Last Friday night marked the start of the LHSAA/State Farm Prep Classic in the Superdome, the five championship games drew record-breaking crowds despite “ ponding” on area roadways due to heavy rain. The 2A state championship game featured John Curtis vs. Evangel. Evangel upset the heavily favored Patriots 18-13, earning their 12th state title, third most in Louisiana History. The 3A game pitted Parkview Baptist vs. Notre Dame. Notre Dame’s stout defense, held Parkview’s offense to 1 yard in the second half on their way to the 14-7 triumph. Saturday’s 1A battle, South Plaquemines vs. Haynesville, was a rather sloppy but hard-hitting affair, where the kickers converted only 1 of 5 extra points. Haynesville’s late interception dashed South Plaquemines’ three-peat dreams, persevering Haynesville’s 15th state crown (second on Louisiana’s all-time list) in their 19-12 win. In 4A Neville fought Franklinton, Neville jumped on Franklinton early, behind the brilliant play of quarterback Taylor Burch; they led 21-0 at the half. Franklinton owned the third quarter, trimming the deficit to 21-15 moving to the fourth. Neville closed the deal, scoring 10 points in the final period to secure the trophy, 31-15. The highly anticipated 5A match-up had Rummel opposing West Monroe always deemed by promoters as the “ Main Event.” West Monroe wore down the Raiders strong defense, turning West Monroe’ s 9-0 halftime cushion into a 30-0 blowout, assuring them top honors in Louisiana high school football.
Kingpin patrons displayed more optimism than the upbeat White House, touting their healthcare reform passing before Christmas, even though Gregg Williams’ bunch seemed a step slow all afternoon. Atlanta’s backup quarterback Chris Redman rolled up impressive stats every time they touched the ball. Saints diehards uncorked more roars than normal, trying to inspire their beloved boys to make some plays on defense. Late in the game, several Saints fans looked bewildered by Coach Sean Payton’s fake field goal attempt, but Big Daddy enjoyed educating the naive group how Las Vegas operates. The mysterious play kept the total under 50, trumpeting to America how “INTERESTING” the NFL can be. Thank goodness Steve Watson’s fantastic pasta buffet re-energized the raucous crowd, affording them the ability to raise their intensity levels to unimaginable peak, helping the Saints defense thwart any Dirty Bird efforts to derail the Saints undefeated train. The Kingpin erupted into complete pandemonium as Drew Brees brought the offense in victory formation. Man, that victory party went deep into Monday morning.
The Falcons recap begins when Atlanta took the opening kickoff, drove 57 yards, where kicker Matt Bryant’s 36-yard field goal put Atlanta ahead 3-0. Saints kicker Garrett Hartley’s 33-yarder knotted the score 3-3. Bryant’s 30 yard 3-pointer made it 6-3 Falcons after one. Drew Brees’ 6-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Bush gave the Saints a 10-6 advantage. Following the defense forcing the Falcon’s only punt, the offense capitalized by virtue of Brees’ 3-yard completion to Marques Colston. However, Hartley’s extra point try failed, making it 16-6 Saints. Chris Redman engineered a nearly perfect 2-minute drill, enabling Bryant to hit his third successful boot, his buzzer beating kick sent the Saints to the locker room in front 16-9. Brees’ 21-yard screen pass to Reggie Bush stretched the Saints bulge to 23-9 early in the third. Safety Darren Sharper got torched by wide receiver Michael Jenkins and Chris Redman’s throw hit him in stride, the 50-yard play narrowed the gap to 23-16 heading to the fourth. Running back Jason Snelling’s 6-yard run tied the game, 23-23 with 12:56 remaining in regulation. The ensuing offensive possession saw the Saints hold the ball for 16 plays, milking 8:14 off the clock, but Drew Brees lone mistake hurt: His intentional grounding penalty stopped the drive. Hartley’ s 38-yarder split the uprights, giving the Saints a slim 26-23 edge with 4:42 left. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma interception of Redman seemingly kept the Saints run at perfection alive. However, Sean Payton’ s ill-advised fake field goal handed the hated Falcons one more chance. Vilma’ s sure tackle of Jason Snelling, stuffed their desperation 4th down play, dashing all hopes of Atlanta’s upset bid. Even though it was ugly— the 26-23 tough road victory raised the Saints record to 13-0. What could more beautiful than that? Dallas and the “Unknown Who Dat” will find out Saturday night!
Saints Beat will now unveil Big Daddy’s NFL playoff forecast, his NFC predictions will shake out like this: No. 1 New Orleans and No. 2 Minnesota will earn first round byes; No. 3 Philadelphia and No. 4 Arizona garner the remaining division crowns and host the two wildcards; No. 5 Green Bay and No. 6 New York will squeeze in the final spot. In the AFC: No. 1 Indianapolis and No. 2 San Diego will receive that week of rest; get No. 3 Cincinnati and No. 4 New England will capture the other divisions; hosting No. 5 Denver and No. 6 Baltimore ekes in the world’s most exciting 16-team tournament— Too bad the NCAA and the BCS just don’t get it.
Tune in to next week’s Section 645 Saints Beat, when Big Daddy tailgates outside the Superdome, recaps the Dallas game, reports from Section 645, and grades the Chocolate City’s first Mayoral debate. Please don’t forget to Click for Cans as often as you can, especially with Christmas less than one week away. log on to: www.chunky.com/ClickforCansLanding.aspx, then cast your vote for the Saints. New Who Dat Nation members must visit www.NOSaints History.com to learn all about the America’s hippest pro football franchise. Big Daddy highly recommends reading those historical facts surrounding the Saints colorful beginnings. The lessons will be enlightening and very entertaining. If you’ ve never understood what feeling the New Orleans vibe meant, check out Wright Thompson’ ESPN.com article titled: Saints Soul of America’ s City (located at: sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?page=hotread14/Saints), nails every aspect of why locals bleed for the Saints and pinpoints all the wonderful reasons New Orleanians are so proud to call the Crescent City home. Now Big Daddy releases his World Famous Pregame Information: — Go Under 53 —
