The 2025 high school football season has arrived in Bossier Parish, bringing plenty of excitement and storylines. With returning stars, breakout newcomers, and fresh faces on the sidelines, the next 10 weeks promise plenty of drama.

Veteran sports journalist and Bossier Press-Tribune sports editor Russell Hedges offered his expert insights into each parish program ahead of kickoff.

“You have to start with the Airline Vikings, who have one of the country’s top wide receivers in Kenny Darby,” Hedges said. “And Parkway has a real shot at winning the District 1-5A title after finishing runner-up last season.”

He also pointed out coaching changes and key players who could define the season. 

“Two parish schools have new head coaches — Stephen Dennis at Benton and Jerry Byrd Jr. at Plain Dealing — Haughton has one of the area’s top returning quarterbacks in junior Taylor Weathersby, and Bossier welcomes a potential game-changing newcomer in Quinton Hodge.”

Below is a preview of each team in the parish:

AIRLINE

Airline captured the District 1-5A crown last season, finishing 11-1 before falling in a high-scoring quarterfinal matchup against Destrehan in the Division I playoffs. For the first time since 2021, the Vikings will break in a new starting quarterback, but they return one of the nation’s best receivers in LSU commit Kenny Darby. The defensive line should also be a strength with seniors Cole Shepherd, Luke Boyter, and Jamarea Garner anchoring the unit. 

“The Vikings shouldn’t have any trouble putting points on the board, and while the district is full of explosive offenses, Airline’s core defensive group is capable of making key stops,” said Hedges. “It won’t be a surprise if the Vikings successfully defend their district championship.”

Circle Week 4, Sept. 16, when Airline travels to Evangel Christian in a showdown featuring two of Louisiana’s premier players: Darby and Evangel quarterback Peyton Houston.

BENTON

The Tigers enter a new era under head coach Stephen Dennis, who found success at Huntington. Dual-threat junior quarterback Malachi Zeigler will lead the offense, while senior running back Greg Chambers, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, provides balance. Linebacker Beckett Moore headlines an improving defense.

“The Tigers have the offensive weapons to be dangerous, and if their defense can take a step forward, they’ll be in the playoff mix,” Hedges advised. “With Dennis’ track record, a postseason berth wouldn’t be a surprise.”

Week 1 offers an immediate test as Benton hosts Northwood, which went 10-2 a year ago.

BOSSIER

The Bearkats are turning to one of the area’s most dynamic athletes, Quinton Hodge, at quarterback in hopes of sparking an offense that struggled last season. Defensively, Bossier expects improved depth to help turn things around.

“If the Bearkats can limit turnovers and get a few key stops, they have the pieces for a successful season,” Hedges said.

The Week 7 matchup on Oct. 17 will be a tough challenge as Bossier hosts Northwood, the favorite in District 1-4A.

HAUGHTON

The Bucs lost several playmakers at receiver but return one of the area’s best quarterbacks in junior Taylor Weathersby, along with running back Brandon Craig, a second-team All-District pick last season. The secondary should be a strength with returning starters Kyron Turner, Kendall Hargrove, and Xaveria McDuffy.

“With 10 returning starters, Haughton should improve in Coach Matthew Sewell’s second season,” Hedges said. “The Bucs have the talent to fight for a playoff spot.”

One of the marquee Week 3 matchups comes Sept. 18 when Haughton takes on Parkway in a key parish rivalry game.

PARKWAY

After finishing as district runner-up in 2024, Parkway is again poised to contend thanks to a talented defense. Six starters return, including defensive MVP Mark Copenhaver and senior Brady Prine, who form one of the best linebacker duos in the region. Senior quarterback Kaleb Williams also returns after missing the final six games of last season with an injury, and the Panthers’ rushing attack should remain a strength.

“Parkway has the balance of big-play offense and a tough defense to challenge for the title again,” Hedges said.

Mark Oct. 9 on the calendar, when Parkway hosts Airline in Week 6. It’s a game likely to decide the District 1-5A championship.

PLAIN DEALING

The Lions enter 2025 with renewed optimism under new head coach Jerry Byrd Jr., who has emphasized building a strong running game.

“A small roster means staying healthy will be critical,” Hedges noted. “But if Plain Dealing can control the clock with its ground attack, the Lions will be competitive.”

Byrd’s debut comes Sept. 12 in Week 2 when Plain Dealing faces Ringgold in a bid to end its 34-game losing streak.

Photos courtesy of Robert Summerlin