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  • Louisiana
    The Bubble Bowl: DeRidder and St. Louis Catholic Are Both Living Near the Playoff Cutoff, and They Play Each Other Thursday, Oct. 29

    The Bubble Bowl: DeRidder and St. Louis Catholic Are Both Living Near the Playoff Cutoff, and They Play Each Other Thursday, Oct. 29

    Subhead: With two regular-season weeks left, the LHSAA’s own power-rating sheet puts a crowd of Southwest Louisiana teams within a few tenths of a point of the cut. Here’s who’s sweating, who isn’t, and why a loss to an unbeaten team can actually move a number up.

    By T-Rohn | Gridiron Gumbo | Oct. 24, 2026

    REPORTED: facts per the LHSAA’s official power-rating reports and 2026 football bulletin and other published sources (see Sources at the end)

    The scoreboard tells you who won Friday. The LHSAA’s power-rating sheet tells you whether it’s going to matter in November. For DeRidder and St. Louis Catholic, that question gets its first real test Thursday, Oct. 29, when the two meet at St. Louis Catholic (7 p.m. kickoff).1

    That sheet got its newest update at 12:02 p.m. Saturday, with Friday’s results added, and it says something the standings don’t. Southwest Louisiana has a whole row of teams sitting right near the playoff cutoff, and two of them, DeRidder and St. Louis Catholic, go into that game with both of their numbers on the table.

    TAKE (joke): Southwest Louisiana will argue about a hundredth of a point the way it argues about roux, boudin and who has the best cracklins: loudly, with total confidence and without a calculator.

    One more thing makes Thursday matter: it’s a District 3-3A game. DeRidder is 3-1 in district and St. Louis Catholic is 2-2.1 Jennings, at 5-0, has already clinched at least a share of the title (our standings box, Gridiron Gumbo math) and holds a 36-31 win over DeRidder. TAKE: that makes second place and the power rating the realistic road for both teams.

    One catch: they’re in different brackets. DeRidder is in Non-Select Division II. St. Louis Catholic is in Select Division III. So Thursday isn’t a straight swap where one team’s gain is the other’s loss. Both teams can stay in the field. Both can also slide toward the cutoff. It’s one game with two separate bubbles riding on it.

    Think of it as a crawfish boil with two pots on one burner.

    First, how this works (the short version)

    Every Louisiana bracket is filled the same way. Each certified district champion is in automatically. Every other spot goes to the highest power ratings, and the power rating seeds everybody, champions included, according to PrepRank’s explainer of the LHSAA handbook.2 The four Non-Select divisions take 28 teams each. The four Select divisions take 24.

    TAKE (joke): Twenty-eight spots, twenty-four spots, a decimal point and a handbook section number. It’s the only gumbo recipe that comes with footnotes.

    The formula itself is printed in the LHSAA’s 2026 football bulletin (handbook Section 14.12). Each game is worth:

    • 10 points for a win, 5 for a tie, 0 for a loss. The score itself never enters the formula, so a squeaker and a rout earn the same 10.
    • Plus the opponent’s winning percentage times 10. Beat (or lose to) an 8-0 team and that game adds 10.
    • Plus 2 points per division “up” when the opponent is bigger. PrepRank reads LHSAA’s sheets as giving those only when the opponent is higher in both class and division.

    Add up the games, divide by games played, and round to two decimals. That’s the number.

    Two things follow from that. First, a team’s number can change on a weekend it doesn’t play, because every opponent’s record is baked in and those records change every Friday. Second, a loss to an unbeaten team can be worth more than your current average. Hold that thought; it matters for Kinder.

    One more date worth circling: Saturday, Oct. 24, is the LHSAA’s deadline to add games to the schedule for power-rating purposes.3 The menu is set. Nobody’s ordering off it now.

    The Bubble Bowl: DeRidder at St. Louis Catholic, Thursday, Oct. 29

    DeRidder (5-3, 3-1 in District 3-3A) sits 24th of 44 in Non-Select Division II at 10.52.4, 1 That’s four spots inside the 28-team cutoff, but the gap is thin. Wossman holds the 28th spot at 9.97. Iota is 29th at 9.89.

    The Dragons got there mostly by winning. Their strength factor, the LHSAA’s measure of schedule difficulty (Section 14.13; PrepRank says it also breaks certain ties), is 6.00, which ranks 43rd of the 44 teams in the division. Their five wins, the latest a 24-20 win at Kinder on Friday (our recap), are doing the heavy lifting.

    Coach Brad Parmley put it in plain terms before the season. The goal, he said in August, is “to be at our best when it matters the most.” He also described “a tough schedule, a tough district.”5

    St. Louis Catholic (3-5, 2-2 in District 3-3A) is 22nd of 37 in Select Division III at 9.46, with the 24-team cutoff at Fisher, 8.80.6, 1 That’s a 3-5 team two spots inside the field, and there’s a reason.

    The Saints opened with Sulphur and Barbe, both Division I schools. Under PrepRank’s reading of the formula, a Division III team playing a Division I team picks up 4 play-up points, win or lose. Coach Chris Truax told KPLC on Oct. 7 that he likes to “play up in levels” so the Saints are “prepared” when district play arrives.7 KPLC’s story doesn’t quote him on the rating formula. The extra points are a side effect of the schedule, not a goal he described.

    TAKE (our math): the sheet’s number checks out. Sulphur and Barbe are worth 4 play-up points each, and LaGrange (4A, Division II, one division up from the Saints) adds 2 more. Add those to the eight games on the sheet and you get exactly 9.46. Without the LaGrange bonus, the rating would be closer to 9.21. Two Division I schools and a Division II school on the front end of the schedule are the reason a 3-5 team is sitting inside the field.

    The Saints are coming off a 42-35 win at Washington-Marion (our recap).

    What Thursday could do (TAKE: Gridiron Gumbo math, holding every other result on today’s sheet constant):

    If it wins ThursdayIf it loses Thursday
    DeRidder (24th, 10.52)about 10.83, which would rank 23rd on today’s sheetabout 9.84, which would rank 29th, outside the 28-team cutoff
    St. Louis Catholic (22nd, 9.46)about 10.14, which would rank 19thabout 9.15, still 22nd and still inside

    How the what-if math works (TAKE): each estimate uses (current rating × 8 + the new game’s points) ÷ 9, because each of these teams has eight games entered on the LHSAA sheet. A team with fewer games entered would work out differently, since both the divisor and the weight on its current rating would change.

    Here’s why the table isn’t symmetrical. DeRidder’s average is high enough that a loss to a 3-5 team pulls it down hard. St. Louis Catholic’s average is low enough that even a loss to a 6-3 team barely dents it, because DeRidder’s record still props up that game.

    TAKE (joke): It’s the only table in Southwest Louisiana that gets read more carefully than a menu on the first cool night of fall: for the prices, for the fine print and for what the other table ordered.

    Neither season ends Thursday. DeRidder closes against Iowa on Nov. 5. St. Louis Catholic finishes at Jennings on Nov. 6.1 Those games move numbers too. The district race is its own story, and we keep that one in our standings box.

    The rest of the bubble

    Sam Houston (3-5), Non-Select Division I: 25th of 36, 10.16. The cutoff (28th) is Central Lafourche at 9.76. The Broncos have played the toughest schedule in the division by the LHSAA’s strength factor (10.00, highest among the 36 teams), and two of their five losses came by a combined four points: 34-31 to East Ascension and 55-54 at Sulphur.1 Sam Houston plays St. Thomas More (6-2, 7th in Select Division I) Oct. 30 and New Iberia Nov. 6. TAKE (our math): a win over St. Thomas More would push the Broncos to about 10.88, roughly 18th on today’s sheet. A loss would drop them to about 9.90, about fourteen-hundredths above where the cutoff sits today.

    Kinder (1-7), Non-Select Division III: 27th of 42, 9.13. Yes, 1-7 and inside the cutoff. The Yellowjackets’ strength factor (8.38) ranks third in the division. Their schedule has included Eunice (8-0), Lake Charles College Prep (7-1 on the LHSAA sheet), Welsh and Lake Arthur.1 Next up is Notre Dame (8-0, No. 1 in Select Division III) at Kinder on Oct. 30,8 then Basile on Nov. 6. TAKE (our math): because Notre Dame is unbeaten, even a loss to the Pioneers would add a 10-point game, nudging Kinder up to about 9.23 (26th today). A win would mean about 10.21. That’s the formula, not a pep talk.

    TAKE (joke): In this formula, an unbeaten opponent is the cousin who shows up unannounced with a casserole: alarming at the door, useful by the time the math is done.

    Oakdale (2-6), Non-Select Division III: 25th, 9.38. The Warriors lost 42-40 to Avoyelles on Friday (our recap) and still sit three spots inside. They host Holy Savior Menard on Oct. 30 and play at Port Barre on Nov. 5.1 Keep an eye on that district race, too. If a team from outside the top 28 wins its district, it’s in automatically, and each of those bumps the lowest at-large team. TAKE: in Non-Select Division III right now, the teams that would feel that first are at 27th and 28th: Kinder and Many (9.09), with Oakdale two spots above.

    DeQuincy (2-6), Non-Select Division IV: 29th of 40, 9.00. The Tigers are three-hundredths of a point behind East Iberville (9.03) for the 28th spot after a 41-0 win over Pickering (our recap). They play at Sacred Heart (8-0, 3rd in Select Division IV) on Oct. 30 and host Rosepine (7-1) on Nov. 6.1, 9 TAKE (our math): if Sacred Heart is still unbeaten after that game, even a loss there would lift DeQuincy to about 9.11, which would edge past today’s 28th-place number by eight-hundredths. A win would mean about 10.10.

    That’s not a typo. In this formula, the toughest game left on your schedule can be your best rating game.

    Iota (4-4), Non-Select Division II: 29th, 9.89, 0.08 behind Wossman for the last spot. The Bulldogs have won three straight, and their defense has been a different unit lately. We dug into that in today’s other story.

    Washington-Marion (1-7), Select Division II: 29th of 34, 7.50. The 24th spot is The Willow School at 8.51. Washington-Marion plays at Iowa on Oct. 29 and hosts Westlake on Nov. 6.9

    Comfortable, for now

    Not everybody needs a calculator. On the LHSAA sheet as of its 12:02 p.m. Saturday update, these Southwest Louisiana teams sit well inside their cutoffs:

    • Non-Select Division I: Barbe (2nd, 14.46). Sulphur (18th, 10.78) is inside but has more work to do than Barbe.
    • Non-Select Division II: Leesville (6th, 13.15), Iowa (12th, 12.10).
    • Non-Select Division III: Jennings (3rd, 13.17), Rosepine (6th, 12.66), Church Point (14th, 11.50), South Beauregard (19th, 10.70).
    • Non-Select Division IV: Vinton (3rd, 14.59), Grand Lake (8th, 12.71), Lake Arthur (9th, 12.69), Welsh (11th, 12.41), Elton (16th, 11.59), East Beauregard (19th, 10.73), Merryville (21st, 10.06).
    • Select: Lake Charles College Prep (3rd in Division II, 13.83) and Notre Dame (1st in Division III, 15.86).

    Merryville’s spot is the shakiest of that group. It’s 1.03 above today’s 28th place.

    TAKE (joke): Being the shakiest of the comfortable is like being the coldest person in Louisiana in January: technically a complaint, practically a light jacket.

    The fine print

    This sheet is a snapshot, and it still has gaps. Schools enter their own scores into the LHSAA system. The 12:02 p.m. update picked up most of Friday’s results (Leesville now shows 7-1 after beating LaGrange), but not every one: Church Point, for example, still shows 5-2 on the sheet, while PrepRank lists the Friday win over Crowley that would make it 6-2. A few teams still show only seven games, which matters for the what-if math above. Every number in this story will move as those scores post and as opponents keep playing.

    Our “what if” math also holds everybody else still, which nobody in Louisiana has ever done on a Friday night. Treat it as a direction, not a seeding forecast. PrepRank, an independent site that recomputes the formula as scores post, had DeRidder at 10.00 on Saturday, about half a point below the LHSAA sheet’s 10.52, and slotted the Dragons 27th by rating instead of 24th. TAKE: the gap appears to trace to DeRidder’s Sept. 18 game against Newton, Texas, an out-of-state team whose record the two sites seem to carry differently (Newton is 5-2 on MaxPreps). We can’t see how either one treats it. If the LHSAA sheet were updated to Newton’s MaxPreps record, DeRidder’s number would move to about 10.58. The LHSAA’s own sheet is the one that counts, and that’s what we used.

    District first-place teams have to be certified by Friday, Nov. 6, and the regular season ends Saturday, Nov. 7. Bi-district games are Nov. 12-14.3

    Until then, every decimal is worth arguing about at the gas station. Bring a pencil.

    TAKE (joke): Bring two pencils. The second one is for the guy at the gas station who has a different decimal and will not be moved.

    Spot a score the LHSAA sheet is missing? Send it to Gridiron Gumbo. T-Rohn is keeping score.

    Sources

    1. MaxPreps schedules: DeRidder https://www.maxpreps.com/la/deridder/deridder-dragons/football/schedule/ ; St. Louis Catholic https://www.maxpreps.com/la/lake-charles/st-louis-catholic-saints/football/schedule/ ; Sam Houston https://www.maxpreps.com/la/lake-charles/sam-houston-broncos/football/schedule/ ; Kinder https://www.maxpreps.com/la/kinder/kinder-yellowjackets/football/schedule/ ; Oakdale https://www.maxpreps.com/la/oakdale/oakdale-warriors/football/schedule/ ; DeQuincy https://www.maxpreps.com/la/dequincy/dequincy-tigers/football/schedule/ (records, district records, scores, remaining games; DeRidder at St. Louis Catholic listed Thu., Oct. 29, 7 p.m. on both the DeRidder and St. Louis Catholic schedules) ↩ Back to story
    2. PrepRank, “How LHSAA Football Power Ratings Are Calculated”: https://prep-rank.com/explainers/lhsaa-football-power-ratings (28/24 bracket sizes, Section 14.9; district champions automatic, Section 14.10; seeding, Section 14.11.1; play-up reading: 2 points per division, only when higher in both class and division) ↩ Back to story
    3. LHSAA, 2026 Football General Information Bulletin: https://www.lhsaa.org/siteuploads/lhsaa/1433_pdf_2026-football-general-info-bulletin.pdf (Section 14.12 formula, Section 14.13 strength factor; Oct. 24 deadline to add games for power-rating purposes; regular season ends Nov. 7; district certification due Nov. 6; playoff dates) ↩ Back to story
    4. LHSAA, Non-Select Football Power Ratings by Division, “As of Date: 10/24/2026 12:02:42 PM”: https://www.lhsaaonline.org/rpt/FBNonSelectbyDivisionPR.html (all Non-Select ranks, ratings, strength factors and W-L used above; Leesville shown 7-1) ↩ Back to story
    5. KPLC, Ryan Blakely and Ben Rickevicius, “2026 Two-A-Days: DeRidder Dragons,” Aug. 18, 2026: https://www.kplctv.com/2026/08/18/2026-two-a-days-deridder-dragons/ (Parmley quotes) ↩ Back to story
    6. LHSAA, Select Football Power Ratings by Division, same timestamp: https://www.lhsaaonline.org/rpt/FBSelectbyDivisionPR.html (SLC 22nd, 9.46; Fisher 24th, 8.80; Notre Dame 1st, 15.86; LCCP 3rd Div. II; W-M 29th, 7.50; The Willow School 24th, 8.51; Sacred Heart 3rd Div. IV, 8-0; St. Thomas More 7th Div. I, 6-2) ↩ Back to story
    7. KPLC, Ben Rickevicius, “TDL Week 6 Game of the Week Preview: St. Louis Catholic Saints,” published Oct. 7, 2026 at 8:03 p.m. CDT (the URL carries 2026/10/08): https://www.kplctv.com/2026/10/08/tdl-week-6-game-week-preview-st-louis-catholic-saints/ (Truax “play up in levels” and “prepared” fragments) ↩ Back to story
    8. The Advocate, Week 8 Acadiana-area scores and schedules, Oct. 23, 2026: https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/sports/high_schools/week-8-high-school-football-scores-reported-stats-schedules-for-acadiana-area/article_0de41fd1-c13c-4c11-b5a1-46151d9493fc.html (“Notre Dame at Kinder on Friday” Oct. 30) ↩ Back to story
    9. PrepRank team pages (unofficial; DeRidder rating field updated 9:18 a.m. CDT Oct. 24, page checked about 12:15 p.m. CDT): DeRidder https://www.prep-rank.com/schools/deridder/football (10.00; 27th by rating; next game Thu., Oct. 29 vs. St. Louis Catholic) ; St. Louis Catholic https://www.prep-rank.com/schools/st-louis-catholic/football ; Sam Houston https://www.prep-rank.com/schools/sam-houston/football ; DeQuincy https://www.prep-rank.com/schools/dequincy/football ; Washington-Marion https://www.prep-rank.com/schools/washington-marion/football (remaining schedules) ↩ Back to story
    10. KPLC, TDL Week 8 scores: https://www.kplctv.com/2026/10/22/tdl-week-8-scores-highlights/ (Friday finals)
    11. LouisianaGridiron Gumbo internal links: DeRidder 24, Kinder 20 (post 2092); St. Louis Catholic 42, W-M 35 (2088); Avoyelles 42, Oakdale 40 (2096); DeQuincy 41, Pickering 0 (2090); standings box (1937)
  • Louisiana
    Four Touchdowns in a Loss: Brynnum Chaney Left Everything in Vinton

    Four Touchdowns in a Loss: Brynnum Chaney Left Everything in Vinton

    By T-Rohn | Gridiron Gumbo
    Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 · LHSAA Week 8 · District 5-2A · Player feature
    FINAL: Vinton 43, Rosepine 26 · CONFIRMED

    How this story is sourced: Brynnum Chaney’s quotes come from Gridiron Gumbo’s own postgame interview.1 His touchdown count, yardage and season stats are REPORTED by the American Press and are unofficial until the league publishes box scores. Coach quotes, records and the statewide fan-poll honor come from the outlets listed under Sources at the end. Takes are labeled and are Gridiron Gumbo’s own.

    Rosepine senior Brynnum Chaney scored all four Eagles touchdowns in a 43-26 loss at unbeaten Vinton, the American Press reported. Afterward he walked Gridiron Gumbo through the plays, the turnaround and what comes next.

    THE ESSENTIALS

    • Final: Vinton 43, Rosepine 26 (Friday, Oct. 23, at B.S. Walker Stadium, Vinton) · CONFIRMED
    • Chaney’s night (REPORTED): 26 carries, 150 yards, three rushing touchdowns and a 16-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Creek Smith, plus four catches for 39 yards. All four Rosepine touchdowns were his.2
    • Records: Rosepine 7-1, 1-1 District 5-2A · Vinton 8-0, 2-03
    • Next: Rosepine hosts East Beauregard, Friday, Oct. 30 (district), then closes at DeQuincy on Nov. 6.

    Four touchdowns, one loss

    VINTON, La. — Brynnum Chaney scored four touchdowns Friday night, and it still wasn’t enough.

    That’s the kind of night it was at B.S. Walker Stadium: two 7-0 teams, one district race, and a Rosepine senior who wouldn’t let his team go quiet. Vinton won it 43-26 to stay unbeaten, and the American Press said Chaney accounted for every one of the Eagles’ touchdowns. TAKE: Anybody leaving that stadium was talking about No. 9.

    Chaney, a senior who lines up at running back, wide receiver and cornerback for the Eagles (the school’s roster lists him at wide receiver and cornerback; the American Press calls him a running back), found the end zone four times: three runs and a catch.4 TAKE: On a night when Rosepine needed every one of them just to stay in the fight, that’s the number that matters. Gridiron Gumbo’s own play log agrees he scored twice in the third quarter, but the four-touchdown breakdown is the American Press’s count, not an official league stat.

    “It actually wasn’t supposed to go to me”

    Chaney’s first score came in the second quarter, a 16-yard catch from Smith that got Rosepine on the board.4 By his own account, it wasn’t the plan.

    “It actually wasn’t supposed to go to me,” Chaney said. “I just got open and made my play. Me and my quarterback have a good connection — he saw me and he just got it to me.”

    The Eagles knew what they were walking into. Vinton’s defense came in allowing about 143 yards and 6.6 points a game,5 and Chaney didn’t pretend otherwise.

    “We just knew it was a big opponent, a tough matchup,” he said. “We just knew we had to come out and give 100% every play.”

    Brynnum Chaney, wearing white No. 9 for Rosepine, stands at midfield next to an official before the game.
    Brynnum Chaney (#9) at midfield before the Vinton game. Photo: Tori Dixon

    When the game tightened up, the message in the huddle stayed simple: battle. “We just knew it’s a tough defense — one of the best defenses in Southwest Louisiana,” he said. “We just knew we had to battle hard and keep going.” (That “best defenses” line is his opinion. For context, the American Press had Vinton’s first seven wins coming by an average of 42 points.)

    Then came the last play of the first half, which swung things Vinton’s way. It started when Vinton forced a Rosepine fumble on fourth down,2 and with 12 seconds left the Lions took one more shot. Quarterback Michael Lange’s deep ball for Jacob Edison bounced off a Rosepine defender, and Edison scored from 65 yards out for a 22-6 halftime lead, the American Press reported.2

    The halftime adjustment

    Chaney said Rosepine’s coaches changed things at the break. By his account, they adjusted the defensive alignment and told the offense to hold its blocks longer. He described the first play out of the half as a dive up the middle that he bounced outside for about a 50-yard run. That’s his account of the play. It isn’t listed in the American Press scoring summary, and Gridiron Gumbo hasn’t verified the distance.

    What the paper did report is a third-quarter push. Rosepine’s two drives covered 74 and 62 yards, and Chaney finished them with runs of 2 and 4 yards. The Eagles trailed 29-20 with 4:09 to play in the quarter.4

    Vinton’s response was an 11-play, 80-yard drive capped by a Lange keeper, and then Chaney struck again. Late, with Vinton trying to close the door, he said, the offense was running go routes on one drive and he found the open hole and made the play. The American Press lists his fourth-quarter score as a rushing touchdown, and Gridiron Gumbo has not matched his description to a specific snap. It cut the lead to 36-26 before Jaydin Smith’s 46-yard run closed the scoring at 43-26.

    “Grit”

    Asked for his team’s identity in one word, he didn’t hesitate. “Grit,” Chaney said.

    This is the same Rosepine program that went 1-9 a year ago. The American Press said the Eagles had back-to-back 1-9 seasons before this year, and the 7-0 start was their first since 2018. Chaney says the turnaround was built in the summer. “We just worked all summer,” he said. “We knew what we were going to do this year, and we kept on.”

    Rosepine senior #9 smiling after the Vinton game
    Brynnum Chaney (#9) after the game. Photo: Tori Dixon

    Not his first four-touchdown night

    What makes Friday notable is that it wasn’t an outlier. Chaney opened the season with 190 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-20 win over Montgomery.6 The American Press reported he scored four times again against Pickering on Oct. 8, including a 73-yard punt-return touchdown, in a 54-0 win.7 For the Montgomery game, he was a nominee in High School On SI’s Louisiana Athlete of the Week poll, and the site’s next poll named him the winner of that fan vote.8, 9

    The American Press’s Oct. 23 preview credited him with 99 carries for 1,114 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns through Rosepine’s first seven games, plus 12 receptions for 258 yards and three touchdowns.5 Add Friday’s numbers and, by Gridiron Gumbo’s math (unofficial, not a stat the paper printed), he has about 1,264 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns, plus 16 catches for 297 yards and four receiving touchdowns, through eight games.

    The Louisiana Football Coaches Association’s 2025 Class 2A all-district list named him at tight end/wide receiver on offense and as a flex player on defense, and the American Press has him among the area’s small-school rushing leaders.10

    What the coaches say

    Rosepine coach David Weldon said in September that Chaney “ran like a man possessed” in the opener. “If I had 11 Brynnums, I could put him at center and he’d be fine,” Weldon said, adding that “he’s one you could probably put him anywhere and he’s going to succeed for you.”6

    Vinton coach Tyler Lavergne called Rosepine’s running back “extremely talented” before kickoff, then said afterward that the Lions had to play four full quarters for the first time all year. “That was a quality opponent, and a great atmosphere,” Lavergne said.2 Rosepine’s 26 points were the most anyone has scored on Vinton this season, according to the Lions’ MaxPreps schedule.

    Bounce back, then the next level

    How does a team handle its first loss with the playoffs coming? Chaney sounded like a senior who had already turned the page.

    “We’re just gonna bounce back,” he said. “Come back on Monday, prepare, and get ready for the next two weeks — because these two weeks matter for playoffs and rankings.”

    Those two weeks are East Beauregard at home on Oct. 30 and a trip to DeQuincy on Nov. 6.3

    And for the college scouts reading along, he kept his pitch short and physical. “I’m a physical running back, and I’ll do anything to get open and make a play for you,” Chaney said. He sees himself at wide receiver or free safety at the next level, and he doesn’t have one favorite school. He’s open.

    TAKE: Four touchdowns in a loss don’t show up in the standings, and the Eagles will need to share the load as the schedule tightens. But on a Friday night in Vinton, with both teams unbeaten and a district race on the line, Brynnum Chaney made sure people knew his name anyway.

    Rosepine (7-1) hosts East Beauregard next Friday. Vinton (8-0, 2-0) is chasing the District 5-2A title, and our look at that race is in the Vinton recap.

    Related: Two Unbeatens Walked In. Vinton Walked Out 8-0 After a 43-26 Win Over Rosepine · From 0-9 to 7-0: How Rosepine Flipped the Script

    Sources

    1. Gridiron Gumbo postgame interview with Brynnum Chaney and Gridiron Gumbo’s on-site play log (Oct. 23, 2026). Unpublished; the touchdown count above is the American Press’s. ↩ Back to story
    2. American Press game story, “Vinton last undefeated team left in Southwest La.” (Rodrick Anderson, Oct. 24, 2026): https://americanpress.com/2026/10/24/vinton-last-undefeated-team-left-in-southwest-la/ ↩ Back to story
    3. MaxPreps, Rosepine schedule and results (final 26-43; records; Oct. 30 vs. East Beauregard): https://www.maxpreps.com/la/rosepine/rosepine-eagles/football/schedule/ ↩ Back to story
    4. American Press scores and stats, scoring summary (Oct. 23, 2026): https://americanpress.com/2026/10/23/local-prep-football-scores-and-stats-oct-23-2/ ↩ Back to story
    5. American Press preview, “Battle of unbeatens: Rejuvenated programs clash” (Oct. 23, 2026): https://americanpress.com/2026/10/23/battle-of-unbeatens-rejuvenated-programs-clash/ ↩ Back to story
    6. KPLC, “Rosepine running back fuels Week 1 victory with four-touchdown performance” (Ben Rickevicius, Sept. 10, 2026): https://www.kplctv.com/2026/09/10/rosepine-running-back-fuels-week-1-victory-with-four-touchdown-performance/ ↩ Back to story
    7. American Press, Week 7 Thursday games, Rosepine 54, Pickering 0 (Oct. 9, 2026): https://americanpress.com/2026/10/09/week-7-thursday-games-ned-helps-rally-jennings-in-win-over-deridder/ ↩ Back to story
    8. High School On SI, Louisiana Athlete of the Week poll, Aug. 31-Sept. 5 (lists the Montgomery-game nomination): https://www.si.com/high-school/louisiana/vote-who-should-be-the-louisiana-high-school-athlete-of-the-week-aug-31-sept-5-01m1vpddzha7 ↩ Back to story
    9. High School On SI, Louisiana Athlete of the Week poll, Sept. 7-12 (names the prior week’s winner): https://www.si.com/high-school/louisiana/vote-who-should-be-the-louisiana-high-school-athlete-of-the-week-sept-7-12-01m2dm2yzmaf ↩ Back to story
    10. Louisiana Football Coaches Association, 2025 Class 2A District 4 all-district list: https://lfcassoc.org/all-district/2025-2a-4/ ↩ Back to story
    11. American Press, SWLA prep football stat leaders through Week 6 (Oct. 13, 2026): https://americanpress.com/2026/10/13/swla-prep-football-stat-leaders-through-week-6/
    12. MaxPreps Rosepine roster, 2026-27: https://www.maxpreps.com/la/rosepine/rosepine-eagles/football/roster/
    13. MaxPreps game page, final 43-26: https://www.maxpreps.com/la/football/game/rosepine-vs-vinton/10-23-2026/?c=667c2c0b-89ab-41bb-a0c6-e9daf4954ee8

    Photo: Tori Dixon. Written and checked by Gridiron Gumbo; summaries are in our own words, and every outside quote is attributed to the outlet that published it.

    Corrections: Gridiron Gumbo fixes errors promptly and notes changes at the bottom of the story. Spot one? Tell us.

  • Louisiana
    DeQuincy Finally Gets Its District Win, Shutting Out Pickering 41-0

    DeQuincy Finally Gets Its District Win, Shutting Out Pickering 41-0

    By T-Rohn | Gridiron Gumbo
    Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 · LHSAA Week 8 · District 5-2A
    FINAL · CONFIRMED

    REPORTED: Final score per MaxPreps and KPLC; scoring summary, quarter scores and stats per the American Press scores-and-stats page (Oct. 23, 2026); season context per MaxPreps and KPLC; records, schedules and standings per MaxPreps (retrieved Oct. 23–24, 2026). District math, where shown, is Gridiron Gumbo’s own (sources below)

    DeQuincy had not scored more than 24 points all season, and had not shut anyone out. Friday it did both, and it did it on the road.

    THE ESSENTIALS

    • Final: DeQuincy 41, Pickering 0 (Friday, Oct. 23, in Leesville)
    • Records (MaxPreps): DeQuincy 2-6, 1-2 District 5-2A · Pickering 1-7, 0-3
    • Next: DeQuincy at Sacred Heart, Friday, Oct. 30 (non-district) · Pickering vs. Vinton, Friday, Oct. 30 (district)

    The recap

    DeQuincy earned its first District 5-2A win Friday night, beating Pickering 41-0 in Leesville.

    It was the Tigers’ first win since a 24-21 victory over Westlake on Sept. 18, according to their MaxPreps schedule, and their first shutout of the season. MaxPreps’ game recap called it a season-high score and said the Tigers had gone three games without a road win before it, “four tries” in all.

    TAKE (joke): A road trip, a shutout and 41 points, and somewhere in the parking lot an uncle is already explaining how it should have been 48.

    The big night followed a rough month. DeQuincy had lost four straight, scoring a combined 30 points in its previous three games, including district losses to East Beauregard and Vinton. It had allowed at least 21 points in every game before Friday.

    TAKE (joke): Thirty points in three games, then 41 in one night. A roux works the same way: stir, stir, stir, and suddenly it’s dark and everybody is hungry.

    How it unfolded

    The American Press scoring summary shows six DeQuincy touchdowns, all before the fourth quarter, with the Tigers up 20-0 after one quarter, 27-0 at halftime and 41-0 after three.

    • First quarter (20-0): Anyja Roy scored from 44 yards, a 52-yard touchdown run followed, and Roy’s 28-yard run closed the quarter.
    • Second quarter (27-0): Landon Joyce added a 1-yard run.
    • Third quarter (41-0): Quarterback Sley Gardner hit Grant Rainwater for a 48-yard touchdown, and a 3-yard touchdown run followed.

    Roy carried five times for 94 yards and Joyce six times for 60, per the American Press box; one other back ran five times for 132. By our arithmetic from that box, DeQuincy ran for roughly 364 yards on 27 carries, with ten different ball carriers getting a touch. Gardner completed two of his three passes for 67 yards, and both went to Rainwater.

    The Tigers’ preseason message, delivered to KPLC in August by coach Tate Woodard, was about finishing. Friday, they did.

    The district race

    DeQuincy (1-2) finishes district play at home against Rosepine on Nov. 6. Before then the Tigers travel to Sacred Heart on Oct. 30 in a non-district game. Pickering (0-3) hosts unbeaten Vinton the same night.

    Rosepine (1-1) hosts East Beauregard on Oct. 30 before making that trip.

    What others missed

    • The Tigers hadn’t shown this scoring range all fall. Their previous best on MaxPreps was 24 (over Westlake). The 41 is more than they scored over their previous three games combined (7, 20 and 3).
    • A first for the receiver. In the American Press’ Oct. 20 stat leaders through Week 7, Rainwater had 16 catches for 162 yards and no touchdowns. Friday’s 48-yarder appears to be his first touchdown catch of the year (our read of that list).
    • A fix they talked about in August. KPLC reported that DeQuincy was 12 seconds from back-to-back district titles in 2025. Woodard told the station then that the Tigers lost some close games and that “we have to finish.” A road shutout is a long way from that.

    TAKE: Ten ball carriers and one big night don’t make a trend, but they do give DeQuincy something to carry into Sacred Heart on Oct. 30 and a home game with Rosepine on Nov. 6.

    Related: DeQuincy at Pickering: LHSAA Week 8 Preview

    Sources

    Featured image: Gridiron Gumbo illustration. No outside photos.

    Corrections: Gridiron Gumbo fixes errors promptly and notes changes at the bottom of the story. Spot one? Tell us.

  • Louisiana
    SWLA District Race: Standings and Playoff Picture (through Friday, Oct. 23, 2026)

    SWLA District Race: Standings and Playoff Picture (through Friday, Oct. 23, 2026)

    Through Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 · Records from MaxPreps district standings (retrieved Oct. 24, 2026); Friday scores are Gridiron Gumbo’s confirmed finals

    Three SWLA districts could be decided in the first week of November, and two of them come down to head-to-head games between unbeaten district teams: Vinton-East Beauregard in 5-2A and Notre Dame-Welsh in 7-2A. Here’s where every SWLA district stands after Friday night.

    District 5-2A

    MaxPreps standings, updated Oct. 23, 10:44 p.m. CT. Source

    #SchoolDistOverallNext gameDiv.
    1East Beauregard2-0n/a ‡at Rosepine, Fri. 10/30NS-IV
    2Vinton2-08-0at Pickering, Fri. 10/30NS-IV
    3Rosepine1-17-1vs. East Beauregard, Fri. 10/30NS-III
    4DeQuincy1-22-6at Sacred Heart, Fri. 10/30 (non-district)NS-IV
    5Pickering0-31-7vs. Vinton, Fri. 10/30NS-IV

    What’s at stake

    • Friday: Vinton 43, Rosepine 26; DeQuincy 41, Pickering 0.
    • Vinton vs. East Beauregard, Fri. Nov. 6, at Vinton: both are 2-0. By Gridiron Gumbo math, either team wins the title outright by winning its last two district games (Vinton at Pickering on Oct. 30; East Beauregard at Rosepine on Oct. 30).
    • Rosepine (1-1) hosts East Beauregard on Oct. 30 and closes at DeQuincy on Nov. 6. It can reach 3-1 but needs help to earn a share.

    ‡ East Beauregard’s overall record is not shown here because its Friday non-district game has not been confirmed by Gridiron Gumbo. Its district record (2-0) is not affected.

    District 7-2A

    MaxPreps standings, updated Oct. 24, 1:02 a.m. CT. Source

    #SchoolDistOverallNext gameDiv.
    1Notre Dame2-08-0at Kinder, Fri. 10/30Sel-III
    2Welsh2-07-1at Lake Arthur, Fri. 10/30NS-IV
    3Lake Arthur2-17-1vs. Welsh, Fri. 10/30NS-IV
    4Kinder0-21-7vs. Notre Dame, Fri. 10/30NS-III
    5Basile0-32-6vs. Ville Platte, Thu. 10/29 (non-district)NS-IV

    What’s at stake

    • Friday: Notre Dame 41, Lake Arthur 21; Welsh 44, Basile 0.
    • Notre Dame at Welsh, Thu. Nov. 5: by Gridiron Gumbo math, Notre Dame wins the title outright by beating Kinder (Oct. 30) and Welsh; Welsh wins it outright by beating Lake Arthur (Oct. 30) and Notre Dame.
    • Lake Arthur (2-1) has one district game left, vs. Welsh on Oct. 30. Its only path to a share: beat Welsh, then have Welsh beat Notre Dame (with Notre Dame also beating Kinder), for a three-way tie at 3-1.

    District 3-3A

    MaxPreps standings, updated Oct. 24, 1:12 a.m. CT. Source

    #SchoolDistOverallNext gameDiv.
    1Jennings5-06-2at Winnfield, Fri. 10/30 (non-district)NS-III
    2Iowa3-14-3vs. Washington-Marion, Thu. 10/29NS-II
    3DeRidder3-15-3at St. Louis Catholic, Thu. 10/29NS-II
    4St. Louis Catholic2-23-5vs. DeRidder, Thu. 10/29Sel-III
    5South Beauregard2-34-4at Westlake, Fri. 10/30NS-III
    6Washington-Marion0-41-7at Iowa, Thu. 10/29Sel-II
    7Westlake0-41-7vs. South Beauregard, Fri. 10/30NS-III

    What’s at stake

    • Friday: Iowa 53, Westlake 22; St. Louis Catholic 42, Washington-Marion 35. Thursday: Jennings 41, South Beauregard 14. DeRidder beat Kinder 24-20 in a non-district game.
    • Jennings (5-0) has already clinched at least a share and wins the title outright by beating St. Louis Catholic on Nov. 6 (Gridiron Gumbo math, not an LHSAA announcement).
    • DeRidder vs. Iowa, Thu. Nov. 5: both are 3-1; the game likely settles second place.

    District 3-4A

    MaxPreps standings, updated Oct. 23, 10:44 p.m. CT. Source

    #SchoolDistOverallNext gameDiv.
    1Leesville3-07-1at Jena, Fri. 10/30 (non-district)NS-II
    2Lake Charles College Prep1-07-1at Rayne, Fri. 10/30 (non-district)Sel-II
    3Rayne1-13-5vs. Lake Charles College Prep, Fri. 10/30 (non-district)NS-II
    4North Vermilion0-15-3at LaGrange, Fri. 10/30NS-II
    5LaGrange0-30-8vs. North Vermilion, Fri. 10/30NS-II

    What’s at stake

    • Friday: Leesville 42, LaGrange 0; Lake Charles College Prep 42, North Vermilion 0 (MaxPreps lists it as non-district).
    • Leesville at Lake Charles College Prep, Fri. Nov. 6: the top two in the MaxPreps table. MaxPreps does not mark the game as a district game on either schedule, so the box makes no title math for 3-4A until the alignment is confirmed.

    District 3-5A

    MaxPreps standings, updated Oct. 24, 5:35 a.m. CT. Source

    #SchoolDistOverallNext gameDiv.
    1Southside4-15-3at Acadiana, Fri. 10/30NS-I
    2St. Thomas More4-16-2at Sam Houston, Fri. 10/30Sel-I
    3Barbe4-17-1at New Iberia, Fri. 10/30NS-I
    4Lafayette †2-35-3at Sulphur, Fri. 10/30Sel-I
    5Acadiana2-35-3vs. Southside, Fri. 10/30Sel-I
    6Sulphur2-35-3vs. Lafayette, Fri. 10/30NS-I
    7Sam Houston2-33-5vs. St. Thomas More, Fri. 10/30NS-I
    8New Iberia †0-51-7vs. Barbe, Fri. 10/30NS-I

    What’s at stake

    • Thursday: Acadiana 58, Sulphur 25.
    • Friday: Barbe 59, Sam Houston 29. Southside beat St. Thomas More 17-14 in a game MaxPreps lists as a district game for both teams (final reported by a St. Thomas More sideline reporter on X and listed by MaxPreps).
    • Three teams share the top at 4-1: Southside, St. Thomas More and Barbe each have two district games left. Barbe closes at New Iberia (Oct. 30) and at Southside (Nov. 6); Southside visits Acadiana (Oct. 30); St. Thomas More visits Sam Houston (Oct. 30) and hosts Sulphur (Nov. 6). We are not doing title math here because tiebreakers could decide it.

    † Record is MaxPreps’ and includes a Friday Lafayette-New Iberia result that Gridiron Gumbo has not separately confirmed.

    District 6-2A

    MaxPreps standings, updated Oct. 23, 11:09 p.m. CT. Source

    #SchoolDistOverallNext gameDiv.
    1Port Barre1-01-7at Avoyelles, Fri. 10/30NS-III
    2Avoyelles1-05-3vs. Port Barre, Fri. 10/30NS-III
    3Holy Savior Menard0-10-8at Oakdale, Fri. 10/30Sel-III
    4Oakdale0-12-6vs. Holy Savior Menard, Fri. 10/30NS-III

    What’s at stake

    • Friday: Avoyelles 42, Oakdale 40.
    • Port Barre at Avoyelles, Fri. Oct. 30: both are 1-0. By Gridiron Gumbo math, the winner takes the title outright by also winning its last district game (Avoyelles at Holy Savior Menard on Nov. 6; Port Barre vs. Oakdale on Nov. 5).

    District 5-1A

    MaxPreps standings, updated Oct. 23, 11:09 p.m. CT. Source

    #SchoolDistOverallNext gameDiv.
    1Grand Lake3-06-2vs. Lake Arthur, Thu. 11/5 (non-district)NS-IV
    2Elton1-15-3at Gueydan, Thu. 10/29 (non-district)NS-IV
    3Oberlin0-10-8at Merryville, Thu. 10/29NS-IV
    4Merryville0-24-3vs. Oberlin, Thu. 10/29NS-IV

    What’s at stake

    • Friday: Lakeside 41, Oberlin 7 (non-district).
    • Grand Lake (3-0) finished its district schedule and has clinched first place outright (Gridiron Gumbo math, from Thursday’s box). Elton vs. Oberlin, Thu. Nov. 5: an Elton win clinches second place.

    Also: Lakeside (District 4-2A). The Warriors (5-3, 1-1 per MaxPreps’ 4-2A table, updated Oct. 23, 11:33 p.m. CT) host Red River on Oct. 30 and visit Many on Nov. 6. 4-2A is a north-central district; no title math here.

    How the playoffs work: LHSAA brackets are seeded by power rating within each Select and Non-Select division, so district records are only part of the picture. Standings are unofficial until the LHSAA certifies district champions. “Gridiron Gumbo math” is our own count from MaxPreps standings and schedules, not an LHSAA announcement.

    Corrections: Gridiron Gumbo fixes errors promptly and notes changes at the bottom of the story. Spot one? Tell us.

  • Louisiana
    92 Throws, Zero Picks: Welsh’s Grant Haydel Is Pitching a Shutout Every Friday Night

    92 Throws, Zero Picks: Welsh’s Grant Haydel Is Pitching a Shutout Every Friday Night

    Subhead: The Greyhounds’ senior quarterback is the only passer on either of the American Press’ Southwest Louisiana passing leaderboards without an interception this season. The same arm threw a no-hitter last spring, and he takes it to Basile tonight with Welsh at 6-1.

    By T-Rohn | Gridiron Gumbo | Oct. 23, 2026

    LHSAA Week 8 · Welsh at Basile · District 7-2A

    REPORTED: facts per the American Press and other published sources (see Sources at the end)

    Every quarterback in Southwest Louisiana gets the same talk from his coach: take care of the football.

    In Southwest Louisiana, that same talk gets given about cast-iron pots, deer camps and the last link of boudin.

    Grant Haydel has been listening.

    Through seven games, the Welsh senior has thrown the ball 92 times. Opposing defenses have caught none of them. The American Press stat leaders published Oct. 20 show him at 66 of 92 for 1,180 yards, 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He leads the area’s small-school passers at 168.6 yards a game.1

    Here’s what makes the zero stand out. The AP publishes two passing boards each week, one for big schools and one for small schools. Every other quarterback on both lists this week has been picked off at least once. Ten of those 19 have five or more interceptions, and four of them have seven.

    Haydel’s column still reads “0.”

    Grant Haydel, 2026 (through Week 7)
    Completions-attempts66-92
    Completion rate71.7%
    Yards1,180
    Touchdowns13
    Interceptions0
    Yards per attempt12.8
    Yards per completion17.9

    The completion rate and per-throw figures are Gridiron Gumbo’s math from the AP totals.1

    That’s not dinking and dunking, either. Almost 13 yards every time he lets it go. Nearly 18 yards every time somebody catches it. He’s taking shots and not giving the ball away.

    It hasn’t been a hot streak

    You might think a run like that is a couple of lucky Fridays. The numbers say otherwise.

    The AP’s Week 3 table had Haydel at 27 of 44 for 488 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.2 By Week 6, he was 56 of 79 for 1,020 yards and nine touchdowns, still with no picks.3 (The AP’s Week 6 table prints his yardage as “10202.” We read that as 1,020, because the same row lists 170.0 yards a game over six games, and six times 170 is 1,020.) After Week 7, still none.

    Out on I-10 between Lake Charles and Lafayette, the radar guns have picked off more drivers this fall than defenses have picked off Haydel.

    Game by game, from the AP box scores that include Welsh passing stats:

    • Sept. 4, Welsh 51, Abbeville 16: 5 of 8, 155 yards, no interceptions. He threw touchdown passes of 53 yards to Bryson Prudhomme and 20 to Cole Luntsford and ran one in from 10.4
    • Sept. 17, Jennings 47, Welsh 28: 9 of 19, 146 yards, no interceptions. That included a 78-yard touchdown pass to Prudhomme, plus a 10-yard touchdown run. It’s Welsh’s only loss, and even on that night he didn’t throw one to the other team.5
    • Oct. 2, Welsh 44, DeQuincy 7: perfect. The American Press box score has him 8 of 8 for 248 yards and three touchdown passes, including a 44-yarder to Vince Bagala and a 59-yarder to Devanta Castille, all in the first half. (The Jennings Daily News counted 10 of 10 for 281 yards. Either way, he didn’t miss.)6, 7

    The AP didn’t publish Welsh’s individual passing in its boxes for the other four games: wins over Opelousas Catholic (42-0), Vermilion Catholic (49-7), Kinder (54-34) and Washington-Marion (56-13). The zero still holds for those nights, because the AP’s season totals show no interceptions after Week 3, Week 6 or Week 7. The tables also fill in one more game. Subtract his AP Week 6 totals from his Week 7 totals, and Haydel went 10 of 13 for 160 yards and four touchdowns against Washington-Marion. That’s Gridiron Gumbo’s math; the AP didn’t print those numbers itself.

    A pitcher’s habit

    If throwing strikes and not giving anything away sounds like a baseball idea, that’s because it is.

    Around here the calendar has four seasons: football, crawfish, baseball and waiting on football.

    Last spring, Haydel was the ace for a Welsh baseball team that made the Non-select Division IV state championship game for the second straight year. The American Press reported he threw a no-hitter in the state quarterfinals, then came back six days later with a complete-game three-hitter. He struck out nine and walked two in a 2-0 semifinal win over No. 5 Vinton.8 He went into the title game 10-2 with a 1.70 ERA.

    After that semifinal, he explained his approach to the American Press in a way that sounds a whole lot like his football season.

    “So I really just tried to work on throwing a bunch of strikes, commanding the zone, letting them put the ball in play and let my team do the work behind me,” Haydel said.8

    His baseball coach, Caleb Hayes, connected the two sports himself. “I feel like being the quarterback helps him with moments like what we just saw out there, keeping his composure and not riding the roller coaster,” Hayes said.8

    Welsh fell to Mangham 11-7 in the title game and finished 26-9, the AP reported. Hayes said no other Welsh baseball team had reached back-to-back state finals.9 Then their ace went right back to throwing a different-shaped ball.

    Mais, a football is just a baseball somebody left out in the August humidity too long.

    “Sneaky good at everything”

    None of this came out of nowhere. As a junior in 2025, Haydel threw for 1,929 yards and 22 touchdowns and helped Welsh reach the regional round of the playoffs.10

    Welsh football coach Ronnie Courville said back in August, “He is definitely one of the better throwers we’ve had in a while.” He also offered the kind of compliment coaches save for the kids who make everything look easy: “He is really kind of sneaky good at everything.”10

    Haydel isn’t carrying the offense alone, either. Ja’Kyrin Woodard, a senior running back,11, 12 has 121 carries for 1,157 yards and 18 touchdowns through seven games.1 That gives defenses more than one thing to worry about. So does Bagala, who caught 54 passes for 888 yards and 15 touchdowns as Haydel’s top target in 2025.13 He’s now a senior.13, 12

    In August, Haydel said what he expected from this offense. “Explosive is a word that I could use,” he said. He added that the team should be “pretty balanced throwing the ball with all our receivers coming back.”11

    Seven games in, Welsh has scored 324 points and allowed 124.14 “Explosive” holds up.

    Where the shutout goes next

    Welsh (6-1, 1-0 in District 7-2A) plays at Basile tonight.14, 15 The Greyhounds bring a four-game winning streak,16 and the LSWA’s Class 2A poll this week listed them among the teams receiving votes.17

    Then the schedule gets spicy. Welsh goes to Lake Arthur on Friday, Oct. 30, and those two towns don’t need an introduction. The American Press noted that Lake Arthur’s 1994 team was perfect through eight games before Welsh ended the run, 13-8, in Week 9.18 (We dug into that 1994 team, and this year’s Tigers, right here.) Notre Dame visits Welsh on Thursday, Nov. 5.14

    About Welsh and Lake Arthur: the two towns sit close enough that on a still night, each one can smell the other’s concession-stand jambalaya.

    That’s three district games and three more chances for Haydel to keep doing what he’s done all fall: throw strikes and take care of the football. Welsh will take that every week, cher.

    Got stats, a Welsh-Basile score or a photo of your stadium’s scoreboard? Send them to Gridiron Gumbo. (Please, no photos of players.) T-Rohn is keeping score.

    Sources

    1. American Press, Rodrick Anderson, “Southwest La. prep football stat leaders, Oct. 20,” Oct. 20, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/10/20/southwest-la-prep-football-stat-leaders-oct-20/ (Haydel 7 games, 66-92-0, 1,180 yards, 13 TD, 168.6 per game, leads small-school passers; every other passer on both boards has at least one interception; Woodard 121-1,157, 18 TD) ↩ Back to story
    2. American Press, “SWLA prep football stats leaders through Week 3,” Sept. 23, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/09/23/swla-prep-football-stats-leaders-through-week-3/ (Haydel 27-44-0, 488 yards, 4 TD) ↩ Back to story
    3. American Press, “SWLA prep football stat leaders through Week 6,” Oct. 13, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/10/13/swla-prep-football-stat-leaders-through-week-6/ (Haydel 6 games, 56-79-0, 9 TD, 170.0 per game) ↩ Back to story
    4. American Press, “Prep football scores and stats, Sept. 4,” Sept. 5, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/09/05/prep-football-scores-and-stats-sept-4/ (Welsh 51, Abbeville 16; Haydel 5-8-0, 155, TD passes to Prudhomme and Luntsford, 10-yard TD run) ↩ Back to story
    5. American Press, “Prep football scores and stats, Sept. 17,” Sept. 18, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/09/18/prep-football-scores-and-stats-sept-17/ (Jennings 47, Welsh 28; Haydel 9-19-0, 146, 78-yard TD to Prudhomme, 10-yard TD run) ↩ Back to story
    6. American Press, “Prep football scores and stats, Friday, Oct. 2,” Oct. 3, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/10/03/prep-football-scores-and-stats-friday-oct-2/ (Welsh 44, DeQuincy 7; Haydel 8-8-0, 248; scoring summary: three TD passes, including Bagala 44 and Castille 59, all in the first half by the quarter scores) ↩ Back to story
    7. Jennings Daily News, Pat Deshotel, “Hounds fly by Tigers”: https://www.jenningsdailynews.net/sports/hounds-fly-tigers (Haydel 10-for-10, 281 yards, all in the first half vs. DeQuincy; paywalled, preview text only) ↩ Back to story
    8. American Press, Rodrick Anderson, “Haydel blanks Vinton, Welsh advances to title game,” May 13, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/05/13/haydel-blanks-vinton-welsh-advances-to-title-game/ (three-hitter, 9 K, 2 BB, 2-0 over No. 5 Vinton; no-hitter in quarterfinals six days earlier; 10-2, 1.70 ERA; Haydel and Hayes quotes) ↩ Back to story
    9. American Press, “Greyhounds fall in state championship game again,” May 14, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/05/14/greyhounds-fall-in-state-championship-game-again/ (Mangham 11, Welsh 7; 26-9 record; Hayes quote: no other Welsh team in back-to-back finals) ↩ Back to story
    10. American Press, “Friday night phenoms: Area contenders counting on veteran leaders,” Aug. 25, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/08/25/friday-night-phenoms-area-contenders-counting-on-veteran-leaders/ (Haydel 2025: 1,929 yards, 22 TD, regional round; Courville quotes) ↩ Back to story
    11. KPLC, Ryan Blakely, “2026 Two-A-Days: Welsh Greyhounds,” Aug. 19, 2026: https://www.kplctv.com/2026/08/19/2026-two-a-days-welsh-greyhounds/ (Haydel “explosive” and “balanced” quotes; “Senior running back Ja’Kyrin Woodard”) ↩ Back to story
    12. MaxPreps, Welsh football roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/la/welsh/welsh-greyhounds/football/roster/ (Grant Haydel Sr. QB; Jakyrin Woodard Sr. RB; Vince Bagala Sr. WR; Devanta Castille Sr. WR) ↩ Back to story
    13. American Press, “Deep threats: Area’s most dangerous game-breaking WRs,” Aug. 27, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/08/27/deep-threats-areas-most-dangerous-game-breaking-wrs/ (Bagala 2025: 54 catches, 888 yards, 15 TD as Haydel’s main target; “breakout junior season,” so a senior in 2026) ↩ Back to story
    14. MaxPreps, Welsh football schedule: https://www.maxpreps.com/la/welsh/welsh-greyhounds/football/schedule/ (6-1, 1-0; 324 points for, 124 against; tonight at Basile; Oct. 30 at Lake Arthur; Nov. 5 vs. Notre Dame; Notre Dame at Welsh listed for Thursday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m.) ↩ Back to story
    15. American Press, “Local prep football district standings, Oct. 20”: https://americanpress.com/2026/10/20/local-prep-football-district-standings-oct-20/ (Welsh 6-1, 1-0 in District 7-2A) ↩ Back to story
    16. Jennings Daily News, “Greyhounds travel to take on Bearcats”: https://www.jenningsdailynews.net/sports/greyhounds-travel-take-bearcats (four-game winning streak heading to Basile; paywalled, preview text only) ↩ Back to story
    17. American Press, “LSWA prep football polls, Oct. 19”: https://americanpress.com/2026/10/19/lswa-prep-football-polls-oct-19/ (Welsh 6 points among Class 2A teams receiving votes) ↩ Back to story
    18. American Press, “Rocky road: Unbeaten Lake Arthur faces dangerous portion of schedule,” Oct. 15, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/10/15/rocky-road-unbeaten-lake-arthur-faces-dangerous-portion-of-schedule/ (1994 Lake Arthur’s 13-8 Week 9 loss to Welsh; Welsh at Lake Arthur in Week 9) ↩ Back to story
    19. American Press, “Prep football scores and stats, Oct. 16,” Oct. 17, 2026: https://americanpress.com/2026/10/17/prep-football-scores-and-stats-oct-16/ (Welsh 56, Washington-Marion 13)
    20. LouisianaGridiron Gumbo, “Lake Arthur one win from 1994 history”: https://gridirongumbo.com/lake-arthur-one-win-from-1994-history-notre-dame-crowley/ (internal link, not re-previewed)
  • Louisiana
    Held Under 200 Exactly Once: Elton’s Makelin Lemoine, Game by Game, and the Field Where He Once Ran for 396

    Held Under 200 Exactly Once: Elton’s Makelin Lemoine, Game by Game, and the Field Where He Once Ran for 396

    Subhead: The McNeese State commitment leads all of Southwest Louisiana with 1,657 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in seven games, and he topped 200 yards in each of the first six. Tonight he goes back to Grand Lake, where he ran for 396 yards last season, with first place in District 5-1A on the line.

    By T-Rohn | Gridiron Gumbo | Oct. 22, 2026

    In Elton, the scouting report on the Indians’ offense fits on a napkin: hand it to Makelin Lemoine and watch him go. By now somebody’s aunt has laminated the napkin.

    Everybody knows it, and it hasn’t helped. Before Vinton played Elton in September, Vinton coach Tyler Lavergne told the American Press, “It is going to be a team effort to team tackle (Lemoine).” Elton coach Marcus Lejeune told the same paper his team doesn’t “really throw the ball.”

    So defenses know what’s coming. Lemoine still leads Southwest Louisiana in rushing, big schools and small, with 1,657 yards and 22 touchdowns on 129 carries in seven games, according to the American Press stat leaders published Oct. 20. That’s 236.7 yards a game and almost 13 a carry.

    In Louisiana, knowing what’s coming helps you prepare for exactly three things: a crawfish boil, a second plate at the crawfish boil, and nothing.

    When Oakdale held him to 194 yards on Oct. 15, the American Press noted it was the first time all season he’d been held under 200. He still scored twice in the fourth quarter.

    In Elton, 194 yards is an off night. Most places, it’s a parade permit.

    Seven games, one log

    Here’s Lemoine’s season in one place, built from American Press box scores and stat tables plus MaxPreps results:

    DateOpponentResultLemoine
    Sept. 4BasileW 55-7322 yds, 5 rush TD, plus a 104-yd INT return TD
    Sept. 11at VintonL 40-1223 car, 219 yds
    Sept. 18at MontgomeryW 44-40209 yds*
    Sept. 24DeQuincyW 44-014 car, 224 yds, 5 TD
    Oct. 1at J.S. ClarkW 32-2621 car, 231 yds*
    Oct. 9MerryvilleW 46-69 car, 258 yds, 4 TD
    Oct. 15OakdaleL 28-2433 car, 194 yds, 2 TD

    *Our math: no box score was available, so we worked these out from the change in the American Press’ season totals between stat tables.

    A few lines jump off the page.

    Nine carries, 258 yards. Against Merryville, the American Press box score shows touchdown runs of 49, 65, 81 and 27 yards. That’s almost 29 yards a carry. Most teams would take 29 yards on a whole drive.

    Fourteen carries, 224 yards. Against DeQuincy he scored on runs of 6, 40, 64, 5 and 38. That was the entire workload. Somewhere a fullback is still waiting his turn.

    The opener. The American Press reported that all five of his touchdowns against rival Basile went longer than 50 yards. He added a 104-yard interception return on defense, a few yards shy of the longest return a football field allows. The paper said that night pushed his career touchdown total to 80.

    Even in the losses. In Elton’s two defeats he ran for 219 yards against Vinton, now 7-0 per the American Press standings, and 194 against Oakdale. The American Press called the Oakdale result a “stunner.” The Warriors earned it, and he still found the end zone twice.

    He’s done this before

    In 2025, his first season as Elton’s featured back, Lemoine ran for 2,643 yards and 42 touchdowns on 204 carries, about 13 yards a carry, according to the American Press. The paper reported he went over 200 yards seven times. He also returned a kickoff and an interception for touchdowns and made 64 tackles on defense, per the American Press All-Southwest small-schools team, which named him to its backfield.

    Lejeune explained the jump to the American Press in August: “Last year was his first year at the tailback position since junior high, so he learned. I really think he’s going to be a lot better, a lot more experienced runner.”

    He has been. The American Press had him at 974 yards through four games and 1,205 through five, so he cleared 1,000 in his fifth game this season. McNeese State is paying attention. The American Press and KPLC have both reported his commitment to the Cowboys, and he was the only running back on the American Press’ list of McNeese’s 2027 commitments in July.

    In August, Lemoine gave KPLC his season preview: “Just another season of dominating.” Seven games in, nobody’s filed a complaint.

    Back to Grand Lake

    That brings us to tonight.

    Elton (5-2, 1-0) visits Grand Lake (5-2, 2-0) with first place in District 5-1A on the line, according to the American Press standings published Oct. 20, and MaxPreps lists a 7 p.m. kickoff. Last season, according to the American Press, Lemoine’s best night came against the Hornets: 396 yards and five touchdowns on 22 carries in a 50-35 Elton win. That’s 18 yards a carry.

    Count on it: that game came up in the Hornets’ film room this week. Nobody hears “396” and forgets it. (Our game preview: Elton at Grand Lake.)

    The math from here

    After Grand Lake, MaxPreps has Elton at Gueydan on Oct. 29 and home against Oberlin on Nov. 5. By our math, with three regular-season games left:

    • 2,000 yards: He needs 343, about 114 a game. He’s averaging more than twice that.
    • Last year’s 2,643: He needs 986, about 329 a game, which beats even his 322-yard opener. A playoff run makes it far more realistic.
    • LouisianaThe area rushing title: He leads the next small-school back, Lake Arthur’s Jaydon Prudhomme (1,263), by 394 yards, and the top big-school back, Leesville’s Grant Braxton (1,313), by 344. The big-school race is the tight one: three backs within 44 yards from first to third. We broke it down today: Three Backs, 44 Yards.

    For two seasons, Elton’s favorite show has been watching Lemoine break into the clear. Tonight it goes on the road to Grand Lake. Get there early and keep your eyes on the ball carrier. It won’t be hard to figure out who has it.

    Bring a jacket, a lawn chair and a pot of something brown. If the jacket’s wrong, the gumbo still counts.

    Heading to Grand Lake? Send Gridiron Gumbo your photos from the stands and your best guess at Lemoine’s yardage. Just bragging rights.

    Sources

  • Louisiana
    Two Perfect Seasons, One Field: Rosepine at Vinton Preview (Both 7-0)

    Two Perfect Seasons, One Field: Rosepine at Vinton Preview (Both 7-0)

    Rosepine (7-0, 1-0 District 5-2A) at Vinton (7-0, 1-0) | Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, 7 p.m. CT | Vinton High School

    By T-Rohn, Gridiron Gumbo

    Two unbeaten teams, one field, and one Friday night in Vinton. This is the biggest local game of the year so far. Here’s what you need to know before you pull up a lawn chair and fire up the boudin.

    The Basics

    • Rosepine Eagles at Vinton Lions, Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. CT, at Vinton High School. It’s a District 5-2A game. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps game page and both team schedules)
    • Both teams are 7-0 overall and 1-0 in district. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps, checked Oct. 19)
    • Vinton has outscored opponents 340-46. Rosepine has outscored opponents 322-65. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps game-by-game scores)

    How They Got Here

    Vinton (7-0): W 58-13 at Oberlin, W 40-12 vs. Elton, W 55-12 vs. Washington-Marion, W 47-0 at Grand Lake, W 56-6 at LaGrange, W 42-0 at Oakdale, W 42-3 at DeQuincy. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps) Coach Tyler Lavergne’s Lions have played five of seven on the road and are 2-0 at home. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps)

    Rosepine (7-0): W 48-20 vs. Montgomery, W 29-19 at Grand Lake, W 50-6 at Basile, W 35-8 vs. Oberlin, W 59-12 at Delhi, W 54-0 vs. Pickering, W 47-0 vs. Plain Dealing. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps) In Coach David Weldon’s second season, the Eagles have turned around a program that went 1-9 in each of the past two seasons. (CONFIRMED: KALB, Louisiana Football Magazine, MaxPreps)

    Common opponents: Both teams beat Oberlin (Vinton 58-13, Rosepine 35-8) and Grand Lake (Vinton 47-0, Rosepine 29-19). (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps) Scores against common opponents are fun to talk about over a plate lunch. They don’t decide football games.

    Last year: Vinton won 27-0 on Oct. 23, 2025. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps) These are different teams this season.

    Key Stats and Players to Watch

    • Vinton’s run game by committee: Michael Lange, Jaydin Smith, Traylen Carrier and Mika Roper have each run for more than 300 yards. (REPORTED)
    • Vinton’s defense has allowed 46 points in seven games, about 6.6 a game, with two shutouts. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps scores) Linebacker Kortlin Kyle was the 2025 District 4-2A Defensive MVP. (CONFIRMED: LFCA all-district list)
    • Rosepine’s Brynnum Chaney (No. 9) ran for 975 yards and 19 touchdowns through Week 6. (REPORTED: one source, SWLA Football Week 7 / American Press. MaxPreps season stats are incomplete.)
    • Rosepine’s defense has allowed 65 points, about 9.3 a game, with two shutouts in its last two games. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps scores)
    • MaxPreps computer rankings: Vinton No. 2 in Louisiana Division IV Non-Select; Rosepine No. 10 in Division III Non-Select. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps, Oct. 19. These are MaxPreps’ rankings, not LHSAA power ratings.)

    What’s at Stake

    The district race: East Beauregard is 2-0 in District 5-2A. The winner Friday goes to 2-0 and pulls even with East Beauregard. The loser drops to 1-1. (CONFIRMED: KPLC, MaxPreps) Friday does not settle the title. Both teams still play East Beauregard: Rosepine hosts the Trojans on Oct. 30, and Vinton hosts them on Nov. 6. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps schedules) Vinton also plays at Pickering on Oct. 30, and Rosepine closes at DeQuincy on Nov. 6.

    The playoffs: MaxPreps lists the two teams in different playoff divisions: Vinton in Division IV Non-Select and Rosepine in Division III Non-Select. (CONFIRMED: MaxPreps) So they aren’t fighting for the same bracket seed. A win over an unbeaten opponent should help either team’s LHSAA power rating, which sets seeding. (TAKE: we have not checked the current LHSAA power ratings or how many points this game is worth.)

    Pride: One of these two programs leaves Friday unbeaten. The other one still has a heck of a season going.

    Keys to the Game

    • For Rosepine: Win early downs and stay on schedule. Vinton’s defense has allowed under a touchdown a game, so long fields work against you.
    • For Vinton: Keep the rotation of backs fresh and win the fourth quarter with depth. Make Rosepine’s offense go the length of the field.
    • For both: Turnovers and special teams. In a game between two defenses this good, a short field can decide it.

    T-Rohn’s Pick

    (TAKE) Both of these teams earned this night, and both towns ought to be proud no matter how it ends. I lean Vinton at home, behind its depth and a defense that has given up 46 points all year. Something like Vinton 36, Rosepine 22. But if Rosepine starts fast like it has all season, throw my pick in the gumbo pot and stir.

    Gridiron Gumbo will be on the sideline in Vinton Friday night with live updates on our Friday Night Gumbo page. Bring a cooler and an appetite.

    Sources: MaxPreps (game page, Vinton and Rosepine schedules, rankings as of Oct. 19, 2026), KPLC, KALB, Louisiana Football Magazine, LFCA all-district lists, SWLA Football Week 7. Records and stats are from public sources. Coaches enter MaxPreps stats.

    Get Friday Night Gumbo in your inbox

    SWLA high school football previews, scores and recaps, free every Thursday. Sign up for the Gridiron Gumbo newsletter.

  • LouisianaTexas (UIL)
    Sabine Line Gumbo Picks: LHSAA Week 8 / UIL Week 9 High School Slate

    Sabine Line Gumbo Picks: LHSAA Week 8 / UIL Week 9 High School Slate

    Mais, come on in, y’all. The pot is on and Friday is close. From Sulphur to Silsbee and from Crowley to Crosby, the Sabine Line is loaded this week, with 47 games on both sides of the river. Louisiana brings the roux and Texas brings the brisket, and we’re picking every game, Thursday through Saturday.

    Read this first: These are Gridiron Gumbo’s fun picks for high school fans. Each game shows our projected winner, a projected score and 1 to 3 stars for how sure we are. Injury information is unknown. Picks come from public MaxPreps results through Oct 17 and can miss. Kickoff times are Central and can change. Check with the schools.

    More gumbo: Roux & Rub Top 25 · HS Scoreboard · Sabine Line Gumbo

    Marquee Games

    Rosepine at VintonFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Vinton 36, Rosepine 22 ★★☆

    Vinton has the better results against its schedule at home. Unbeaten vs unbeaten with the district lead in play.

    Lake Arthur at Notre DameFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Notre Dame 27, Lake Arthur 23 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Notre Dame. Unbeaten vs unbeaten with the district lead in play.

    Nederland at Port Neches-GrovesFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Port Neches-Groves 32, Nederland 23 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Port Neches-Groves. Mid-County rivalry, district game.

    Sam Houston at BarbeFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Barbe 41, Sam Houston 19 ★★★

    Barbe has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Beaumont United at La PorteFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: La Porte 41, Beaumont United 24 ★★☆

    La Porte has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Sulphur at AcadianaThu 10/22, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Acadiana 39, Sulphur 33 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Acadiana.

    Hamshire-Fannett at SilsbeeFri 10/23, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: Hamshire-Fannett 33, Silsbee 29 ★☆☆

    Hamshire-Fannett has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    3-Star Picks

    The picks we feel best about this week.

    • Channelview at Humble: Humble 43, Channelview 21 ★★★
    • Welsh at Basile: Welsh 43, Basile 14 ★★★
    • Pine Prairie at East Beauregard: East Beauregard 49, Pine Prairie 6 ★★★
    • Iota at Ville Platte: Iota 47, Ville Platte 8 ★★★
    • Westlake at Iowa: Iowa 49, Westlake 7 ★★★
    • St. Martinville at Kaplan: Kaplan 41, St. Martinville 12 ★★★
    • Sam Houston at Barbe: Barbe 41, Sam Houston 19 ★★★
    • LaGrange at Leesville: Leesville 49, LaGrange 7 ★★★
    • Lakeside at Oberlin: Lakeside 36, Oberlin 8 ★★★
    • Sterling at Port Arthur Memorial: Port Arthur Memorial 38, Sterling 15 ★★★
    • Tarkington at Buna: Buna 39, Tarkington 14 ★★★
    • Sabine Pass at Evadale: Evadale 44, Sabine Pass 17 ★★★
    • Warren at Newton: Newton 49, Warren 3 ★★★
    • Coldspring-Oakhurst at East Chambers: East Chambers 42, Coldspring-Oakhurst 7 ★★★
    • Jasper at Hardin-Jefferson: Hardin-Jefferson 37, Jasper 17 ★★★

    Coin Flips

    These could go either way. Expect sweat.

    • Elton at Grand Lake: Grand Lake 28, Elton 27 ★☆☆
    • Sulphur at Acadiana: Acadiana 39, Sulphur 33 ★☆☆
    • Northwest at Rayne: Northwest 29, Rayne 20 ★☆☆
    • Abbeville at Erath: Erath 35, Abbeville 25 ★☆☆
    • Vermilion Catholic at Centerville: Centerville 28, Vermilion Catholic 26 ★☆☆
    • Lake Arthur at Notre Dame: Notre Dame 27, Lake Arthur 23 ★☆☆
    • DeQuincy at Pickering: DeQuincy 31, Pickering 21 ★☆☆
    • Houma Christian at Gueydan: Houma Christian 34, Gueydan 25 ★☆☆
    • St. Louis Catholic at Washington-Marion: St. Louis Catholic 33, Washington-Marion 27 ★☆☆
    • Lufkin at Goose Creek Memorial: Goose Creek Memorial 29, Lufkin 24 ★☆☆
    • Lee at Santa Fe: Santa Fe 32, Lee 24 ★☆☆
    • West Hardin at Deweyville: Deweyville 31, West Hardin 23 ★☆☆
    • Nederland at Port Neches-Groves: Port Neches-Groves 32, Nederland 23 ★☆☆
    • Liberty at Bridge City: Bridge City 26, Liberty 21 ★☆☆
    • Hamshire-Fannett at Silsbee: Hamshire-Fannett 33, Silsbee 29 ★☆☆
    • Hargrave at Vidor: Vidor 36, Hargrave 29 ★☆☆
    • Livingston at Lumberton: Livingston 29, Lumberton 24 ★☆☆
    • West Orange-Stark at Shepherd: West Orange-Stark 29, Shepherd 21 ★☆☆
    • Kelly Catholic at Northside Lions Sports Association: Northside Lions Sports Association 34, Kelly Catholic 13 ★☆☆

    Louisiana: Every Game

    Franklin at DelcambreThu 10/22, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Delcambre 33, Franklin 20 ★★☆

    Delcambre has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Elton at Grand LakeThu 10/22, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Grand Lake 28, Elton 27 ★☆☆

    Near coin flip; home field and recent form tip it to Grand Lake.

    Jennings at South BeauregardThu 10/22, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Jennings 30, South Beauregard 19 ★★☆

    Jennings has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    Sulphur at AcadianaThu 10/22, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Acadiana 39, Sulphur 33 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Acadiana.

    Northwest at RayneThu 10/22, 7:00 PM CT
    Pick: Northwest 29, Rayne 20 ★☆☆

    Northwest has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    Note: Thursday’s games kicked off before our previews were synced, so a few showed different picks. We grade each preview on the pick it showed before kickoff. Finals: Franklin won at Delcambre 35-0, Grand Lake beat Elton 35-0, Jennings won at South Beauregard 41-14, Acadiana beat Sulphur 58-25, Northwest won at Rayne 35-14, Humble beat Channelview 42-0 and Orangefield beat Anahuac 49-14. In the five games where previews differed, every preview had the right winner. Great Thursday night, y’all!
    Abbeville at ErathFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Erath 35, Abbeville 25 ★☆☆

    Erath has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Vermilion Catholic at CentervilleFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Centerville 28, Vermilion Catholic 26 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Centerville.

    Welsh at BasileFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Welsh 43, Basile 14 ★★★

    Welsh has been clearly stronger against its schedule, even on the road.

    Crowley at Church PointFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Church Point 32, Crowley 16 ★★☆

    Church Point has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Lake Arthur at Notre DameFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Notre Dame 27, Lake Arthur 23 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Notre Dame. Unbeaten vs unbeaten with the district lead in play.

    DeQuincy at PickeringFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: DeQuincy 31, Pickering 21 ★☆☆

    DeQuincy has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    DeRidder at KinderFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT
    Pick: DeRidder 40, Kinder 25 ★★☆

    DeRidder has been clearly stronger against its schedule, even on the road.

    Pine Prairie at East BeauregardFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT
    Pick: East Beauregard 49, Pine Prairie 6 ★★★

    East Beauregard has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Houma Christian at GueydanFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT
    Pick: Houma Christian 34, Gueydan 25 ★☆☆

    Houma Christian has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    Iota at Ville PlatteFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Iota 47, Ville Platte 8 ★★★

    Iota has been clearly stronger against its schedule, even on the road.

    Westlake at IowaFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Iowa 49, Westlake 7 ★★★

    Iowa has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    St. Martinville at KaplanFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Kaplan 41, St. Martinville 12 ★★★

    Kaplan has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Sam Houston at BarbeFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Barbe 41, Sam Houston 19 ★★★

    Barbe has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    LaGrange at LeesvilleFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Leesville 49, LaGrange 7 ★★★

    Leesville has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Lake Charles College Prep at North VermilionFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT
    Pick: Lake Charles College Prep 42, North Vermilion 29 ★★☆

    Lake Charles College Prep has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    St. Louis Catholic at Washington-MarionFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: St. Louis Catholic 33, Washington-Marion 27 ★☆☆

    St. Louis Catholic has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    Lakeside at OberlinFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT
    Pick: Lakeside 36, Oberlin 8 ★★★

    Lakeside has been clearly stronger against its schedule, even on the road.

    Rosepine at VintonFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Vinton 36, Rosepine 22 ★★☆

    Vinton has the better results against its schedule at home. Unbeaten vs unbeaten with the district lead in play.

    Texas: Every Game

    Channelview at HumbleThu 10/22, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Humble 43, Channelview 21 ★★★

    Humble has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Anahuac at OrangefieldThu 10/22, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: Orangefield 35, Anahuac 22 ★★☆

    Orangefield has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Lufkin at Goose Creek MemorialFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Goose Creek Memorial 29, Lufkin 24 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Goose Creek Memorial.

    Lee at Santa FeFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Santa Fe 32, Lee 24 ★☆☆

    Santa Fe has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Sterling at Port Arthur MemorialFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Port Arthur Memorial 38, Sterling 15 ★★★

    Port Arthur Memorial has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Beaumont United at La PorteFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: La Porte 41, Beaumont United 24 ★★☆

    La Porte has the better results against its schedule at home.

    New Caney at West BrookFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: West Brook 31, New Caney 19 ★★☆

    West Brook has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Tarkington at BunaFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Buna 39, Tarkington 14 ★★★

    Buna has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Summer Creek at CrosbyFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Summer Creek 34, Crosby 21 ★★☆

    Summer Creek has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    Dayton at Texas CityFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Texas City 33, Dayton 19 ★★☆

    Texas City has the better results against its schedule at home.

    West Hardin at DeweyvilleFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Deweyville 31, West Hardin 23 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Deweyville.

    Sabine Pass at EvadaleFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Evadale 44, Sabine Pass 17 ★★★

    Evadale has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Hardin at New WaverlyFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Hardin 35, New Waverly 22 ★★☆

    Hardin has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    Kountze at WoodvilleFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Woodville 31, Kountze 16 ★★☆

    Woodville has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Nederland at Port Neches-GrovesFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Port Neches-Groves 32, Nederland 23 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Port Neches-Groves. Mid-County rivalry, district game.

    Warren at NewtonFri 10/23, 7:00 PM CT · District
    Pick: Newton 49, Warren 3 ★★★

    Newton has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Liberty at Bridge CityFri 10/23, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: Bridge City 26, Liberty 21 ★☆☆

    Close on paper; home field tips it to Bridge City.

    Coldspring-Oakhurst at East ChambersFri 10/23, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: East Chambers 42, Coldspring-Oakhurst 7 ★★★

    East Chambers has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Hamshire-Fannett at SilsbeeFri 10/23, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: Hamshire-Fannett 33, Silsbee 29 ★☆☆

    Hamshire-Fannett has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    Hargrave at VidorFri 10/23, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: Vidor 36, Hargrave 29 ★☆☆

    Vidor has the better results against its schedule at home.

    Jasper at Hardin-JeffersonFri 10/23, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: Hardin-Jefferson 37, Jasper 17 ★★★

    Hardin-Jefferson has been clearly stronger against its schedule at home.

    Livingston at LumbertonFri 10/23, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: Livingston 29, Lumberton 24 ★☆☆

    Livingston has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    West Orange-Stark at ShepherdFri 10/23, 7:30 PM CT · District
    Pick: West Orange-Stark 29, Shepherd 21 ★☆☆

    West Orange-Stark has the better results against its schedule, even on the road.

    Kelly Catholic at Northside Lions Sports AssociationSat 10/24, 7:00 PM CT
    Pick: Northside Lions Sports Association 34, Kelly Catholic 13 ★☆☆

    Northside Lions Sports Association has the better results against its schedule at home.

    How we pick

    Our picks look at schedule-adjusted results, home field, recent form and the NWS forecast at kickoff (dry and mild all week). Each game gets a projected winner and score. Stars run 1 to 3. We grade every pick after the games.

    Notre Dame vs. Lake Arthur: confirmed for Friday, Oct 23, at 7 p.m. at Gardiner Memorial Stadium in Crowley (Notre Dame’s Senior Night), per the Notre Dame High School calendar and MaxPreps.

    Keep stirring: Roux & Rub Top 25 · HS Scoreboard · Sabine Line Gumbo

    Fun picks for high school fans. Injuries unknown.

  • Louisiana
    DeQuincy at Pickering: LHSAA Week 8 Preview

    DeQuincy at Pickering: LHSAA Week 8 Preview

    Fri 10/23, 2026, 7:00 PM | Pickering | District 5-2A (LHSAA)

    By Tori Dixon, Gridiron Gumbo

    The setup

    Two 0-2 district teams; winner gets its first district win.

    T-Rohn says: DeQuincy at Pickering, two 0-2 district teams. One fan base leaves Friday with its first district win. The other leaves with a hot dog and a long, quiet drive.

    Records, results & standings

    • CONFIRMED (American Press, ‘Prep football scores and stats, Oct. 16’ (10/17)): Vinton 42, DeQuincy 3 (DeQuincy 1-6, 0-2); East Beauregard 52, Pickering 8 (Pickering 1-6, 0-2).

    Styles & coaching notes

    T-Rohn says: Two 0-2 teams, one first district win up for grabs. Nobody’s ordering rings yet, cher, but somebody’s getting a happy bus ride home.

    The pick

    TAKE: DeQuincy 31, Pickering 21 — The records are even, both 1-6 and 0-2 in district (American Press, 10/17), but DeQuincy has played the tougher schedule and grades out better in our ratings, and the LHSAA power rankings have DeQuincy No. 32 and Pickering No. 37. Against the district’s top teams, DeQuincy lost 42-3 to Vinton, while Pickering lost 52-8 to East Beauregard and 54-0 to Rosepine (MaxPreps). Pickering has home field, but we like DeQuincy.

    T-Rohn says: Both towns are small enough that the final score will be known by the whole community before the buses even leave the parking lot.

  • Louisiana
    “Just Noise”: Lange Does Everything, Kyle Runs Down Everything, and Vinton Is 7-0

    “Just Noise”: Lange Does Everything, Kyle Runs Down Everything, and Vinton Is 7-0

    Vinton 42, DeQuincy 3 · District 5-2A · by T-Rohn

    Two seniors, one rule: win the next snap. Michael Lange and Kortlin Kyle explain how the Lions got to 7-0 without once talking about it.

    DEQUINCY — Let me introduce you to the hardest-working depth chart in Louisiana.

    Michael Lange’s position on the Vinton roster should just read “Yes.” Quarterback? Yes. Running back? Yes. Wide receiver? Free safety? Kick returner? Yes, yes, and bring him a Gatorade, because yes.

    Friday night at G. Dalton Faircloth Stadium, in the Lions’ District 5-2A opener, Lange scored twice, on an 18-yard run and a 76-yard kickoff return that was the play of the night (CONFIRMED, American Press box score). Vinton won 42-3 to go 7-0 and has outscored its opponents 340-46 this season (CONFIRMED, box scores).

    Ask him how the kick return happened and you get the whole Vinton program in a few words:

    “I seen the hole open up. My teammates told me to open up the hole, I took off. Found it, went to the crib.”

    Michael Lange

    That’s it. No choreography, no name-in-lights. The hole opened, the waterbug hit it, and the only view anybody had was of the number 5 heading for the crib.

    Folks, this is a young man who, according to Gridiron Football (REPORTED), ran for 690 yards, threw for 572 and scored 16 touchdowns as a junior. This season he ran for 180 yards and four touchdowns on just eight carries in a 47-0 win at Grand Lake (CONFIRMED, American Press box score). He was the 2025 all-district quarterback in Class 2A District 4 (CONFIRMED, Louisiana Football Coaches Association), and Gridiron Football named him its National Player of Week 3 in an online fan vote (CONFIRMED that the award exists).

    Lange told me he has offers from Louisiana Christian University, Millsaps, Arkansas Baptist and South Florida Technical College (REPORTED; the schools have not confirmed them, and his own post describes the South Florida Technical offer as a basketball offer). On December 30 he will play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl at Louisiana Christian in Pineville, where Gridiron Football has him at wide receiver. That’s where the speed lives.

    “I see myself playing receiver at the next level. I feel like my speed is there.”

    Michael Lange

    And how does a man prepare to play quarterback, running back, receiver, free safety and return man in the same week? Bo Jackson did two sports and got a whole ad campaign. When I asked Lange if he’d heard of Bo, he said, “Yes, sir. That’s before my time.” Fair enough. Bo knows, even if Michael doesn’t. Lange’s training secret, delivered deadpan:

    “Hydrate. You gotta hydrate and then prepare weight room. Get in the weight room and you’ll be alright.”

    Michael Lange

    Somebody put that on a t-shirt. Hydrate and handle your business: that’s the whole program.

    I also asked him for the best game of his life. He didn’t pick a win.

    “Probably, I’d say last year in the playoff game. It came up short, but the best game of my life. I had a lot of yards that game and threw a lot of passes that game. It was a really good game for me.”

    Michael Lange

    That’s a competitor. The best night of his life ended in a loss, and he still remembers what he did.

    The Anchor

    Now let me tell you about the other side of the ball, because while Lange is the storm, Kortlin Kyle is the levee.

    Kyle is Vinton’s middle linebacker, offensive guard and long snapper, a senior who will snap the ball, block for the punt, and then go tackle the man who caught it. Last season he made 100 tackles with nine tackles for loss, was named District 4-2A Defensive MVP, and made first-team all-district at linebacker and on the offensive line (CONFIRMED, Coaches Association list and American Press). Gridiron Football reports he was also an honorable-mention all-state pick, and Kyle agreed when I read it to him (REPORTED). Gridiron Football also reports that on Oct. 2 at LaGrange he had 12 tackles, a fumble recovery and a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown, all in one half (REPORTED; Kyle confirmed those numbers to me, and the 56-6 final is confirmed). Didn’t need the second half. The game was handled.

    I asked him to take me back to that pick-six.

    “I read his eyes, and I could see kind of where the quarterback’s throwing it. I’ve always been really good at that. It’s like seeing where he’s going to throw it. And as soon as I got it, my adrenaline kicked in, and got some good blocks, you know, and I just took off.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    Friday night he picked off another one, dropping into his zone like he’d read the script. (The American Press box score lists no defensive stats, so this is REPORTED, from Kyle.)

    “We’ve been practicing that all week, seeing them deep crossing routes. And I knew that he likes to throw a lot of hard bullet passes, and I knew I can get under that. So I knew I was in the perfect spot at the right time to make a play.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    But here’s the thing about Kortlin Kyle. Ask him his biggest play of the night and he doesn’t pick the interception. He picks the chase-down: a runner who broke free on the backside, and Kyle ran him down.

    “I seen full flow to the left. You know, I seen that he had avoided a few tackles and he had busted outside. I knew I had to go and make a team tackle and back my guy up.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    The pick is on the stat sheet. The rundown is on the soul sheet. That’s what a defensive captain sounds like (Gridiron Football calls him the Lions’ defensive captain), and Gridiron Football named him its National Player of Week 5, also in an online fan vote. He, too, will play in the December 30 All-American Bowl.

    Kyle told me Erskine College has offered him (REPORTED; the school has not confirmed it). Where does he want to be?

    “Definitely see myself as linebacker at the next level, but I feel like, I mean, whatever they need me to play at, if it’s fullback, guard, long snapper, whatever they need me to do, I’m there for it, and I’m willing to do it.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    And what do college coaches need to see down the stretch?

    “I want to improve each week by week, and know that I’m getting better, and that I’m really grinding because I want to play at the next level.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    And what does a Louisiana boy dream about? I asked about the SEC. “Shoot for the stars,” he said, and then he didn’t blink:

    “I mean, yeah, I’m a Louisiana boy, so you know it’s LSU and SEC, but any school.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    (For the record, that is a dream answer. No SEC offers have been reported for either player.)

    One more thing about Kyle, because the Lions’ strength coaches should hear it. The weight room has been good to him, and he said so himself (self-reported):

    “Especially the weight room this year, we’ve really bought into the weight room. Like, the guys have put on a lot of size this year. Like, right now, I’m 210. I was 185 coming out of my junior year.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    One Snap at a Time

    Here’s where this story stops being about two players.

    Vinton is 7-0. MaxPreps ranks the Lions No. 1 in Louisiana’s Division IV Non-Select, and they drew votes in the LSWA’s Class 2A poll after Week 6. If you bring any of that up around this team, you will watch two seniors physically walk away from the conversation. Lange told me that is the actual policy.

    “It’s just noise. We let that go out of one ear. We don’t worry about record, we don’t even talk about that. If somebody talks to us about us, we walk away from it.”

    Michael Lange

    Kyle, asked the same question, gave the same answer with a little more behind it:

    “It’s just noise. We like to keep the record, you know, out. It’s win every play, and then at the end of the year, we’ll worry about what stats and so forth, you know. But right now, it’s just going out here and winning every game, and having fun, and winning every rep.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    I asked each one what is different about this team. Lange:

    “We go one snap at a time, and we break it down to even in the weight room before games, before everything, we make sure we push ourselves 100%. We don’t give up from nobody.”

    Michael Lange

    Kyle:

    “Last year they had a great senior class, but this year we’ve really embraced like stepping up even more, you know, taking the next level.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    Where does it come from? Both pointed at their head coach, Tyler Lavergne. Lange said the one thing from Coach Lavergne that has stuck all season is the same one that built this piece:

    “Definitely going one snap at a time. If good or bad, we forget about it. We don’t let nothing dwell on us. We get right past it.”

    Michael Lange

    And Kyle, asked the same question about the coach:

    “Definitely, definitely 1-0 every week. He says that, and he instills in us every week. It’s 1-0.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    “Take it game by game, and play it simple. And we’ve got to outwork everybody. We might not be the biggest, the strongest, and the fastest, but we can outwork people. And that’s what he instilled in us.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    Kyle also told me where the chemistry comes from, and it’s the kind of detail every small town loves:

    “You know, we’ve been together since we were young.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    Then, when I said I hadn’t heard this one, came the kicker: “We actually won the Super Bowl when we were 12 years old, in Louisiana.” He meant his class, he said.

    A youth-league title at twelve, a 7-0 start at seventeen. Bigger stage.

    Oh, and because this is Gridiron Gumbo and we ask the questions that matter: who is the funniest man in the Vinton locker room? Same name from both players: Kason. Lange:

    “He has a joke for everything. It don’t matter what it is.”

    Michael Lange

    Kyle:

    “He’s just goofy. I mean, he can reference anything. Like anything that you can think of, he can reference it back to anything. He’s just a funny guy.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    Every great team has a heartbeat in pads and a heartbeat in the locker room. Vinton’s got both covered.

    So what do these two want the world to know about the 2026 Vinton Lions? Lange went first, and cher, he did not whisper:

    “We’re very motivated. We don’t care who it is, what opponent it is. It could be the Saints. It don’t matter. We’re going to work. We’re going to play our game either way.”

    Michael Lange

    It could be the Saints. In DeQuincy. On a Friday. Somebody check on Airline Drive.

    Kyle got the last word, and he aimed it past this season entirely:

    “This team is special, and you know, I want to leave a legacy here, and I want the future of Vinton to be super bright, and I want this to be a continuing thing, and I want this to be the start of it.”

    Kortlin Kyle

    7-0. One snap at a time. The record is just noise, but the noise is getting awful loud in Vinton, Louisiana.

    — T-Rohn

    Rosepine, also 7-0, comes to Vinton next Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. The Lions will prepare the way they always do: hydrate, hit the weight room, and go 1-0.

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    Disclosure: Gridiron Football (gridironfootballusa.com), which runs the National Player of the Week vote and the All-American Bowl, is a separate company and is not affiliated with Gridiron Gumbo. Labels: CONFIRMED = box score or official list; REPORTED = one source or told to us, not yet confirmed.

    Published with the permission of Vinton head coach Tyler Lavergne; players were interviewed on the record with their families present.

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