NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana High School Football Championships are officially underway at the Superdome, kicking off a weekend of intense gridiron action. But it is Saturday’s final matchup that has the entire city buzzing: a historic, cross-town rivalry battle for the State Championship title between the St. Augustine Purple Knights and the Edna Karr Cougars.

For the Purple Knights, this game is monumental. It marks their first appearance in a state championship game in nearly five decades.

"It’s been a long time," said Byron Martin, a defensive back from the St. Augustine Class of 1980.

A look back at Purple Knight glory

To understand the significance, one must rewind to 1979. A gallon of gas was less than a dollar, disco reigned supreme, and Jimmy Carter was in the White House. That

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