5 Reasons Why Cecilia High School Football Is Dominating Louisiana's Gridiron In 2025

The Cecilia High School Bulldogs are not just a football team; they are a powerhouse defining the competitive landscape of Louisiana high school football. As of December 2025, the program is riding a wave of momentum, fueled by a recent state championship and a new generation of star talent. The transition to a new head coach has done little to slow the Bulldogs' relentless pursuit of gridiron excellence.

This article dives deep into the key factors, star players, and coaching changes that have cemented Cecilia's status as a perennial contender in the challenging Division II Non-Select classification. From their historic 2024 title run to the bright future of their top recruits, the Bulldogs’ story is one of tradition, talent, and tactical brilliance.

The Blueprint for Success: Key Personnel and Program History

The foundation of the Cecilia Bulldogs’ success is built on a rich history and a commitment to developing top-tier talent from the St. Martin Parish area. The program boasts a lineage of excellence, with a dedicated community base that makes game nights in Cecilia a must-see event.

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Cecilia High School Football Program Profile

• Team Name: Cecilia Bulldogs
• Location: Cecilia, Louisiana (St. Martin Parish)
• Classification: LHSAA Division II Non-Select
• Mascot: Bulldogs
• Head Coach (2025 Season): Cody Champagne (First Year)
• Former Head Coach: Dennis Skains (Left a "good blueprint for success")
• Recent Overall Record (2025): 7-5 (as of late season)
• State Championship Titles: 1995, 2024 (Division II Non-Select)
• Notable Alumni/Retired Jersey: Ramsey Dardar (Former LSU defensive standout, No. 45 retired)

1. The Dawn of the Champagne Era: A New Coaching Vision

The 2025 season marked a significant transition for the Bulldogs with the departure of former head coach Dennis Skains and the arrival of first-year head coach Cody Champagne.

Champagne took the reins in April 2025, inheriting a program fresh off a state title. His challenge was not to rebuild, but to sustain and elevate the high standard of play established by his predecessor. Early results, including a 7-5 record in the competitive Acadiana area, suggest the transition has been smooth.

The new coaching staff has focused on utilizing the team’s immense athletic talent, maintaining the "blueprint for success" while introducing their own tactical philosophy. This continuity and fresh perspective have been crucial in keeping the Bulldogs in contention for state honors.

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2. The Recent 2024 State Championship Triumph

The most defining moment leading into the current era was the 2024 Division II Non-Select State Championship. The Bulldogs, often seen as an underdog, completed a mission of redemption by securing the title, their second in school history after the 1995 victory.

In a thrilling, high-scoring contest, Cecilia defeated No. 1 seed Franklinton High School with a final score of 35-32. The victory was a monumental achievement for the program, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under the immense pressure of a state final.

This championship victory—a "crazy ending" to a historic run—has set the expectation bar incredibly high for the 2025 season and beyond.

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3. The Rise of 4-Star Athlete Braylon Calais

Every elite high school program has a star, and for the Cecilia Bulldogs, that player is 4-Star Athlete (ATH) Braylon Calais.

Calais, a dynamic 2027 prospect, is a force on both sides of the ball. Standing 6'2" and weighing 190 pounds, his versatility allows him to dominate as a wide receiver, a running back, and a standout in the secondary.

His impressive combination of size, speed, and high football IQ has made him a national recruiting commodity. Calais has already received scholarship offers from a host of major Division I programs, including:

• LSU
• Houston
• Miami
• Mississippi State (Miss State)
• Texas A&M
• Tulane

Calais's presence on the roster not only provides the Bulldogs with a game-breaking talent but also keeps the program firmly in the spotlight of national recruiting news.

4. Depth and Talent Across the 2025 Roster

The Bulldogs' success is more than just one coach or one star player. The 2025 roster is deep with talent, featuring several key contributors who stepped up during the championship run and the current season.

Key players who have been instrumental to the team’s performance include:

• Isiah Edwards
• Malik Joseph
• Derrick Ross
• Deondre Briscoe
• Jace Knott

The team also saw new starters emerge in the trenches, with players like sophomore center James Deluna and senior right guard Jabarik Sebille stepping into crucial roles on the offensive line, demonstrating the program's ability to reload year after year.

5. Navigating the Tough Acadiana Area Schedule

Cecilia plays in one of the most competitive regions in Louisiana, meaning their schedule is consistently a brutal test of their abilities. The Bulldogs are part of the Acadiana area football scene, which features perennial powerhouses and intense local rivalries.

A look at the 2025 season schedule reveals several high-stakes matchups:

• A decisive 41-21 victory over Northside High School.
• A tough 21-39 loss to Central.
• A hard-fought 35-45 loss to Notre Dame.
• A high-scoring 59-42 win over rival Breaux Bridge.

The late-season 54-42 tournament victory against Lakeshore High School in November 2025 further proved the Bulldogs can win shootouts when it matters most. Competing in this gauntlet ensures the team is battle-tested and ready for the rigors of the LHSAA playoffs every year.

The Future Outlook for the Bulldogs

With the 2024 State Championship trophy safely in the case and a new, energetic coach in Cody Champagne, the future of Cecilia High School football looks exceptionally bright. The program has successfully blended its rich tradition, including the legacy of players like Ramsey Dardar, with the modern recruiting appeal of stars like Braylon Calais.

The Bulldogs continue to be a dominant force in the Division II Non-Select bracket, consistently contending for district and state titles. The combination of strong coaching, a deep talent pool, and the momentum from their recent championship ensures that Cecilia High School will remain a must-watch team on the Louisiana gridiron for the foreseeable future.