Matt Vines
STONEWALL – While plenty of eyes will be on the state’s leading quarterback-receiver connection of North DeSoto’s Luke Delafield and Cole Cory, one could argue it’s the running backs taking center stage at the DeSoto Parish Jamboree on Friday.

North DeSoto’s Kenny Thomas and Logansport’s Jukadynn Carter were listed among the state’s top running backs by Louisiana High School on Sports Illustrated.

Thomas was part of a two-headed attack with Trysten Hopper this past season as they both eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards. Thomas will be the lead pony this year after gaining 1,422 yards and 16 touchdowns this past season.

Carter topped 1,500 rushing yards and scored 16 touchdowns en route to the District 3-1A Offensive MVP.

Mansfield High was one of the area’s hottest teams by the end of the 2023 season, and although the bulky TJ Pegues won’t be terrorizing defenses this year, there is another Pegues in the mix.

Terrell Pegues will lead a host of backs that Mansfield expects to pound defenses again this season.

The DeSoto Parish Jamboree kicks off at 7 p.m. with North DeSoto and Mansfield, followed by Logansport and Mansfield and then Logansport and North DeSoto. All games are at North DeSoto High.

Both North DeSoto and Logansport were No. 1 seeds in their respective divisions and were one win away from the Superdome and a state title game this past season.

Mansfield recovered from an 0-4 start to reach the playoffs and notch the program’s first playoff win (34-28 against Marksville) since 2018.

After the jamboree, all three teams will begin the regular season Sept. 6.

Logansport kicks off a three-week road trip at Many as the Tigers await construction on their home football stadium to finish.

Mansfield begins at home with Minden coming to town.

North DeSoto will do battle with Union Parish at home.