Entering Week 8 of high school football in Lafayette Parish and its surrounding areas and district front-runners have emerged from the area.
Among those front-runners are the 337’s final four undefeated teams in Westgate, Eunice, Notre Dame and Westminster Christian Academy-Lafayette. As these squads sit at 7-0 or 6-0, the goal this week is to keep the winning going despite the stakes getting higher. Another top dog in their respective district are the St. Thomas More Cougars, who head into this week with a 4-0 record in Class 5A District 3 play.
On the other end, winless teams are more than eager to see a W before the regular season comes to an end. Highland Baptist, Breaux Bridge and Port Barre are still on the hunt for their first win of the season.
With the race to postseason getting closer to the finish line, every team across the 337 will be giving it their all to come out of this week with a win. Here are the key matchups and storylines to follow in Week 8, plus score predictions.
A good old fashion district showdown
Every time Cecilia and Opelousas face off, fans are left on the edge of their seats as these two heavyweights duke it out. Last year wasn’t much of a contest with the Bulldogs beating the Tigers 53-7. But, this go-round, Opelousas has found new life in year two under head coach Harry Coleman.
Coleman’s Tigers are fresh off a 33-0 win over Livonia, marking their third shutout win of the season. Cecilia enters the matchup with momentum as well, handing Beau Chene its first loss of the season after a historic 6-0 season. A win for the Bulldogs will get them one step closer to a possible Class 4A District championship.
Score prediction: Cecilia 35, Opelousas 30
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The top spot is up for grabs in Class 2A District 8
The Knights and Tigers are currently sharing the seat at the top of Class 2A District 8, both with a 2-0 record. This Friday, the seat gets smaller and only one team will fit at the No. 1 spot. LCA will look to go fast and score in bunches, while Loreauville is fine with a low-scoring affair. The team to control the pace will likely come out on top.
Leading the Knights’ offense are quarterback duo Ty Hills and Kyzer White, while the Tigers look to rule the trenches and on the ground. One of Loreauville’s main weapons on the offensive and defensive line is junior Christopher Jones, who has picked up to two D1 offers from Grambling and Southern so far.
Score prediction: LCA 35, Loreauville 28
Who’s the top dog of Class 5A District 3?
After taking down Barbe in Week 7, not many teams stand in St. Thomas More’s way of taking home the Class 5A District 3 championship. One team that could spoil the Cougars’ plans is their Week 8 opponent, Southside. The Sharks had a rocky start to the season, but have turned things around with wins over Sulphur and Lafayette.
Southside will look for its running back duo of Justin Williams and Kollen Francois to lead it past an even bigger opponent in STM. The Cougars will look to control the pace on the ground as well, with a formidable offensive line leading the way.
Score prediction: St. Thomas More 42, Southside 30
A battle of winless teams
The 2026 season hasn’t been kind to Port Barre or Holy Savior Menard, as both have combined for 14 losses and no wins this year. This Friday, one of those losing streaks will come to an end as they face off in a battle of winless squads.
The Red Devils haven’t scored since Sept. 18, when they put up 14 points against a tough Beau Chene team. Since then, it’s been shutout losses, but, Port Barre hopes the tide can turn. The Eagles enter the matchup fresh off a 70-24 loss against Delta Charter. Their closest game this season came against Buckeye on Oct. 1 when they lost 27-12.
Score prediction: Port Barre 14, Holy Savior Menard 13
Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Here are the Lafayette-Area high school football games to watch in Week 8