The last week of the regular season starts on Thursday night along with some interesting stories with playoff implications.  Some teams are looking to take next week off with a bye and some a fighting to play next week.  Let’s take a look at each district and see how this can playoff 

District 1-A

Let’s start with the granddaddy of all games this weekend.  Since 1907, Haynesville (8-1) and Homer (7-2) have battled for dominance of Claiborne Parish.  This rivalry not only has bragging rights on the line but also a district title.  Both teams are coming in with undefeated district records.  Also on the line could be a coveted one of four first-round byes.  Haynesville is currently at No. 4 and Homer is at No. 6.  The winner very well could have a first-round bye.  

Glenbrook (7-2) ended its regular season last week with a loss to Homer.  The Apaches are currently at No. 10 and will more than likely have a home first-round home game.  A few upsets and Glenbrook might receive a first-round bye.

Down the road in Bienville Parish, Arcadia (6-3) sits at No. 11 and will face the winless Plain Dealing (0-9).  The Lions will end the season but the Hornets are looking to lock down a home playoff spot with a win.

Most crucial is the game in Shreveport.  More than likely the winner of the Ringgold (3-6) and Magnolia School of Excellence (1-8) will make the playoffs.  The Redskins are currently on the last rung of the 28 teams in the Nonselect playoff field.  The Mariners are at 27 and the win could boost them into the Select 24-team field. If the Redskins make the playoffs, they could fall right in line to face Haynesville or Homer in the first round. 

District 2-A

Cedar Creek (4-4) is currently at No. 21 in the Division IV Select and more than likely will be on the road for the first round of the playoffs.  The Cougars will have a tall task in getting past St. Frederick’s to boost their rating.  

A team that has a mountain to climb is the Lincoln Prep Panthers (2-6).  The Panthers are on the cusp of a playoff spot at No. 25 to reach the 24-team Select field.  The only problem they probably need a win over defending state champion Ouachita Christian.

District 3-A

Logansport (9-1) was in the driver’s seat for an outright district title with a win over St. Mary’s last week.  The No.1 Tigers took care of business tonight shutting out Montgomery.  The top-seeded Tigers will get a rest next week with a first-round bye.  

St. Mary’s (7-2) will more than likely lock up a first-round bye as they defeated Northwood-Lena 61-8 in their final regular season game.  The Tigers were at No. 3 in the last official power ranking by the LHSAA on October 30.

District 1-2A

The No. 1 ranked Calvary Cavaliers (9-0) are looking to lock down the top seed with a win over Loyola (4-4).  The Cavaliers will also claim an outright district title with a win.  Loyola is teetering on the chance of a home playoff game in the first round.  A loss by the Flyers and they will be on the road.  If the seeding stayed the same as of Monday’s power ranking, these two teams could clash in the second round at Calvary.  

Green Oaks (2-7) is another team right on the edge of the playoffs in the Division III Select.  The Giants are sitting at No. 25 and face a Lakeside (3-6) that will be playing their last game of the season. A win by the Giants and they could leap into the 24-team field.

North Caddo (2-7) will end their season at home against D’Arbonne Woods.

District 3-2A

Many (7-2) made their case to try and sneak into a first-round bye with a 56-26 win over Lakeview (3-7).  The Tigers are just on the outside of the four byes at No. 5.  They will be guaranteed at least a home playoff game either way.  The Gators’ playoff chances may have diminished greatly with the loss because they are sitting at No. 27 of a possible 28-team field.  They will have to wait to see results from tomorrow to find out if they qualify.

The Winnfield Tigers (2-7) could spoil the chances of the Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers (3-6) to get a home first-round playoff spot.  Winnfield will end their season on Friday, but the Jackson parish school is at No. 17 and win could boost them to a home playoff game in the first round.  A loss will put them on the road in the forst round. 

Red River (3-6) has been a team that started out rough but has built the momentum throughout district play. The Bulldogs have pushed their way into a No.25 ranking spot.  The Bulldogs will be on the road in the first round just like their Week 10 opponent No. 20 Mansfield.

Playoffs will be announced on Sunday, November 5.