7-in-Seven Countdown: Top #SWLAPREPS Districts for 2021

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Were just a couple of months away from the start of the 2021 football season, which means it’s time for the 7-in-Seven countdown of the most competitive districts to watch during football season.

7. District 6-2A

District 6-2A repeats as No. 7 again as the race over the past few years has been predominantly a two-horse race between Notre Dame and Lafayette Christian. LCA repeated as district champions and division iii state champions for the second year in a row.

It’s very possible the district could come down to LCA and Notre Dame once again, but don’t sleep on Welsh, Port Barre, and Lake Arthur to grab a few wins as well.

6. District 5-2A

Last year the Kinder Yellowjackets went undefeated in district play and made it to the Class 2A state championship but fell to Many. The Rosepine Eagles only had one loss in district play last season and made it to the playoffs before falling to Avoyelles in the second round. Expect them to rely on their rushing attack this season led by Grant Ducote will no doubt carry the load and senior quarterback Ethan Frey who’s still a big playmaker inside and outside the pocket.

Next, the Pickering Red Devils enter this year with a new head coach, but without running back Deon Street who was a big part of the offense last season. However, they still have DeShawn Jackson as a big target at wide receiver and Marlon Freeney as a dual-threat at quarterback who will look to build off last season. The Red Devils finished 3-2 in district play right now the favorite is Kinder, but this may be there year DeQuincy takes big steps in the right direction to possibly shake things up.

5. District 4-3A

This district will most likely be decided between LCCP and Jennings. The two teams were supposed to meet last season, but because of a COVID outbreak, the game was postponed. However, the two powerhouses are set to play against each other this season in week eight. Both teams went undefeated in district play a season ago.

The South Beauregard Golden Knights went 2-2 in district play last year and played in some interesting games. They went head-to-head with St. Louis Catholic and LCCP in the regular season and faced both teams in the playoffs. They fell to the Trailblazers but handed the Iowa YellowJackets an early exit. Heading into this season they have a couple of spots to fill on offense. The most important being at the quarterback position with Kyler Kibodeaux graduating.

St. Louis played well in games last season but they weren’t able to come away with any in the district. Expect them to change that this season despite losing some players who are going on to college.

4. District 5-3A

This district has been consistently a race between Church Point and Iota. In their head-to-head match-up, last season the Bears came out with the win and finished the season undefeated in district play. This season may be a little more challenging for Iota because of certain players moving on to life after high school so the experience is something that won’t be on their side.

Ville Platte made some noise last season winning securing two district wins and only one loss. They very well may be the dark horse in this district race once the season kicks off in September.

3. District 3 - 5A

A lot of teams in this district didn’t have a 2020 season because of hurricane damage to their facilities. However, Acadiana went undefeated in district play and will look to repeat this upcoming season. A couple of local teams in Barbe and Sam Houston were among those that didn’t have a season, but are expected to be back when the season kicks off.

Sulphur, unfortunately, did not have that many games and finished second to last in the district standings with their only win coming against Comeaux in week 7. Even still, Barbe and Sam Houston returning means there will be more competition locally. In addition, Sam Houston has a new head coach in Chad Davis who will be entering his first season at the helm. The Buccaneers will be looking to get back into the mix and possibly make it deeper in the playoffs than they did in 2019.

Acadiana’s breakout 2020 could make for a recipe for a repeat, but only time will tell.

2. District 3 - 4A

District 3 Class 4A has been an exciting bunch to watch over the last couple of seasons. Tioga reigned supreme going undefeated in district play last season

They were in some tight battles though with fellow district rivals Leesville and DeRidder... The Wampus Cats captured two wins last season in head-to-head battles against Peabody and Bolton and made a run in the playoffs, but they’ll be without quarterback Jacob mount and wideout Khrystian Hoffpauir who connected a lot last season.

DeRidder went 1-1 and their only win in a 1 point affair against Peabody, the dragons have lost some experience on both sides of the ball which leaves a lot of questions.

Expect Tioga to be the front runners, but the Wampus Cats may have some magic in their paws.

1. District 4 - 1A

It may be a surprise to see a 1A district take the top spot, but with five of the seven teams last season finishing with overall records of .500 or better, it’s rightfully earned.

Grand Lake took the top spot in the district last season with a 4-1 district record and a 5-1 overall record followed by Oberlin also at 4-1 and 5-2. The Hornets made it all the way to the state championship last year but eventually fell to oak grove, so expect the hornets to look to make another run.

Hamilton Christian Basile, East Beauregard, Oberlin and Merryville made it to the playoffs as well but were all out after the second round or sooner.

With six of the seven active teams, last year making the playoffs and a full offseason of preparations expect division 4-1a to be a dog fight once again.

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