District 8-1A football has seen its share of coaching changes in recent seasons, and that trend will continue with new head coaches at reigning champion Ascension Catholic along with Ascension Christian and White Castle.
There are other things that will likely stay the same.
Ascension Catholic, which has lost only nine regular-season games in the past eight seasons, is once again expected to be the team to beat. North Iberville, White Castle and St. John, all playoff teams last season, should be the top challengers. East Iberville and Ascension Christian will be looking for breakthrough seasons in the six-team district.
One of the biggest coaching changes came at Ascension Catholic, where Lowell Narcisse departed after one season. That opened the door for 30-year old Taylor James, a Winnfield native who had been coaching in Texas.
Ascension Catholic went undefeated in district play last season, finished 11-2 overall and reached the Division IV select semifinals. A repeat performance will have its challenges as the Bulldogs suffered roster hits from graduation.
None of the hits was bigger than the loss of team leader and all-state running back Chad Elzy. Trevin Simon, an all-district wide receiver, will shift to running back this season to help offset the loss.
"You can't recreate a Chad Elzy," James said. "Another guy has to step in and he has to do it his way. The team is going to look different, but hopefully the production is still there. Maybe a couple of years from now we can wonder how we're going to replace Trevin Simon."
Other important top returners are receiver Johnny Viallon and a trio of two-way players — lineman Vaughn Blanchard and backs Cy Landry and Jacob Julien. The latter two will join Jayden Verner and Aidan Hebert in the defensive backfield to form what may be the Bulldogs' strongest unit.
White Castle started out 1-4 last season, but closed strong with a 4-1 mark in district play to claim second place. The biggest moment during that stretch was a 44-43 win at North Iberville in Week 8.
The district's other team of Bulldogs will be led by first-year coach Guy Morgan, a former Brusly assistant and St. John player. White Castle will have an experienced squad with 13 seniors.
Among the White Castle leaders are three athletes that Morgan expects to see action on both sides of the ball. Junior quarterback Javon Woods, a starter since he was in ninth grade, is also the team's best cornerback. One of his top targets will be wide receiver/defensive back Caydon Duncan, and two-way lineman Jayvion Briley will see action at tackle and nose guard.
"Our football IQ is improving," Morgan said. "I always tell the team that the impossible can happen. That's our little motto."
North Iberville put together a 9-3 mark last season and placed third in district. The Bears return all-district performers in wide receiver B.J. Melancon and quarterback Justice Roy. Running back Jeremy Favorite is also back, but the strength of the team will be defense, which will be anchored by senior linebackers Chris Armster, Jaylen Mims and Trevis Phillips.
"We've got a lot of speed on defense," North Iberville coach Josh Gast said. "If we can plug gaps in the middle and be physical up front, then I like our chances against anybody."
Those chances could mean a higher district finish, but Gast knows nothing will be given to his team.
"We return a good amount of players and our goals are high, but we're humble to the fact that our district is so competitive," Gast said. "If we don't put in the work, we could wind up toward the bottom. We're not taking anything for granted."
