A Dream Realized: Ascension Catholic Claims Historic First State Championship in Thrilling Fashion

Imagine the roar, the electric hum of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the air thick with anticipation. It was December 9, 2023, and two Louisiana powerhouses, Ascension Catholic and Riverside Academy, were about to battle it out for the LHSAA Prep Classic Division IV Select Championship. Little did anyone know, we were on the cusp of witnessing history – a truly unforgettable football game that would etch itself into the hearts of players, coaches, and fans alike.

When the dust settled, the scoreboard told a tale of sheer grit and determination: Ascension Catholic, 40, Riverside Academy, 36. But those numbers, as impressive as they are, barely scratch the surface of the drama that unfolded. This wasn't just a win; it was the culmination of a dream, the first state championship title ever for Ascension Catholic, secured in the most thrilling, nail-biting fashion imaginable.

From the very first whistle, it was clear this wouldn't be a defensive slugfest. Both teams came out firing, trading blows like seasoned prizefighters. At halftime, Riverside Academy held a narrow 20-14 lead, a testament to their early execution and resilience. But if you thought Ascension Catholic would roll over, you simply haven't seen them play. They clawed their way back, refusing to let the moment overwhelm them, proving their mettle.

The fourth quarter, my friends, was a masterclass in high-stakes football. Riverside Academy, showing incredible resolve, managed to surge ahead once more, taking a 36-34 lead with just 3 minutes and 15 seconds left on the clock. For many teams, that might have been the death knell. The pressure? Immense. The stakes? Everything. But for Ascension Catholic, it seemed to ignite something deeper, a spark born from years of dedication.

And respond they did! With the championship hanging in the balance, Ascension Catholic orchestrated a truly magnificent drive. Quarterback Brooks Leonard, displaying nerves of steel, connected with Brennan Maus for the go-ahead touchdown. Can you imagine the eruption from their side of the Superdome? Forty to thirty-six, with a mere 1 minute and 11 seconds remaining. What a turnaround, what a moment!

Of course, Riverside Academy wasn't going to surrender easily. With their championship hopes on the line, they launched a desperate final drive. The tension was palpable; every breath held. But in a poetic twist of fate, their valiant effort was ultimately thwarted near midfield by an Ascension Catholic interception, sealing their destiny. It was over. The celebrations, wild and well-deserved, could finally begin.

While the win was undoubtedly a team effort, individual brilliance shone through. Brooks Leonard’s leadership at quarterback, Jacolby Brown’s impactful runs, and Brennan Maus’s crucial reception for Ascension Catholic were simply outstanding. On the other side, Dedrick Rivers and Brock Benedict from Riverside Academy battled fiercely, leaving everything they had on the field. Their performance, though not crowned with victory, was commendable and worthy of praise.

This wasn't just another game; it was a chapter written in the annals of Louisiana high school football. For Ascension Catholic, it’s a moment they’ll cherish forever – the day they stood atop the mountain, hoisting that championship trophy for the very first time. It reminds us all why we love sports, doesn't it? For the heart, the drama, and those incredible, impossible-feeling victories that truly define a season.