Road to the Dome: LHSAA Division IV Quarterfinals Preview

by Jace LeJeune, Cameron Cerniglia, and Lee Brecheen

8 teams are down and there are 8 more teams left to go. All 16 teams have their own strengths and weaknesses, but they all have one goal in mind. That is to be one of nine teams in the end holding a state championship trophy in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with the Queen smash hit “We Are the Champions” playing in the background. For Louisiana football fans, this is the most wonderful time of the year. It is our version of “March Madness”. This year, we got you covered as for the next couple of weeks, we will go through all of the matchups from 1A all the way to 5A public and private each and every week leading up to the All-State Sugar Bowl/LHSAA Prep Classic from December 6th-8th. Louisiana Football Magazine’s expert Lee Brecheen has seen all of these teams play and gives his insight on which teams will survive and continue their march to the Superdome. Today, we preview the Division IV quarterfinal matchups.

#1 Southern Lab (10-1) vs. #9 Ouachita Christian (8-3)

Jace's Game Preview: The Southern Lab Kittens may have given up an early touchdown against St. Mary's in their first round playoff game, but after that, it was smooth sailing as the Kittens scored 49 unanswered points to defeat the Tigers 49-6. Once again, the Kittens were led offensively by LSU commit Tyrion Davis, who ran for 81 yards and a touchdown on only 11 carries. The biggest part was trying to get the passing game going for the Kittens and that is exactly what they did with both their quarterbacks Travon Myles and Angelo Izzard throwing for four touchdowns. Receivers Theodore Knox and Reginald Johnson had huge games combining for 154 receiving yards and all four touchdowns. The passing game must show up again this Friday for the Kittens because they will face a really good Ouachita Christian team on the road. The Eagles pulled off an upset in their 49-28 win against Central Catholic. The biggest key for the Kittens is to maintain their dominating ground game and keep the explosive Ouachita Christian offensive attack off the field.

Jace's Pick: Southern Lab

Lee's Pick: "I think it is going to be really close. Ouachita Christian is very tough to beat at home. This could potentially be an upset, but I am going to go with Southern Lab to take care of business, but it should be a close game."

#4 Lafayette Christian Academy (11-0) vs. #5 Opelousas Catholic (8-2)

Jace's Game Preview: The defending Division IV state champion Lafayette Christian Academy Knights have scored at least 48 points in each of their games and the trend continued in a big way in their first round matchup against Houma Christian. In fact, the Knights made a statement that last year was no fluke by scoring all of their 70 points before halftime in their first playoff game. It was a dominant team effort as the team scored more points (70) than the defense gave up yards (43). RB Logan Gabriel was the bellcow all night rushing for 148 yards and four touchdowns. If the Knights keep playing like this, they can beat anybody in this bracket. However, the Knights have a bigger challenge in the second round against Opelousas Catholic. The Vikings won their first round playoff game against Covenant Christian 35-18. This is a team that has played tough teams over the course of the year and for most part, has defeated them. The Vikings bring a lot of skill talent to the table and will bring their best against Lafayette Christian Academy.

Jace's Pick: Lafayette Christian Academy

Lee's Pick: "Lafayette Christian Academy is one of the more talented teams in the state. Their offense is unstoppable and their defense is really underrated. I think Lafayette Christian Academy is going to win because I don't think anybody can stop their offense unless if you are Southern Lab."

#3 Vermilion Catholic (10-1) vs. #6 St. Frederick (9-2)

Cameron's Game Preview: Vermilion Catholic is coming off a big win against Cedar Creek by a final score of 48-13. St. Frederick comes into this matchup after a close win against Sacred Heart by a score of 16-7. This should be a great and close second round game.

Cameron’s Pick: Vermilion Catholic

Lee's Pick: "I think Vermilion Catholic shocked me beating a very good Cedar Creek team. I think St. Frederick's has really overachieved with a great coaching staff, but I have been really impressed with Vermilion Catholic so I am going to take them in this game."

#2 Ascension Catholic (10-1) vs. #10 Catholic-P.C. (8-2)

Cameron's Game Preview: Ascension Catholic won their first round game against Hanson Memorial 52-8. Catholic-P.C. won a close game against St. Edmund by a score of 19-12. The Ascension Catholic offense will have to be stopped if Catholic-P.C. wants to win.

Cameron’s Pick: Ascension Catholic

Lee's Pick: "This is a dangerous game for Ascension Catholic. I think Catholic P.C. Head Coach David Simoneaux should be up for Coach of the Year honors. This game is going to be really good and is usually a game that you would see in a state championship. This is probably Catholic P.C.'s best team in 30 years, but I am going to go with Ascension Catholic because they are on a mission to get back to the Dome."

Hey football fans. Like our recruiting interviews, stories, and other content on our website? Click on our website daily to view articles on recruits, coaches, and so much more at our website: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/. Also, we have exciting news that for the second straight year, we will have our North and South LA issues and both are now out! Both issues will continue to cover all the Louisiana s as well as all the high schools in state, but there will be 16 pages that will focus on North Louisiana as well as South Louisiana. For more information, please check the following link to where you can find the magazine in a store near you. Also, below are the two covers as well as where you can order both magazines on our website.

Stores Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/news/c48-recruiting/2018-louisiana-football-magazine-north-and-south-editions-now-available-in-stores-near-you/

North Cover: South Cover:

North Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2018-annual-preview-north-edition/

South Link: http://www.lafootballmagazine.com/product/la-football-magazine-2018-annual-preview-south-edition/