Built for the Dome: Performances That Stole State Championship Weekend
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
The 2025 Louisiana high school football season is officially in the books, and while it ended too soon, the dome delivered one final reminder of why it matters. Prep Classic weekend produced performances that will be talked about for years.
Isaiah Washington, Haynesville (LSU signee)
The LSU signee rushed seven times for 106 yards, averaging 12.4 yards per carry, and rushed for 2 touchdowns while handling quarterback duties. Defensively, he was everywhere, finishing with 12 solo tackles and 14 total. Not to mention a 77-yard interception return for a score in a shootout win over Mangham.
Elijah Haven, Dunham (2027)
As a junior, Haven has now set the career record for combined passing and rushing touchdowns with 180. He also owns the Louisiana single-season passing touchdown record (62) and the single-season total touchdown record (73). In the state title game, Haven was in complete control from start to finish, finishing 21-of-29 with three passing touchdowns. He added 150 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.
Jarvis Washington, Dunham (South Alabama signee)
While Haven steered the offense, Washington provided the knockout blows. The South Alabama signee helped the Tigers pull away in the second half with one of the weekend’s biggest plays, a spinning 77-yard touchdown catch-and-run that shifted all momentum.
Washington finished with 10 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns, capping a season in which he led the state with 25 touchdown catches.
The Iowa Trio
Jeremiah Bushnell, a Houston signee, did it all, hauling in four receptions for 112 yards and three touchdowns, including a long of 49 yards. He also added 46 rushing yards and a touchdown, finishing with 177 all-purpose yards.
Kaston Lewis ran the ball 15 times for 172 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.5 yards per carry.
J’Vien Adams (2026) ran it 24 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns at 6.6 yards per carry. Together, they brought Iowa its first state championship in school history.
Luke Delafield, North DeSoto (Northwestern State signee)
Even in a loss, Delafield delivered a performance worthy of recognition. One of the state’s toughest and most accomplished quarterbacks, Delafield eclipsed 10,000 career yards during his high school career and left everything on the field in a 50–43 loss to Iowa.
Delafield passed for 233 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 80 yards and a score. He connected twice with Colton LaCour for touchdowns and battled until the final whistle.
TJ Burch, Sterlington (2027)
Sterlington leaned on its junior running back when it mattered most, and Burch delivered. He rushed 17 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, as the Panthers pulled away from Jena to win back-to-back state titles.
Rontrae Carter, Shaw (2027)
The junior’s play stood out as one of the top defensive performances of the weekend. Carter recorded 15 tackles and two tackles for loss, flying all over the field.
By now, I’m sure you’ve seen the mistake Shaw’s Gus Rivera III made on Friday night, with clips circulating online. Carter was one of many teammates and high school student-athletes around Louisiana who voiced support for Rivera.
Wydell Clark, Ouachita Parish (2026)
Wydell Clark made the biggest play of the prep classic, and possibly the biggest play of the entire season.
Clark finished with 108 receiving yards and a 30-yard touchdown reception that gave Ouachita Parish the lead in the fourth quarter. He also added seven tackles on the other side of the ball. His defining moment came moments later: Clark chased down Ruston star Ahmad Hudson from behind, laying out to knock the ball loose after a 43-yard gain. The Lions recovered, sealing a 21–20 win.
Ahmad Hudson, Ruston (2027)
Despite the loss, Hudson proved why he is considered the No. 1 tight end in the Class of 2027. The junior was nearly unstoppable, catching six passes for 179 yards and a touchdown while consistently stressing the Ouachita Parish defense. Hudson was named Ruston’s Outstanding Player in the Prep Classic.
Tyler Milioto, St. Charles Catholic (2026)
State Championship moments often come with redemption. After missing an extra point to tie the game in the final minutes, St. Charles kicker Tyler Milioto responded with ice in his veins, drilling a 44-yard field goal in the final seconds, which would have been good from 54, to win the state title for the Comets.
Chad Jones Jr., St. Augustine (2026)
The son of former LSU star safety Chad Jones, Chad Jones Jr., made his own mark under the Superdome lights. Jones picked off John Johnson for a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown early to keep St. Augustine within striking distance against Edna Karr.
Facing one of the greatest teams in our state’s history, Jones finished with 11 solo tackles and 16 total.
The Edna Karr Defense
Championships are often defined by defense, and Edna Karr’s was historic this season. The Cougars allowed no touchdowns and forced five turnovers in the state title game.
Torrence Sanders (Washington State signee) scored on a 73-yard fumble return. LSU signee Aiden Hall delivered multiple big hits, recovered a fumble, and added two tackles. Junior linebacker Ian Gray intercepted two passes. Junior Juelz Batiste forced a fumble, while senior Cornell Williams added another. Up front, LSU signee Richard Anderson, the nation’s No. 1 defensive lineman, controlled the line of scrimmage.
John Johnson III, Edna Karr (West Virginia Signee)
Once again, John Johnson III delivered on the state championship stage. For the second straight year, the Edna Karr quarterback put together a state title-winning performance, rushing for four touchdowns and throwing for 169 yards and a score.