2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
St. Landry Public Schools
Here’s a preseason snapshot for all six parish public school football teams.
BEAU CHENE
Last season (1-9. 0-4)
The Gators are in a third year under head coach Buck Harris. Beau Chene has experienced a couple of one-win seasons lately, but here’s what Harris thinks about 2026.
“We have some older guys in key positions. The team is looking to continue to improve and have a successful year,” Harris says.
Offense
Christian Wheeler, (5-11, 185) a running back and offensive workhorse the last two years returns as the key ball carrier. Other key returnees include tackle Malyq Mayfield (6-5, 285) and quarterback Braydon Marks (5-11, 175)
Defense
Linebacker Isaiah Cisneros (6-0, 185), lineman Santiago Solis (6-2, 225) and defensive back (5-10, 185).
EUNICE
Last season (4-7, 0-1)
The Bobcats have experience along the offensive line, while the Eunice coaching staff hunts for players along the defensive front.
“We have a veteran team coming back. We lost three games by five points last year, so we are hoping to win those close games. Our key linebackers and secondary are back,” says head coach Andre Vige.
Offense
The Eunice quarterback position has several candidates, but at least initially the Bobcats will be starting for a starter who can solidify the team. Running backs are plentiful.
Tyler Collins (fullback), Malik Thomas (tailback), Brighton Leday (wide receiver)
Defense
Jacobie Fontenot (linebacker), Ryan Guillory (linebacker) and Tommy Black (safety).
NORTH CENTRAL
Last season (5-5, 1-5)
This is the third year that Dwight Collins is in charge of the program and the Hurricanes have taken steps each of those years to become successful.
In 2025 the ‘Canes had their best season in many years. Collins said at one point the previous program’s won-lost record was 93-114.
“We need to finish our games better than we did last year. That will be one of our objectives,” Collins said.
Offense
Tayshaun Mirvil (running back), Dequantre Jackson (quarterback), Khalil Doucet (wide receiver), Cayson Gordon (lineman) and Donovan Laws (wide receiver).
Defense
Tayshaun Mirvil (linebacker), Ethan Bush (defensive back), Rashad Shaw (linebacker) and Michael Doucet (defensive back).
NORTHWEST HIGH
Last season (7-5, 6-0)
The Raiders have the largest senior class in the parish (24) and perhaps the most overall team speed that you will find in the Acadiana area.
“We’re returning multiple starters on both sides of the ball. I think we have a track team playing football. We are fast. I think our defense is going to carry us early,” says Raiders’ head coach Chris Edwards.
Offense
Justin Chavis (5-7, 160) quarterback; Chris Cane (5-8, 170) slot receiver; Jayden Lazard (5-8, 170) wide receiver; My’Keal Richard (6-4, 170) wide receiver; Justin Manuel (6-0, 230) lineman, Christian Heutra (6-0, 230) lineman, Markez Davis (6-4, 185) wide receiver and Nick Jackson (5-10, 215), Gavin Fontenot (5-8, 150) placekicker-punter.
Defense
Markez Davis (6-4, 185) defensive back; Fred Nimer (5-10, 210) linebacker; Marcus Sam (5-9, 185) linebacker; Damien Jones defensive line; Jonreyon Freeman (5-9, 160) defensive back; Jermaine Clark 6-0, 185) linebacker and Carson Williams (5-8, 225) lineman.
OPELOUSAS HIGH
Last season (5-6, 3-1)
Second-year head coach Harry Coleman thinks the summer workouts have given his team momentum. The offensive line will set the tone on that side of the ball for some explosive playmakers. Defensively the Tigers have speed and Coleman expects them to play physical.
Offense
Grant Lastrapes, tackle; Shane Broussard, guard; Daylan Roby, center; John Clues, guard; Damarian Labbe, tackle, Joseph Clues, running back and Collin Rideau, quarterback.
Defense
Javean Hill,end; Jaylon Owens, safety; Braylon Gradnigo, linebacker
PORT BARRE
Last season (3-7, 1-4)
Mike Robinson hasn’t had much time to evaluate personnel, but he’s still excited about his team. “These kids have been working hard this summer and we are anxious to play for a district championship,” Robinson said.
Offense
Owen Willis, quarterback; Koltyn Green, running back; Luke Grimmett, lineman; Kardell Pickney, lineman; Zane Brinkhaus, running back.
Defense
Karson Darbonne, linebacker; Grayson Marcantel, defensive back; Drake Thomas, lineman; Kenyon Alexander, defensive back; Cy Leger, lineman.
