Non-Select Division III State Championship Preview: St. James vs Sterlington
by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | Caesars Superdome | New Orleans, LA
Tickets | Watch – NFHS Network ($)| Watch – LHSAA Network TV App (Free)
Distance To Caesars Superdome: Sterlington (290.3 miles), St. James (47.1 miles)
#1 St. James Wildcats (10-3)
Head Coach: LaVanta Davis (3rd season)
State Finals History: 5 State Titles – 2019 (3A), 1979 (3A), 1966 (B), 1960 (B), 1959 (B); 6 State Runner-Up finishes – 2023 (DIII), 2015 (3A), 2007 (2A), 1996 (3A), 1994 (3A), 1937 (B)
Road To The Dome:
Regional: Beat No. 17 Donaldsonville, 48-6
Quarterfinals: Beat No. 9 Pine, 26-7
Semi-Finals: Beat No. 5 Union Parish, 43-36
The Skinny:
The St. James Wildcats gearing up for another shot at the state championship, with a talented roster and a storied program under the guidance of Head Coach LaVanta Davis in his third season. The Wildcats have an impressive legacy of five state titles and are determined to add to their trophy case as they return to the Division III (Non-Select) State Championship after a runner-up finish in 2023.
The Wildcats have been strong on both sides of the ball throughout the regular season, averaging 24.89 points per game on offense and allowing just 11.67 points per game on defense. Their journey to the Dome has been marked by strong performances, including a 48-6 win over No. 17 Donaldsonville in the regional round, a 26-7 victory over No. 9 Pine in the quarterfinals, and a 43-36 victory over 2023 State Champion, Union Parish.
St. James’ offense is led by a potent backfield, featuring running backs Kendrick Joseph Jr. and Kani King-Young. These playmakers have powered the Wildcats’ offensive attack, which has been efficient and balanced. Freshman Quarterback Ja’Juan Jackson runs the show and is determined to bring the Wildcats a state championship in his first year.
On defense, the Wildcats have been stingy, holding opponents to under 12 points per game. Sophomore Defensive back Jye Blain and senior safety Jarrell Williams lead the charge, bringing experience and leadership to a defense that has been tough all season long.
St. James’ signature wins include victories over strong teams like Ponchatoula (35-13), McDonogh #35 (26-9), Donaldsonville (35-6), and Patterson (14-0), all of which helped cement their status as one of the top teams in Division III.
With five state championships already to their name, St. James is aiming to secure their sixth title, continuing a tradition of excellence and adding to their rich history in Louisiana high school football. The Wildcats are ready to take on the challenge and finish the season as State Champions.
Playoff Averages: 39 points per game, allowing only 16.33 points per game
Signature wins: Ponchatoula (Sept. 27); McDonogh #35 (Oct. 18); Donaldsonville (Oct. 25); Patterson (Nov. 1)
#6 Sterlington Panthers (10-4)
Head Coach: Lee Doty (8th season)
State Finals History: 2 State Titles – 2021 (3A), 2016 (3A); 3 State Runner-Up finishes – 2018 (3A), 2003 (2A), 2002 (1A)
Road To The Dome:
Bi-District: Beat No. 27 Patterson, 63-12
Regional: Beat No. 11 Lakeside, 49-18
Quarterfinals: Beat No. 3 Oak Grove, 43-39
Semi-Finals: Beat No. 7 Jena, 48-14
The Skinny:
The #6 Seeded Sterlington Panthers are on quite the run to the state championship, with a remarkable performance under the leadership of Head Coach Lee Doty in his 8th season. The Panthers, who have already claimed two state titles (2021 and 2016) and made three state runner-up finishes, are now one step away from adding another state title to their storied history.
The Panthers’ journey to the Caesars Superdome has been remarkable, highlighted by an upset of No. 3 seed Oak Grove in the quarterfinals, winning 43-39 in high high-scoring affair and then utter dominance over #7 Jena in their semifinal matchup, cruising to a 48-14 victory.
Sterlington’s offense has been explosive, averaging 29.2 points per game, while their defense has been solid, allowing 17.4 points per game. The Panthers have been led by quarterback J’Rob Breen on offense. Running back Hagen Herring has been a bell cow all season, contributing both on the ground and as a leader in the backfield.
The Panthers have shown relentless aggression, with Tre Burch and TJ Burch stepping up as dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball. Their defense, in particular, has been a key factor in powering the team to an eight-game winning streak.
Sterlington’s regular season signature wins include victories over Tioga (28-13), Richwood (34-6), Bastrop (37-22), and Carroll (34-7), all of which played a pivotal role in their march to the Dome.
After beginning the season 2-3, the Panthers have gone on a run that only coach Lee Doty could have envisioned. The Panthers get a rematch with No. 1 St. James and look to avenge last year’s semi-final loss to the Wildcats.
Playoff Averages: 50.75 points per game, allowing 20.75 points per game
Signature wins: Tioga (Sept. 6); Richwood (Oct. 11); Bastrop (Oct. 25); Carroll (Nov. 1)