This past season, Ponchatoula, led by a special senior class, reached the state championship game for the first time since 1951. However, we lost to Zachary, a school with no shortage of recent titles, in the championship game. This was most likely the last season of legendary coach Hank Tierney's storied career, so it could be several decades before we're in this position again.

Zachary beat us fair and square by shutting down the run and was most likely the best team in 5A. However, the phrase "any given Friday" exists for a reason. Zachary was gifted a win against West Monroe. Their fans started a petition of their own that received over 1000 signatures. Had West Monroe won, they would've traveled to Destrehan for the right to play Ponchatoula for the state championship. It's safe to say Ponchatoula would've had a better chance against either of those two teams than they did against Zachary.

Even if Ponchatoula didn't win, a West Monroe state title would be Jerry Arledge's first as a head coach. A Destrehan state title would be a HUGE pick-me-up for that community considering what they've had to go through concerning Hurricane Ida.

The West Monroe faithful made their voice heard two weeks ago; now it's time for the Ponchatoula (and Destrehan) faithful to do the same thing.