John Curtis Wins 25th State Title
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NEW ORLEANS - Two big plays for first-quarter touchdowns started John Curtis on its way to the LHSAA Class 2A State Championship with a 35-13 victory over Evangel Christian Academy on Saturday.
The win gave the Patriots (14-0) their 25th state championship and extended their winning streak to 28 games as they enhanced their case for being considered perhaps the best high school team in the country.
"This is certainly a good football team," Patriots coach J.T. Curtis said. "I told my team in the locker room after the game I don't know if they are the number one team in the country; I don't know how you judge that. But I will take them. I will go to battle with them against anybody anywhere and anytime.
"We have had some good teams in the past, but this was a complete team. We have speed offensively and defensively, and plus we had great depth. You put those things together you certainly have the makings of a good football team."
Duke Riley's touchdown on an 80-yard return of a fumble recovery and George Moreira's 30-yard touchdown run gave the Patriots a 14-0 lead despite running just three offensive plays in the first quarter.
Evangel (12-3) made it 14-7 when Dakota Duron connected with Trent Taylor for a 17-yard touchdown, but the Patriots answered three plays later with a 72-yard touchdown run by Sherman Badie.
After Josh Davis' field goal cut the lead to 21-10, Patrick Morton scored from a yard out to give the Patriots a 28-10 halftime lead.
The matchup between two of the most successful programs in Louisiana was the fourth time John Curtis and Evangel have played for a state championship. They have combined for 36 state championships.