LSU commitments lead St. Thomas More back to state championship game

Jack Bech paused for a moment in the end zone after scoring one of his two touchdowns for St. Thomas More. He pointed to the sky, an ode to his grandfather who passed away last year

"Just to let him know that I'm playing for him," Bech, who has RIP Pops written on his wrist, said of the ritual. "We were really close. He taught me a lot about life."

Bech then turn and celebrated with quarterback Walker Howard, his lifelong best friend. Soon, they will be playing for LSU together, just like their relatives did. 

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On Friday, the pair helped St. Thomas More (9-0) to a 31-23 win over University Lab (7-2). The victory sends the Cougars to the Division II state championship, where they will have the chance to defend their state title.

Just like they have all season long, it was Howard and Bech who led the offense. Howard threw four touchdowns, while Bech had two receiving ones and also pitched in on defense and special teams.

"It just means a lot to overcome everything," Bech said. "All the hard work, all the sweat. It just feels awesome to know we'll be playing for the state championship."

But before its time compete for another title, Bech will be achieving another dream when he officially signs with LSU on National Signing Day on Wednesday. Howard, just a junior, will have to wait a year to make it official. 

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For Bech, its the end of a long recruiting road. He originally committed to Vanderbilt, but after a standout start to the season began getting attention from other schools, including Texas, TCU and Mississippi State.

In October, Bech got the news he had been waiting for: an offer from LSU. He decommitted from Vanderbilt and committed to the Tigers eight days later. 

Bech, who is 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, plans to try to gain weight before his freshman year. He expects to be able to compete right away for an outside receiver slot. 

"I'm really excited," he said. "I think next year and the years to come we'll be bringing back state championships."

On Friday, Bech was able to get one last home win. The Cougars will play De La Salle in the state championship game later this month. 

"It's so much more than football," Bech said of his four years with the Cougars. "The relationship, the bonds. Everything put together builds for an experience you can't get any other place. It means a lot."