Louisiana high school football: Top teams, games, players and prospects ahead of 2020 season

October is upon us and some states are just beginning their high school football season. Louisiana is among those with teams taking the field as early as Thursday. As things stand, the postseason is set to begin Nov. 28 with championship games scheduled for Dec. 26-28.

Louisiana is one of 35 states planning to play football this fall. Fifteen others, plus the District of Columbia, have moved their respective seasons to 2021.

In Louisiana, a total of 106 games are set to kick off Thursday through Saturday.

In advance of season openers, here's a look at what you need to know about Louisiana football in 2020.

Top games

John Curtis Christian (River Ridge) at Edna Karr (New Orleans), Oct. 16
Edna Karr (New Orleans) at Catholic-B.R. (Baton Rouge), Oct. 23
Archbishop Rummel (Metairie) at Brother Martin (New Orleans), Oct. 23
John Curtis Christian (River Ridge) at Archbishop Rummel (Metairie), Nov. 14
John Curtis Christian (River Ridge) at Brother Martin (New Orleans), Nov. 20

Top teams

1. Archbishop Rummel (Metairie)
2. Acadiana (Lafayette)
3. Karr (New Orleans)
4. Catholic-B.R. (Baton Rouge)
5. Carencro (Lafayette)

Defending champions
5A: Acadiana (Lafayette)
4A: Edna Karr (New Orleans)
3A: St. James
2A: Ferriday
1A: Oak Grove
I: Archbishop Rummel (Metairie)
II: St. Thomas More (Lafayette)
III: Lafayette Christian Academy (Lafayette)
IV: Ouachita Christian (Monroe)
ACEL: Berchmans Academy (Grand Coteau)

Top recruits
Based on 247 Sports individual rankings

1. Maason Smith, DT, Terrebonne (Houma, La.), (No. 19)
2. Sage Ryan, S, Lafayette Christian Academy (Lafayette), (28)
3. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Walker, (62)
4. Christopher Hilton, WR, Zachary, (67)
5. Destyn Pazon, WR, Edna Karr (New Orleans), (111)

Returning stat leaders

Passing
Otis Elzy, Kentwood | 203-309 (66%), 3,492 yds., 25 TD
Jordan Freyou, Acadiana Christian (Lafayette) | 197-380 (52%), 2,978 yds., 34 TD

Rushing
Kevon Pugh, Oakdale | 261 car., 1,908 yds., 19 TD
Evan Joubert, St. Louis Catholic (Lake Charles) | 291 car., 1,754 yds., 28 TD

Receiving
Jack Bech, St. Thomas More (Lafayette) | 91 rec., 1,668 yds., 20 TD
Glynn Johnson, Lake Charles College Prep (Lake Charles) | 56 rec., 1,238 yds., 14 TD