Franklinton, Karr, McDonogh 35 picks to win New Orleans area Class 4A districts

District 8-4A figures to be a real horse race between Franklinton, Lakeshore and Salmen.

In what will be a very close three-team race, Franklinton gets a very close nod as the favorite, thanks to junior quarterback Tajh Magee, junior wide receivers Duke Bell and Kian Conerly are good. Defensively, Carson Ragas is good up front while LaMount Harris, James Bickham and Jayden Ard all return at linebacker.

With 24 seniors, Lakeshore is in good shape to make a serious run at the District 8-4A title for Craig Jones. Quarterback Chris Penton is back to lead the offense. He has a pair of fine receivers in Josh Massa and Jalen Willis. Defensively, senior Tylan Driver is a force up front while senior Zach Womack is back at linebacker.

The same is true in District 9-4A, where defending state champion Karr and multi-talented Warren Easton will wage a battle for the title.

The pick is Karr, by a whisker.

How can you pick against a defending state champion, one that has been in the title game in six of the last seven years? Anthony Spurlock is a very gifted wide receiver while senior Skylar Perry takes over at quarterback and is capable of doing an excellent job. The offensive line is good. Defensively, Quindell Johnson and Devin Bush return to anchor the secondary while defensive end Ronell Burbank is very good.

Easton is poised to challenge after a big year in 2016. Quarterback Lance Legendre is outstanding and he has a pair of terrific receivers in Yo’Heinz Tyler and Sheldon “Sticks” Jones. Sopohomore Ashaad Clayton could be a special player. Larry Barabino is a fine running back and defensively, Damien Tate and Chester Kimbrough are superb in the secondary.

In District 10-4A, gifted McDonogh 35 is the clear favorite. Veteran coach Wayne Reese has a potential state championship squad, led by senior quarterback Lejohn Howard, senior receivers Lawrence Keys and Jared Miles, a good running back in senior Eddie Tillman, a good defensive lineman in junior Jalen Jackson and an elite defensive back in Joseph Foucha.

Carver is the second choice with a good senior quarterback in Izea Hurst and a terrific senior receiver in Gary Young. Junior receiver Keyon Clark is back from injury and there is a familiar name in future star Lynaris Elphaege, a freshman, who’s father starred at Carver and Tulane. Linebackers James Jones and Stanley Carruth are very good on defense.

8-4A
1) Franklinton
2) Lakeshore
3) Salmen
4) Pearl River

9-4A
1) Karr
2) Warren Easton
3) Belle Chasse
4) Helen Cox
5) McMain

10-4A
1) McDonogh 35
2) Carver
3) Lake Area New Tech
4) Riverdale
5) Ben Franklin