It has been nearly 60 years since Central High School can say that they are on top of the mountain when it comes to Louisiana High School football. It is also the first time ever that the Wildcats have ever played in the historic Caesars Superdome, but the 2024 Central team made it count by leaving no doubt on the table with a 42-0 shutout win over the defending Division I Non-Select State Champion Ruston Bearcats.
This win was pure domination on both sides of the football. Led by Nicholls State signee Jackson Firmin, Central’s senior signal caller solidified his legend with a memorable performance completing 17 of 28 passes for 233 yards and five touchdowns. Keithon Womack was the top receiver with six catches for 113 yards and two scores while Kylen Thomas, Steven Ranel, and Tyrann Williams also had touchdown receptions.
As good as the offensive performance was, it was the suffocating defense that was arguably more impressive. The Wildcats defense has been dominant all season long and finished with their best performance only allowing 90 total yards of offense. That is a Prep Classic record of fewest yards ever given up by a defense.
Not only did Central frustrate Ruston’s offense in that regard, but they also forced four turnovers including a scoop and score by Houston signee DK Mays.
The Wildcats started out with a bang and it was sparked by their two senior leaders. Nicholls State QB signee Jackson Firmin found Keithon Womack for a 59 yard scoring strike to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.
Then, a Ruston fumble was scooped and scored by none other than Houston signee DK Mays, who returned it 18 yards for the score to put the Wildcats up 14-0.
It looked like it was going to unravel even further for the Bearcats as Brantley’s pass was intercepted by Mason Moore, but the Wildcats missed a field goal opportunity to try and extend their lead to three possessions.
After forcing a punt, Central’s offense went back to work scoring on a 69 yard drive. Firmin got his second touchdown of the game by finding Kylen Thomas for a five yard touchdown to put the red hot Wildcats up 21-0.
The Central onslaught kept on going as Firmin found a wide open Steven Ranel for a 40 yard touchdown on the first play of the ensuing drive to shock the Bearcats 28-0.
Adding to the bleeding was once again a fourth touchdown pass from Jackson Firmin, who put on a show in the first half. He connected with Tyrann Williams for a 14 yard touchdown, and the score is 35-0 Wildcats just right before halftime.
To start the second half, Central had another long drive, but failed to extend the lead. Ruston was able to block the Wildcats’ field goal attempt to keep it a 35-0 game.
Brantley throws his second interception of the game as Marvin Joseph catches it off a Ruston receiver.
Firmin makes his first mistake of the game when he throws an interception to Zander Hayes, who returns the pick 44 yards at the Wildcats’ 32 yard line. However, Ruston could not capitalize turning the ball over on downs.
The future Nicholls State Colonel gunslinger threw his fifth touchdown of the football game when he found Womack for the second time in the end zone to make it now running clock for the Wildcats at 42-0.
Central forced their fourth turnover of the football game when Mason Moore recovered a fumble that was forced by De’Shad Sherridan. It was icing on the cake for the Wildcats in what was a historic night for Central, Louisiana.
It was a shocking, underwhelming performance from the Ruston Bearcats (11-3), but it does not take away from what Coach Baugh’s team has done over the last three years, which was make the state championship three years in a row including a Division I Non-Select state title a season ago.
“For whatever reason or another, I didn’t get our guys ready to play and I’ll take full responsibility for that. That’s my job. I don’t want to let this night diminish what these guys have done.”
Ruston Head Coach Jerrod Baugh
In just a matter of two seasons, head coach David Simoneaux has gotten Central (13-1) that elusive state championship, which has evaded them for nearly 60 years. Coach Simoneaux also joins rare company to lead three different teams to the state championship (Catholic P.C., Catholic B.R., Central). When it comes to Central football lore, the 2024 team will always have their place in history.
“I’m just so proud of our whole town. I’m so proud of our administration. I’m so proud of our players. I’m so proud of our coaches. I’ll cherish these memories with these guys for the rest of my life.”
Central HC David Simoneaux
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