Tigers Defeat Lions 19-13 in the 2024 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game

Cecilia WR Ellis Stewart scores to beat the buzzer before halftime for the Tigers. (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)
Watch the full broadcast of the 2024 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game from 446 Sports!

The sixth annual Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game made its return back to Memorial Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and once again, the game certainly lived up to the hype featuring some of the best senior football talent across the Southern United States including Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico.

The 2024 version of the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game featured two new team names in the Tigers and the Lions. The Tigers were led by Kenner Discovery Head Coach PJ Sprunk and the Lions were head coached by longtime Arkansas high school coach Jay Murphee.

Both teams were drafted by Gridiron Football CEO Andy Bryson and former LSU Quarterback Marcus Randall with Team Lions being selected by Andy and Team Tigers being selected by Marcus. With Andy’s team getting the better of Marcus’ team last year 14-7 in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, Marcus was looking to get revenge while Andy wanted to win back to back years.

Once again, the Liberty Magnet School Marching Band brought the excitement to the Memorial Stadium crowd and after two full days of practice at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, it was time to get the ball kicked off for the big grand finale after three great junior high games that were played earlier in the day.

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Game Recap: Tigers 19, Lions 13

To start the game, it looked like it was going to be a repeat of last year’s game with Andy’s team striking first. Lions and Escambia High School (Pensacola, FL) quarterback Nino Freeman took off for a 20 yard gain and a pass interference penalty on the Tigers eventually set up a 11 yard touchdown pass from Freeman to Raijon Sims. It was a great start for the Lions’ #1 overall draft pick from Marshall (Marshall, TX) to start the game with a touchdown reception. Adding the extra point for the Lions was Gridiron Football’s first female All-American kicker Morgan Stancliff from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, who gave the Lions a 7-0 lead.

Escambia kicker Morgan Stancliff makes the extra point for the Lions. (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

The Tigers’ opening possession was promising, but a fumble recovered by Mangham High School (Mangham, LA) DL Isaiah McFarland gave the Lions the ball back. The Lions would turn the ball over right back to the Tigers as Freeman threw an interception to Pineville High School (Pineville, LA) safety Jacob Miranda, who returned it back for 16 yards to give Marcus’ team great field position.

Besides the opening touchdown, both teams had trouble keeping the football to start the ball game. Riverdale (Jefferson, LA) QB Rida Ghazzali somehow completed a 13 pass to Slidell (Slidell, LA) WR Ramelo Howard while getting pressured and then completed another 14 yard pass to Alexandria Senior High School (Alexandria, LA) WR Darius Washington in order to set the Tigers up at the one yard line. However, as the Tigers were trying to get in the end zone, Isaiah McFarland forced his second turnover with Slaughter Charter High School (Slaughter, LA) DL Terrance Armstead recovering the fumble at the one yard line.

Mangham defensive lineman Isaiah McFarland (Photo taken by Michael Odendahl)

The Lions would go three and out the following drive and the Tigers finally were able to put some points on the board. Peabody Magnet High School (Alexandria, LA) QB James Lucas IV and Jennings High School (Jennings, LA) RB Re’John Zeno led a nice Tigers drive with the biggest play being a great improvisational play by Lucas to roll out the pocket and finding CHEF (Baton Rouge, LA) WR Chase McCall for a 24 yard gain. The Lions did hold to a successful 25 yard field goal by Gulfport High School (Gulfport, MS) kicker Grayson Tegeder, but the Tigers did get on the board trailing 7-3.

Next drive, the Lions decided to go for it on fourth down, but the Tigers defense was able to tackle Hawley High School (Hawley, TX) QB Keagan Ables for a five yard loss. Leading the charge on the turnover on downs defensive play was Grant High School (Dry Prong, LA) defensive lineman Kourtland Elie and Carencro High School (Carencro, LA) linebacker Brian Amune, who stopped Ables on the speed option.

This would lead to perhaps the play of the entire game. Bunkie High School (Bunkie, LA) QB Dillon Compton had back to back runs to set up the Tigers within striking range right before halftime. As the clock struck zero seconds, Compton fired a 19 yard pass to Cecilia High School (Cecilia, LA) WR Ellis Stewart, who ran into the end zone for the touchdown. Not only was the play exciting with a buzzer beater to give the Tigers a 10-7 lead, but Stewart added to it with a backflip celebration.

Ellis Stewart celebrates with a teammate after scoring a touchdown. (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

After an exciting halftime show by the Liberty marching band, it was time to start the second half of play. Both teams exchanged punts to start the second half, but once again, Mr. Gridiron James Lucas IV led an impressive drive with the Tigers marching down the field for 10 plays. The Lions almost had an opportunity with what looked an interception from Delhi High School (Delhi, LA) DB Jay Wright, but a holding penalty wiped away the turnover, which led to one of the longest field goals in Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game history. The left footed kicker Grayson Tegeder boomed a 42 yard field goal to extend the Tigers’ lead to six at 13-7.

The Tigers’ pass rush got to Nino Freeman on third down with an 18 yard sack from Elie after the Lions had a bad snap. Then, it was the Lions that got an impressive defensive play of their own. After Compton was marked a yard short of a first down mark on third down, Istrouma High School (Baton Rouge, LA) linebacker Jeremiah Coleman quickly gets in the backfield for the Lions to force a turnover on downs.

Escambia QB Nino Freeman attempts a pass for the Lions. (Photo taken by Billy Metcalf)

Defenses would continue to dominate throughout the second half, and it was a defensive play that again sparked the offense. Freeman threw his second interception of the game as this time, Grant High School (Dry Prong, LA) DB Isaiah McKinney was in centerfield with the pick for the Tigers and returning it 15 yards inside the Lions’ 30 yard line. Taking advantage of the turnover, Rida Ghazzali connected with Ramelo Howard for a 23 yard pickup to put the Tigers at the one yard line. Ghazzali then hits Ellis Stewart for a one yard touchdown to give the Tigers’ their biggest lead of the game at 19-7. It was Stewart’s second touchdown catch of the game. Trying to make it an even 14 point game, the Tigers went for a two point conversion. Ghazzali tried throwing it in the back of the end zone to the big East Jefferson High School (Metairie, LA) tight end Dorrion Hollins, but Escambia High School (Pensacola, FL) cornerback Chrissean Jones provided perfect coverage to keep it a 19-7 ball game with just under six minutes in the fourth quarter.

Needing two scores fast, the Lions had by far their most effective drive since the opening possession of the ball game as it did not take long to score. Freeman hit the biggest pass completion of the game finding Pine High School (Franklinton, LA) WR DJ Garrett over the shoulder for a 54 yard gain. Next play, Freeman hits Ouachita Parish (Monroe, LA) WR CJ Spurs, who navigated from one side of the field to the other for 20 yards to put the Lions at the two yard line. A play later, Walker High School (Walker, LA) RB Cayden Jones punched the ball in the end zone to put the Lions within striking range at 19-13. A bad snap on the extra point attempt kept it at that score with 5:12 left in the game.

The Tigers did a great job of running their four minute offense and forcing the Lions to burn all of their timeouts. All three Tigers quarterbacks received snaps during the drive, but the Lions defense got the stop that they desperately wanted. After making his first two field goals, Tegeder was going to attempt a bowl game record 52 yard field goal, but Fisher High School (Lafitte, LA) defensive back Jaiven Lewis got a lot of help from his Lions teammate in Delta Charter High School (Ferriday, LA) defensive end Titus Harrell, who lifted up Lewis in blocking the field goal attempt.

With 15 second left in the game, the Lions had a glimmer of hope, but things got really interesting. The game seemed like it was over with Freeman throwing an interception on a Hail Mary attempt to Alexandria Senior High School (Alexandria, LA) safety Jaden Lewis. While the Tigers were celebrating, it turned out that the team illegally entered the field during the play thus giving the Lions one more play. Still, the Tigers defense made sure to leave no doubt by sealing the game with a clinching sack from Pope John Paul II High School (Slidell, LA) DE DJ Jenkins. Although the Tigers had to wait for another play to officially celebrate, they were able to hold on to a 19-13 win over the Lions.

Check out the full highlights of the 2024 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game!

Final Recap:

Marcus Randall got his revenge on Andy Bryson as a GM evening his record to 1-1. PJ Sprunk gets credited for the win for the Tigers as well leading the team to a 19-13 victory.

As always, both teams received bowl game rings for participating in the all-star event, but the Tigers got some extra hardware with medallions being handed out to the winning team.

For the first time ever, the offensive and defensive MVPs would receive $250 each in scholarship money from Gridiron Football.

The Tigers take on the Lions in this year’s version of the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. (Photo taken by Jason Saucier)

Starting with the winning team, the Tigers’ offensive MVP was none other than Cecilia High School (Cecilia, LA) WR Ellis Stewart, who finished the contest with two catches for 21 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Stewart ended the season with a lot of hardware including a state championship ring, a bowl game ring, and obviously, the offensive MVP award. The Tigers’ defensive MVP ended up being Pope John Paul II High School (Slidell, LA) DE DJ Jenkins, who ended up with three tackles, a quarterback hurry, and the game clinching sack to seal the victory. It was a great way to end his senior season after investing so much time with Gridiron Football in the past when it comes to going to camps and events.

For the Lions, the offensive MVP went to Escambia High School (Pensacola, FL) QB Nino Freeman, who led both touchdown drives and finished completing five of 12 passes for 94 yards and one touchdown to two interceptions. The defensive MVP could have been multiple candidates, but ended up going to Delta Charter High School (Ferriday, LA) DE Titus Harrell, who finished with 4.5 tackles, a half TFL, multiple QB pressures, and of course, assisting in the blocked field goal towards the end of the game. An honorable mention for the Lions was Mangham High School (Mangham, LA) defensive lineman Isaiah McFarland, who ended the game with 5.5 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Besides Freeman, all three quarterbacks for the Tigers each played big roles in the win. Bunkie High School (Bunkie, LA) QB Dillon Compton went 3/6 for 34 yards and 1 TD plus 37 yards rushing on eight carries. Riverdale High School (Jefferson, LA) QB Rida Ghazzali looked sharp for a player that came in for only one day of practice completing 6/11 passes for 71 yards and 1 TD. Finally, after years of waiting his turn, Peabody Magnet High School (Alexandria, LA) QB James Lucas IV showed his ability completing 4/8 passes for 51 yards while leading two scoring drives.

Peabody QB James Lucas IV (Photo taken by Michael Odendahl)
Pineville safety Jacob Miranda gets an interception for the Tigers. (Photo taken by Michael Odendahl)

10 different receivers caught passes for the Tigers while three different running backs touched the football including their number one overall draft pick in Ascension Catholic High School (Donaldsonville, LA) RB Chad Elzy, who was the game’s leading rusher with 11 carries for 69 yards.

Defensively, the Tigers were paced by Grant High School (Dry Prong, LA) DL Kourtland Elie, who had a sack and a TFL, Grant High School (Dry Prong, LA) LB Landon Fredieu, who had 3.5 tackles, Cecilia High School (Cecilia, LA) DL Rylan Hardy, who had 2 tackles plus a TFL, and finally, Pineville High School (Pineville, LA) safety Jacob Miranda and Grant High School (Dry Prong, LA) defensive back Isaiah McKinney, who each had an interception.

Last, but certainly not least for the Tigers, Gulfport High School (Gulfport, MS) kicker Grayson Tegeder converted on two field goals, which played a pivotal role in the scoring margin.

On the other side, Walker High School (Walker, LA) RB Cayden Jones was the leading rusher with four carries for 21 yards and a touchdown. Three other running backs carried the football while five different receivers caught passes including Marshall High School (Marshall, TX) WR Raijon Sims, who caught a touchdown in the game.

Defensively, 21 different players made an appearance on the stat sheet. Teurlings Catholic High School (Lafayette, LA) safety Kaleb Daniels led the team in tackles with 4.5. Hays High School (Buda, TX) DE Lynford Noriega was active as well with 3.5 tackles, a sack, and two quarterback hurries. The Lions were aggressive getting in the backfield as Warren Easton High School (New Orleans, LA) LB Jamaal LaCaze Jr., Istrouma High School (Baton Rouge, LA) LB Jeremiah Coleman, and White Castle High School (White Castle, LA) DT Damorion Burks all had tackles for losses.

Ascension Catholic RB Chad Elzy (Photo taken by Jason Saucier)

Overall, the 2024 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game had it all. It had great offensive plays, great defensive plays, big kicks, buzzer beating touchdowns, and a dramatic finish. The product on the field continues to impress with so many players in the game going to sign college scholarships. This year’s game was another fun one at Memorial Stadium and the 2025 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game should be the best one yet.

Final Stats (Done By Cameron Cerniglia):

Team Tigers:

PASSING:

#PLAYERCOMPLETIONSATTEMPTSCOMPLETION %YDSTDSINTSAVG.
2Rida Ghazzali61154.5%711011.8
4James Lucas IV4850%510012.8
15Dillon Compton3650%341011.3
3 PASSERS132552%1482011.4

RUSHING:

#PLAYERATTEMPTSYDSAVGTDS
0Chad Elzy Jr.11696.20
15Dillon Compton8374.60
10Re’John Zeno5173.40
6Mekell Toussaint Jr.5112.20
30Brendan London492.20
4James Lucas IV551.00
2Rida Ghazzali4-6-0.60
7 RUSHERS421423.380

RECEIVING:

#PLAYERCATCHESYDSAVGTDS
13Ramelo Howard23618.00
1Ellis Stewart22110.52
5Jimmie Duncan2199.50
81Chase McCall12424.00
19Joshua Hebert11616.00
3Darius Washington11414.00
11Dorrion Hollins188.00
10Re’John Zeno177.00
17Catron Hargrove177.00
40Landon McGrath144.00
10 RECEIVERS1314811.42

DEFENSE:

#PLAYERTACKLESTFLSSACKSINTSQB HURRIES
20Landon Fredieu3.50000
8DJ Jenkins31101
44Kourtland Elie31.5100
9Jakayln Roy1.51.5001
6Mekell Toussaint Jr.1.50000
98Rylan Hardy1.51000
18Lyndon Vallery10002
27Nathan Sanchez10000
23Caleb Cooper10000
26Jatari Harris10000
34Brian Amune0.50.5000
33Stephen Coleman0.50000
58Dylon Rhodes0.50000
32Noah Romero0.50000
12Jacob Miranda00010
25Isaiah McKinney00010
7Caleb Ricks00001
18 DEFENDERS205.5225

KICKING:

#PLAYERFGs MadeFGS Attempts%LNGXP MadeXP Attempts
50Grayson Tegeder2366.6%4211

TEAM TIGERS ROSTER:

Team Lions:

PASSING:

#PLAYERCOMPLETIONSATTEMPTSCOMPLETION %YDSTDSINTS
2Nino Freeman51241.6%9412
7Keagan Ables1520%600
2 PASSERS61735.2%10012

RUSHING:

#PLAYERATTEMPTSYDSAVGTDS
28Cayden Jones4215.251
21Caleb Joseph4174.250
22Makin Lenard284.00
2Nino Freeman420.50
3Jaylon Nichols221.00
7Keagan Ables2-1-0.50
6 RUSHERS18492.71

RECEIVING:

#PLAYERCATCHESYDSAVGTDS
28Cayden Jones210.50
10DJ Garrett15454.00
20CJ Spurs12424.00
5Raijon Sims11111.01
23Blake Moran11010.00
5 RECEIVERS610016.61

DEFENSE:

#PLAYERTACKLESTFLSSACKSQB HURRIESFFsFRsFGs Blocked
40Isaiah McFarland5.51.510110
29Kaleb Daniels4.5000000
14Titus Harrell40.501001
11Khaliq Bell4000000
8Lynford Noriega3.5112000
12Jamaal LaCaze Jr.30.500000
16Jay Wright2.5000000
34Jeremiah Coleman2100000
4Jonah Waipa2000000
24Andrew England2000000
0Taiylor Bradsher2000000
27Jaiven Lewis1.5000001
90Damorion Burks1100000
55Myron Melton1000000
13Noah Harper1000000
6Chrissean Jones1000000
99Courtlyn Houston1000000
25Donovan Shine0.5000000
97Terrance Armstead0001010
19 DEFENDERS324.524111

KICKING:

#PLAYERFGs MadeFGS Attempts%LNGXP MadeXP Attempts
1Morgan Stancliff000%011

TEAM LIONS ROSTER:

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTO GALLERIES FROM THE 2024 GRIDIRON FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICAN BOWL GAME:

Senior Game Gallery #1: Billy Metcalf

Senior Game Gallery #2: Jason Saucier

Senior Game Gallery #3: Michael Odendahl

Senior Game Gallery #4: Zach Lafountaine

Check out our 2024 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game Draft Coverage:

Senior Draft Photo Gallery: Billy Metcalf

Practice Footage:

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