Mr. Pickem's Weekly Football Predictions

Week 5 October 4, 2024

Overall Record: 71-12 Last Week: 17-1 Featured games: 3-1

#3 Franklin Parish Patriots (4-0) @ #10 Ouachita Lions (2-1)

After Week 1, questions were raised about the future of the Lions program moving forward in 2024. While a loss to Captain Shreve wasn’t the end of the world, with a schedule still featuring teams like Sterlington, Neville, Ruston, and West Monroe, Ouachita fans were eager to see some early wins to gain confidence that this could be a successful season. Since that loss, the Lions have ripped off two straight wins and face another test at homecoming this Friday night. Ouachita will host a Franklin Parish team that boasts two shutouts in 2024 and holds an undefeated 4-0 record.

Coach Benjy Lewis gave his team a much-needed bye week last Friday as they prepare for the toughest stretch of their season. Before the bye, the Lions dominated local rivals Wossman and Sterlington by a combined score of 68-8, showcasing pure dominance on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Cam Williams, MJ Dade, and Montrell Conner have been the driving forces, while AJ Washington, Dylan Beryman, and CJ Spurs anchor the defense.

One of the biggest surprises of the new season is the emergence of the Franklin Parish Patriots. Known in the past as the Winnsboro Wildcats, the Patriots have always been a respectable program, but due to district realignment in the early 2000s, they haven’t captured a district crown. This season, that could change as they currently sit at 4-0 with impressive wins over St. Fred, West Jefferson, and Calvary Baptist. Led by junior quarterback Dezyrian Ellis, the Patriot offense has been exceptional, averaging 43 points per game and a 12-point average margin of victory. The Patriot defense also deserves recognition, allowing only 12 points per game and recording two shutouts in their first four games.

Dade, Conner, and Ellis are all explosive players who can light up the scoreboard, and their presence will be felt early and often in this game. However, this matchup could lean towards a defensive battle, with limited scoring. In fact, it’s safe to say that the first team to reach 21 points could secure the win. Franklin Parish employs a running-back-by-committee approach, with Ellis and freshman Daniel Neal leading the way. But for continued success, Ellis' passing will be key. Beryman and Washington will aim to clog the running lanes, forcing the Patriots to rely on their air attack. On the other side, Lions ball carriers won’t have an easy path either, as rising juniors Tavon Bell and Chris Addison will make their claim as the best two linemen in the game.

In a contest this close in terms of talent, what will be the deciding factor? I’m predicting a full four-quarter affair where the last team with the ball will come out on top. Conner will break free for a 10-yard touchdown, giving the Lions a 17-14 lead, but in the final seconds, a long pass from Ellis to Addison will silence the homecoming crowd on Milhaven and send the Patriots to 5-0.

Franklin Parish 21 Ouachita 17

PLAYER OF THE GAME: CHRIS ADDISON: 7 TACKLES, 2 SACKS, INT – 4 RECEPTIONS, 74 YARDS, TD (56 YRD GW)

Area Scores:

Top Ten

#1 Ruston, 28 vs. Stephenville, TX, 27

#2 Neville, 42 vs. Sterlington, 14

#4 Bastrop, 27 vs. General Trass, 19

#5 West Ouachita, 45 vs. Caldwell, 12

#6 OCS, 49 vs. Rayville, 0

#7 Oak Grove, 51 vs. Delhi Charter, 18

#8 Ferriday, 40 vs. Beekman Charter, 14

#9 Carroll, 17 vs. Wossman, 16

OTHER GAMES:

West Monroe, 34 vs. Scotlandville, 17

Union Parish, 33 vs. Homer, 25

Mangham, 40 vs. Madison Parish, 12

St Fred, 24 vs. St Mary’s, 20

Tensas, 13 vs. Northwood-Lena, 12

D’Arbonne Woods, 21 vs. Green Oaks, 8

Delta Charter, 27 vs. Cedar Creek, 14

Delhi, 22 vs. Vidalia, 20

Mr. Pickem’s Top 10

1. Ruston Bearcats

2. Neville Tigers

3. Franklin Parish Patriots

4. Bastrop Rams

5. West Ouachita Chiefs

6. Ocs Eagles

7. Oak Grove Tigers

8. Ferriday Trojans

9. Carroll Bulldogs

10. Ouachita Lions

Just Missed It: West Monroe, Lincoln Prep, Sterlington, St Fred, Union Parish

MR PICKEM’S GOAT OF THE WEEK

Tyquerius Wilson, ATH Union Parish

9 carries, 119 yards, 1 TD

11 tackles, 2 forced fumbles