The Prep Classic has returned to the place it should be: the Caesars Superdome. The aura and reward of playing in a professional venue has always been, in my opinion, one of the truly special aspects of the LHSAA playoffs.
This weekend, 32 teams will play with 16 spots in the Dome available. It is semifinal weekend, and the stakes are higher than ever.
There are an incredible number of Acadiana-area teams still alive and fighting for championships. Here are my Prep Five previewing semifinal matchups:
- #7 Teurlings Catholic @ #3 Lafayette Christian Academy (Division II Select): For LCA to be here is no surprise. They have one of the most electrifying offenses in the state. Teurlings, while not a shock, is certainly a mild surprise given some of their inconsistencies throughout the season. The elephant in the room is that LCA beat the Rebels 62-3 in the regular season. However, the Rebels have played their best football ever since then. Is it enough to make this one more competitive? Time will tell.
- #12 Opelousas @ #1 North DeSoto (Division II Non-Select): Last week was a statement for Jimmy Zachery’s team. His Tigers went on the road to the defending state champions, were trailing at halftime, but dominated the second half on their way to a comfortable 26-10 win. Now they have to go on the road to the top overall seed in North DeSoto and their high-flying offense. If OHS, can pull it off, it would be their first-ever trip to the state championship.
- #5 Archbishop Shaw @ #1 St. Thomas More (Division II Select): Everyone has an STM-LCA rematch on their bingo card. However, the Eagles of Shaw will be looking to play spoiler. They have a tall task, as the Cougars have been consistent and dominant all year long. Shaw has a stingy defense, but they have faced few tests similar to what STM can do on offense.
- #22 Northwest @ #2 Cecilia (Division II Non-Select): Northwest is one of the Cinderellas of the season. Seeded 22nd, not many had them winning one playoff game, let alone three. However, a thrilling double overtime win over #3 Assumption has them in the semifinals. Cecilia has one of the best offenses around, and coach Dennis Skains has his team with eyes on the title. Northwest will need their formidable defensive line to wreak havoc in this game if they are to keep up with the Bulldogs.
- #8 Acadiana @ #5 Edna Karr (Division I Select): Acadiana upset the top seed Holy Cross last week. This time, they get another New Orleans-area power as they travel to face Karr. Karr is a very difficult place to play and has plenty of championship pedigree. With that being said, the Wreckin’ Rams will look to wreck the Cougars’ title hopes in another competitive semifinal matchup.
Dawson Eiserloh is the co-host of “RP3, D-Loh & Meche” which is broadcast weekdays (11-1) on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette and 104.1 Lake Charles — Southwest Louisiana’s Sports Station.