A matchup between two undefeated teams that were searching for their first state championship certainly did not disappoint in what turned out to be the most entertaining game of the LHSAA Prep Classic to this point as the Iowa Yellow Jackets win a barnburner defeating the North DeSoto Griffins 50-43 in the Division II Non-Select State Championship Game.
This back and forth game was going to come down to whoever got the ball last and North DeSoto had a crucial roughing the punter penalty after a high snap with two minutes left to go. That allowed the Yellow Jackets to run out the final two minutes to clinch the victory.
The Yellow Jackets’ balanced offensive attack put the Griffins’ defense on its heels the entire game, especially on the ground. The dynamic 1-2 punch of J’Vien Adams and Kaston Lewis paced a rushing attack that accounted for 405 yards on the ground.
Adams ran for 158 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries while Lewis finished with 15 carries for 172 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Houston signee Jeremiah Bushnell showed what kind of player the Cougars will be getting as he had four catches for 112 yards and three touchdowns earning MVP honors for the Yellow Jackets.
“Jeremiah Bushnell had an unbelievable game tonight. That’s what I love about this team because from week to week, you don’t know who’s going to have the big game. I thought that this was one of the best games of his career. Kaston probably played one of the best games of his career the week before. J’Vien has been as solid a player you can find for a high school coach. He is the all-time leading rusher in Iowa history.”
“None of these guys are selfish. They don’t care who gets the carries or the credit. That’s why we are in this position.”
Iowa HC Tommy Johns
Meanwhile, Lawston Broussard had an efficient game at quarterback completing 11 of 15 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns while also scoring the eventual game winning touchdown on the ground.
On the other side, North DeSoto QB Luke Delafield, who ends his prolific high school career as the program’s all-time leading passer, had a great game statistically completing 17/24 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another 79 yards and one touchdown on the ground. His main target was Colton Lacour, who finished with six grabs for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
The Griffins’ all-time leading rusher and Louisiana Tech signee Kenny Thomas ended his prep career with 90 yards rushing and one touchdown plus another 91 yards in kick returns.
In a game that saw a total of 1,007 yards and nine different lead changes, the Yellow Jackets made the plays down the stretch to seal the victory.
After losing in the semifinals twice in three years the Iowa Yellow Jackets not only prevailed getting to this game, but they were able to win in the Dome on their first try. To add even more history, this is the first football state championship in 53 years for Calcasieu Parish.
“Our players, coaches, and also our community supports us tremendously in everything that we do. The support has been tremendous throughout this whole week and this journey.”
Iowa HC Tommy Johns
Check out the photos taken by Billy Metcalf!
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