Although North DeSoto graduated a quarterback to Northwestern (Luke Delafield) and a running back to Louisiana Tech (Kenny Thomas), not many are crying for the 2026 Griffins, who remain loaded with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.Thats why coach Dennis Dunns squad has been chosen to win the 2026 District 1-4A title in a close race with Northwood, which has seven senior offensive linemen. Five of those linemen have more than 100 starts between them. Replacing Delafield will be freshman Mason Smith, who already holds offers from LSU and Tulane, and hell have a big target in tight end Miller Warren, a Northwestern State commitment.DISTRICT 1-3A: Sterlington, Loyola expected to lead way in 2026 District 1-3A raceDISTRICT 1-2A: Calvary Baptist expected to rule District 1-2A in 2026DISTRICT 4-2A: Mansfield could lead District 4-2A in close race with Many, Red RiverThe Falcons will counter with two college-ready tackles in Adam Hemphill (6-foot, 275 pounds) and Zecheriah Reed (6-3, 300), who have been called nasty by their coach.Minden and BTW could also cause problems for their league opponents thanks to a plethora of talent. The Tide will be led by Jeremiah Jones and Lucas Owens, while Kendrall Johnson and Vincent Blake Jr. will give the Lions plenty of direction. Bossier coach Gary Smith has a veteran quarterback in Montrevell Lewis along with talented Dylan McCoy, while Southwood looks to make a run behind Jayden Carter and Nyangadzai Jenya. Under first-year coach Lavelle Wilson Jr., Woodlawn expects to get big plays from Jeremiah Gustain and Sterling Sheppard.Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.District 1-4A Coaches PollNorth DeSoto (13-1)Northwood (8-3)Minden (5-6)BTW (7-5)Southwood (3-6)Bossier (4-7)Woodlawn 2-8)This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: North DeSoto, Northwood expected to vie for 2026 District 1-4A title