DB Isaiah Washington Haynesville 6-1 170 Jr.
P Eli Bray Haynesville 6-1 200 Jr.
KR Javon Vital Hamilton Christian 5-10 185 So.
ATH Trevoris Norman Southern Lab 5-7 180 Sr.

OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Jonathan Dartez, Vermilion Catholic
OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: La’Mikal Callahan, Kentwood
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jesse Turner, Covenant Christian Academy

HONORABLE MENTION
Austin Paine, Ascension Catholic; Alijah Hardy, Basile; Makelin Lemoine, Elton; Rory Lambert, Catholic-Pointe Coupee; Landyn Ramagos, Central Catholic; Tate Fontenot, Central Catholic; Russel Mandenbourg, Centerville; Jaden Carter, Covenant Christian Academy; Brennan Champagne, Covenant Christian Academy; Patrick Williams, Covenant Christian Academy; Tyrin Singleton, Delta Charter; Marcus LeBlanc, Elton; Ahmoniee Williams, General Trass; Josh Hopkins, General Trass; Chris Rideau, Hamilton Christian; Derwin Rankins, Hamilton Christian; Andrea Brooks, Haynesville; Isaiah Washington, Haynesville; Jayden Bokemeyer, Oberlin; Kyle Horde, Westminster-Opelousas; Henry Summerlin, St. Edmund; Rowen Bergeron, Opelousas Catholic; Andre Abshire, Ascension Episcopal; Matthew Thompson, LaSalle; Ayden Gongre, Montgomery; Mason Jordan, Montgomery; Jacorian Shepherd, Montgomery; Atlas Hicks, St. Mary’s; Haiden Nelson, St. Mary’s; Braylon Normand, St. Mary’s; Cenario Wilson, Lincoln Prep; D’Tavion Wright, Lincoln Prep; Eli Carr, St. Frederick; Armyrian Asberry, Southern Lab; Jerry Bottley, Southern Lab; Jukadynn Carter, Logansport; Tonashton Bland, Logansport; Andrew McCormick, Ascension Episcopal; Kenric Johnson, Riverside; Kaleb Brumfield, Riverside; Mekell Toussaint, North Iberville; Jon’Quinn Charles, Jeanerette; Wyatt Dubois, St. Edmund; John Patrick Fruge, St. Edmund; Joradae Grows, West St. John; Chance Bovie, West St. John; Bryce Guillory, Grand Lake; Brooks Capps, Catholic-Point Coupee.

12/19/2024

LSU freshman football player Ju’Juan Johnson received his official Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance/Mr. Football Award from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association on Thursday inside the Football Operations Building. Johnson earned the honor after wrapping up his fantastic career at Lafayette Christian Academy. — Photo by William Weathers / LSWA

12/17/2024

Congratulations to LSWA member Michael Bonnette!

12/10/2024

LSU baseball players William Schmidt (left) and Ethan Frey (right) were given their official Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance/Mr. Baseball Awards from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association outside of Alex Box Stadium. Frey earned the honor back in 2022 after wrapping up a stellar career at Rosepine High School. Schmidt was selected as the 2024 winner after leading Catholic High of Baton Rouge to a state title. — Photo by William Weathers / LSWA

11/22/2024

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
We're thrilled to announce the *official* Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame page! 🏆 Here, we’ll honor Louisiana's legendary athletes, coaches, and contributors who’ve shaped the world of sports. 🏀⚾🏈

Stay tuned for exclusive updates, event announcements, and unforgettable moments from the Hall of Fame. 📸✨

We need your help to spread the word! 📢 Like, follow, and share our page with your friends and family so they don’t miss a thing. Together, let’s celebrate Louisiana’s incredible sports legacy! 💜💛

Visit us in person in historic Natchitoches, La or check us out to plan your trip at www.lasportshall.com

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Any person primarily engaged in disseminating sports information or publicity in Louisiana including but not limited to sports information directors at Louisiana schools, publicists of professional organizations or race tracks, or publicists of non-profit organizations sponsoring or governing sports events in Louisiana shall be eligible for regular membership.