2016 Louisiana High School Football 4A Quarterfinal Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Twitter: @charlie_cds3

We have reached the quarterfinals in the 2016 Louisiana High School 4A Playoffs as the eight teams remaining know they are just two victories away from playing for a state championship. Tensions are high with four teams advancing four teams heading home when the clock strikes zero.

Who will survive and advance to the semifinals? Only time will tell.

Louisiana 4A Quarterfinal Matchups

No. 1 Neville (11-0) @ No. 9 Carencro (10-2)

In the second round, Neville shutout Assumption 24-0 while Carencro dominated Loranger 28-7. The Neville Tigers used their lockdown defense led by Phidarian Mathis and pounced on Assumption letting their opponents gain only 53 yards of offense. Neville’s scoring came from two Jaiden Cole rushing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown from DeMaine Riley, and a 22-yard field goal from Lincoln Sanders.

The Carencro Golden Bears have been led all year by quarterback Carl Randall who has thrown for over 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns. Carencro’s defense is led by Rashaad Harding who has racked up 95 total tackles including 7.5 sacks. Neville is the reigning two time 4A state champion and hasn’t lost since Sept. 13, 2014 against Longview (TX).

Can Carencro can take advantage of their home field advantage and stop this incredible run that Neville is on or will the Tigers take another step towards a third straight title?

No. 13 Warren Easton (8-4) @ No. 5 Minden (11-1)

Last Friday, Minden destroyed Livonia 35-8 while Warren Easton upset Tioga 26-23. Minden was led to victory by the outstanding play of quarterback Antonio Rivette and wide receiver Tavarius Edwards. Edwards caught all four of Rivette’s completed passes and had 105 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Rivette also had 55 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The Minden Crimson Tide defense led by Zi’Kerrion Baker and Jacareon Lathan, who each had a sack, limited Livonia to just 35 yards of total offense.

To advance this quarterfinal game, the Warren Easton Fighting Eagles had to go on the road and defeat a tough Tioga team. Warren Easton was led to victory by junior running back Larry Barabino who ran for 154 yards on 19 carries. Wide receivers Yo’heinz Tyler (82 receiving yards) and Nick Bartholomew (78 receiving yards) both caught touchdown passes. Warren Easton was a semifinalist last year and want to make another run towards New Orleans however Minden wants to continue their magical season.

Who will win this highly anticipated game between the Eagles and the Crimson Tide?  Only time will tell.

No. 3 McDonogh 35 (11-1) @ No. 11 Plaquemine (9-3)

In the second round, McDonogh 35 destroyed North DeSoto 35-8 while Plaquemine routed Woodlawn-Shreveport 71-30. The Roneagles of McDonogh 35 dominated in their second round win as they led at halftime 20-0 and ever looked back. Wide Receiver Lawrence Keys III, one of the stars who contributed in the victory, caught six catches for 73 yards including three receiving touchdowns. Rick Riley and Austin Jones also contributed in the win by each having an interception.

The Plaquemine Green Devils were led to victory by running back Kevin Dominque who torched Woodlawn for 178 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Wayne Toussant also contributed with 152 yards on the ground and two more scores.

McDonogh 35 fell in the quarterfinals last season and Plaquemine have already made it further into the playoffs than last year. Both teams are anxious to win this game and get closer to competing for a state championship.

No. 10 Benton (10-2) @ No. 2 Edna Karr (12-0)

Last Friday, Benton defeated Rayne, 28-14, while Edna Karr destroyed Leesville, 55-0. In their shutout victory, Edna Karr quarterback Aldon Clark torched Leesville’s defense for five touchdown passes. Defensive back Devin Bush was the star on defense as he had two interceptions. Ednar Karr has only allowed seven points combined in their two playoff game so this matchup will be a tough test for the Benton offense.

The Benton Tigers surged to victory behind two short rushing touchdowns by junior Garrett Hable. Sam Simmons picked up a fumble scampering 50 yards for another score.

Edna Karr got all the way to championship game last season before falling to Neville and they want to get to back to the Superdome to compete for the championship once again. Benton wants to continue their magical season by knocking off last year’s runner-up and punch their ticket to the semifinals.

Photo credit: The Advocate; Plaquemine running back Kevin Dominque