By Shawn White
Under the Radar NWLA
It’s the annual rivalry that is over 100 years old and draws attention across the state. For the first time in a few years, a district title will not be on the line in the match-up. This year Homer moved up to 2A while Haynesville remained at 1A, but bragging rights were definitely on the line this time.
Haynesville took the crown in this year’s 2024 edition of the Claiborne Parish Superbowl. Haynesville stayed undefeated while the Pelican are still searching for that elusive first win of the season.
Haynesville took their normal attack of the ground game with 204 rushing yards. Donnie Critton led the Golden Tornado with 16 carries for 84 yards. Quarterback Isaiah Washington took two quarterback keepers to the end zone. Yasin Meador crossed the goal line once.
Although Haynesville, had more rushing yards, Homer had more offensive total yards out gaining Haynesville 258-254. The main source of yardage came from powerhouse Gregory Williams going 17 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Kevin Williams was 8 for 17 throwing 82 yards and an interception. Spencer Dunn was the top receiver with 4 receptions for 51 yards.
Haynesville reached the end zone first with a Washington quarterback keeper from 7 yards to give the Golden Tornado the 7-0 lead that they held until the end of the 1st quarter.
Green added a pick-6 back 23 yards for Haynesville in the second quarter as they kept the shutout going to 14-0 halftime lead.
Washington rumbled in from 6 yards to give Haynesville a 20-0 lead in the third quarter. With little over three minutes remaining in the third, the Gregory Williams express kicked off with a 1-yard crash into the end zone. Haynesville still led 20-6 at the end of three quarters.
Williams struck again on the first play of the fourth quarter with a 7-yard run. The two-point conversion was no good as the lead was cut to 20-12. Yasin Meador pushed the Golden Tornado past the one score game with his 20-yard run and the 27-12 win.
Although the two rivals are not in the same district any longer, a possibility of a rematch could occur in the playoffs as both play in the Nonselect Division IV playoffs.
Homer will host North Webster on Friday night. Haynesville will travel for a district match-up against Plain Dealing.