This year Holy Cross marks the 75th anniversary of its first state champion football team. After posting a 9-0-1 record, the 1945 state champions are one of only two undefeated Tiger football teams. The 1945 Crossmen also holds the distinction of being one of only two state champion teams in Holy Cross School football history. Both achievements were shared with the 1963 team that compiled a 12-0-1 record on its way to the state gridiron title.

Hopes were high for the team Following an exciting 8-1-3 season in 1944 and a tie with Nicholls for the City Championship. They were up to the task. With a talented backfield and capable reserves, at the start of the 1945 campaign, Head Coach Lou Brownson switched to the

T-formation offense. The change in offensive strategy produced an exciting offense that tallied 293 points to 93 by their opponents.

Captained by Ted Mace, the Tigers met every challenge on the way to the state crown. The talented Crossmen won thrilling games before record-setting crowds and showed "a will to win" resolve.

Atlanta's Boys' High, undefeated since 1942, came to the Crescent City for the first game of the season. Before a record season-opening game crowd of 15,000 fans, the Bengals left no doubt as to the better team as the Tigers established their superiority, 19-6.

Archrival Jesuit fell to the Tigers, 26-6, before a capacity crowd of 27,000 fans on a Sunday night at City Park Stadium, now known as Tad Gormley Stadium. In losing to the Tigers, the Blue Jays suffered their first loss of the season after six consecutive wins. The Tigers continued to roll past their remaining opponents as they completed a 7-0 undefeated season.

To open the playoffs, the Bengals faced the high-scoring offense of the Istrouma Indians of Baton Rouge before a crowd of 25,000 fans that nearly filled City Park Stadium. Early in the contest, the Tigers fell behind 19-0. However, in a remarkable comeback and a game filled with excitement, the Tigers responded and overcame the Indians 33-32 to win the South Louisiana title. 

This epic battle was told best by Times-Picayune Sports Editor Bill Keefe as "one of the best games seen in New Orleans since football began."

The following week, the Fair Park High Indians, North Louisiana champion, came to New Orleans for the state title game. On a rainy, cold night and before only 5,000 fans, the Tigers prevailed 31-13 to win the state championship. Following the state championship game, the Tigers accepted the invitation to play in the CYO Classic in New Orleans against the LaSalle Maroons, champions of Providence, and Rhode Island. On another game marred by a rain-soaked field, the Tigers scored first on a pass from quarterback Ernst. But the Maroons scored late in the second half, and the game ended in a 6-6 tie ending one of the greatest seasons in Holy Cross Tigers football history.

We salute the members of the 1945 Holy Cross Tigers Football Team on their historical accomplishment!