Nationally-ranked John Curtis is the top team in the Pelican State. But watch for West Monroe, Neville, Karr and Barbe.
Patrick Morton and Curtis have a shot at a national title this season - and they are a lock as the state's top team.
Photo by Roddy Johnson
14-0
Head coach: J.T. Curtis
Team previewWith the amount of talent returning on this year’s John Curtis squad, there’s some talk around Louisiana that this team will be among the program’s best. Ranked
No. 6 in the Preseason Xcellent 25, the Patriots return two quarterbacks that saw time last season in
Abby Touzet and
Patrick Morton, along with a big offensive line, a stable of running backs and several Division 1-caliber defensive backs. If the team’s defensive line comes together, it will be extremely difficult to beat. Curtis ranks No. 2 on our list of the
Top 10 most consistent Louisiana football programs.
2. West Monroe2011 finish: 13-2
Head coach: Don Shows
Team previewIt’s no surprise that West Monroe is once again at the top of the Class 5A, given how successful the program has been under head coach Don Shows.
Michael Mims will likely start behind center, but keep an eye on dynamic, dual-threat freshman
Jon Randall Belton, a bit of a youth football legend. Though he has yet to be cleared, it appears that junior offensive lineman
Cameron Robinson, a national recruit, will suit up for West Monroe this season. A game against American Heritage will be one of the top interstate games this season. West Monroe tops our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 Louisiana football dynasties.
3. Neville (Monroe)2011 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Mickey McCarty
Team previewAn undefeated, Class 4A title-winning season is hard to top. But for the 2012 Neville squad, expectations remain high. Playmaker
John Diarse is expected to line up behind center this season, putting the ball in his hands every play and making the Neville offense capable of scoring on any play. Running back
Salarrious Jones will also be a factor. Junior defensive back
Laurence Jones is a star in the making; he’ll lead Neville’s defense. You can find Neville multiple times on the list of
Louisiana state football champions over the past 10 years.
4. Karr (New Orleans)2011 finish: 11-4
Head coach: Jabbar Juluke
Team previewThere’s plenty of talent on this year’s Edna Karr squad, as head coach Jabbar Juluke’s squad looks to improve on last year’s 11-4 finish, falling just short in the 4A title game against Neville. Texas A&M-commit
Noel Ellis returns at cornerback, while All-State selection
Titus Charles is back at defensive tackle. Junior standout
Gerald Willis will line up at defensive end once again.
Standish Dobard, a Miami-bound tight end, is a key player on offense. Karr will need to replace three players from the
Louisiana Class of 2012 Division 1 football signees list.
5. Barbe (Lake Charles)2011 finish: 9-4
Head coach: Mike Cutrera
Team previewBarbe will have one of the most potent offenses in Louisiana this season and will benefit from Mike Cutrera having another year of seasoning under his belt.
Kennon Fontenot is back behind center and has the luxury of throwing to productive receiver
Trey Quinn and top tight end
DeSean Smith. If the defense performs at a high level, Barbe will make some noise if the Class 5A playoffs. Search for Barbe players on our list of
2011 Louisiana All-District football teams.
