CLASS 5A FINAL: WEST MONROE 28, ACADIANA 7

By Roy Lang III
FINAL STATS
TOTAL YARDS: West Monroe 297, Acadiana 163
RUSH YARDS: West Monroe 230, Acadiana 76
PASS YARDS: Acadiana 87, West Monroe 67
TURNOVERS: Acadiana 4 (INTS), West Monroe 3 (2 INT, 1 fumble)
TIME: 10:13 p.m.

WEST MONROE WINS 28-7
TIME: 9:59 p.m.

LOVE MAKES IT A TRIPLE PLAY
Scott Love made his third interception and the Rebels will win this game. West Monroe 21-7 with 2:16 to play.
TIME: 9:56 p.m.

TURN OUT THE LIGHTS
You could see it coming. Acadiana had its chances and finally, West Monroe put the game away with a 14-yard scamper by Frank Goodin. Rebels up 21-7 with 2:52 to go.
TIME: 9:53 p.m.

REBELS' BALL CONTROL COULD BE ACADIANA'S DOWNFALL LATE
West Monroe has driven down to the Wreckin' Rams 18 and there is just 4:31 left in the game. Any score here and the game is over.
TIME: 9:47 p.m.

ATTENDANCE FIGURES
The state championship games brought more than 32,000 people through the turnstiles at Independence Stadium this weekend.
The breakdown:
Thursday, Redemptorist vs. Notre Dame (3,932)
Friday, John Curtis vs. St. Charles (2,587)
Friday, Bastrop vs. Breaux Bridge (9,726)
Saturday, Evangel vs. Opelousas Catholic (5,753)
Saturday, West Monroe vs. Acadiana (10,650)
Total: 32,648
TIME: 9:43 p.m.

AND ANOTHER
Acadiana recovered a fumbled in West Monroe territory, but the Rebels defense came up strong again and forced a punt. The Rebels lead 14-7 early in the fourth quarter. This inability to take advantge of Rebels mistakes is getting sorta silly.
TIME: 9:36 p.m.

ANOTHER CHANCE DOWN THE TUBES
Acadiana has spent the ENTIRE second half in Rebels territory. Yet again, no points. Drew Alleman missed his second field goal attempt -- this one from 30 yards -- and the Wreckin' Rams come up empty again. Still 14-7 Rebels after three.
TIME: 9:28 p.m.

HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE DECISION
Arcadia could be winning this game if quarterback Johnathan Morvant has made some better decisions. His latest gaffe came with the Wreckin' Rams at the Rebels' 5 on second down. Morvant rolled to his right, felt the pressure and blindly through the ball up for grabs. West Monroe's Les Aulds intercepted the pass in the end zone and another chance to tie the game went down the drain.
Acadiana is controlling this ball game right now, but it needs to start capitilizing on big opportunities.
TIME: 9:23 p.m.

ANOTHER PICK FOR ACADIANA
The Wreckin' Rams picked off Steven Ensminger once again and have the ball deep in Rebels territory. They have threatened all night to tie the game, but West Monroe has always come up huge.
TIME: 9:18 p.m.

WEST MONROE DIGS OUT OF BIG HOLE
The Rebels faced 2nd and 25 from their own 5, yet managed a first down as their drive continues early in the second half.
TIME: 9:16 p.m.

REBELS START SECOND HALF WITH BALL
West Monroe has first down from its own 20 as the second half of football is underway.
TIME: 9:09 p.m.

HALFTIME STAT-US
TOTAL YARDS: West Monroe 122, Acadiana 110
RUSH YARDS: West Monroe 74, Acadiana 34
PASS YARDS: Acadiana 76, West Monroe 48
TIME: 9:02 p.m.

WRECKIN' RAMS MISS LATE FIELD GOAL
Acadiana kicker Drew Alleman missed a 40-yard field goal with no time left on the clock in the first half and West Monroe takes a 14-7 lead into the locker room.
TIME: 8:42 p.m.

POTENTIAL GAME-BREAKING TACKLE MADE BY REBS
Acadiana's Javinas Faulk intercepted Steve Ensminger and appeared headed to the end zone with less than 20 seconds left in the first half, but West Monroe center Derek Casola made a touchdown-saving, shoestring tackle.
TIME: 8:39 p.m.

WEST MONROE FORCES THE ISSUE LATE IN HALF
The Rebels took timeouts on defense as the Wreckin' Rams were stuck on their own end of the field late in the second quarter. Consequently, the Rebels will get the ball with 27 seconds left, 64 yards from the end zone.
TIME: 8:36 p.m.

REBELS MAKE BIG INTERCEPTION
Scott Love made his second interception of the evening with 3:06 remaining in the first half and West Monroe takes over at Acadiana's 31.
TIME: 8:28 p.m.

IS THE TIDE CHANGING?
West Monroe is driving, but Acadiana is playing much better football. The Wreckin' Rams trail 14-7, if they can stop the Rebels here, this game could get very interesting.
TIME: 8:20 p.m.

I STAND CORRECTED ... FOR NOW
Acadiana quarterback Johnathan Morvant, who was shaky to say the least to start the game, hit Javinas Faulk for a 61-yard touchdown early in second quarter. The extra point helped the Wreckin' Rams pull within 14-7.
TIME: 8:09 p.m.

SO MUCH FOR MY BOLD PREDICTION
So I took a flyer on the Acadiana Wreckin' Rams in the Class 5A title game, predicting an upset. Yeah, it didn't work out so well. The bold choice wasn't to disrepect the Rebels, but I had to pick one surprise.
Can I have it back?
TIME: 8:01 p.m.

WRECKIN' RAMS A WRECK ALREADY
Seeing their 5A title chances slipping away early in Saturday's ball game against West Monroe, the Acadiana Wreckin' Rams attempted to convert a fourth down in their own territory in the first quarter. It didn't work.
TIME: 7:55 p.m.

REBELS QB TO PLAY IN SEC
Steven Ensminger, son of Steve, the former LSU quarterback and current Auburn assistant football coach, is headed to Auburn next year.
Ensminger scored from 3 yards out to help give the Rebels a 14-0 lead over Acadiana with 5:32 to play in the first quarter.
TIME: 7:46 p.m.

REBELS STRIKE FIRST
Frank Goodin scored from 6 yards out to help give West Monroe a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
TIME: 7:40 p.m.

YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHEN TO HOLD 'EM ...
West Monroe takes the first gamble of the game, going for it on 4th and inches at the Rams' 43. The Rebels were successful with a dive from fullback Jason Robinson. Although the ball came loose, it was CLEARLY after he hit the ground. Rebels are driving inside the Rams' 35.
TIME: 7:38 p.m.

RAINBOWS ARE NOT GOOD IN FOOTBALL
Scott Love intercepted a horrible pass by Acadiana quarterback Johnathan Morvant to begin the football game. The Rebels have the ball at the Wreckin' Rams' 47.
TIME: 7:34 p.m.

ACADIANA BEGINS WITH THE FOOTBALL
The Wreckin' Rams have the ball at their own 20 as the 5A title game is underway.
TIME: 7:31 p.m.

NICE CROWD FOR 5A FINAL
It's 42 degrees at the West Monroe Rebels (12-1) as the Acadiana Wreckin' Rams (12-1) take the field at Independence Stadium.
TIME: 7:22 p.m.

CLASS 1A FINAL: EVANGEL 42, OPELOUSAS CATHOLIC 7

By Roy Lang III
FINAL: EVANGEL 42-7
Wonder how Evangel running up the score will be taken?
TIME: 3:49 p.m.

TAKE THAT BACK, THE EAGLES CONTINUE TO PILE IT ON
Cerderrick Tyson scored his fourth touchdown and the Evangel Eagles are showing no mercy on the Opelousas Catholic Vikings.
They lead 42-7 with 2:00 remaining in the game.
TIME: 3:47 p.m.

EVANGEL UNSUCCESSFUL TRYING TO RUN IT UP
Pass after pass fell to the turf as the Eagles were deep in Opelousas territory trying to run up the score in a 36-7 game. Evangel missed a field goal and maintains control with 7:30 remaining in the contest.
TIME: 3:35 p.m.

GAME IS OUT OF HAND AND THE VIKINGS LOOK DEFEATED
Evangel is really taking it to the Opelousas Catholic Vikings, who look like they've thrown in the towel. I can understand, as Evangel has reeled off 30 straight points since the Vikings took a 7-6 lead early in the game.
TIME: 3:21 p.m.

TYSON SCORES THIRD TOUCHDOWN
Evangel freshman sensation Cerderrick Tyson rumbled 50 yards down the right sideline and the Eagles now own a 36-7 lead with 2:25 remaining in the third quarter.
TIME: 3:12 p.m.

EVANGEL RUNNING AWAY
One play after a 64-plus-yard pass from Jordan Powell to Jeff Hulett, freshman running back Cerderrick Tyson scored his second touchdown of the game with a 5-yard run. The Eagles lead 29-7 with 3:28 to go in the third quarter.
TIME: 2:58 p.m.

EVANGEL RECORDS INTERCEPTION
Josh Cogswell reeled in a tipped ball and the Evangel Eagles take over in their own territory late in third quarter.
TIME: 2:57 p.m.

TOUCHDOWN EAGLES
Chase Jennings caught a 10-yard touchdown from Jordan Powell with 4:37 remaining in the third quarter and the Evangel Eagles now lead 22-7.
TIME: 2:49 p.m.

THERE'S THE TURNOVER ... BUT
Freshman running back Cerderrick Tyson threw an interception off a halfback pitch to give Opelousas the ball on their own 20. However, the Vikings fumbled on their first play and Evangel takes over at the 28 with more than 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter.
TIME: 2:46 p.m.

VIKINGS MAY NEED A TURNOVER
IT seems like Evangel has the momentum right now and Opelousas Catholic needs a turnover to keep this game close. It's still only 15-7 Eagles with 10:01 remaining in the third.
TIME: 2:38 p.m.

OPELOUSAS MUST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF VULNERABLE EVANGEL SECONDARY
The Vikings trial 15-7, but have had several opportunities to complete deep passes into Evangel's secondary. O.C. quarterback Tommy Hebert has been hit and miss, but needs to take advantage of what appears to be the Eagles' only weakness on defense.
TIME: 2:19 p.m.

EVANGEL TACKS ON 3 AT THE END OF THE HALF
Michael Powers kicked a 30-yard field goal with 9 seconds remaining in the first half to give Evangel a 15-7 lead in the Class 1A state championship game.
TIME: 2:09 p.m.

SHOULDA KICKED IT
The Opelousas Catholic Vikings decided not to kick a 22-yard field goal -- with best kicker in Class 1A -- and wound up fumbling on the attempt to go for it on 4th and 2. Evangel still leads 12-7 with 2:12 remaining in the first half.
TIME: 2:00 p.m.

VIKINGS TRY TO DO IT AGAIN
The Opelousas Catholic Vikings apparently aren't in Shreveport just to take part in the Class 1A fesitivities. They are driving deep in Evangel's territory late in the first half in an attempt to take the lead over the hometown Evangel Eagles on Saturday.
TIME: 1:52 p.m.

EVANGEL REGAINS LEAD, 12-7
The Eagles drove 80 yards in 2:03 to take the lead again. Cerderrick Tyson gained 26 yards during the drive, but fumbled near Opelousas' end zone at the end of the run. The freshman played heads-up football and scooped up the loose ball. One play later, Tyson scored to give Evangel the lead again.
The Eagles two-point conversion attempt was no good.
TIME: 1:44 p.m.

CATHOLIC STOPS EAGLES
Evangel quarterback Jordan Powell was sacked for a 4-yard loss as Evangel attempted to convert a 4th and 5 from their own 40. Opelousas takes over.
TIME: 1:32 p.m.

OPELOUSAS ANSWERS, TAKES 7-6 LEAD
Tommy Hebert hit D'Andre Leday for a 40-yard touchdown late in the first quarter and the Opelousas Catholic Vikings took a 7-6 lead with 2:18 left.
TIME: 1:24 p.m.

EAGLES STRIKE FIRST, LEAD 6-0
Highlighted by a 37-yard pass from Jordan Powell to Deleon Moss, Evangel drove 70 yards in eight plays to score first in the Class 1A state championship game. Quinn Giles capped off the drive with a 7-yard touchdown before Michael Powers missed the extra point.
4:05 remaining in the first quarter.
TIME: 1:14 p.m.

EAGLES STOP VIKINGS
Opelousas Catholic was unable to take advantage of its good field position and the Eagles get the ball back midway through the first quarter. After a timeout, Evangel faces 2nd-and-6 at their own 34.
TIME: 1:11 p.m.

UNUSUAL FORMATION BACKFIRES FOR EVANGEL
Opelousas has won the first field position battle. After two first downs, the Eagles loss 22 yards when the snap went over the head of freshman Cerderrick Tyson, a running back who has lined up at QB twice in this game. Facing 3rd-and-32, the Eagles were sacked and also handed a 5-yard penalty for intentional grounding.
The Vikings take over at their own 48.
TIME: 1:06 p.m.

EVANGEL GETS IT FIRST
Running back Ramon Broadway picks up 12 yards on the first play, the Eagles have it at their own 31.
TIME: 1:01 p.m.

IT'S BALMY AT INDEPENDENCE STADIUM
It's a beautiful 53 degrees moments before kickoff of the Class 1A final between Evangel Christian Academy Eagles (11-3) and the Opelousas Catholic Vikings (12-2).
TIME: 12:41 p.m.

CLASS 4A FINAL: BASTROP 41, BREAUX BRIDGE 12

By Roy Lang III
RAMS ARE PERFECT
Bastrop finishes the 2005 season 14-0 and captures its first state championship since 1927.
TIME: 9:57 p.m.

RAMS SCORE AGAIN
Bastrop quarterback Randall Mackey likely wrapped up player of the game honors with a 25-yard touchdown pass -- his second of the game -- to John Hatfield late in the game. The Rams lead 41-12.
TIME: 9:53 p.m.

TIGERS SCORE
On fourth down, Ryan Broussard came back in the game to slip a 29-yard touchdown pass to receiver Draper Demouchet among three defenders. The scored pulled the Tigers within 34-12 with 10:43 remaining in the game.
TIME: 9:37 p.m.

WILLIAMS-JOHNSON HOOK UP FOR BIG PLAY
Chad Johnson hauled in a long pass from John Williams just before the end of the third quarter. The Tigers face 2nd-and-15 from Bastrop's 30 to start the fourth quarter.
Bastrop leads 34-6.
TIME: 9:28 p.m.

WILLIAMS BACK IN AT QB FOR BREAUX BRIDGE
TIME: 9:26 p.m.

GETTING UGLY IN THE PORT CITY
Ryan Broussard threw an interception in his own territory and Bastrop will take over from the Tigers' 46.
Bastrop quarterback Randall Mackey went deep on the Rams' first play, but barely missed his receiver for a touchdown.
Still 34-6 Bastrop, as the Rams are looking to finish the 2005 season perfect (14-0).
TIME: 9:16 p.m.

JOSH BRADSHAW EXTENDS BASTROP'S LEAD
The sophomore running back, no relation to coach Brad Bradshaw, scampered 67 yards to give the Rams a 34-6 lead. This game is over.
TIME: 9:11 p.m.

BASTROP RECEIVES SECOND-HALF KICKOFF
The Tigers will have the ball first in their second half as they attempt to make a memorable comeback. They begin at their own 44.
TIME: 9:04 p.m.

STAT-US AT THE HALF
Total yards: Bastrop 251, B.B. 79.
Rushing: Bastrop 40, B.B. 34.
Passing: Bastrop 211, B.B. 45.
TIME: 8:59 p.m.

HALFTIME: BASTROP 27, BREAUX BRIDGE 6
John Carter kicked a 25-yard field goal to give the Rams a three-touchdown lead heading into the half. Carter only had a chance because of a personal foul on Breaux Bridge as time expired in the second quarter.
TIME: 8:41 p.m.

BREAUX BRIDGE CHANGES QBs
Trailing 24-6 late in the first half, Junior Ryan Broussard has taken the reins at quarterback for the Tigers in lieu of John Williams.
TIME: 8:25 p.m.

BASTROP'S DEFENSE SCORES
Aaron Randle, a sophomore linebacker for Bastrop recovered a fumble on the 2 of Breaux Bridge and took it into the end zone for a touchdown to help the Rams take a 24-6 lead midway through the second quarter.
TIME: 8:20 p.m.

CALMING DOWN?
Things have calmed down a bit here, meaning there hasn't been a score in all of six minutes. Bastrop has just recovered its own fumble at its own 3-yard line. They face 2nd-and-11 with 5:53 to go in the half.
TIME: 8:18 p.m.

ANOTHER BIG PLAY PAYS OFF FOR BASTROP
On the final play of the first quarter, quarterback Randall Mackey hooked up with DeAngelo Benton for a 71-yard touchdown strike to help the Rams take a 17-6 lead.
TIME: 8:06 p.m.

BEEN A LONG, LONG TIME
The Bastrop Rams have not won a state championship in football since 1927.
END OF 1ST QUARTER: Bastrop 17, Breaux Bridge 6.
TIME: 8:02 p.m.

BASTROP GOES UP 10-6
A 26-yard field goal by John Carter put the Rams up 10-6 with 1:42 remaining in the first quarter.
TIME: 7:57 p.m.

BREAUX BRIDGE RESPONDS QUICKLY
Tigers quarterback John Williams hooked up with Chad Johnson for a 14-yard touchdown with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter. Tiger Duvall blocked the extra point attempt to help the Rams maintain the lead 7-6.
TIME: 7:46 p.m.

TURN OF EVENTS
James Brown, who returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, was injured during Breaux Bridge's first offensive possession. The Tigers are driving and have the ball at Bastrop's 15 trying to answer the opening fireworks. Brown did return to action.
TIME: 7:42 p.m.

YYOOOOOWWW. I FEEL GOOD! TOUCHDOWN BASTROP!
James Brown returned the opening kick 89 yards for a touchdown and the Bastrop Rams took an early lead against Breaux Bridge. The record for a kickoff return is 100 yards by Robert Wesby for Kentwood in 1983.
Brown did break the Class 4A mark, formerly held by Roymon Malcolm, who had a 70-yarder for Ruston in 1990.
TIME: 7:33 p.m.

BASTROP WINS TOSS, WILL RECEIVE
The Tigers will kick in approximately five minutes -- assuming the National Anthem goes as planned.
TIME: 7:24 p.m.

TRANSPLANTS HELP BASTROP
The Rams have four starters -- five players overall -- who originated from Port Sulphur High School, including quarterback Randall Mackey.
TIME: 7:22 p.m.

IT'S OFFICIALLY FREEZING AT KICKOFF
Game-time temperature is 32 degrees moments before Bastrop and Breaux Bridge are scheduled to begin the Class 4A final.
TIME: 7:20 p.m.

WHEN YOU SAY BREAUX BRIDGE, JAKE COMES TO MIND
Jake Delhomme, the current quarterback for the NFL's Carolina Panthers, is widely known as being from Breaux Bridge. However, the former New Orleans Saints and USL star did not play for Breaux Bridge High School.
Delhomme attended Teurlings Catholic High School and never played for a state championship. He lost in the semifinals his senior season.
TIME: 6:57 p.m.

GAME TIME APPROACHES
It's a chilly 34 degrees 45 minutes before kickoff of the Class 4A state final between the Bastrop Rams (13-0) and Breaux Bridge Tigers (12-1).
TIME: 6:43 p.m.

CLASS 2A FINAL: JOHN CURTIS 31, ST. CHARLES 6

IT'S A FINAL!
St. Charles proved it had some fight still left, driving to the JC 5-yard line, but they were unable to punch it in from there. John Curtis wins its 8th state title in 10 years....The Patriots have quite a different reaction with winning the state title. After Redemptorist won the 3A title last night, there was hugging, dancing, players sprawled out on the field smiling, one player was kneeling on the field pounding it - a real celebration and a sense of accomplishment.
The Patriots accepted the trophy, formed a giant circle in the middle as everyone jumped up and down and tried to touch the trophy then they headed to the sideline to thank their fans...interesting. I don't know if winning the state title has become routine for the Pats, but there wasn't a whole lot of celebrating judging from their body language - at least not how Redemptorist partied on the field.

FINAL -- JOHN CURTIS 31, ST. CHARLES 6
-Brian Vernellis, 3:24 p.m.

MCKNIGHT IS INCREDIBLE
Colleges have got to be salivating over John Curtis' Joe McKnight. He just scored another TD, this one a mammoth run breaking around the Comets' defense then shoving aside a defender with a fantastic stiff arm. The amazing thing about the stiff arm was that he shoved aside a kid from behind and he still had the acceleration to pull away from two defenders inside the 20-yard line. He's an exciting player to watch to say the least...AND HE'S ONLY A JUNIOR. In the immortal words of the late, great Chris Farley - "Holy Schneike!" Someone made a field goal!

JOHN CURTIS 31, ST. CHARLES 6, 6:45 left in game

For the record, I predicted a 35-7 win for the Patriots while my two fellow writers Brian McCallum and Roy Lang III had JC 31, St. C 7 and JC 27, St. C 11, respectively.
-Brian Vernellis, 3:01 p.m.


ON THE BOARD
St. Charles finally got on the scoreboard with Michael Troglen returning a fumble 28 yards for a TD...It's been one of the few bright spots for the Comets today. Apparently this missed PAT syndrome is reaching epidemic proportions because the Comets can't convert their chance...a kicker, a kicker, my kingdom for a kicker...

JOHN CURTIS 24, ST. CHARLES 6, 0:39 left in third quarter
-Brian Vernellis, 2:46 p.m.

SECOND HALF
John Curtis QB Kyle Collura hasn't returned to the second half. He's been standing on the sidelines with his helmet off with an apparent rib injury. At least that's what we're hearing up in the press box. The statisician might want to make sure he's got the right QB in for JC...even though Matt Saucier has played more than Collura, the stat man still has Collura in the game. Whoops!
There goes McKnight again on another touchdown run, that should ensure the win for the Patriots and his award for the Outstanding Player for the Patriots.
And another missed PAT! The Patriots can't hit one and neither could Notre Dame Thursday night.
JOHN CURTIS 24, ST. CHARLES 0, 3:08 left in third quarter
-Brian Vernellis, 2:37 p.m.

COMETS STALL
St. Charles has had its best success of the game moving the football against the Patriots with this last drive of the half. QB Philip Sutton has made some very nice throws and runs to keep the drive alive, but his last one has cost his team a touchdown. Joe McKnight intercepted Sutton at the 1-yard line and returned it 99 yards for a TD, but a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct and a block in the back against the Patriots wiped out McKnight's incredible play.
JOHN CURTIS 18, ST. CHARLES 0, halftime
-Brian Vernellis, 1:59 p.m.

ST. CHARLES COUNTERS
Corner Garrad Lodrigues returned an interception to the John Curtis 34-yard line. Patriots quarterback Kyle Collura sat out the last drive for the Patriots and sophomore QB Matt Saucier came in and threw the pick...the Comets are down to the J.C. 25-yard line - the deepest the Comets have penetrated into Patriots territory.
-Brian Vernellis, 1:49 p.m.

OUCH...
John Curtis is all over St. Charles. Linebacker Jacob Dufrene was coming on a delayed blitz and pummeled St. Charles quarterback Philip Sutton inside the 5-yard line. The hit caused Sutton to fumble the ball into the end zone which Dufrene recovered for the TD...2-point conversion is no good.
JOHN CURTIS 18, ST. CHARLES 0, 8:53 left in first half
-Brian Vernellis, 1:38 p.m.

ON THE MOVE AGAIN
John Curtis is threatening again after Kelby Wuertz made an interception and returned it 31 yards to the St. Charles 30 yard line. The Comets were moving the ball too and having some modest success. There is a lot of intensity on the field...St. Charles got whistled for a personal foul penalty and players were shoving one another after a St. Charles player was hit out of bounds. This one has got a lot of fire!
The Patriots are down to the St. Charles 7...two plays later, touchdown! Pats QB Kyle Collura just punched it in from 3 yards out...PAT missed.

JOHN CURTIS 12, ST. CHARLES 0, 9:52 left in second quarter
-Brian Vernellis, 1:32 p.m.


TURNOVERS, MCKNIGHT, OH MY!
St. Charles' first possession didn't amount to much. They didn't get outside their 20.
But, John Curtis next possession resulted in another fumble. That's two fumbles in two possession. There's no question the Patriots can move the ball on the Comets, but they've got to stop shooting themselves in the foot and give St. Charles chances.
Meanwhile the Patriots defense is outstanding, stuffing the Comets at every chance they get.

And there goes Joe McKnight....McKnight, who played for Evangel following the Hurricane Katrina aftermath, returns a punt 55 yards. He made a nifty little move past two tacklers then raced along the John Curtis sideline for the touchdown. St. Charles blocked the PAT...

John Curtis 6, St.Charles 0, 2:26 left in first quarter
-Brian Vernellis, 1:19 p.m.

KICKOFF!
John Curtis is marching down field, but coming up with some penalties to shove them back. A great kickoff return put the Patriots near midfield.
Now, they're inside the red zone looking for their first score. John Curtis went for it on a 4th and long one from the St. Charles 18 and got it by the nose of the football.
St. Charles is stacking seven, sometimes eight, men in the box trying to slow the Patriots' ground game. So far, no such luck.
Of course, as soon as I write it, St. Charles comes up with a big turnover, pouncing on the football. The Comets take over at their 12 yard line.

John Curtis 0, St. Charles 0 6:40 remaining in the quarter...

It's been cold at Independence Stadium, but at least the sun is out to warm fans. As the Times staff pulled up to the stadium there was a slew of St. Charles fans tailgating out by their RVs and SUVs.

-Brian Vernellis, 1:10 p.m.

Friday weather update

So much for 48 degrees. Today is going to be the same as yesterday according to forecasts. The cold front that swept through the South is still in force, and today will be dry but cold. Expect the high 20s when the sun goes down tonight.
Tomorrow - Saturday - should be far more pleasant. According to the weather forecasters, it will reach the mid-50s on Saturday. That's more like it.
- Brian McCallum

CLASS 3A FINAL -- NOTRE DAME 13, REDEMPTORIST 6

FINAL SCORE: REDEMPTORIST 13, NOTRE DAME 6
WOW!
If the rest of the games at this year's Nokia Sugar Bowl Prep Classic are anything like Thursday's opener, high school football fans are in for a real treat. Redemptorist rallied in the fourth quarter relying on the tried and true adage that defense wins championships.
Reggie Weams' interception set up the game-winning drive for Redemptorist midway through the fourth quarter. The Wolves defense did the rest.
Notre Dame had nowhere to go in the second half and the entire student body of Redemptorist can thank that defense for a state title.
Oh, and they may want to thank quarterback Justin Rogers who looked like a Houdini in shoulder pads the way he was escaping tacklers, creating plays and finding receivers. His game-winning touchdown throw to Teron Scott wasn't pretty, but it found its target and the Wolves are state champs...That's No. 2 in four seasons for those keeping track...
-Brian Vernellis, 10:36 p.m.

HERE IT IS, THE FOURTH QUARTER...
Redemptorist is finally beginning to move the ball against Notre Dame. Brent Grimes has been a steady workhorse in the Wolves' game plan. The Wolves have taken advantage of some great field position to march inside Notre Dame territory.
The Wolves are down to the ND 23-yard line now, but a motion penalty has back them up five yards. Redemptorist has got to find a way to break the Pioneers defense. As soon as I write that, the Wolves just connected on a 28-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 6-6. The PAT is wide! We're tied at 6!
-Brian Vernellis, 8:44 p.m.

ONE HALF DOWN
This first half has flown by. Notre Dame is punting the ball back to Redemptorist from their own 23-yard line with 50 seconds left to go in the half. After Notre Dame's touchdown, it's been a defensive battle as the teams exchange field position.
Notre Dame defensive tackle Kyle Jones has been a force inside. He just sacked Redemptorist's Justin Rogers to close out the half.
Neither team's offense has gained any rhythm.
-Brian Vernellis, 7:54 p.m.

ON THE MOVE AGAIN
Redemptorist muffed a punt and Notre Dame recovered deep inside Wolves' territory. The Pioneers took advantage of an early turnover and look to captialize again. They are driving to the Redemptorist 6-yard line, but the Wolves have held fast so far.
Redemptorist just came up with another sensational special teams play...they blocked the PAT of Notre Dame's touchdown and they just blocked a 26-yard field goal attempt....Notre Dame 6, Redemptorist 0 (8:45 left in the first half).
-Brian Vernellis, 7:36 p.m.

BIG TURNOVER
Redemptorist's third play from scrimmage results in an interception by Notre Dame's Stephen Hundley and the Pioneers are driving.
-Brian Vernellis, 7:07 p.m.

HERE THEY COME!
I'm already freezing in the Independence Stadium press box, but both teams came charging on to the field at the same time to give me even more chills. It was a scene right from Tiger Stadium as both sides of fans jumped out of their seats to welcome the teams. For the coin toss, the entire Redemptorist team - all 70 of them - joined its team captains on the field.
-Brian Vernellis, 7:05 p.m.

KICKOFF IS NEAR
It's 20 minutes to kickoff and it looks like Notre Dame has the larger contingent of fans for the 3A title game. The cold weather hasn't deterred anyone's spirits though; both sides are ready to go! Fans were already lining up for the stadium to open when Brian and I pulled up -- at 5:30!
-Brian Vernellis, 6:40 p.m.

UPDATES ALL NIGHT
Tonight in this spot, we will have running commentary on the game. Follow the action if you can't be at the stadium.
- Brian McCallum

WEATHER IS BRISK TO SAY THE LEAST
The skies are clear so far for the first day of the Nokia Sugar Bowl Prep Classic, three hours from the first kickoff. The ground is wet in places, because the precipitation started last night, sometime before 8 p.m.The temperature is not so pleasant, however. It is supposed to reach 48, but the wind is making it seem much colder. Dressing warm is mandatory for tonight. The sun is helping, but that will be gone before kickoff.
- Brian McCallum

It's winter in Shreveport

Thursday's Class 3A game will be played in what LHSAA commissioner Tommy Henry calls "football weather," and the organization is securing heaters for the team benches. The forecast calls for temperatures just above freezing at game time, and there is a 30 percent chance of precipitation. Skies should clear up as the game progresses.

Friday should be somewhat warmer, and the chance for precipitation lessens as the Nokia Sugar Bowl Prep Classic continues.

Big fish in a smaller pond

The people of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association began arriving in force on Tuesday, and commissioner Tommy Henry was pleased with the attention the state championship games are getting in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.

"We're a fairly big fish in a smaller pond, but I love it," Henry said.

The bigger pond is New Orleans, where the title games have been played since 1981, but big stories such as the New Orleans Saints, LSU and Tulane and more have sometimes taken the spotlight away from high school football there.

Having the games in Shreveport is a novelty for local fans and media, and The Times is doing its part to showcase the event.

Be sure to buy a copy of The Times each day during the Classic. On Thursday, a 12-page section including rosters of all the teams will be included in the paper. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a four-page "wrap" will surround the sports section with news about the games of the day and the next day's games.

- Brian McCallum

All-state time

For as long as I've been at The Times, we've voted on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association all-state football teams in the Superdome on the first day of championship games, Friday. That obviously won't happen this time.

This year, we'll do it in Alexandria, and Sunday is the day.

There are 12 sportswriters around the state with a vote, and it can be a long day. On the other hand, it's always interesting to hear the statistics of players around the state, usually some impressive numbers. When it's over, we'll all cover the state championship games and prepare for the all-state teams to run in the paper. I believe the first team (Class 1A) will run in Tuesday, Dec. 13 newspapers.

At The Times, we've had our preliminary meeting with all the writers who cover high school football for us to discuss our All-Area and All-City teams. That can seem like a tough task until we all get together and discuss the players we've seen. That seems to make everything much clearer. We plan to run those teams in The Times on Christmas Day.

- Brian McCallum

State title games bring the best to Shreveport

Take a close look at the list of 10 teams coming to Shreveport's Independence Stadium for the Nokia Sugar Bowl Prep Classic. Now, focus on three teams: West Monroe, John Curtis and Evangel.

Those could arguably be considered the three most dominant programs in the state right now and three of the most successful in our history.

This is a dream weekend coming up for high school football fans, and anyone within shouting distance of Shreveport who likes sports should consider making the trip. There could be quite a few driving three hours from Lafayette up to Shreveport, and that's an easy drive.

The Lafayette area is the dominant area this year, with Acadiana, Breaux Bridge and Opelousas Catholic all advancing to title games. All have tough draws, but this is the state championship.
I consider Friday night's game between Breaux Bridge and Bastrop the best matchup at this point. Back in early November, I picked the Tigers to win 4A, but only because I've seen too many Rams teams fall short. Either program is deserving of winning it all.

In fact, all 10 teams are. Don't miss the chance to see five of them make it true.

- Brian McCallum

Grading the predictions

So that's 9-1 in the semifinal predictions if I have my math correct. St. Charles spoiled perfection but deserves a trip to the 2A title game by beating a powerful Sterlington team.

Evangel nearly missed what appeared to be a guaranteed trip back in August. The Eagles led by only six points as the fourth quarter of their game with Kentwood began. The Kangaroos actually turned out to be quite similar to Southern Lab in my opinion. The Kittens have a better defense, but Kentwood is slightly better on offense, though it didn't have much to show for it on Friday night.

Those three programs should be fixtures at the top of the 1A rankings for the near future. Look for Southern Lab to return to prominence under coach Michael Roach.

- Brian McCallum

Semifinal predictions

There are 20 teams out there within 24 hours of a trip to the Nokia Sugar Bowl Prep Classic. Let's take a look at the 10 games and what teams stand the best chance of making it to Shreveport.

Class 5A: A month ago, we predicted the five state champions, and four are still alive, including West Monroe. All signs point to the Rebels making it to Shreveport, and I would have to say Catholic High's advancement to the semifinal round impresses me. I'll predict the Hahnville-Acadiana game will be closer, and look for West Monroe vs. Acadiana in the 5A title game.

Class 4A: This is the most interesting class. Breaux Bridge is another one of those teams we predicted a month ago to win it all, and I consider Neville and Bastrop two of those teams that have surprised me in making it this far, though the Rams benefitted greatly from post-Katrina migration. Bastrop has been outstanding in the regular season during the six years I've been at The Times but has also traditionally come up short of expectations in the playoffs, at least in my view.

On the other hand, Ouachita is still in something of a rebuilding mode, and Bastrop is a more complete team. Look for the Rams and Breaux Bridge in Shreveport.

Class 3A: Who can figure the Benton Tigers? Perhaps they are destined to make it to Independence Stadium. I expected them to fall in each of their first two games, so nothing would surprise me now, but Redemptorist should be favored.
Notre Dame should be favored, too, though Independence knocked out our one wrong state champ pick, so far: Patterson.

Class 2A: Surprise! John Curtis should win, and let's take Sterlington in the other. St. Charles, with two of three easy wins in the playoffs, would appear to have a better chance to win than OCS, especially at home.

Class 1A: I told coach Dennis Dunn before his Southern Lab game it would be the Eagles' toughest challenge, but people with the Kittens program talked up the Kangaroos' chances after that second-round game. At the same time, Evangel always plays its best at this time of year. Kentwood will need a perfect game.

Both Opelousas Catholic and St. John had close games last week, so neither may have an emotional advantage. Though many coaches says every athlete should be up for a shot at a to state championship trip, I don't think that's realistic. St. John gets great credit for knocking off Oak Grove, but it probably required more resolve. I'll pick Opelousas Catholic at home.

- Brian McCallum