Ruston ranked No. 1 in LSWA Preseason Poll for 5A
Photo by Josh McDaniel Ruston looks to build off its state championship run last season.
Ruston will officially enter the 2024 football season as the top team in Class 5A.
The Louisiana Sports Writers Association released its 2024 preseason football polls Monday ahead of the start of the regular season this weekend, headlined by the defending state champion Bearcats coming in at No. 1 in Class 5A to open the season.
Ruston won its ninth state championship in program history last year, along with a second straight District 2-5A title, to complete its historic 14-0 record. The Bearcats, holding a record of 26-2 over the last two seasons, have made back-to-back trips to the Superdome and finally came home as champions for the first time since 1990 in a thrilling win over Zachary back in December.
The Bearcats’ opening opponent, the Acadiana Rams, will begin the season ranked No. 3 in Class 5A - setting the stage for a heavyweight clash to kickoff the 2024 season Friday at Hoss Garrett Stadium.
The rest of the preseason top 10 in Class 5A is as follows:
1. Ruston (9 first place votes)
2. Edna Karr (1 first place vote)
3. Acadiana (2 first place votes)
4. Catholic - Baton Rouge
5. Destrehan
6. Zachary
7. John Curtis
8. Neville
9. Carencro
10. St. Augustine
Others receiving votes: West Monroe, Airline, Alexandria, Archbishop Rummel, Holy Cross, Mandeville, Central, Brother Martin, Dutchtown, Southside, Evangel Christian, Terrebonne, Walker
