EAGLE 102 SPORTS– Thirty five years ago this week, the Louisiana Bulldogs were named the Missouri Class 2A State Champions. Guided by Tony Gschwender, the 1986 Bulldogs football team won the schools first and only football championship. The state win is also the only football championship in the area.

With a 13-1 record in 1986, the Bulldogs were a tough team to beat. Their only loss that year came from across the river as Pittsfield defeated Louisiana 21-14.

A gritty 16-12 semi-final win over John Burroughs allowed Louisiana to punch their ticket to the State Championship. The Bulldogs travelled to Kansas City for the State Championship match against Seneca played at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bulldogs were victorious and defeated Seneca 23-14.

In the State Championship game, quarterback Brad Wahlgren set the records for yards, completions, attempts, and touchdowns. As a starting quarterback, Wahlgren was 23-3 in his career. He also held the school record for passing yards in a season and career.

Members of the winning team include Russell Reed, Thad Radford, John Cox, Roger Walker Brad Wahlgren, Chuck Gibbs, Jeff Alexander, Mike Haddock, Jeff Sencenbaugh, Rod Luck, and Jay Garrison, Chad Thomas, Andy Evec, Lance Calvin, J.P. Burleson, Scott Deien, Ray Franklin, Matt Oliver, Kelly Hart, James York, Bo Ringhausen, Donnie Griffith, Grant Pitzer, Mike Trower, Shane Lafferty, Jason Dunard, Bill Hammett, Daniel Miller, Kevin Hall, Mike Price, John Miller, Darren Deien, Brad McCarty, Jason Griffin, Brent Miller, Phillip Ray, Tom Bell, Neil Darnell, Chad Ford, Scott Huff, Adam Evec, Denton Mitcham, Mike Sperry, Christian Gierke, Justin St. Pierre, and Paul Booth.

The coaching staff for the 1986 Bulldogs from left to right, assistants Jon Larson, Calvin Jesberg, and head coach Tony Gschwender.

The historical run and championship instilled a rich football tradition at Louisiana for years to come.