Looking ahead to the weekend of prep football games in the Baton Rouge area.
FOUR DOWNS
1. DISTRICT TITLE HOPES: Madison Prep (6-2) will go on the road to face Plaquemine (5-3) in a District 6-4A matchup. A win for the Chargers would position them for a district title. A Green Devilsβ win would force a three-way tie between Plaquemine, Madison Prep and St. Michael.
2. ROAD TEST: One game being played outside the Baton Rouge area this Friday that will be interesting to follow is Lutcher at St. Charles. The Bulldogs have won four straight to move into the LSWA Class 3A top 10 and are No. 3 in the Division II nonselect power ratings. Lutcher could be poised for a statement win this week to build on its momentum.
3. ON THE BUBBLE: Another potential district championship will be between Baker (7-1) and Istrouma (5-3). Both teams are unbeaten in District 6-3A play. The Buffaloes have likely locked up a playoff spot, while the Indians could follow suit with a win, sitting 20th in the Division III select power ratings.
4. STILL UNDEFEATED: Ascension Christian (8-0) will host Fisher this week just two games away from an undefeated season. The Lions are not playing for district honors and are not eligible for the playoffs. Still, an undefeated regular season would be an impressive feat and is worth noting.
FRIDAY'S TOP GAMES
Kentwood at East Feliciana
7 p.m.
East Feliciana (7-1) will host Kentwood (8-0) in a battle of two of Class 1Aβs best teams. The Kangaroos are No. 5 in the LSWA Class 1A poll and have beaten top teams like Jewel Sumner this year. The Tigers are the top seed in the Division IV nonselect power ratings.
Madison Prep at Plaquemine
7 p.m.
Plaquemine (5-3) hosts Madison Prep (6-2) for the District 6-4A title. The Chargers are coming off an impressive 32-3 win over St. Michael. The Chargers have won five straight since starting 1-2. The Green Devils have won their last two games, scoring more than 50 points in both wins.
Destrehan at Zachary
7 p.m.
While most teams are deep in district play, Zachary (5-3) hosts Destrehan (7-1) on Friday night. The Broncos are coming off a 54-0 win against Woodlawn and have won four of their past five games. The Wildcats are on a six-game win streak and No. 3 in the Division I nonselect power ratings.
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH
WR William Dantin, Dunham: The Tigers wide receiver has been one of the area's best this year with eight touchdown receptions. He has 10 total touchdowns in his senior season and should be a name to watch this week.
DB Chris Barber, Madison Prep: The Chargers senior defensive back has six interceptions and 25 total tackles this season. The ball-hawking corner is one of the best in the state, tied for second in interceptions. He could make a big impact on Friday night.
ATH Ryan Moore, East Feliciana: The Tigers athlete has done it all this season. He has 514 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 25 receptions. He also has 365 rushing yards and four rushing scores. He has three interceptions on defense.
THIS WEEKβS SCHEDULE
Thursday
Brusly at Broadmoor
Southern Lab vs. St. John at Plaquemine High
Collegiate Baton Rouge at Parkview Baptist
Glen Oaks at Helix Mentorship Academy
Albany at Walker
Friday
St. Michael vs. Tara at Broadmoor High
South Plaquemines vs. Ascension Catholic at Floyd Boutte Memorial Stadium
Istrouma at Baker
Woodlawn vs. Catholic at Memorial Stadium
Liberty at Central
Varnado at Central Private
Denham Springs at East Ascension
University High at Port Allen
McKinley at Scotlandville
East Iberville at North Iberville
Donaldsonville at Northeast
Fisher at Ascension Christian
Destrehan at Zachary
Live Oak at Prairieville
Belaire at West Feliciana
Kentwood at East Feliciana
Dutchtown at St. Amant
Livonia at Cecilia
Madison Prep at Plaquemine
Lutcher at St. Charles
Vandebilt Catholic at St. James
Dunham at Slaughter Community Charter
Episcopal at Springfield
Catholic-PC at Riverside Academy
White Castle at Capitol (forfeit, White Castle win)
Thrive Academy at Acadiana Christian (forfeit, Acadiana Christian win)