Karr (New Orleans) vs. Curtis (River Ridge, La.)
Devante "speedy" Noil and Karr will look to knock off last season's defending national champion.
Photo by Roddy Johnson
A showdown Pelican State football fans have been drooling over. Karr, the defending 4A state titlist, is ranked fifth in the latest MaxPreps Xcellent 25. John Curtis, last season's national champion, is ranked No. 20. Above all others, the player to watch is Karr's dynamic dual-threat quarterback
Devante "Speedy" Noil. The five-star prospect has accounted for seven touchdowns in Karr's two wins this season. After losing to then-nationally ranked St. Thomas Aquinas on Sept. 13, Curtis bounced back with a 39-7 blowout of East St. John (Reserve) last week. It was the Patriots' 29th consecutive win against Louisiana opponents.
Just the facts: The NFHS Record Book lists John Curtis in a tie for ninth all-time for the most state championships with 25. … "Speedy" Noil became even more of a household name in recruitnik circles by claiming the NIKE SPARQ national championship in July. Noil's performances at the event included a 45.3-inch vertical jump and an electronic time of 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Mitch Stephens: Karr 28, Curtis 27
Kevin Askeland: Karr 30, Curtis 28
Jamie DeMoney: Karr 31, Curtis 21
Stephen Spiewak: Karr 30, Curtis 20
Leland Gordon: Karr 27, Curtis 21
Colin Ward-Henninger: Karr 35, Curtis 28
