The Sporting News Louisiana high school football Top 25 for Week 7: West Monroe continues upward climb

LaMar Gafford

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The Sporting News Louisiana high school football Top 25 for Week 7: West Monroe continues upward climb image

SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network

A pair of big wins in three weeks has West Monroe feeling like the Rebels of old.

The Rebels moved into the The Sporting News’ Louisiana football Top 25 two weeks ago after their comeback win against Catholic (Baton Rouge) and they continue their ascent this week after defeating Alexandria Senior High on a late field goal.

While West Monroe had the biggest win of the week, this week also features two new teams to the rankings – Ouachita Christian and Notre Dame.

Here is the Week 7 version of The Sporting News’ Louisiana football Top 25.

1. Edna Karr

Next Game: Oct. 17, at Jesuit (4-2, 1-2)
Last Game: No. 1 Edna Karr 48, No. 16 Brother Martin 13
Current Streak: 20 wins

The Cougars ran their winning streak to 20 after coasting by Brother Martin. John Johnson accounted for 236 yards and five total touchdowns as Karr led 34-0 at halftime and did not look back. The Cougars will travel to Jesuit on Friday.

2. John Curtis

  • 2025 Record: 5-0 (3-0 District 9-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 2

Next Game: Oct. 17, at No. 20 Brother Martin (4-2, 1-2)
Last Game: No. 2 John Curtis 21, Holy Cross 13
Current Streak: 5 wins

The Patriots survived another close encounter against Holy Cross to remain undefeated for the regular season and during Catholic League play. An interception by Jewellz Tapp not only preserved Curtis’ 14-13 lead, but the return for a touchdown gave it some insurance. The Patriots are travelling to Brother Martin this week.

3. Zachary

  • 2025 Record: 5-0 (1-0 District 4-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 3

Next Game: Oct. 17, Liberty (3-3, 0-1)
Last Game: No. 4 Zachary 31, Scotlandville 16
Current Streak: 5 wins

The Broncos started a bit slowly in their district opener against Scotlandville but stayed undefeated after leading 19-7 at halftime. Zachary will host Liberty on Friday at the Bronco Corral.

4. Teurlings Catholic

  • 2025 Record: 6-0 (3-0 District 4-4A)
  • Last Week: No. 5

Next Game: Oct. 17, North Vermilion (0-6, 0-2)
Last Game: No. 5 Teurlings Catholic 64, Rayne 0
Current Streak: 6 wins

The Rebels earned their first shutout win of the season against Rayne and jumped out to a 43-0 halftime lead. Teurlings now has three straight home games that begin with hosting a winless North Vermilion this week.

5. North DeSoto

  • 2025 Record: 6-0 (3-0 District 4-4A)
  • Last Week: No. 6

Next Game: Oct. 17, Southwood (3-2, 1-2)
Last Game: No. 6 North DeSoto 63, Minden 13
Current Streak: 6 wins

The Griffins scored a season-high 63 points as they rolled past Minden to go 3-0 in district play. Senior running back Braelyn Latin rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns, while senior quarterback Luke Delafield passed for 222 yards and five touchdowns. Up next for the Griffs is Southwood, which is looking to end its 20-year playoff drought.

6. Ruston

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (1-0 District 2-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 7

Next Game: Oct. 17, at No. 17 Neville (4-2, 1-0 District 2-5A)
Last Game: No. 7 Ruston 21, No. 22 Ouachita Parish
Current Streak: 1 win

Ruston continued to show why it is one of the teams to beat in District 2-5A after handing Ouachita its first loss of the season last week. Junior tight end Ahmad Hudson made his triumphant return last week for the Bearcats and went ahead to catch seven passes for 119 yards and a touchdown to give them what was missing in their passing game against Stephenville (Texas) in Week 5. Ruston goes to Neville this week in the 100th meeting between the historical rivals.

7. West Monroe

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (1-0 District 2-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 10

Next Game: Oct. 17, Ouachita Parish (5-1, 0-1)
Last Game: No. 10 West Monroe 34, No. 3 Alexandria 31
Current Streak: 3 wins

Dare I say that the Rebels might be back? For the second time in three weeks, West Monroe defeated a top five team and now find themselves at No. 7 after defeating Alexandria last week. Hunter Fox booted a game-winning field goal with 30 seconds left to secure the win and to have West Monroe firmly in the district title picture with Ouachita Parish coming up next.

8. Lafayette Christian

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (1-0 District 6-2A)
  • Last Week: No. 8

Next Game: Oct. 17, at No. 25 Notre Dame (5-1, 1-0)
Last Game: No. 8 Lafayette Christian 48, Lafayette Renaissance 7
Current Streak: 2 wins

The Knights handled one of their new rivals, Lafayette Renaissance, to the tune of a 48-7 victory in their District 6-2A opener. LCA’s defense not only held the Tigers to 189 yards, but it returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns. The Knights make the short trek to Crowley to face Notre Dame in a matchup of the top two teams in Division III select.

9. St. Augustine

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (2-1 District 9-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 9

Next Game: Oct. 18, at No. 13 Archbishop Rummel (4-2, 2-1)
Last Game: No. 9 St. Augustine 46, No. 20 Jesuit
Current Streak: 1 win

The Purple Knights shook back from their loss against Edna Karr as senior quarterback Vashaun Coulon turned in another marvelous performance. Coulon had a pair of 100-yard receivers in Week 6 as he passed for 439 yards and three touchdowns on 25 of 32 aim. St. Aug will go to Archbishop Rummel for a Saturday game this week.

10. Alexandria

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (0-1 District 2-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 3

Next Game: Oct. 17, Pineville (4-2, 0-1)
Last Game: No. 10 West Monroe 34, No. 3 Alexandria 31
Current Streak: 1 loss

It was a back-and-forth game between the Trojans and West Monroe, but a late fumble wound up biting ASH in the end – giving it its first loss of the season. Despite the loss, senior linebacker Xzavier White had a team-high 14 tackles and Jakyrin Griffin earned 12 tackles and recovered a fumble for a touchdown. ASH will look to get right against Pineville in the renewal of the Red River Rivalry this week.

11. Catholic (Baton Rouge)

  • 2025 Record: 4-2 (1-0 District 4-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 11

Next Game: Oct. 17, at Central (Baton Rouge) (5-1, 1-0)
Last Game: No. 11 Catholic (Baton Rouge) 38, Liberty 16
Current Streak: 1 win

The Bears returned to their winning ways last week after defeating Liberty in their district opener. Catholic returned the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and kept that momentum going as running back Jayden Miles finished with 146 yards and three touchdowns. The Bears travel to Central (Baton Rouge) in an important game to figure out the district.

12. Destrehan

  • 2025 Record: 4-2 (3-0 District 8-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 13

Next Game: Oct. 17, at Captain Shreve (4-2)
Last Game: No. 12 Destrehan 53, H.L. Bourgeois 6
Current Streak: 3 wins

Destrehan junior Malachi Dabney scored three touchdowns to help lead it to its third straight win and sole possession of the District 8-5A lead. The Wildcats step away from the district this week as they are travelling to Shreveport to play Captain Shreve.

13. Archbishop Rummel

  • 2025 Record: 4-2 (2-1 District 9-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 13

Next Game: Oct. 18, St. Augustine (5-1, 2-1)
Last Game: No. 13 Archbishop Rummel 28, Warren Easton 14
Current Streak: 2 wins

The short week was no problem for the Raiders as they took care of Warren Easton in Week 6. Jaden Terrance paced Rummel with 11 carries for 168 yards and two touchdowns – leading an offense that gained 209 yards on the ground. The Raiders now have a long week to prepare for St. Augustine on Saturday.

14. Central (Baton Rouge)

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (1-0 District 4-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 14

Next Game: Oct. 17, Catholic (Baton Rouge) (4-2, 1-0)
Last Game: No. 14 Central (Baton Rouge) 38, Woodlawn (Baton Rouge) 21
Current Streak: 1 win

After the Wildcats’ 11-game winning streak was snapped by Lafayette Christian in Week 5, they worked their way towards starting a new one after beating Woodlawn (Baton Rouge). Running back Shane Brown led Central with 133 yards, as it pulled away in the third quarter. The Wildcats host Catholic (Baton Rouge) this week as they look to snap a three-game losing streak in the series.

Chantz Babineaux (7) runs as Carencro takes on Lafayette.

SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network

15. Carencro

  • 2025 Record: 4-2 (3-0 District 3-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 15

Next Game: Oct. 17, at Sam Houston (2-4, 1-2)
Last Game: No. 15 Carencro 63, Lafayette 7
Current Streak: 3 wins

The Bears earned another lopsided win last week after defeating Lafayette behind Chantz Babineaux. The Nicholls commit got it done on both sides of the field with two interceptions, 139 receiving yards and three touchdowns overall. Up next for Carencro is a trip to Moss Bluff to play Sam Houston.

16. St. Thomas More

  • 2025 Record: 4-2 (2-0 District 9-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 10

Next Game: Oct. 17, Comeaux (4-2, 2-1)
Last Game: No. 17 St. Thomas More 42, Northside 0
Current Streak: 4 wins

For the first time all season, the Cougars played a game that was decided well before the fourth quarter. STM quarterback Cole Bergeron used his legs often in the shutout win over Northside – scoring three rushing touchdowns. The Cougars face a surprising Comeaux squad that is 4-2 after snapping a 34-game losing streak in Week 2.

17. Neville

  • 2025 Record: 4-2 (1-0 District 2-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 18

Next Game: Oct. 17, No. 6 Ruston (5-1)
Last Game: No. 18 Neville 56, Pineville 6
Current Streak: 2 wins

The Tigers also had an easier game this week by starting District 2-5A play with a win over Pineville. Junior quarterback Parker Robinson passed for 311 yards and two touchdowns, while senior running back Ja’marion Roberson rushed for three touchdowns. Neville renews a longstanding rivalry with Ruston this week.

18. Calvary

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (3-0 District 1-2)
  • Last Week: No. 19

Next Game: Oct. 17, Union Parish (3-3, 3-0)
Last Game: No. 19 Calvary 41, Homer 12
Current Streak: 4 wins

The Cavaliers continue to roll right along through District 1-2A play – improving to 3-0 after downing Homer last week. For the second straight week, Braylun Hughlon complimented a 100-yard receiving performance with a kickoff return for a touchdown – finishing with 200 total yards and three touchdowns on the day. The District 1-2A title will hang in the balance this week with Calvary welcoming Union Parish, which has won three straight after its 0-3 start.

19. Evangel

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (5-0 District 1-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 18

Next Game: Oct. 16, at Benton (2-4, 1-3)
Last Game: No. 21 Evangel 71, Captain Shreve 25
Current Streak: 5 wins

The first half was close, but the Eagle exploded for seven touchdowns straight to take a big win over Captain Shreve and to remain atop the District 1-5A standings. Evangel junior and LSU commit Peyton “Pop” Houston still managed to account for five touchdowns despite being held to under 300 total yards for the first time all season. Houston will do battle with fellow junior quarterback Malachi Zeigler this week when the Eagles head to Benton.

20. Brother Martin

  • 2025 Record: 4-2 (1-2 District 9-5A)
  • Last Week: No. 19

Next Game: Oct. 17, No. 2 John Curtis (5-0, 3-0)
Last Game: No. 1 Edna Karr 48, No. 16 Brother Martin 13
Current Streak: 2 losses

The Crusaders were the latest to feel the wrath of Edna Karr, as they fell for the second week in a row. A lone bright spot for Brother Martin was Easton Royal catching four passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns – one of those being a one-handed grab featured on “You Got Mossed”. It does not get easier this week as Brother Martin hosts John Curtis.

21. Archbishop Shaw

  • 2025 Record: 4-2
  • Last Week: No. 24

Next Game: Oct. 17 Walker (1-5)
Last Game: No. 24 Archbishop Shaw 24, St. James 20
Current Streak: 3 wins

The Eagles are flying high after holding on to defeat St. James in a non-district game that will help both teams going forward. Shaw has one more game, at Walker, before going to District 9-4A play in Week 8.

22. Dunham

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (2-0 District 8-2A)
  • Last Week: Not Ranked

Next Game: Oct. 16, at Northeast (4-2, 0-2)
Last Game: No. 23 Dunham 62, Capitol 6
Current Streak: 3 wins

Another week, another sizable win for the Tigers, who have outscored opponents, 153-13, during their three-game winning streak. Last week, Capitol felt the wrath of Dunham’s offense as Elijah Haven tossed six touchdown passes. Expect more of the same as Dunham travels to Northeast on Thursday.

23. University Lab

  • 2025 Record: 4-2 (2-0 District 6-3A)
  • Last Week: No. 25

Next Game: Oct. 16, at Glen Oaks (2-4, 1-2)
Last Game: No. 25 University Lab 48, Mentorship Academy 6
Current Streak: 3 wins

Like Dunham, the Cubs are on a three-game winning streak and have been cruising along. University’s margin of victory during this stretch is 39 points and it has a chance to add to that Thursday at Glen Oaks.

24. Ouachita Christian

  • 2025 Record: 6-0 (3-0 District 2-2A)
  • Last Week: Not Ranked

Next Game: Oct. 16, Beekman Charter (2-3, 0-3)
Last Game: Ouachita Christian 49, Delhi Charter 6
Current Streak: 6 wins

The Eagles are one of two new teams joining the ranks this week after looking in from the outside the last few weeks. After losing to Vermilion Catholic in the Division IV select championship game last year, OCS has looked dominant – winning each game by over 40 points. The Eagles are still looking for a signature win, but there are plenty opportunities with Mangham, Ferriday and Oak Grove looming on the schedule after this week’s game against Oak Grove.

25. Notre Dame

  • 2025 Record: 5-1 (1-0 District 6-2A)
  • Last Week: Not Ranked

Next Game: Oct. 17, No. 8 Lafayette Christian (5-1)
Last Game: Notre Dame 35, Lake Arthur 7
Current Streak: 3 wins

The Pioneers are also new to this week’s rankings – having a strong body of work of wins over Southside, Catholic (New Iberia) and Cecilia. Last week, Notre Dame went to Lake Arthur and jumped out to a 35-0 halftime lead to win its third in a row. The Pios host Lafayette Christian with the District 6-2A crown and the Division III select No. 1 seed both in the balance.

FIRST FIVE OUT

No. 26 Ouachita Parish; No. 27 Jesuit; No. 28 Jewel Sumner; No. 29 Iowa; No. 30 Parkway

DROPPED OUT

No. 20 Jesuit; No. 22 Ouachita Parish

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LaMar Gafford

LaMar Gafford is a freelance writer with The Sporting News and a member of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) and National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). He has covered high school sports in Louisiana since 2011 as a freelancer and a staff writer. For his work, he has won eight LSWA awards and the 2023 Prep Journalism Award by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). Gafford is an alumnus of The University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he earned a B.A. in Mass Communications.