Russell Hedges
rhedges@bossierpress.com
The Parkway Panthers will be facing a traditional Class 5A power in Acadiana Saturday night in the state championship game in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Wreckin’ Rams won championships in 2006 and 2010. They finished runner-up in 2005 and 2007.
Last year, Acadiana lost to eventual state champion West Monroe in the second round of the playoffs.
The Wreckin’ Rams bring a 13-1 record into Saturday’s title game.
Their only loss was to Class 4A semifinalist Neville 35-7 in the Battle on the Border at Independence Stadium. Parkway also played in the Battle on the Border, routing Marshall, Texas.
Acadiana runs an option offense. The Rams like to control the ball and keep the clock running.
“They look like Byrd except maybe even more athletic,” Parkway coach David Feaster said. “They have the same philosophy of throwing the ball just for fun but really wanting to run the ball and run the time off the clock.”
Parkway defeated Byrd 52-29 in the regular season after trailing 29-26 going into the fourth quarter.
The brother duo of De’Edward and Edward Cormier lead Acadiana’s rushing attack.
De’Edward had 121 yards on 10 carries in Acadiana’s 35-7 semifinal victory over Destrehan last Friday. Detrehan was undefeated on the field going into the game but was forced to forfeit a game to South Lafourche because of a cheating scandal.
The Wreckin’ Rams defense may be the toughest Parkway has faced all season. The Rams have allowed only 38 points in the playoffs.
They held Destrehan to just 143 total yards. The Rams also held a prolific Barbe offense featuring wide receiver and LSU commitment Trey Quinn to just 17 points in the quarterfinals.
Cornerback Malik Eugene and defensive end Claude George are among Acadiana’s defensive leaders.
