Northwood expected to repeat as champs in 2022 District 1-4A football race
Jimmy WatsonThe Shreveport area schools involved in District 1-4A are back together again – and get a newcomer.
The LHSAA split the north Louisiana 4A contingent two years ago banishing Huntington and Minden to a district alignment with the Monroe-area schools. Now, those two schools are back with Northwood, Evangel, North DeSoto, Huntington, BTW and Woodlawn.
Meanwhile, Bossier has moved up from Class 3A to 4A making District 1-4A a nine-team league.
“We feel like this new district alignment is what’s best for Minden from travel and natural rivalry standpoints,” Minden football coach Spencer Heard said.
Due to having experienced and talented senior quarterbacks, Northwood and Huntington are expected to battle for the 2022 title, according to an anonymous poll of the district’s coaches. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Mason Welch will direct the Falcons’ offense while Kamron Evans (6-3, 200), who has UL Monroe and Northwestern State offers, will lead the Raiders.
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Evangel has one of the best twin powers in the league in Peyton and Parker Fulghum, while Minden has one of the top defensive linemen in Makhi Reed. Reed, along with Northwood’s Ta’Derius Collins and Mar’Jayvious Moss, have multiple college offers.
Here’s a look at how District 1-4A could turnout:
1. Northwood Falcons
Coach: Austin Brown (14-6, 2 seasons)
2021 record: 9-3, State quarterfinals
Key players: CB Mar’Jayvious Moss, Sr.; DE Ta’Derius Collins, Sr.; RB Quintavion White, Sr.; QB Mason Welch, Sr.
2. Huntington Raiders
Coach: Steve Dennis (25-26, 5 seasons)
2021 record: 9-3, 2nd round playoffs
Key players to watch: WR Demarion “Tre” Carter, Sr.; QB Kamron Evans, Sr.; DE Jaylon Buckner, Sr.; OL Jabaria Scott, Sr.
3. Evangel Eagles
Coach: Denny Duron (18-28, 5 seasons)
2021 record: 3-8, first round playoffs
Key players: QB Peyton Fulghum, Jr.; S Kody Jackson, Sr.; WR Parker Fulghum, Jr.; OL Jacob Carpenter, Jr.
4. North DeSoto Griffins
Coach: Dennis Dunn (222-72, 23 seasons)
2021 record: 6-6, 2nd round playoffs
Key players: DL Marquis Hampton, Sr.; WR Cole Cory, So.; K Landon Falls, Sr.; OL Savion Jackson, Sr.
5. Minden Crimson Tide
Coach: Spencer Heard (61-49, 10 seasons)
2021 record: 4-7, First round playoffs
Key players: DL Makhi Reed, Sr.; OL Kielyn Combs, Sr.; RB Daylen Robinson, Sr.; WR Jaylin Williams, Sr.
6. Bossier Bearkats
Coach: De’Aumante Johnson (6-5, 1 season)
2021 record: 6-5, First round 3A playoffs
Key players: K/P Cristobal Cruz, Sr.; LB/DE Christian Johnson, Sr.; WR Jayden Goosby, So.; S Jakarvis Guice, Sr.
7. Woodlawn Knights
Coach: Thedrick Harris (3-7, 1 season at Woodlawn)
2021 record: 3-7
Key returnees: QB Isaiah Kennedy, Jr.; S Jackie King, Sr.; K/P Anthony Bryant, Sr.; LT/C Dillion Scott, Jr.
8. BTW Lions
Coach: Tony Reliford (9-26, 4 seasons)
2021 record: 4-5
Key players: DL Cardell Martson, Jr.; OL Jamarion Edwards, Jr.; WR Deravion Eason, Sr.; DB Taboyous Anderson, Sr.; DB Tromorea Tillmon, Sr.
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.