Expectations are something that’s not always present when it comes to Grant Parish football.
But when Grant High and Montgomery square off to open the regular season Friday, both teams have expectations to make – and win – a playoff game.

Montgomery went winless in 2021 and 2022, but the Tigers were one of the surprises of Cenla when they posted a 5-5 record and hosted a playoff game as a No. 14 seed.

Montgomery didn’t win that playoff game (a 46-35 loss to Port Arthur), but the Tigers return the vast majority of their offensive starters as they take aim at another home playoff contest.
Grant hit the road in the playoffs last year after a three-win campaign, but the Cougars started last season 2-0, which included a 49-13 win at Montgomery.

Now Grant will host Montgomery to open the 2024 campaign, and they are aiming for a similar quick start to this season.

Two of Grant’s losses came by two points or less (Marksville and Franklin Parish), and reversing those results could result in the Cougars improving their No. 25 playoff seed and give themselves a better chance to win a first-round playoff game.

They’ll have to do so with a new quarterback, but players like Isaiah McKinney (receiver/defensive back) and Landon Fredieu (linebacker) hope to provide stability.
Montgomery quarterback Mason Jordan plans on taking the Tigers to next level and compete for a district title.

The Tigers had a signature win against LaSalle (19-12) that cemented Montgomery as the third-best team in District 3-1A, but losses to heavyweights Logansport (56-0) and St. Mary’s (49-0) illustrate the climb to the top of one of the most competitive 1A districts.

There’ll be a new head Tiger prowling the sidelines in coach Taylor Williams, who takes over for his father Brian Williams after nearly two decades at the helm.