Copyright Baton Rouge Advocate
With just two weeks left in the regular season, time is running out for Baton Rouge area teams to make their playoff push and rise in the district standings. Several key games will be played on Thursday and Friday this week. Here's what to know about five games we'll be following closely: Central at Zachary The Broncos host the Wildcats on Thursday in a game that could end the loser's chances at a district title. Zachary (6-1, 2-1) will close the season with Catholic, which is first in District 4-5A. If the Broncos can beat Central, then they will set themselves up with a chance to win a district title against the Bears in Week 10. Central (6-2, 2-1) already lost to Catholic, but a win over Zachary would put the Wildcats alone in second in District 4-5A. A win in Week 10 and a Catholic loss to the Broncos could help Central nab a share of the district title. East Ascension at Dutchtown District 5-5A is one of the closest district races in the Baton Rouge area. East Ascension, Dutchtown and Denham Springs are in a three-way tie heading into Week 9. The Spartans (5-3, 3-1) taking on the Griffins (5-2, 3-1) could give more clarity to a possible district winner when the two sides meet Thursday. East Ascension is coming off a 64-29 loss to Teurlings Catholic, while Dutchtown defeated Walker 19-14 in Week 8. Madison Prep at University High The District 6-3A winner could be decided Friday night when the Chargers travel to take on the Cubs. Madison Prep (7-1, 4-0) has won its last five games. The Chargers have shut out three opponents across that stretch and have scored an average of 50.6 points per game. U-High (6-2, 4-0) also has won five straight and has shut out two teams during its winning streak. The Cubs have scored 52.4 ppg in their last five games. Friday's game will be crucial in deciding the district winner and also for the power ratings. Prairieville at St. Amant The Hurricanes and Gators are behind three teams in the District 5-5A hunt, but a win Friday could give the winning side an outside chance at a share of the title. Prairieville was tied for first last week before a 51-13 loss to Denham Springs dropped the Hurricanes to 4-4, 3-2. St. Amant (6-2, 2-2) dropped two heartbreakers to East Ascension and Dutchtown, both in one-score games. St. Michael at Brusly The Panthers host the Warriors in a vital District 6-4A matchup. Both teams are chasing Plaquemine (7-1, 6-0), which defeated both teams.
