Bearcats unanimous No. 1 in Class 5A poll after opening win

Ruston is the top team in Class 5A in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s week two prep football polls after a week one 35-27 win over Acadiana.

With the victory, the Bearcats earned unanimous votes to maintain their No. 1 status.

Ruston, coming off an undefeated run to the 2023 Division I non-select state championship, defeated the Wreckin’ Rams with standout performances from quarterback Josh Brantley and his receiving corps.

Brantley, a senior, finished with 192 passing yards and 159 rushing yards and 4 total touchdowns to lift the Bearcats past then-No. 3 Acadiana. The Rams fell one spot in this week’s poll.

Edna Karr remained at No. 2 in 5A, while Catholic-Baton Rouge entered the top three.