The Dunham Tigers win their first state championship since 2004 in dominating fashion on both sides of the ball in a 34-17 victory over Calvary Baptist in the Division III Select State Championship Game.
Five star 2027 QB Elijah Haven, who is now the Louisiana all-time touchdown leader, put on a splendid performance in the Superdome earning MVP honors. Haven was phenomenal completing 21 of 29 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns to only one interception while rushing for another 136 yards on the ground and two more touchdowns.
“I think my performance was good. It is about doing whatever it takes to help the team win. I’m not really worried about the accolades. We just won a state championship and I am just going to be able to celebrate with the guys doing that.”
Dunham 2027 QB Elijah Haven
His main wide receiving target and South Alabama signee Jarvis Washington was also unstoppable in this game as he finished with 10 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns.
“All the credit to Coach Jeff Hand for scheming up the plays and putting me to be in the right position as possible. The receiving core we have is truly spectacular. We all trust each other to make big plays on the field. We just believe each other and that’s all you really need.”
Dunham 2026 WR Jarvis Washington
While the offense was humming, the Dunham defense was equally just as impressive only holding Calvary Baptist to 13 yards rushing and only 222 yards of total offense. Three-star 2027 WR Braylon Huglon made some plays for the Cavaliers finishing with four catches for 88 yards and one touchdown while Hudson Price ran for a touchdown, but the Cavaliers’ offense could not consistently move the ball the entire night.
“First of all, the defensive game plan was great every single week and it was nothing different this week. Coach Leindecker got us ready, but it comes down to heart. We have been preaching nothing but that on the defensive line these past three years. You got to have heart. We work technique every single day. No reps off. At the end of the day, it is about who wants it more and we wanted it more.”
Dunham 2026 DL Eliot Trahan
This senior class wanted it more. After being in their third state championship game in four years, the Tigers finally broke down that door.
“It is special. This is such a great group. I felt like every year is a great group. For me personally, we finished practice on Tuesday and I got emotional. It really struck me. Trevor Haman was in kindergarten when I got hired at the Dunham School and he is graduating now. I’ve watched him grow from a young boy to this man. It is so special to see this senior class. We got guys like Trevor, Colin Pecue that have been doing this since they were three to four years old and we got guys like Jarvis who came here two years ago. Instantly, he felt like he was part of something special. To have this senior class put in four years of work, have three trips to the Dome and come away with a victory to end it is pretty darn special.”
Dunham HC Neil Weiner
This win also means a lot to Neil Weiner, who now joins an exclusive club of father/son duos to have won state championships.
“I think about my dad a lot with him not being able to physically be here to be present. Whether or not I win a state championship, my dad loves me so much. What a great reflection of our heavenly father that loves us no matter what we do. My dad physically is struggling a lot. He can’t talk a whole lot, but he called last night to make sure to tell me that he loved me. What happened tonight is extra special. Knowing that I have a mom and a dad that love me like that and that’s what’s great about coaching these guys. I love them no matter what. I’m excited for these kids to win a championship, but I don’t need a championship to validate me.”
Dunham HC Neil Weiner
In more ways than one, the 2025 version of the Dunham Tigers will be a team to be remembered for all they had to persevere through in order to get to the mountaintop.
Check out the photos taken by Billy Metcalf!
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