Eye-catchers from the Division-I Select state championship

The Division-I Select matchup between two undefeated teams from tough districts was anticipated as the best matchup of the LHSAA's state championship weekend.   But top-seeded Edna Karr had other plans in mind, with coach Brice Brown saying the team set a goal to open up so lopsided a lead to force a running clock.   The Cougars accomplished that goal with a 53-8 rout of No. 2 Alexandria, the largest margin ever in a Division I or Class 5A title game, to win their first title since 2019.   Here's a look at a few eye-catchers from the 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=glKRL9_8Oeo </div></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='710991' first='Richard' last='Anderson'] — 6-4, 320 DL — Edna Karr (2026)   The Cougars' big defensive tackle was dominant in the trenches in arguably the top performance of any player in the weekend's eight games. Anderson finished with seven tackles, six of which came behind line of scrimmage including a sack and a safety. And the bulk of that production came before halftime while Edna Karr opened up a huge lead.   [player_tooltip player_id='401932' first='Aiden' last='Hall'] — 6-2, 185 DB — Edna Karr (2026)   The junior safety lit the immediate match on Edna Karr's explosive performance with an interception and 32-yard return to the end zone on just the second play from scrimmage. The pick-six put the Cougars on the board before even taking their first offensive snap and sent the team and fans into a frenzy that never slowed down.   [player_tooltip player_id='920629' first='John' last='Johnson'] — 6-0, 170 QB — Edna Karr (2026)   The second-year starter capped a great junior campaign with one more huge performance in the Cougars' long-anticipated return to the Superdome. The first half had both its ups and downs with big plays downfield and with his legs, but also four interceptions. But Johnson wasn't discouraged by the miscues, kept making plays, cut out the turnovers and finished 10-for-17 for 197 yards with two touchdowns and 19 carries for 161 yards and three scores.   [player_tooltip player_id='426960' first='TaRon' last='Francis'] — 6-1, 210 WR — Edna Karr (2025)   The LSU signee caught three passes for 81 yards and both of Johnson's touchdown passes, a 46-yarder up the sideline to double the Cougars' early lead and another over a defensive in the third quarter. Each of Edna Karr's three college-bound senior receivers had his moments from the scores by "ManChild," a game-high 81 yards by Louisiana Tech signee [player_tooltip player_id='710768' first='Daejawn' last='Smith'] and a highlight-reel 47-yard run after a catch by Tulane signee [player_tooltip player_id='1214144' first='Oliver' last='Mitchell Jr.']   [player_tooltip player_id='1601790' first='Kevin' last='Martin Jr.'] — 6-0, 190 LB — Edna Karr (2026)   The outside linebacker, one of the long list of playmakers on the loaded Edna Karr defense, led the team with eight tackles, including six solo stops and 1.5 tackles for loss.   [player_tooltip player_id='1598152' first='Tyrik' last='Brigalia'] — 5-11, 185 DB — Edna Karr (2025)   The senior safety spent much of his time around the box and was another of the Cougars' leading tackles with six stops, including 1.5 tackles for loss.   [player_tooltip player_id='914017' first='Lyric' last='Hawkins'] — 6-2, 215 DE/LB — Edna Karr (2025)   As much disruption as Anderson caused up the middle, Hawkins helped highlight the pressure Edna Karr was able to generate from the edge with a sack, a safety and another couple quarterback hurries as he repeatedly fired into the backfield.   <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=0nY32XcvXkA </div></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='914208' first='J.T.' last='Lindsey'] — 5-11, 185 RB — Alexandria (2025)   Edna Karr slowed down and contained Alexandria's rushing attack, led by its senior LSU signee, as well as anyone all season. But even with a dominant Anderson and company consistently meeting Lindsey behind the line before he could get going, he still racked up 115 yards on 22 carries — good enough for 5.2 yards per attempt.   [player_tooltip player_id='920704' first='Jay' last='Frazier'] — 5-6, 140 DB — Alexandria (2026)   The junior defensive back snatched two of the Trojans' four first-half interceptions and tied for third on the team with seven tackles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1601781' first='Xzavier' last='White'] — 6-1, 220 LB — Alexandria (2026)   The junior linebacker led the Alexandria defense, as he had all season, with 12 tackles, including seven solo.

The Division-I Select matchup between two undefeated teams from tough districts was anticipated as the best matchup of the LHSAA's state championship weekend.