Things looked bleak for the Calvary Baptist Cavaliers with 2:47 left to play in the game as the Cavaliers were down by nine at 28-19 to the St. Charles Catholic Comets in the LHSAA Division III (Select) State Championship, but nobody told Rodney Guin’s squad that as the Cavaliers stampeded back to score 15 unanswered points over the last two minutes to complete come from behind 34-28 victory.
“What a comeback. We started in August and we never had a bad day. They do a lot of stuff the right way and we reap the benefits of it tonight. What a night.”
Calvary Baptist Head Coach Rodney Guin
Abram Wardell played his best when his team needed the most as he threw for both of his two touchdowns with the first coming to Aubrey Hermes and the second coming to Kolby Thomas to give the Cavaliers their first lead of the game and the eventual game winning touchdown with 18 seconds left to play. Wardell finished completing 24 of 32 passes for 249 yards and the two late scores.
While the Cavs’ passing offense clicked in the final two minutes, their defense came up big too as St. Charles Catholic was trying to ice the game away on a fourth and one, but Calvary’s defense made the stand they needed, which led to the game winning touchdown.
“They played well all season. Sometimes, they get overshadowed by the offensive guys, but they played well by only giving up 150 points all year long. Hats off to them. Those guys have done a great job.”
Calvary Baptist Head Coach Rodney Guin
The defense also sealed the comeback as Hutch Grace, who led the way with 6.5 tackles and a TFL, picked up a fumble on a hook and ladder for the last play of the game.
In a matchup between an unstoppable force in Calvary’s offense against an immovable object in St. Charles Catholic’s defense, it was the Comets’ defense that controlled the game for the most part having one time a 15 point lead, but the Cavaliers’ offense kept grinding and broke through at the end.
Calvary’s Most Valuable Player James Simon certainly kept the Cavaliers in the game early by establishing the ground attack. The 2025 four star running back ran for 191 yards and three touchdowns. The Superdome has proved to be a great setting for the Simon family as James’ dad John Simon had a state championship game MVP performance for the Southern Lab Kittens.
“We’ve always had our talk about running back stuff. I always try to be better than him. He can say whatever he wants about this, but I feel like I am getting close to him. It is going to be over by the time I get to the next level.”
Calvary Baptist 2025 RB James Simon
St. Charles Catholic controlled the game for the majority and looked to be on their way to a third straight state championship title as well as their 21st straight win, but just didn’t finish the deal at the end.
“We have been on the other side of it. I am just so proud of what our seniors have done for the last five years. Give Calvary all the credit. That is what a state championship game looks like. If I am a fan, I got my money’s worth.”
“Tip of the hat to Calvary. I thought that we were playing on their heels and they were on their toes.”
St. Charles Catholic Head Coach Wayne Stein
Still, the Comets’ players have nothing to be a shame of after winning two state championships and helping head coaches Frank Monica and now, Wayne Stein achieve the best four year run in program history.
Senior quarterback Brady St. Pierre played an efficient game completing 8 of 12 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. He completed both of his touchdown passes to Daniel Joseph, who finished with four catches for 96 yards.
The Comets also relied on the running game by rushing for 209 yards led by Skyler Edwards and Jeramiah Wills, who had two touchdown runs in the game.
The Cavaliers won their fourth state championship and first since 2020. For head coach Rodney Guin, this has arguably been his best football team he has ever coached as the Cavaliers have finished the season undefeated at 14-0.
“First, we won this state championship in 2020. This is different. Our kids can score the football. The kids have confidence that we can score. We finally made some plays in the second half. When it was on the line, they came through.”
Calvary Baptist Head Coach Rodney Guin
1st Quarter:
2nd Quarter:
4th Quarter:
Check out the photos taken by Billy Metcalf!
You must be logged in to post a comment.