LHSAA Div IV Select Football Championship |  Riverside Academy Vs Southern Lab Live on December 7, 2023

The LHSAA Division IV Select Football Championship is a much-anticipated event in the Louisiana high school football calendar. This year, the championship game featured two of the state’s most successful and consistent football programs: Riverside Academy and Southern Lab High School. This article provides an in-depth look at the teams, the run-up to the game, match highlights, key players, and the aftermath of the game.

Background: Riverside Academy High School Football Team

Riverside Academy, located in Reserve, Louisiana, has a rich history in football dating back to the 1970s. The school’s athletic tradition began in earnest when it became a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) as a Class-A participant in 1986. The Riverside Academy football team, known as the Rebels, has been one of the most successful and consistent football programs in the state of Louisiana.

Achievements

The Rebels have a strong record in state championships. They won the state championship in 2016 and were runners-up four times in 1993, 1998, 2000, and 2015. They have also won several district championships, including in 1998, 2000, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Background: Southern Lab High School Football Team

Southern Lab High School, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also boasts a strong football program. The Southern Lab Varsity Boys Football team, known as the Kittens, has shown consistent performance and resilience in their games.

Achievements

The Kittens have had a strong season, with several impressive victories. They have shown their ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by their comeback win against Ouachita Christian High School in the semifinals, where they erased a 19-point deficit with three touchdowns in the final six minutes of play.

The Run-up to the Game

In the run-up to the championship game, both teams demonstrated strong performances. Riverside Academy had a dominant performance in the semifinals, showcasing their strength and control of the line of scrimmage. Southern Lab, on the other hand, made a massive comeback against Ouachita Christian, scoring 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure their place in the championship game.

Match Highlights

The match was held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 7, 2023. Detailed match highlights are not available at the time of writing.

Key Players and Performance Analysis

Key players from both teams have shown exceptional performances throughout the season. For Riverside Academy, junior Dedric Lastie ranks among the top Louisiana rushers with 2,421 yards and 38 touchdowns. For Southern Lab, standout defender Dylan Day, a Miami (Florida) commitment, has 10 interceptions and returned five for touchdowns, including the winning score in a state semifinal.

The Aftermath

The aftermath of the game is not available at the time of writing.

The Larger Significance

The LHSAA Division IV Select Football Championship is more than just a game. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship of high school athletes. It also serves as a platform for these young athletes to showcase their skills and potentially open doors for future opportunities in college football and beyond.

Conclusion

The LHSAA Division IV Select Football Championship between Riverside Academy and Southern Lab High School was a showcase of talent, resilience, and the spirit of competition. While the outcome of the game is yet to be determined, the journey to the championship and the performances of both teams are a testament to the high level of high school football in Louisiana.

FAQs

Q: Where was the LHSAA Division IV Select Football Championship held?
A: The championship game was held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Q: Who were the key players for Riverside Academy and Southern Lab High School?
A: For Riverside Academy, a key player was junior Dedric Lastie, who ranks among the top Louisiana rushers. For Southern Lab, standout defender Dylan Day was a key player.

Q: When was the championship game held?
A: The championship game was held on December 7, 2023.