Championship Top Performers: University Lab vs. E.D. White
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Top-seeded E.D. White carried the same underdog mentality into the Division-II state championship game as it had throughout the memorable season and first title appearance since 1981. The Cardinals relied on their slow-paced, ball-control rushing attack to limit star-studded No.…
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Continue ReadingTop-seeded E.D. White carried the same underdog mentality into the Division-II state championship game as it had throughout the memorable season and first title appearance since 1981.
The Cardinals relied on their slow-paced, ball-control rushing attack to limit star-studded No. 2 University Lab’s opportunities.
E.D. White managed to hold the Cubs to less than half their previous low scoring output, keep within seven points and give itself a final drive late to potentially tie the game or force overtime.
But U-High’s defense came up with the final defensive stand to leave Cajun Field in Lafayette with a 14-7 victory and its first trophy since 2018.
Here were several of the top players.
UNIVERSITY LAB
Blake Abney (2023)
5-11, 175 QB
The biggest question for the title hopeful Cubs this offseason was which of two juniors would take the reins at quarterback and how he would perform. Fast-forward to Abney earning his team’s Outstanding Player honors in the Division-II state championship game. The junior capped a strong season as not only an effective manager, but a timely playmaker, with an 11-for-14 night for 129 yards and a touchdown in a clock-running, defensive battle.
Jaiden Ausberry Jaiden Ausberry 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB University Lab | 2023 State LA (2023)
6-2, 200 ATH
The young Ausberry brother was, as he often is, one of the top athletes on the field and helped make a game-high 13 tackles for the U-High defense to force the Cardinals to work their way downfield through long, methodical drives for each scoring opportunity rather than allow any game-changing breakaway plays. And, even once there, E.D. White was only able to punch one score into the end zone against Ausberry and company.
Jason Barnes Jr. (2022)
5-8, 150 ATH
Barnes put U-High on the scoreboard early with a 34-yard streak down the middle of the field and finished the night with game highs of six catches and 85 yards. The final high school contest was yet another game-changing day at work for the speedy weapon often overlooked because of his size and always proving critics wrong.
Harry Beacham (2024)
6-1, 200 LB
Another linebacker a year younger than Jaiden Ausberry Jaiden Ausberry 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB University Lab | 2023 State LA added 12 tackles in another active and disruptive showing for the sophomore. Beacham was a big piece of the Cubs’ success alongside his many older teammates and a big reason to expect continued success in the coming years.
Marcus Dawson Jr. Marcus Dawson Jr. 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB University Lab | 2024 State LA (2024)
6-3, 190 DB
Another sophomore played well on the perimeter in his coverage on limited passing plays against the run-heavy Cardinals and in shedding blocks to make tackle on runs to the outside. Dawson also make a critical special teams play to block a field goal just before half and keep the game tied entering the break.
Derrick Graham
5-11, 210 RB
“Rodeo” ran 12 times for 55 yards between the tackles to once again provide the Cubs offense a physical element, including a goal-line touchdown in the second half to break the 7-7 tie.
Keylan Moses Keylan Moses 6'2" | 215 lbs | ATH University Lab | 2025 State LA (2025)
6-1, 215 ATH
The freshman star was once again a handful for opposing blockers to keep out of the backfield to secure tackles for loss, pressure the quarterback and hurry punts.
E.D. WHITE
Brant Comeaux (2022)
6-1, 210 LB
The senior linebacker was among the many solid performers on the Cardinals’ defense to help hold typically higher-powered U-High to easily its lowest score of the season. Comeaux provided two of the most impactful plays with a first-half interception and a goal-line tackle on a fourth-down play in the second half.
Jeffrey Diedrich (2024)
5-9, 185 RB
The sophomore fullback earned his team’s Outstanding Player honors rushed 30 times for a game-high 115 yards, including several key third- and fourth-down conversions. The tough-to-tackle Diedrich repeatedly powered through contact.
Nathan Johnson (2023)
6-1, 180 DL
The junior defensive end helped contain the edge with a team-high tackles, including half a sack.
Matthew Melancon (2023)
6-1, 180 ATH
The junior athlete played all three phases for the Cardinals as a defensive back, speedy weapon to the outside on offense and return man. Melancon has excelled in all three roles throughout E.D. White’s impressive season and looks to be one of the team’s top college prospects.
Jake Sternfels (2024)
5-9, 160 QB
The quick-footed quarterback executed the methodical offense to perfection, making smart reads from start to finish whether to distribute to Diedrich, Melancon or others or keep nine times for 43 yards and the team’s lone touchdown run.