The first two rounds of the LHSAA playoffs are behind us. There have been plenty of competitive games, surprising upsets, and impressive performances.
The Acadiana area had a lot of intriguing teams that were capable of making runs. Now that we have reached the quarterfinals, the true state title contenders are emerging across each division’s bracket.
With more and more teams being eliminated, the best matchups become a bit more clear. Here are five of the Acadiana area quarterfinal matchups I have my eyes on.
- #8 Acadiana @ #1 Holy Cross (Division I Select): It has been another great season for the Acadiana Wreckin’ Rams, as they move to the quarterfinals after a hard-fought rematch win over crosstown rival Carencro. Standing in their way is the top seed in the bracket in Holy Cross. This game will be played at Strawberry Stadium in Hammond on Saturday night, so that throws another wrinkle into a great matchup.
- #12 Opelousas @ #4 Lutcher (Division II Non-Select): Can Opelousas continue this run? The Tigers lost two more games in the regular season this year than last, but have already made up for it by winning two playoff games after not winning any last season. There is no doubt that Opelousas has the talent needed to compete, but we will find out if they are ready to contend for it all as they travel to the defending champions in Lutcher.
- #9 Ascension Catholic @ #1 Vermilion Catholic (Division IV Select): The Eagles of Vermilion Catholic went undefeated all the way to the Dome last year but came up short in the title game. How did they follow it up? How about by going undefeated once again and entering the playoffs as the top seed? They get a unique challenge this week, however, as Chad Elzy, Jr is coming off of a performance in which he rushed for over 400 yards and eight touchdowns against Opelousas Catholic. If they manage to slow him down, they will likely find themselves back in the semi-finals with another trip to the Dome on the line.
- #9 Notre Dame @ #1 St. Charles (Division III Select): The Pioneers started the season as they often do: facing a gauntlet in non-district play. That led to a 2-3 start and questions beginning to get asked. The Pios would win their next five games by 35 points or more and rolled through the first two rounds of the playoffs. St. Charles are the bad boys on the block, and they have defeated Notre Dame each of the last three years in the playoffs. All of those games have been decided by one score or less, and Notre Dame is looking to make this year a different story.
- #7 Teurlings Catholic @ #2 E.D. White (Division II Select): The Rebels have become somewhat of a forgotten commodity amidst the hype around LCA and STM this season. However, here we are with Teurlings back in the quarterfinals after a thrilling win over Madison Prep last week. E.D. White is undefeated, and Teurlings has been inconsistent this season. they will have to play well, but the Rebels have a chance to make it back to another semi-final.
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.