(By Jackson Reyes, Written For the LSWA)
The Dunham School quarterback Elijah Haven entered the 2025 season with his eyes set on winning a Division III select state championship.
After falling short in the state title game last year, the junior guided the Tigers to a 13-1 record and their first championship since 2004.
Haven put up massive numbers and shattered state records along the way to the ring. He set single-season state records for passing touchdowns (62) and total touchdowns (73). He also eclipsed the state record for career total touchdowns (180).
The junior is the recipient of the 2025 Louisiana Farm Bureau/Louisiana Sports Writers Association Mr. Football award, selected by a panel of sportswriters from across the state after his historic season.
Haven joins Derek Stingley Jr. as the second recipient of the Mr. Football Award from Dunham. He joins defensive back Derek Stingley, a starting cornerback for the Houston Texas, who won the award in 2018.
The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder, regarded as the nation’s top quarterback in the Class of 2027, finished 240-of-331 (72.5%) for 3,929 yards and 62 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He also ran for 847 yards and 11 touchdowns on 127 carries.
Haven’s record-setting season culminated in a 34-17 win over Calvary in the Division III title game. Haven diced up the Cavaliers’ defense in the win, throwing for 271 yards, three touchdowns and one interception on 21-of-29 passing. He ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 27 rushes.
A key aspect of Haven’s game is his unselfishness.
Dunham football coach Neil Weiner pointed to the numerous times when his quarterback has looked to get his receivers’ touches, to spread the ball around, when they may not have recorded a reception in a game.
“I don’t think it’s even something that he has to intentionally think about,” Weiner said. “I think it’s just who he is.”
Against Lafayette Christian Academy in the Division III select semifinal, Haven guided his team down the field for a late touchdown and two-point conversion for a 49-48 victory.
He established all three state records in the game following his performance with 357 yards, six touchdowns on 18-of-27 passing. He also ran for 61 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Louisiana Farm Bureau/Mr. Football
2025: Elijah Haven, The Dunham School
2024: Xavier Ford, Leesville
2023: Ju’Juan Johnson, Lafayette Christian
2022: Tackett Curtis, Many
2021: Landry Lyddy, Calvary Baptist
2020: Sage Ryan, Lafayette Christian
2019: Christian Westcott, Lakeshore
2018: Derek Stingley Jr., The Dunham School
2017: Anthony “Pooka” Williams, Hahnville
2016: Keytaon Thompson, Landry-Walker
2015: Lindsey Scott Jr., Zachary
2014: Deshawn Capers-Smith, Warren Easton
2013: Leonard Fournette, St. Augustine
2012: John Diarse, Neville
2011: Landon Collins, Dutchtown
2010: Anthony Johnson, O. Perry Walker
2009: Gavin Webster, Lutcher
2008: Blake Matherne, Belle Chasse
2007: Randall Mackey, Bastrop
2006: Joe McKnight, John Curtis
2005: Charles Scott, Jonesboro-Hodge
2004: Ryan Perrilloux, East St. John
2003: Chris Markey, Jesuit
2002: Robert Lane, Neville
2001: Jason Miller, Iota
2000: Byron Robertson, St. Thomas Aquinas
1999: Brock Berlin, Evangel
1998: Bradie James, West Monroe
1997: Adam McConathy, West Monroe
1996: Travis Minor, Baton Rouge-Catholic
1995: Cecil Collins, Leesville