Cecilia Claims Thrilling Victory Over Franklinton in Louisiana Division II Non-Select State Championship
New Orleans was the setting for an intense showdown on December 13 as the Franklinton Demons faced off against the Cecilia Bulldogs at the Caesars Superdome. The game kicked off at 7 p.m. CT and featured two talented high school teams looking to seize the state championship title.
Franklinton started strong, with senior Sy Austin leading the charge. After receiving the opening kickoff, he rushed for a quick first down and led the team deep into Cecilia territory. Austin then capped off a quick six-yard drive, scoring the first touchdown of the game, putting the Demons up 7-0.
However, the Bulldogs were quick to respond; just moments later, Braylon Calais returned the ensuing kickoff for an impressive 88-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.
The first quarter remained competitive, with both teams showcasing their skills. Diesel Solari darted down the field for a 79-yard run, setting up another touchdown for Cecilia, giving them a 14-7 lead. As momentum shifted back and forth, Franklinton managed to reclaim the lead before the end of the quarter, finishing the first frame at 15-14.
Entering the second quarter, the Bulldogs scored again, pushing their lead to 22-15, but Franklinton stayed in the fight. Both teams exchanged touchdowns, and with a 35-yard field goal just before halftime, the Demons managed to narrow the gap to 29-24.
Coming back for the second half, the defenses tightened up, halting any scoring for the third quarter. Yet, Franklinton’s persistence paid off in the fourth quarter when Sy Austin pushed through for a remarkable touchdown, putting them up 32-29.
The Bulldogs weren’t done yet. In a dramatic finish, Solari connected with Ellis Stewart for a touchdown that gave Cecilia a 35-32 lead with less than two minutes to go. With the clock running down, Franklinton made a last-ditch effort to score but turned the ball over on a crucial fumble, sealing the Bulldogs’ victory. This win marked Cecilia’s first state title since 1995.
Final score: Cecilia Bulldogs 35, Franklinton Demons 32. A thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last moment.
