Five weeks ago, few predicted this would be the scene inside the Louisiana Superdome.

The Acadiana Wreckin' Rams were back, defending their Class 5A state championship, despite losing their final three regular season games.

"After that St. Thomas More game, we felt a little heart beat,” Acadiana head coach Ted Davidson said. “It was faint, but it was beating. And these guys wouldn't let it end."

The Rams won four straight playoff games to earn a place in the title game, but the magic ran out against Destrehan. The Wildcats' explosive attack was overwhelming.

“I think we left it on the field,” Davidson said. “We played hard. We had a couple of things that set us back and gave them chance to use their athleticism and take advantage."

For the Acadiana seniors, the end is tough to take, with a loss in the championship game. But this group did make it to the final round three years in a row, winning one state title.

“It’s going to feel good,” senior tailback John Dean said. “All three years, we kept the chain going. We got one out of it.”

The memories from Saturday night will be painful. Coming so close and watching their opponents celebrate at midfield. But the Rams accepted the end result and were gracious in defeat.

"You always want to win,” senior quarterback Jonathan Morvant said. “But if you play football the way they play football, you deserve to win it."

So while Destrehan can lay claim to the 2007 championship, the Rams should take pride in defying the odds and playing with heart.