Southwest Louisiana high school football fans are gearing up for the start of the 2026 season, with Week 1 games slated for Thursday and Friday and a series of pre‑season jamborees taking place on August 27‑28.
Week 1 Kickoff
The marquee matchup of the week pits the Barbe Bucs against the reigning state champions, the Iowa Yellow Jackets, in a highly anticipated showdown that promises fireworks on the field.
Merryville Panthers are looking to rebound after a challenging 2026 campaign that left several key starters sidelined by injuries, while the Oberlin Tigers are embracing a fresh outlook following a season marked by player shortages.
Other programs, including the Grand Lake Hornets and the Elton Indians, will also take part in the August jamboree, adding depth to the region’s diverse landscape of 5A, 4A, 2A and 3A divisions.
Head coach Tommy Johns of the Iowa Yellow Jackets expects his team’s defense to be tested by Barbe’s potent offense, a sentiment echoed by Merryville Panthers’ coach Bryan Barbay, who is determined to turn last year’s injury woes into a springboard for improvement.
KPLC will broadcast the action live, offering video streams and pre‑game highlights that give fans a front‑row seat to the early‑season drama.
With the region’s various classifications set to battle it out, the opening weekend promises a compelling mix of tradition, resilience and competitive spirit as high school football returns to Southwest Louisiana.