Parish football players to watch in 2017

The wait is over. Football season is here.

Sure, the weekends will belong to LSU and the Saints, but for the next three months, Friday nights will belong to our high-school football stars.

This week, teams from across the state will play their jamboree games, and next week, the regular season will officially begin.

As always, there is ample excitement in Ascension Parish as the six high-schools prepare to open up action. The year will undoubtedly carry with it tremendous individual performances from its best players.

Jamar Barber (Ascension Catholic)

In his first season as a starter for Ascension Catholic, Jamar Barber quickly proved to be one of the top offensive players in the parish in 2016. In addition to being a dangerous return man, Barber rushed for 1,308 yards and 17 touchdowns, while adding 132 yards and two scores receiving. With impressive sophomore running mate Jai Williams returning, the Bulldogs look to bolster one of the most explosive backfields in Ascension this season. Last year, Barber was first-team All-District 6-1A and second-team All-Parish.