The 2025 high school football season is officially underway as teams across the 337 kicked off Week 1 on Sept. 4 and 5.
This week was full of action from upset victories to masterclass defensive showings, prep football fans were left on the edge of their seats. Throughout the matchups, stars have risen some who have already made a name for themselves as Division I prospects hailing from Lafayette Parish and its surrounding areas.
Every week, the Daily Advertiser has got you covered with top performers on the gridiron from the three and four-star athletes to the undiscovered diamonds in the rough. Here’s a roundup of the five top high school football performers from Week 1 of the 2025 season.
(Athletes listed in alphabetical order)
Ranked 337-Area prospects in Week 1
Chance Archangel
School: Westgate
Position: Defensive edge
Rank: 4 star, No. 4 in Louisiana Class of 2028 (247 Sports) No. 2 in Class of 2028 (Rivals)
Summary: The Tigers were looking to hold on to their eight-point lead in the fourth quarter vs Lake Charles Prep College and Archangel helped them do so. The 6-foot-3, 230 pounder broke through the offensive line for a drive-killing sack. He racked six total tackles and accounted for 17 yards in tackles for loss.
Chantz Babineaux
School: Carencro
Position: ATH
Rank: 3 star, No. 38 in Lousiana Class of 2026 (247 Sports)
Summary: Carencro pulled off a huge Week 1 upset on powerhouse St. Thomas More beating the Cougars 30-27 and Babineaux played a key role. The Nicholls State commit finished the game with two interceptions, one of them being a 73-yard pick six. The other interception helped seal the game for the Golden Bears who last year fell short against STM in their season opener.
Unranked 337-Area prospects in Week 1
Trandin Benjamin
School: Westgate
Position: ATH
Summary: Benjamin was everywhere for Westgate in its 28-20 win over LCCP on Sept. 4. The Lamar commit led the team in tackles with 10 and ended the game with a fumble recovery and a blocked punt. Offensively, he also rushed for a touchdown to round out his stats.
Drew Lejeune
School: Notre Dame
Position: Quarterback
Summary: The Pios spoiled Southside’s first game in their new stadium and leading the charge was Lejeune. The dual-sport athlete opened up the game with a quarterback sneak for a touchdown setting the tone for the night. He would go on to find the end zone three times as the Pios beat the Sharks 35-28.
Alex Munoz
School: Teurlings Catholic
Position: Quarterback
Summary: Munoz was on fire in the Rebels’ impressive 48-12 victory over Opelousas. Listed at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, he led Teurlings offense with three passing touchdowns. On the ground he was just as effective, rushing for 171 yards over half of the Rebels rushing yards.
Shannon Belt covers high school sports, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU men’s basketball for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.
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