Five intriguing matchups for the 2020 football season

We are now a little over a month away from the high-school football season, but the upcoming year is still surrounded by uncertainty. There is a chance the start of the season could be delayed, and there's even a chance the season could be cancelled altogether due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

But assuming that everything goes forward as scheduled, here is a look at five intriguing games to keep your eye on this upcoming season:

East Ascension vs. Zachary (Sept. 4)

On the opening Friday night of the 2020 season, East Ascension is scheduled to hit the road to face powerhouse Zachary. The two met last season in what turned out to be an exciting back-and-forth shootout that the Spartans eventually won, 40-31. The Broncos won the 5A state title in 2018, and they reached the semifinals last year. They'll bring back another highly-talented roster this season, which includes LSU commit receiver Chris Hilton. Last season's win over Zachary snapped a three-game losing streak against the Broncos.

Donaldsonville vs. E.D. White (Oct. 9)

Last year was Donaldsonville's first season in District 9-3A, and they played very well. The Tigers went 3-2 in league play. One of their victories was a gritty road win over E.D. White. In this defensive battle, Donaldsonville trailed for most of the game, but late in the fourth quarter, they found a way to earn a 12-7 victory. This season, the Tigers will be playing the Cardinals at home. E.D. White will be trying to return to the playoffs in 2020. Last year, they went 5-5 but missed out on the postseason. Conversely, Donaldsonville went 7-3 and hosted a first-round playoff game.

Dutchtown vs. East Ascension (Oct. 16)

Dutchtown and East Ascension have always had a fun rivalry, and that won't change this season. The two teams met in an exciting contest that came down to a hail mary pass into the end zone in 2020. The Spartans escaped with a 29-24 home victory. This season, they'll have to make a short trip to Dutchtown to face the Griffins. Dutchtown will be hungry for a victory. They haven't beaten the Spartans since 2015. The Griffins will be relying heavily on All-State running back Dylan Sampson. He rushed for 173 yards and two scores in last year's meeting.

Ascension Catholic vs. Erath (Oct. 16)

Ascension Catholic didn't see much competition during the 2019 regular season. They absolutely dominated district play, winning by a combined score of 198-19. The Bulldogs' closest game was a road matchup against Erath. They pulled that one out, 27-14. This season, they'll host Erath in mid-October. The Bobcats will be no pushover. They were a Class 3A playoff team in 2019. Ascension Catholic had an undefeated regular season, which culminated in a district title. They went on to reach the state quarterfinals.

East Ascension vs. St. Amant (Nov. 6)

Throw the records out of the window when East Ascension and St. Amant meet. To many, it's the best rivalry in the state. In their past nine meetings, the Spartans have held a slight 5-4 edge. They have won the last two matchups. Last season was a rare blowout in the series. East Ascension won by a 34-7 margin. The Gators went just 5-5 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2011. St. Amant is hoping to have a resurgent 2020. This year, they'll be hosting the Spartans and seeking an upset victory.