Top Shreveport-Bossier high football playoff games and predictions
Here's a look at the action set to take place in the Shreveport-Bossier City area on the second weekend of the 2022 Louisiana high school football playoffs.
Non-Select − Division I
No. 17 Ouachita Parish (6-5) at No. 1 Ruston (9-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Bearcats cruised past Ouachita 47-13 a couple of weeks ago and there’s no reason to believe the second time will be any more fun for the Lions against a defense led by Jadon Mayfield and Christian Davis.
Watson’s prediction: Ruston 47, Ouachita 13
No. 9 Denham Springs (9-2) at No. 8 Benton (8-3)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Benton has won seven in a row and has a great chance to make it eight straight with the defense only allowing 52 total points over the past three weeks. Cole Weir continues to be a defensive leader for the Tigers.
Watson’s prediction: Benton 42, Denham Springs 41
No. 11 East St. John (9-2) at No. 27 Haughton (6-5)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Buccaneer quarterback Colin Rains said last week he wasn’t ready to go home in explaining his 200-yard rushing performance against Airline. Another effort like that and the Bucs’ season just might get extended another week. Bucs are tough under the pines. Upset special.
Watson’s prediction: Haughton 28, East St. John 24
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Division II
No. 13 Cecilia (8-3) at No. 4 DeSoto (9-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
When the Griffin fans turn out in force, their stadium is one tough place to play. Expect them to be there to watch John Lewis, Brian Banks and Cole Cory cause havoc offensively, and Lake Bates, Corbyn Cross and Hunter Addison patrol the secondary. Ironically, all three of Cecilia’s losses have come to 9-1 teams.
Watson’s prediction: North DeSoto 34, Cecilia 27
Select − Division I
No. 17 Captain Shreve (6-5) at No. 1 Warren Easton (9-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Gators are relatively healthy and righted their ship just in time for the playoffs. But going on the road to beat Warren Easton may be asking too much for Jayden Edwards and company.
Watson’s prediction: Warren Easton 48, Captain Shreve 24
No. 12 St. Paul’s (7-4) at No. 5 Northwood (8-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
It seems like it’s been a long time since the Falcons topped North DeSoto for the district title, but here’s hoping that down time was put to good use. Northwood should be on the Non-Select side, but they’ll win this week anyway.
Watson’s prediction: Northwood 28, St. Paul’s 24
No. 22 Alexandria (5-6) at No. 6 Byrd (7-3)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Byrd’s fine-tuned offensive machine might suffer from rust early, but once Lake Lambert gets his charges rolling, it’ll be lights out for ASH. If Jackson Dufrene sees a window of opportunity, the Jackets will get the emotional burst they need.
Watson’s prediction: Byrd 38, ASH 21
Division II
No. 13 Evangel Christian (7-4) at No. 4 E.D. White (9-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Flyers have outscored their last two opponents 106-0, but the competition will be stepped up this week. And it’s a long, long way from Shreveport to Thibodaux. The Cardinals will run behind UL Lafayette commitment Matt Broussard, and he’s a load.
Watson’s prediction: E.D. White 40, Evangel 33
Division III
No. 12 Northlake Christian (8-3) at No. 5 Calvary Baptist (8-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Wolverines get the unenviable task of trying to knock off the Cavaliers in Jerry Barker Stadium. Abram Waddell gets his first start in a state playoff game and he’ll make the most of it.
Watson’s prediction: Calvary 48, Northlake 14
No. 11 Loyola Prep (6-4) at No. 6 Episcopal (9-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The playoffs have been fun for the Flyers behind Cooper DeFatta, who engineered 61 points last week, but the Flyers should have saved some of those points for this week. Episcopal only allowed 26 total points in its final three games − and they’re rested. Still, Loyola could advance.
Watson’s prediction: Episcopal 31, Loyola 28
Last Week: 8-2; This year: 92-18 (.840%)
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: Top Shreveport-Bossier Week 12 LHSAA high school football predictions
