Two players from Bossier Parish schools helped the Grambling State Tigers win the HBCU national championship.
The Tigers defeated North Carolina Central 10-9 in the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on Saturday in Atlanta.
Former Plain Dealing star De’Aumante Johnson, a senior defensive back, had an interception deep in GSU territory.
Former Airline standout Ja’Terious Pouncy, a senior defensive back, had three tackles.
For the season, Pouncy had 37 solo tackles and two assists.
Like Pouncy, Johnson played in all 13 games. He was second on the team with three interceptions. Johnson also had 22 tackles and four assists.
The Celebration Bowl featured the SWAC champion Tigers and MEAC champion NCCU.
GSU was held scoreless in the first half. Propelled by the running of Jestin Kelly, the Tigers took the lead at 7-3 with a TD on their first drive of the second half.
A field goal late in the third quarter extended the lead to 10-7.
The Eagles prevented the Tigers from putting the game away with a goalline stand early in the fourth.
A 39-yard TD pass got NCCU within one with 2:14 left. A penalty for excessive celebration moved the ball back 15 yards for the PAT attempt and Joseph McWilliams blocked the kick.
GSU finished the season 11-1 with 10 straight victories. NCCU finished 9-3.
— Russell Hedges, rhedges@bossierpress.com
