By Shawn C White
Under The Radar NWLA
The 2023 version of the Claiborne Superbowl went in the favor of the Haynesville Golden Tornado (9-1) as they shut out Homer 23-0 at the Nest. Along with bragging rights, Haynesville won the District 1-A title and also locked down a first-round bye in the Division IV Nonselect playoffs. Haynesville held on to the No. 4 seed.
Haynesville doubled up on offensive yards over the Pelicans. Haynesville had 299 total offensive yards to Homer’s 141. Donnie Critton dominated the ground attack for the Tornado with 17 carries for 141 yards. Quarterback Isaiah Washington scored two quarterback keepers. Elijah Bray kicked three field goals for Haynesville.
Spencer Dunn was the offense for Homer with 5 receptions for 64 yards.
Haynesville started in the first minute as Washington crashed into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run. Haynesville led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Washington did it again in the second quarter handling the quarterback keeper for another 1-yard run and pushing the lead to 14-0. Haynesville put their trust in Bray’s leg. Bray started with a 25-yard field goal. With 2 seconds left, Bray hit his second field goal on a 42-yard kick and gave Haynesville a 20-0 halftime lead.
Bray added a third field goal in the third quarter with an 18-yard field goal. Haynesville’s defense held the 23-0 score for the remainder of the game.
Homer’s (7-3) pride might be hurt a little but they are still in a good position for a third consecutive run to a state championship. The Pelicans were granted the No. 7 seed and will possibly host the first two rounds of the playoffs. They will start with No. 26 Delhi (5-5) at The Nest.
No. 4 Haynesville (9-1) will get a week of rest and possibly face a familiar district foe in No. 13 Arcadia (7-3). The Hornets will take on No. 20 General Trass (5-5) at home.
The two Claiborne Parish powerhouses could have a part two to Claiborne Parish Superbowl 2023 but a lot more will be on the line if that happens and bragging rights will be a lesser concern as a Division IV State Championship would be on the line.