By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal 

LOGANSPORT – Logansport has without question etched its name among the Class 1A/Division IV powerhouses as the Tigers made their fifth semifinals appearance since 2016. 

But Logansport won’t be getting a taste of the New Orleans Superdome this year after the Tigers couldn’t dig themselves out of an early hole in a 31-14 loss to No. 4 seed Haynesville. 

A Logansport fumble and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown contributed to a 17-0 hole. 

As the Tigers started to chip away at Haynesville’s lead, an interception returned for a touchdown all but sealed Logansport’s fate. 

A nine-member senior class that played for a state championship in 2021 (lost to Homer) as sophomores won’t experience the thrill of a return trip. 

But this group further cemented Logansport’s reputation across the state as the Tigers rattled off 11 straight wins en route to an 11-2 record. 

An impressive regular season which included a District 3-1A title was highlighted by the Tigers outscoring district opponents by a combined 196-9 in four games. That included a 20-3 slobberknocker against rival St. Mary’s in which the Logansport defense forced multiple redzone turnovers to keep the Tigers out of the end zone. 

Logansport will lose a lot of experience on the offensive and defensive lines, which were contenders for the best units in the area regardless of class. 

Senior quarterback Steven Holloway, who recovered from a horrendous car wreck in August, returned to facilitate the Tigers offense and spread the ball to its wealth of playmakers. 

Holloway, a two-time all-state linebacker, learned to tone down his defensive intensity under center to lead the Tigers’ offense in a calm and steady manner. 

D’warr’tez Chatman and D’avery Robinson will leave holes at receiver and defensive back, but Logansport’s strength was the number of players who could break big gains or make big tackles. 

Haynesville’s solid tackling prevented big Logansport plays derived from running after the catch, one key factor in Friday’s loss. 

Leading rusher Jukadynn Carter will be a focal point again next season with other weapons like Dakamden Flemon and Tonashton Bland returning. 

With its current senior class, Logansport advanced to at least the quarterfinals in all four years, compiling a 34-14 record. 

In the 2021 season in which the Tigers made a state championship appearance, Logansport overcame an 0-4 start against teams in larger classifications to rattle off nine straight wins. 

Head coach Kevin Magee has proven he can develop players in his first 10 years, and there’s no reason to believe the Tigers won’t be a Class 1A/Division IV factor for the next 10 years.