Top Shreveport-Bossier high football games in Week 11 — and predictions
Here's a look at the games set to take place in the Shreveport-Bossier City area during the first weekend of the 2022 Louisiana high school football playoffs.
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Division I
Ponchatoula (5-5) at Benton (7-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
The Tigers get the 2022 LHSAA playoffs off to a rip-roaring start behind Gray Walters, Pearce Russell, Zach Halbert and company. The visitors get punched out.
Watson’s prediction: Benton 42, Ponchatoula 17
Parkway (7-3) at Dutchtown (6-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
The Panthers should have drawn a home game to open the playoffs but a stumble down the stretch means Ashton Martin, Barrett Newman and Jaylan White need to win on the road to advance.
Watson’s prediction: Parkway 28, Dutchtown 27
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Haughton (5-5) at Airline (7-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
The Buccaneers and Vikings posted almost 100 points the last time they got together. Can they perform the same song, second verse?
Watson’s prediction: Airline 52, Haughton 42
Division III
Red River (3-7) at Rosepine (8-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
The Bulldogs have a second chance at a great finish to the 2022 season, but the draw doesn’t benefit coach Jeff Harper’s club. Rosepine has been playing well, averaging 48 points during the past seven games.
Watson’s prediction: Rosepine 42, Red River 14
Lakeside (5-5) at Avoyelles (7-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Avoyelles averaged almost 60 points per game during the second half of the regular season. Can the Warriors find a way to play shut-down defense?
Watson’s prediction: Avoyelles 55, Lakeside 22
Mansfield (3-7) at Jena (6-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
The Wolverines are talented in spots and played well during the past few weeks of the season, but they might not have improved enough to get past high-scoring Jena.
Watson’s prediction: Jena 44, Mansfield 22
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Division I
Captain Shreve (5-5) at Tioga (7-3)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
It depends on which Gators team shows up, but Tioga hasn’t defeated a team with a winning record this season.
Watson’s prediction: Captain Shreve 35, Tioga 28
Jesuit (4-6) at Huntington (6-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
A horrible draw to open the playoffs for the Raiders. The Blue Jays reached the Division I championship game last year and played one of the toughest schedules in the state in 2022.
Watson’s prediction: Jesuit 31, Huntington 27
Division II
Istrouma (4-5) at Evangel Christian (6-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Istrouma’s wins have come against teams with a combined 4-36 record. The Eagles are peaking at the right time. Expect the Fulghum boys to have some fun.
Watson’s prediction: Evangel 32, Istrouma 18
Division III
St. Thomas Aquinas (3-7) at Loyola Prep (5-4)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
If the Flyers have recovered from last week’s loss to Calvary, they should be able to advance to the D-III second round.
Watson’s prediction: Loyola 28, St. Thomas Aquinas 24
Last Week: 7-3. This year: 84-16 (.840%)
Area teams with byes: Ruston, North DeSoto, Many, Union Parish, Homer, Northwood, Byrd, Calvary, North Caddo, St. Mary’s and Glenbrook
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA football playoffs: Top games in Shreveport plus predictions
