Which Shreveport-area football teams will win playoff games in Week 12?

On November 23, 2024By Littum

Here’s a look at some of the action set to take place with teams in the Shreveport-Bossier City area during the second playoff weekend of the 2024 Louisiana High School Athletic Association high school football season.

Also included is our forecast of which teams are likely to win and advance to the quarter-final round.

2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs

Non-Selected Division I

10 Destrehan (8-3) at 7 Northwood (9-1)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: Once the Kyron Johnson train rolls, there’s no stopping the Falcons. He’ll get plenty of help from Duntavious Young, John Sneed and Tomarcus Keith as Northwood rolls into the quarterfinals, albeit in a nail-biter.

Watson’s prediction: Northwood 38, Destrehan 37

14 Zachary (7-3) at 3 Ruston (8-2)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Bearcats have had a few slip-ups this fall, but when the evidence is on the line, Josh Brantley and company tend to shine. Look for coach Jerrod Baugh’s team to enter the contest firing on all cylinders. Zachary has scored 109 points in the past two games.

Watson’s prediction: Ruston 35, Zachary 33

18 Westgate (8-2) at 2 Airline (10-0)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Tigers are better than their 18 seed, so the Vikings will be tested on all fronts. This could be a very high scoring game and has the potential for an upset. But no one has defeated the Vikings yet.

Watson’s prediction: Airline 48, Westgate 46

Non-Select Division II

10 Belle Chasse (9-2) at 7 North DeSoto (8-2)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Cardinals posted 56 points last week, but the Griffins take a lot of pride in their defense. There are a few bangers over there that won’t give the Cardinals anywhere near 56 points.

Watson’s prediction: North DeSoto 44, Belle Chasse 21

Non-Select Division III

12 Red River (7-4) at 5 Union Parish (7-4)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: Identical records but worlds apart in playoff experience, the Farmers get the edge here by virtue of having been here and done this. The Bulldogs should put up a good game, but this could be the end of the road.

Watson’s prediction: Union Parish 35, Red River 28

11 Lakeside (9-2) at 6 Sterlington (7-4)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Warriors, along with new coach John Ware, have put together one of the best seasons in school history, but playing the Panthers on the road and winning will be no easy task. Strength of schedule plays a big role here, and the Panthers have it.

Watson’s prediction: Sterlington 40, Lakeside 30

14 Mansfield (6-4) at 3 Oak Grove (9-1)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Wolverines’ fabulous season ends on the road against a very, very good Oak Grove team that put up 41 points on Calvary’s defense but still lost.

Watson’s prediction: Oak Grove 52, Mansfield 21

Non-Selected Division IV

16 Montgomery (7-4) at 1 Haynesville (10-0)

When: 19.30 Friday

Note: Anyone who expected Tors to be undefeated at this point, raise your hand. A well-rested Haynesville team continues to roll into the quarterfinals with an easy win.

Watson’s prediction: Haynesville 44, Montgomery 7

11 Elton (8-3) at 6 Logansport (8-2)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: Elton was lucky to advance to the second round last week as the Tigers destroyed Varnado. Look for a sold out stadium to be very happy again this week.

Watson’s prediction: Logansport 48, Elton 14

Select Division I

17 Huntington (5-5) at 1 Edna Karr (9-0)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Raiders showed they can go on the road and win last week to open the playoffs, but the Cougars are a different animal. They have played perhaps the best program in the state and won every single game. In addition, they are rested.

Watson’s prediction: Edna Karr 48, Huntington 38

10 CE Byrd (7-3) at 7 St. Paul’s (9-1)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Jackets know how to win on the road in the playoffs, but the Wolves had last week off and played a salty schedule. They picked up a forfeit win over University Lab to erase a 29-12 loss on the field.

Watson’s prediction: St. Paul’s 38, Byrd 28

18 Evangel Christian (5-5) at 2 Alexandria (10-0)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Eagles believe they can win a state title, and that’s half the battle. But the Trojans will score more than 40 points, so Peyton Houston and company will have to keep up.

Watson’s prediction: ASH 46, Gospel 42

Select Division II

10 Loyola Prep (6-4) at 7 Leesville (8-2

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Wampus Cats can certainly be beat by the Flyers, but their defense will likely make a difference. If it were up to Messmer, the Flyers would be favored.

Watson’s prediction: Leesville 32, Loyola 28

Select Division III

14 De La Salle (6-5) at 3 Calvary Baptist (8-2)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: Cavaliers versus Cavaliers is a matchup that could produce some interesting postseason fireworks. Calvary is rested and ready to explode, so visitors may not be hanging around for long.

Watson’s prediction: Calvary 48, De La Salle 27

15 D’Arbonne Woods (7-3) at 2 Newman (8-0)

When: 19.00 Friday

Note: The Timberwolves have had the kind of season to write home about, but it ends on the road in New Orleans. At least the post-game meal should be good.

Watson’s prediction: Newman 42, D’Arbonne Woods 21

Last week: 8-2 Last 9 weeks: 81-9 (90%) Season: 94-16 (85%)

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.