Dunham and Episcopal enter the season with their usual high expectations as programs with proven track records of playoff success.
It’s clear that Dunham is after more than just a district title this season. The Tigers are coming off a Division III select state championship appearance after an undefeated regular season led by highly recruited quarterback Elijah Haven.
Haven, a junior rated as the nation's top quarterback, threw for more than 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns in 14 games as a sophomore.
“(Haven) has had a great offseason,” coach Neil Weiner said. “He’s still working on improving his skills as a quarterback. Against real competition, he responded really well. He was phenomenal for us and had a record-setting year.”
Dunham has four returning starters at wide receiver led by senior Jarvis Washington, a South Alabama commitment. Senior running back JJ Harris is back from injury alongside last season’s leading rusher Colin Pecue.
Senior leaders on Dunham’s defense include defensive lineman Eliot Trahan, linebacker Trevor Hamen and senior cornerback Richard Montgomery, a three-year starter.
While Dunham appears to be the 8-2A favorite, Weiner said he isn’t taking the rest of the district lightly.
“The district should be much improved across the board,” Weiner said. “Episcopal is always going to be at the top of the heap, and Slaughter was fantastic last year. East Feliciana has some great young players returning and Baker has a new coach.”
Episcopal head coach Travis Bourgeois coaches against Country Day, Friday, September 20, 2024, at Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge, La.
Episcopal has one of the longest-tenured coaches in Travis Bourgeois, who enters his 31st season.
The Knights have reached the quarterfinals in each of the past eight seasons but have a lot to replace with only six returning starters on offense and defense. Senior quarterback Zach Hu is one of the returners.
“Zach is a three-year starter for us,” Bourgeois said. “It’s really big to have that with the big changes within the roster. He can really calm things down and use his leadership to get this team where it needs to go.”
Episcopal’s offensive line has four returning starters, and senior Taj Callahan is moving to running back after starting at linebacker the past two seasons. The defense consists of 11 new starters, but the expectation to contend for a district title remains.
“The ability (Haven) has puts Dunham at the top,” Bourgeois said. “Slaughter has a good quarterback and East Feliciana is a good challenge. Baker is always physical and Capitol looks improved. This district will get you ready for the playoffs.”
Slaughter Charter coach Patrick Clarkston gives a play to quarterback Ty Ford during a recent game.
Slaughter Charter was the newcomer to the district last season after moving up from Class 1A but was able to finish third in the district and win a playoff game. The Knights return 13 starters.
Ty’Kimion Ford started at quarterback last season but will shift into a two-way role at wide receiver and cornerback. Carson Baxter will be Slaughter’s starting quarterback, with Thomas Carter another experienced two-way starter at both wide receiver and free safety.
“We have about 49 kids on the roster, which is the most we’ve ever had,” Slaughter coach Patrick Clarkston said. “If our offensive line comes together, we’ll be able to compete with the teams in our district.”
East Feliciana returns a two-year starter at quarterback in junior Markus Cannon. Senior Kayden Wilson and junior Ryan Moore are expected to impact both sides of the ball.
Baker will look to take a step forward this season with first-year coach Marc Brown, a Baker alum. Junior Stevenson Claiborne is the favorite to start at quarterback.
“I feel good about where we are,” Brown said. “We’ve completely changed the offense and defense, but the kids have embraced it. We’re setting the foundation to have success for a long time.”