Week 6, the first where all area districts were in play, provided a number of statement wins by area programs.

Rosepine rebounded from its first loss with a big road win at Kinder, cementing themselves as the District 5-2A favorite in the process.

The Eagles were behind for most of the first half before a late scoring blitz to take a 28-14 halftime lead en route to a 48-22 win over the reigning Class 2A runner-up.

It’s a big win for the Eagles given the way Kinder has dominated the district over the past two years. It should provide a big confidence boost as the Eagles prepare for a playoff run.

The Eagles have a set of offensive skill players, led by QB Ethan Frey (who did not play in Rosepine’s loss to Logansport), RB Grant Ducote and TE Cole Donahue, that is hard to match in terms of both quality and depth.

Lake Charles College Prep began defense of its District 4-3A title with a huge road win at previously undefeated Westlake. QB Josiah Bushnell had his best game of the season, Devonte Guidroz had a big game on the ground and scored on a kickoff return and the Blazer defense delivered a goal line stand and kept the explosive Ram offense in check.

Only .500 record-wise after a daunting nondistrict schedule, the Blazers showed they have elite talent and depth, and can deliver in all three phases of the game. They have won their last 10 district games over the past three seasons and will be a tough out this season.

Iowa and Jennings could challenge the Blazers. Iowa has won all six this season by an average margin of 29 points per game. The Jackets have scored at least 42 points in every game and have allowed only 100 total points on the season. The Jackets can move the ball by ground and air.

However, the Jackets have the toughest remaining schedule of the 4-3A contenders, with just one remaining home game. The good news is that the one home game figures to be the biggest, with Prep coming to town in Week 9.

This week, Iowa visits Jennings, which looks like it can be a factor in the district race after a tumultuous start to the regular season. Star Trevor Etienne moved from running back to quarterback due to injury, and looks the part. In a 62-42 win over St. Louis, Etienne looked comfortable reading the option plays, even making pitches downfield, and running backs ReJohn Zeno and Jamaric McZeal combined to run for more than 300 yards. Etienne found room to roam as well, running for 119 yards and two touchdowns, with another pair of TD runs and a kickoff return TD called back on penalty.

The Bulldogs defense is young and suffering injury problems at the moment, so shootouts may be the only way Jennings can win games. Even so, with Etienne touching the ball on every snap, they can’t be counted out.

Westlake will be disappointed that they didn’t play better at home, but the Rams are still 5-1 on the season with one of the area’s most dangerous players in Jamaal Guillory. If the Ram defense can regain form down the stretch, they could still get in the mix.

St. Louis had a record-setting day on offense against Jennings last week, with QB James Reina throwing for 400 yards and receiver Grant Evans surpassing 200 receiving yards and scoring three touchdowns. Running back James Phillips went over 100 yards for the second week in the row.

The Saints face a tough turnaround with a game against Prep this week, but have enough firepower to knock off any of the other district teams.

In District 4-1A, Grand Lake continued its dominance with a win over Oberlin, and can take control of the title chase with a home win over Hamilton Christian. That won’t be easy, as the Warriors gave Grand Lake fits last year, losing 34-30.

The game presents a great contrast of styles, with the Hornets strong up the middle and the Warriors possessing enough team speed to get to the perimeter.

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Warren Arceneaux covers high school athletics. Email him at warren.arceneaux @americanpress.com