Predictions: Who makes it to the Dome, wins state in 2017 playoffs

5A
(1) West Monroe vs. (14) Landry-Walker
Okay, I hear it already. This would be a rematch from a year ago in the state title game. Keytaon Thompson separated the two teams last year. Thompson is at Mississippi State now. This year, the Chargin’ Bucs are even better on defense. Corione Harris has taken over at quarterback and the team has improved significantly on that side of the ball. The Bucs will break out new uniforms if they return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The unbeaten Rebels are the favorite. Alabama commit Slade Bolden is healthy and very good. West Monroe survived a score from Ouachita Parish.

Others that can break through: (2) Covington, (3) Acadiana, (5) St. Amant, (6) East Ascension, (11) Sulphur, (7) Ruston, (10) Hahnville, (15) Ouachita Parish

4A
(1) Karr vs. (3) Benton
The Cougars, as I have stated all year long, are the chalk. That was cemented with their 40-6 win over Warren Easton. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they ended up the same side of the bracket as Karr. Skylar Perry has come on strong at quarterback for the Cougars, the running game is there and the defense is nails. The Tigers got on the other side of the bracket from Karr and that will help. Benton has scored 34 or more points in nine of 10 games.

Others that can break through: (2) Lakeshore, (4) Warren Easton, (5) Plaquemine, (6) Leesville, (7) Neville, (11) Rayne

3A
(1) Sterlington vs. (6) West Feliciana
The Panthers were dominant in going unbeaten. They played their first truly close game a week ago, beating a good Richwood team 28-21. They are a defending state champion (2A). The Saints have been so close in recent years to getting to the title game. This could be the year. The only loss was to University High. A 21-0 win over Kinder to close the season served notice.

Others that can break through: (2) Iowa, (3) Jena, (4) St. James, (5) Kaplan, (8) Richwood, (11) Berwick, (13) Caldwell Parish, (20) Madison Prep

2A
(4) Many vs. (3) Amite
The Tigers have been there, done that. They have one of the best running backs in the state and are well coached. They have won six straight. The Warriors are smarting from a shocking loss to St. Thomas Aquinas to ruin an unbeaten season and possible top-seed. They are motivated and talented. They would not like nothing better than to return to the ‘Dome and finish the deal, which they were close to doing a year ago.

Others that can break through: (1) Welsh, (2) Ferriday, (6) St. Helena, (7) Rosepine, (8) Kinder, (9) Rayville

1A
(1) West St. John vs. (3) Kentwood
The Rams are superb. They have played a very challenging schedule, dating back to spring workouts with higher classification teams. West St. John wiped out good teams in Varnado and South Plaquemines. They simply look like the best team in the class. The Kangaroos scored a big win over Southern Lab to close the regular season.

Others that can break through: (2) Oak Grove, (4) Logansport, (5) Varnado, (6) Haynesville, (7) Basile

D-I
(1) Evangel Christian vs. (2) John Curtis Christian
This is a chalk class. Evangel and John Curtis appear to be above everyone in the classification. The Eagles have the best defense in the class and Curtis is the second best defense. Both teams run it well but both can make some plays in the passing game. To see them playing each other in the title game again is appropriate and expected.

Others that can break through: (3) Scotlandville, (4) Catholic-BR, (5) St. Augustine, (6) Brother Martin, (7) St. Paul’s

D-II
(1) De La Salle vs. (2) University High
Once again, it appears that chalk will hold in a good classification. Along with Evangel, John Curtis, Karr and West Monroe, these are two of the very best teams in Louisiana, bar none, and the Cavaliers handed Karr its only loss. Both have totally dominated opponents, including some very good ones, all year long. While there are two or three other very good teams, it is hard to envision anyone else making it to the ‘Dome.

Others that can break through: (3) St. Charles Catholic, (4) St. Thomas More, (5) Parkview Baptist, (7) Teurlings Catholic

D-III
(1) Notre Dame vs. (2) Newman
This one was perhaps the hardest of all for me. The Pios are unbeaten, the team to beat. Riverside is on the same side of the bracket and the rivals are likely to square off in the semifinals. On the other side, Newman is also unbeaten and the Greenies must prove they can overcome Catholic of New Iberia, who hammered the Greenies in the playoffs a year ago. It is a different year and a better Newman team, yet the Panthers are still very good. Any of the four could break through.

Others that can break through: (3) Catholic-NI, (4) Dunham, (5) Riverside, (7) Ascension Episcopal, (10) St. Thomas Aquinas

D-IV
(4) Lafayette Christian vs. (2) Cedar Creek
The Knights lost 10-9 on the road to top-seed Vermilion Catholic in the regular season. The seeds would have them matching up again in the semifinals. The Cougars were perfect before being brought down to earth in week 10 by Oak Grove but should rebound.

Others that can break through: (1) Vermilion Catholic, (3) St. Edmund, (5) Catholic-PC, (6) Ascension Catholic, (9) Ouachita Christian

Recapping the championship game selections:

5A—Landry-Walker over West Monroe
4A—Karr over Benton
3A—Sterlington over West Feliciana
2A—Amite over Many
1A—West St. John over Kentwood
D-I—Evangel over John Curtis
D-II—De La Salle over University
D-III—Notre Dame over Newman
D-IV—Lafayette Christian over Cedar Creek