More Than a Game: Black Joy, Culture, and Excellence on Display at St. Aug–Karr Championship
This was one of the most anticipated championship football games in the history of Louisiana.
Two of the best high school football programs in the state—St. Augustine High School and Edna Karr—met on the biggest stage possible, the Louisiana Superdome. While the game itself did not remain as competitive as St. Aug fans hoped, the spectacle surrounding it was unforgettable.
And what happened outside the Dome may have mattered just as much as what happened inside.
A Celebration Before the First Whistle
Hours before kickoff, the scene around the Superdome looked like a citywide reunion. Tailgating stretched across generations. Grandparents, parents, alumni, students, and young children filled the space with grills, boiled seafood, music, and laughter.
The weather was warm. The energy was joyful.
Karr fans dressed in black and St. Aug fans dressed in white mingled freely. They joked, debated the matchup, shared food, and celebrated the fact that two New Orleans teams were about to play for a state championship. There was pride on display, not tension.
An estimated 7,500 people gathered outside the Dome for hours, enjoying what can only be described as Black joy and excellence in its purest form.
Yet there were no television cameras documenting it.
The Story That Rarely Gets Told
Too often, the narrative surrounding Black New Orleans is shaped by tragedy. Gun violence. Fights. Chaos. Discord. When those moments occur, legacy mainstream media arrives quickly, cameras rolling.
But on this day, there were no crews focused on the mass gathering of families, alumni, and students celebrating achievement, discipline, and tradition. There were no headlines about unity or joy.
That absence matters.
This championship represented the success of two programs led by strong Black men—Aulston Taylor, president of St. Augustine High School, and Jamar McNeely, president of the Inspire Charter School Network, which includes Edna Karr—who are shaping young Black boys into disciplined students, athletes, and leaders. That story deserves amplification.
This is the New Orleans we should show the world.
Bands, Pageantry, and Tradition
Inside the Dome, the cultural excellence continued.
Both bands delivered standout halftime performances that reminded everyone why New Orleans high school football is unmatched.
St. Augustine’s band presented a traditional downfield processional, anchored by Earth, Wind & Fire’s “In the Stone,” a song the band has made unmistakably its own. As they exited the field, they played the anthem Purple Knights proudly sing: “I’m so glad I am a Purple Knight.”
Edna Karr’s band played Sweet Dreams by the Eurythmics and marched with precision, moving like a series of arrows pointed toward victory—sharp, intentional, and confident.
It was not just halftime entertainment. It was heritage on display.
Related: St. Aug versus Karr
Respect in Victory, Pride in Participation
On the field, Karr ultimately won the game going away. They are clearly the best team in Louisiana and one of the best in the country. But former WBOK morning host, current Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs at SUNO and proud Karr alum, Dr. Ashonta Wyatt, summarized the event by saying
Saturday night wasn’t just about football—it was a mirror of Black excellence in motion. St. Aug and Edna Karr carried their communities onto that field, showing us what happens when discipline, culture, and love for our people collide. That game was bigger than football; it was a testament to who we are. WE ARE NEW ORLEANS!!
Dr. ashonta wyatt
“These guys are fearless,” said Karr head coach Brice Brown.
Prominent New Orleans businessman and St. Aug alum Troy Henry summed it up plainly:
Troy Henry
“It was like St. Aug was playing a D1 college club. They were bigger, stronger, and faster.”
longtime supporter supporter and alum Roy Cyprian offered perspective.
“St. Aug is a young team. We are playing sophomores and juniors.”
And legendary Purple Knight running back Melvin Howard spoke with honesty and love for the program.
Former Superstar Running SA back Melvin Howard
“It’s a shame our quarterback had his worst game of the year in the championship game. But the bottom line is that we all witnessed Black joy and excellence yesterday.”
But the New Orleans Councilman Oliver Thomas, himself a former high school and college star athlete put it most succinctly.
New orleans city councilman oliver thomas
“The whole city should be proud.”
The Real Victory
Yes, Edna Karr won the championship. They earned it.
But the larger victory belonged to New Orleans.
Two elite Black institutions filled the Superdome. Thousands gathered peacefully in celebration. Bands performed with excellence. Young Black men competed at the highest level. Families showed up. The city showed out.
Even if the final score was lopsided, the moment was not.
This is the side of New Orleans that deserves to be seen, remembered, and celebrated.