Jena’s historic first appearance in the State Championship Game ended in frustration Friday night as the Giants fell 34–20 to defending champion Sterlington.

For much of the night, Jena proved it belonged on the sport’s biggest stage. The Giants traded blows with the Panthers for three quarters but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with Sterlington’s explosive offense down the stretch.

Jena continued a season-long trend by striking early, scoring touchdowns on each of its first two possessions. After that strong start, however, the Giants were held out of the end zone until the final seconds of the game.

Despite the loss, the growth of the Jena program was evident for all to see. While the championship trophy slipped away, the Giants showcased how far they’ve come and signaled that this run was no fluke.

Jena will say goodbye to several key seniors this spring, including McPherson, Wilson, and Cooper, whose leadership helped fuel the program’s breakthrough season.

Following a historic 2025 campaign, the Giants head into the offseason with optimism. With a strong foundation in place and key contributors returning, Jena appears well-positioned to make another championship push next season.