Just minutes after hauling in the touchdown that put Ouachita ahead, Wydell Clark found himself sprinting across the Superdome turf, locked in a desperate chase that could decide a championship.
That relentless pursuit mirrored the Lions’ entire postseason run — one defined by resolve, belief, and defying expectations. On Saturday night, that effort carried No. 14 seed Ouachita to a stunning 21–20 victory over top-seeded Ruston in the Division I non-select state championship, sealed when a 57-yard field goal attempt fell short as time expired.
The win delivered Ouachita its first state title in 27 years and capped an improbable journey for a team that entered the playoffs as a fifth-place district finisher.
“People didn’t think this was possible for Ouachita,” head coach Benjy Lewis said. “There was no blueprint for how to do it. These kids showed what happens when you embrace adversity and refuse to back down. They’ve set the standard for what Ouachita football can be.”
With 6:41 remaining, quarterback Montrell Connor connected with Clark on a 30-yard touchdown pass near the goal line. Clark secured the ball against his helmet as he fell into the end zone, and Kameron Gayle’s extra point gave the Lions a 21–20 advantage.
“I was running a stop route,” Clark said. “Montrell was scrambling and I knew I could win my matchup. I kept pointing for him to throw it. When I caught it, I didn’t even realize I had scored until I heard everyone cheering.”
Ruston, appearing in its second consecutive championship game, responded with urgency. On its ensuing possession, the Bearcats unveiled a trick play that briefly broke open. Quarterback Hartwell lateraled to wide receiver Josiah Morgan, who stopped and fired a pass to star tight end Ahmad Hudson.
Hudson — the nation’s top-ranked tight end in the Class of 2027 — rumbled across the field with Clark in pursuit. The chase ended when Clark caught Hudson from behind, punched the ball loose, and Dylan Johnson recovered for Ouachita at the Lions’ 11-yard line with 1:21 left.
“I just saw him and went,” Clark said. “He kept carrying the ball away from his body. I wasn’t sure what I’d do when I caught him, but I reached in and it popped out. When I saw my teammate recover it, I knew that was huge.”
Lewis wasn’t surprised.
“Wydell has made effort plays like that all season,” he said. “When that ball came out, the sideline exploded.”
Ouachita managed one critical first down on a 23-yard run by Outstanding Player Macario Dade before Ruston forced a punt. Trey Johnson boomed a 60-yard kick into the end zone, giving the Bearcats one final chance.
Ruston advanced quickly, converting two first downs and moving to the Ouachita 35-yard line with four seconds remaining after an 8-yard completion. After an Ouachita timeout, Joaquin Ramos — who had already connected on two field goals — lined up for a 57-yard attempt. The kick came up short, dropping into the end zone as the Lions stormed the field.
“There wasn’t much to say other than to tell him to hit it,” Ruston coach Jerrod Baugh said. “He’s made kicks from that distance before. I had total confidence in him.”
The championship was the second meeting in nine weeks between the District 2-5A rivals. Ruston had taken the regular-season matchup, 21–14.
Ouachita’s path to the title was anything but conventional. After dropping four straight district games and finishing fifth, the Lions caught fire in the postseason, becoming the lowest seed to ever reach — and win — a Division I non-select championship. They closed the season on a six-game winning streak.
“I told them at halftime we were going to be state champions,” Lewis said. “But to do that, you have to be willing to live in discomfort. Championships aren’t won when things are easy, especially against a team as good as Ruston.”
Statistically, the game was as tight as the final score. Ouachita edged Ruston 369–367 in total offense, leaning on a physical rushing attack that produced 185 yards and two touchdowns.
Dade led the way with 147 yards and two scores on 21 carries, earning team Outstanding Player honors. Connor accounted for 239 total yards and a touchdown, while Seneca Battle added four receptions for 67 yards.
Ruston was paced by Hartwell, who finished with 255 total yards and two touchdowns. Hudson was nearly unstoppable, hauling in six passes for 179 yards.
The Bearcats struck first, scoring on their opening drive with a run-heavy march capped by Hartwell’s 4-yard touchdown. Ruston added another score early in the second quarter when Hartwell hit Hudson, who shook multiple defenders on a 59-yard catch-and-run. Ramos’ 37-yard field goal late in the half sent Ruston into the break with a 17–7 lead.
Ouachita responded with resilience. The Lions trimmed the deficit before halftime and then surged in the second half, scoring touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters. A pivotal 9-play, 97-yard drive midway through the third quarter swung momentum, highlighted by a 49-yard Connor-to-Clark completion before Dade powered in from three yards out.
Ramos briefly reclaimed the lead for Ruston with a 38-yard field goal in the final minute, setting the stage for Ouachita’s final march and Clark’s go-ahead score.
“The second half really summed up our season,” Lewis said. “There were plenty of moments when people counted us out. But this group never did. They’re as resilient a team as I’ve ever coached.”
