Amite, Riverside picks to win New Orleans area Class 2A districts

A pair of teams that played for state championships a year ago are the overwhelming favorites to win their Class 2A districts this season in the Greater New Orleans area.

In District 8-2A, it is impossible to pick against Amite.

The Warriors were in the Class 3A final a year ago and drop down in class but remain extremely talented, with 11 starters returning. Senior safety Tyrus Wheat is outstanding, on his way to Missouri at the next level. Junior defensive tackle Ismael Sopsher is tough. Junior wide receiver Devonta Lee is a budding star.

St. Helena is very good once again, despite losing several key players. Senior Ricky Travis is back at quarterback, seniors Troy Hurst and Jeremy Griffin are an outstanding running backs and senior receiver Devin Taylor is a fine receiver.

In District 9-2A, it is no contest, with all due respect to some good football teams.

That is because Riverside Academy, the defending Division III state champion, is simply that good.

Despite Bill Stubbs retiring, the Rebels will not miss a beat with Chris Lachney running the show. The offense is simply terrific, led by senior quarterback Jordan Loving, who has started since his freshman season. Running back Jeremy Gibson, as Arkansas commit, is a load. Wide receivers Jalen Banks, Kash Foley and Jeremiah Bigham are gifted. The defense has its own stars, including Wilbert Robertson and Leboe Bridges up front, Jared Hymel at linebacker and Garland Robertson and Zack Geieger in the secondary.

Newman gets the slight nod over Country Day for second. The Greenies have a good quarterback in junior Martin Butcher and he has an excellent running back in senior James Poche’. The receivers are very good, led by Story Charbonnet and Dylon Hill. Defensively, sophomore Brandon Williams is good up front while Calder Schmidt and Sam Moses are good in the secondary.

8-2A
1) Amite
2) St. Helena
3) Northlake Christian
4) Pope John Paul II
5) Pine
6) Independence
7) St. Thomas Aquinas
8) Springfield

9-2A
1) Riverside
2) Newman
3) Country Day
4) South Plaquemines
5) Fisher