St. John football team gets number two Class A ranking in first LSWA poll

St. John High of Plaquemine notched a number two ranking in the first preseason La. Sportswriters Assn. prep football poll in Class 1A Tuesday (after sports section deadline).

The Eagles received 104 votes to edge out Haynesville High (97 votes) and Oak Grove (95 votes). Defending state 1-A champ South Plaquemines High was ranked number one in the LSWA poll with 144 votes.

The District 8-A, which is considered one of the top leagues in the state Single A ranks this year, notched three teams in the top ten. While SJHS led with its number two ranking, defending state runner-up Christian Life was ranked eighth, while traditional gridiron power West St. John was ranked ten in the poll. Varnado, Delhi Charter, and Kentwood held down the fifth, sixth, and seventh spots ahead of CLA.

St. John moved back down to Class A this school year after a two-year successful stint in Class 2-A. Both years the Eagles finished second in their district to Donaldsonville High, but managed winning records and runs into the Double A playoffs.

SJHS second-year Coach Barry “Tut” Musemeche was quoted by MORNING ADVOCATE sportswriter Scott Hotard Tuesday morning as saying the number two ranking was “more of a bull’s eye than a stamp of approval.”

St. James High, the preseason favorite in the 8-3A district, which includes locals Plaquemine High, Brusly, and Port Allen notched a number four spot in the Class 3-A LSWA poll. Neighboring Donaldsonville High received a number seven spot in the Class 2-A poll.