Eye-catchers from the Division-III Select state championship

Top-seeded and undefeated Dunham found itself down 17 in the fourth quarter to a Lafayette area title hopeful Friday for the second time in three weeks.   And, once again, the Tigers came roaring back with big plays in all three phases, rallying around their "Not Dead, Can't Quit" mantra and seeming to swing momentum back almost entirely their way.   Only this time, Catholic (New Iberia) responded with a big play of its own to halt both a Dunham drive and comeback with a diving interception at the goal line to close out the Panthers' 31-28 win in the Division-III Select title game for their first state championship since 2017.   Here's a look at some of the top eye-catchers from the rollercoaster contest.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOgln0jpwFo </div></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='1596562' first='Luke' last='Landry'] — 6-0, 175 QB — Catholic (2025)   The senior quarterback opened a lot of eyes and earned a lot of respect with his performance in the title game and throughout the Panthers' playoff run. Landry finished 19-for-35 for 226 yards and two touchdowns in the Superdome with his particularly impressive elusiveness from Dunham's pressure — whether to take off and rack up another 62 yards on 11 carries or to buy just enough time to set up dump-offs to running back Owen Morris for big gains or to allow senior star [player_tooltip player_id='1221076' first='Jaiden' last='Mitchell'] or another receiver to create separation.   [player_tooltip player_id='1558160' first='Bennett' last='Woodring'] — 6-1, 205 LB — Catholic (2025)   and John David Hidalgo — 5-11, 200 LB — Catholic (2025)   The hard-hitting senior linebacker duo both wen well into double-digits in tackles with Woodring and Hidalgo wrapping up 18 and 14, respectively, including each have a tackle behind the line and a forced fumble. Woodring outright snatched the ball away from a back near the goal line to end a Dunham scoring threat in the fourth quarter and preserve the Panthers' lead late. Both players also found the end zone on offense: Woodring on a goal-line catch, and Hidalgo on a goal-line run.   [player_tooltip player_id='1593755' first='Karon' last='Eugene'] — 6-1, 160 DB — Catholic (2027)   The sophomore safety finished third on the team with 11 tackles, flying around and consistently arriving physically and with an edge even as one of the youngest players on the field. But his performance will be remembered for his late highlight in coverage with his vision and break back across the middle for the diving snatch of a goal-line interception to help preserve the victory.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7PmpJEHTxg </div></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='642719' first='Elijah' last='Haven'] — 6-4, 210 QB — Dunham (2027)   The sophomore may want a throw or two back, but spent the vast majority of the game's four quarters showing why he's one of the nation's most sought-after prospects in his class. Dunham relied on Haven's athleticism and strength with the ball in his hands as its primary offensive production for chunks of the contest on his way to 153 yards and two scores on 32 carries. But when the Tigers took to the air and allow him time, Haven was an impressive 25-for-37 for 300 yards and two touchdowns through the air — even despite a controversial officiating call before halftime that appear to rob another completion to the end zone.   [player_tooltip player_id='710974' first='Jarvis' last='Washington'] Jr. — 6-5, 180 WR — Dunham (2026)   The tall downfield threat averaged more than 15 yards per catch with his 10 receptions for a game-high 151 yards and a touchdown and had another acrobatic grab in the back of the end zone ruled out of bounds before halftime despite him appearing to get his left foot down.   [player_tooltip player_id='401983' first='Trevor' last='Haman'] — 6-0, 190 ATH — Dunham (2026)   Haman was the Tigers' other top target in the passing game with a team-high 11 passes for 122 yards and a score, while also helping lead the defense with nine tackles — second only to senior linebacker Rives Johnson.   [player_tooltip player_id='283986' first='Richard' last='Montgomery Jr.'] — 5-11, 175 DB/ATH — Dunham (2026)   The junior cornerback had two pass breakups downfield — second on the team to senior Grant Morgan's three — and appeared to come up with his best defensive plays on pivotal downs to help the Tigers get off the field. Montgomery also added four tackles.

Top-seeded and undefeated Dunham found itself down 17 in the fourth quarter to a Lafayette area title hopeful Friday for the second time in three weeks.