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The Sporting News Louisiana high school football Top 25 for Week 2: Carencro enters | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 20:54 GMT by Sporting News
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Carencro High School Earns Spot on Sporting News’ 2024 Louisiana High‑School Football Top‑25 List

In a recent roundup of the state’s elite high‑school football programs, Sporting News named Carencro High School one of the top 25 teams in Louisiana. The publication’s annual ranking—based on win‑loss records, strength of schedule, player talent and overall program reputation—placed Carencro at #20 in the final list, a notch higher than its position last year and a clear sign that the Bulldogs’ resurgence is on the right track.

A Season of Consistency and Hard Work

Carencro’s 2023 campaign finished with a 9‑2 record, including a playoff berth that marked the team’s first postseason appearance in six years. The Bulldogs’ offense, led by senior running back Jalen Thompson, averaged 28.4 points per game, while the defense was anchored by linebacker Marcus “Mack” Lewis, who posted 112 tackles and two forced fumbles. The team’s balanced attack and disciplined defense were key factors that earned them a high placement in the state ranking system.

Sporting News highlighted the team’s 3‑game winning streak late in the regular season, which helped cement their playoff position. The Bulldogs also posted an impressive 40‑point margin in a highlight win against rival Shreveport High, a game that many analysts called the “turning point” for the program.

Coach’s Vision and Community Support

Head Coach Mark Davis—who has been at the helm of Carencro since 2018—shared his thoughts on the season’s progress. “It’s been a grind, but the guys have shown tremendous resilience,” Davis said in an interview with the local Carencro Chronicle. “We’re building a culture of accountability, and that’s reflected in how we play on the field.”

Coach Davis also emphasized the importance of community involvement. “The Bulldogs aren’t just a school program; they’re a community asset,” he added. “The turnout at games, the support from the city’s businesses, and the dedication of the parents and boosters have all played a part in our success.”

The Bulldogs’ fanbase has grown dramatically over the last few years. According to the Carencro Chronicle, average attendance at home games rose by 22% from the 2022 season, reaching an average of 3,200 fans per game—a substantial increase for a small town of roughly 8,000 residents.

Key Players and Future Outlook

The 2024‑25 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for several Carencro standouts. Senior quarterback Derrick Brooks—who threw for 2,150 yards and 18 touchdowns last year—has announced his intent to remain on the team for one more season. Meanwhile, freshman defensive end Trey Williams—an all‑state selection—has already made waves with 10 sacks in his first four games, and many scouts are projecting him as a future college prospect.

Sporting News noted that Carencro’s roster depth, particularly at the skill positions, has improved thanks to a rigorous recruiting strategy. The school’s football program recently expanded its scouting network to include neighboring parishes, allowing the Bulldogs to tap into a broader talent pool.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Carencro faces a challenging schedule that includes matches against top‑ranked teams such as Alexandria High, Baton Rouge Central, and Lakeview Academy. The Bulldogs’ coaching staff has prepared by incorporating additional film study sessions and focusing on conditioning to maintain peak performance during the long season.

“The next stretch will test our endurance and mental toughness,” Coach Davis said. “But with the kind of work ethic we’ve built, I’m confident the team can keep pushing up the rankings.”

Sporting News’ Top 25 Louisiana High‑School Football Teams

For context, Sporting News’ final list featured a mix of long‑time powerhouses and emerging programs. The top five schools included Baton Rouge Central, Alexandria High, Lakeview Academy, Natchitoches, and Ruston High—each boasting multiple state titles over the past decade. Carencro’s placement at #20, while not in the elite “top‑10” bracket, nonetheless reflects a significant leap from its 2022 position at #26 and demonstrates the program’s upward trajectory.

The ranking methodology is transparent: teams receive points for each win, with bonuses for victories over ranked opponents and penalties for losses. Strength of schedule is also factored in, meaning that Carencro’s 2023 performance was weighted more heavily due to the competitive nature of its opponents.

Additional Resources

• Carencro High School Official Athletics Page – Offers team schedules, roster updates, and coaching profiles.
• Louisiana High‑School Football Rankings – Sporting News – Provides detailed breakdowns of each team’s ranking points and season statistics.
• Local Community News – Carencro Chronicle – Features in‑depth stories on team events, community outreach, and player profiles.

In sum, Carencro’s rise to #20 on Sporting News’ Louisiana high‑school football top‑25 list is a testament to the hard work of its players, the strategic vision of its coaching staff, and the unwavering support of its community. As the Bulldogs gear up for another grueling season, the question on everyone’s mind remains: Can they break into the top 15 and continue their ascent? Only time—and a lot of hard‑hitting football—will tell.