NEW ORLEANS - Jontre Kirklin's running and passing helped Lutcher defeat St. James, 41-14, for the Louisiana Class 3A state football championship Saturday in New Orleans.

St. James scored first with a nine-yard pass from Lowell Narcisse to Arron McKenney.

Lutcher (14-1) answered with an 11-play, 68-yard drive capped by Kirklin's six-yard touchdown run.

Kirklin connected with senior wide receiver Tharrin Maddie for a pair of touchdowns passes. The first was from 22 yards out. The second was a 32-yard score with under two minutes to go in the first half.

Kirklin's 27-yard touchdown run on the opening possession of the second half, put the game out of reach at 29-8.

The victory gave Lutcher's Bulldogs their seventh Class 3A crown, and their first since 2008.

Making their first state championship appearance since 2007, St. James ended their season 11-4.