You can listen to the live broadcast of the 2-A state title game between
    John Curtis Christian and St. James on Friday, December 7 with Ken Trahan,
    Rene Nadeau, and Wayne Barber beginning at 4:30 PM, followed by a
    special edition of Ken Trahan's Original Prep Football Report until 11 PM
    from the Louisiana Superdome. At 11:05, it's Friday Night Football from
    ABC 26 with Ed Daniels and J.T. Curtis on WGSO. And at 11:35, it's
    the Original Final with Matt Sims and George Pepis on WGSO, 990 AM,
    WGSO.com, and NOLA.com.
   
    On Saturday, catch Ken Trahan, Ed Daniels, and Archie Manning for
    The Three Tailgaters Show from 10 AM-Noon. At 3:30, it's the live
    broadcast of the 4-A state title game between Archbishop Shaw and
    Bastrop with Ken Trahan, Rene Nadeau, and Matt Sims, followed by
    the live broadcast of the 5-A state title game between Destrehan and
    Acadiana. And at 10:30, it's a special edition of Friday Night Football
    with Ed Daniels and J.T. Curtis on WGSO, 990 AM, WGSO,com, and
    NOLA.com.
 
KEN TRAHAN'S PICKS
**1-A--West St. John vs. South Plaquemines
           The Rams have been here before. They are hot, having won nine
           consecutive games. They can run and throw the football.
           Defensively, Blake Comminie had a big game a week ago. The
           sentimental value of Laury Dupont retiring wll provide an impetus
           for a tremendous effort. Unfortunately, the Rams will be facing an
           incredibly talented bunch of Hurricanes from South Plaquemines.
           Cyril Crutchfield has a junior-laden team that arrived a year early.
           This is by far the best offense in 1-A. RidgeTurner has been
           simply magnificent. The consolidation of Boothville-Venice, Buras,
           and Port Sulphur following Katrina is a great story and should
           prevail. I am calling this one SOUTH PLAQUEMINES 34
           WEST ST. JOHN 22.
 
**2-A--John Curtis vs. St. James        
            This is a rematch game of district rivals. These are clearly the
            two best teams in the class. St. James won the first time 16-14.
            They have speed everywhere. Luther Ambrose is the state's
            fastest player. The likes of Davis and Narcisse are imposing
            presences. Unlike most Wing-T offenses, the Wildcats are not
            a ball-control bunch. They thrive on big plays. Their defense
            has been outstanding.
            John Curtis is playing its best football in the playoffs, looking
            dominant. The offensive line has come together in big fashion,
            opening huge holes for Blaine LeBlanc and Kenny Cain. The
            secondary remains the state's best. Ultimately, this one could
            come down to the kicking game. Give a slight edge to the
            Patriots in the return game though the placekicking edge
            may go to St. James. In what could be a classic, I am going
            with the Patriots because I cannot see a team beating them twice
            in a season. I'm calling this one JOHN CURTIS 20 ST. JAMES 17.
 
3-A--PARKVIEW BAPTIST vs. WESTLAKE
           In what should be an excellent game, Parkview Baptist returns
           to the title game with a huge offensive front and a punishing
           running game. Kenny Guillot's team has been battle-tested all
           season long against tough competition. This is a team that has
           won many close games, including a pair of epic battles against
           Redemptorist. They have been here before.
           Westlake has been an incredibly potent offense team throughout
           the playoffs. Like Parkview, they have a big front and can
           punish the opposition. This one should come down to whose
           front can control the line of scrimmage. It will be a very close
           game. I'm calling this one PARKVIEW BAPTIST 28 WESTLAKE 27.
 
4-A--ARCHBISHOP SHAW vs. BASTROP
          This is a rematch game of a year ago in the Superdome. Both teams,
          just like last year, enter the classic undefeated. Shaw has done it
          with a tremendous defense and a marvelous running game behind
          a massive, experienced offensive line. Andrew Starkey, subbing
          for the injured Ramad Robinson, must manage the game well.
          Steffon Gray is a big key for the Eagles. If Starkey can get the ball
          to Pierre Hill and Ron Walker, they will make plays.
          Bastrop still has the state's best offense, led by Randall Mackey,
          who is the state's best quarterback. He is lethal running and passing.
          The Rams are still good up front but not the great team up front that
          they were last year, particularly on defense. Shaw has closed the
          gap a bit. If the Eagles were healthy, I may very well like them to win
          this game. Because of their health issues, I like Bastrop in a close
          contest. I'm calling this one BASTROP 27 SHAW 21.
 
5-A--DESTREHAN vs. ACADIANA
          The Wildcats have been the state's most potent team in this class
          and have truly hit their stride in the playoffs. They have been
          magnificent throughout the postseason. Jordan Jefferson is
          playing his best football, Demaris Johnson has been sensational,
          Tim Molton is a big-time talent, and Jerico Nelson is making
          big plays. What sets Destrehan apart this year is their much-
          improved defense.
          Acadiana is in the state title game for a third consecutive season
          under Ted Davidson. The Wrecking Rams are getting it done
          behind superb offensive line play and tremendous execution of
          their veer offense, led by Morvant and Dean. They are hard to
          get off of the field. If Destrehan can get a few stops, they will
          be able to get their at-bats and score frequently. It is a classic
          matchup--the spread vs. the veer. I'm calling this one
          DESTREHAN 38 ACADIANA 24.    

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