Preseason favorite: Ascension Catholic 

Ascension Catholic seeks a sixth straight district title. The Bulldogs lost to Vermilion Catholic in the Division IV select quarterfinals in 2023. Class 1A Offensive MVP Chad Elzy returns.

Another to watch: White Castle 

The other 8-1A Bulldogs advanced to Division IV nonselect regional round. White Castle returns nine starters on offense led by quarterback Javon Woods and athlete Shadrack Allen.

Players to watch

Chad Elzy

RB ¦ Ascension Catholic

Elzy (5-foot-9, 198 pounds) accounted for 2,900 yards rushing and 50 total touchdowns as a junior and was the Class 1A Offensive MVP and All-Metro MVP. The senior is among Louisiana’s most explosive playmakers.

Shadrack Allen

ATH ¦ White Castle

Allen (5-11, 175) will play several positions for the Bulldogs. Another explosive playmaker, Allen is a player the White Castle staff will devise ways to get the ball.

Javon Woods

QB ¦ White Castle

Woods (6-0, 165) was the first-team all-district as a freshmen in 2023. A dual-threat quarterback, Woods is one of several weapons to complement Allen this fall.

Theopholius Dunn

WR ¦ East Iberville

Dunn (6-1, 187) scored 16 touchdowns last fall and seldom leaves the field. The senior had a solid summer of preparation and is a driving force for the Tigers.

Mace Melancon

LB ¦ Ascension Catholic

Melancon (5-11, 197) tallied 140 tackles in 2023 and earned Class 1A all-state honors. He is poised for another big year. Melancon is also a two-time Division IV powerlifting champion.

2023 Rewind

Ascension Catholic 10-3, 4-0; White Castle 8-3, 3-1; St John 5-6, 2-2; East Iberville 3-8, 1-3; Ascension Christian 2-8, 0-4; North Iberville first varsity season

Five Fast Facts About 8-1A

• Coaches Marc Brown (White Castle), Bryan Troxclair (St. John) and Rohan Davey (Ascension Christian) return. Lowell Narcisse (ACHS) and Peter Villia (East Iberville) are new to the crew.

• North Iberville joins 8-1A after two junior varsity seasons under coach Joshua Gast, a former Liberty assistant. The Bears have quarterback Justice Roy and others leading the charge into varsity play.

• St. John, Ascension Christian and East Iberville are young. Wide receiver Ahmad Wilson (St John), quarterback Colt Melancon (East Iberville) and quarterback JJ Lebouef (Ascension Christian) could lead a playoff surge.

• Ascension Catholic returns eight starters on a defense that gave up 19 points per game in 2023. Retooling the offensive line is key for Elzy and new quarterback Camille LeBoeuf.

• Both 8-1A Bulldogs squads made LHSAA Prep Classic appearances over the past six years. Ascension Catholic was Division IV select runner-up in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, White Castle was the 1A runner-up.