By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

The tradition of exceptional LSU linebackers has been as good as anyone’s over the years with greats like Mike Anderson, Bo Harris, George Bevan, Michael Brooks, Ron Sancho, Eric Hill, Trev Faulk, Bradie James, Kelvin Sheppard, Perry Riley, and Kendall Beckwith.

Currently there are plenty of Tiger linebackers in the NFL: Duke Riley (Miami), Deion Jones (Atlanta), Devin White (Tampa Bay), Jacob Phillips (Cleveland), Jabril Cox (Dallas), Patrick Queen (Baltimore), Kevin Minter (Tampa Bay), Kwon Alexander (New York Jets) and Damone Clark (Dallas).

This year’s LSU team has some future NFL players on the roster, but at linebacker, those future pros are a little bit under the radar going into the 2022 season.

Watching practice, I have been impressed with several LB’s for the Tigers.

Going into LSU’s opener with Florida State, you might see two start and play most of the downs, but by Week 5, the position might be more of a five or six-man rotation. That many can play.

The two starters going into September appear to be veteran leaders, headed by a familiar figure in Shreveport-Bossier football: Micah Baskerville (6-1, 230), who prepped at Evangel Christian. Baskerville has had his moments at LSU with big-time plays but has battled injuries that sidelined him for some games.

The other starter should be Mike Jones Jr. (6-1, 230), a junior who transferred from Clemson in 2021 with a degree in hand and two years left to play.

Both are strong, fast and built to play every down and have a ton of game experience between them. Jones played a lot for Clemson and as for Baskerville, who can forget his big blocked punt in 2019 against a closer-than-expected (for a while) Vanderbilt team. The play became a scoop and score for the freshman.

The depth for LSU in this room is stronger than that 2019 national championship team’s, which did not have many options at LB.

Coming off the bench and playing a lot will be Maryland native and true sophomore Greg Penn. He is a legit 6-2, 240 with 4.6 speed. I am impressed watching how well Penn runs for a 240-pounder. You can tell he could be a great one.

There’s another transfer, West Weeks (6-2, 238), who looks like an NFL middle linebacker. He plays full throttle and will help LSU in the rotation. Weeks was a starter coming over from Virginia in the ACC. His brother is also committed to the LSU program in the Class of 2023 as one of the top LB’s in the USA. I am impressed by Weeks’ toughness and how well he moves for such a big kid. West is his first name and he’s going to hit people so that they feel knocked out west.

The wildcard in the mix is true freshman Harold Perkins, who goes 6-2, 225 with 4.40 or better speed. He runs as well as any young LB I’ve seen come through LSU. Perkins will become a player for this defense at some point, if not in the first game of the season. This kid has a chance to be a future Round 1 NFL Draft pick. The sky is the limit for him.

Fifth-year senior Jared Small missed the 2021 season with an injury after leading everybody in the spring game with 14 tackles. Small is well-named. At 5-10, 215, he’s not big but he has football skills and leadership skills with 4.6 speed.

South Carolina transfer Kolbe Fields (6-0, 220) played in 2021 for the Gamecocks but thanks to the Covid-19 provisions, he is still considered a freshman for the 2022 season. I have watched him going back to his days at Archbishop Rummell High in New Orleans, and he has the stuff.  Fields is not ready to be a starter but is getting better and reminds me of Duke Riley, who did not start until his third season at LSU.

Xavier Carter is a 6-3, 210-pound redshirt sophomore with 4.6 speed who has the ability and just needs to become a complete player. At times, Carter shows up in practice and sometimes you see he’s still learning.

True freshman DeMario Tolan (6-2, 222) has 4.6 speed and tons of ability. He might get some reps on special teams. After a year or two in the program, Tolan will be a great one. I see the ability in practice.

There are some walk-ons in the linebacker room who deserve respect. Fifth-year senior Hunter Faust (6-1, 225) came from Jesuit-New Orleans and is a special teams veteran. Sloan Wright (6-1, 235), a redshirt sophomore, will get a shot on special teams. Another redshirt sophomore, Matt Jayne (5-8, 190) is one of those guys who will flat-out earn special teams snaps despite his size. Freshman Seth Marcione (6-2, 210) has looked really good and appears to have a great future assuming he fills out to 230 pounds by 2023.

Notes on LSU’s linebackers:  Seven are from out of state. Two are from Georgia, along with players from Missouri, Maryland,  Florida, Texas and Tennessee.

Three are transfers from other colleges, where each played extensively.

Friday, I’ll give you my take on the quarterback room before coach Brian Kelly announces the starter. I’ll beat him to it.

GET YOUR ORDER IN:  For previews of every Louisiana high school and college football team, info on the state’s top senior prospects, and more, you can order the 2022 Louisiana Football Magazine at LaFootballMagazine.com – offering North Louisiana and South Louisiana editions, printed or digital. Magazines are ready for shipping now.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

Photo courtesy of LSU ATHLETICS

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

The eight head coaches at Wednesday’s Caddo Parish Schools football media day were justifiably proud of the student-athletes they brought (two per team) and quite obviously, “excited.”

That word came up probably 4-5 dozen times as the coaches spoke at the event at the Independence Stadium Skybox. After all, jamborees are about to unfold, and the regular season games begin next Thursday and Friday, opportunities to validate all the offseason and summer work by each team.

There was plenty of pride in the room. Pride in the work that’s been done, in the bonds formed, and for all of the players and coaches attending, pride in being associated with each other, no matter what color jersey was being worn.

No shortage of mutual admiration. No sign of impending confrontation in the Friday nights to come.

Being there brought out the smiles.

“Looking to my left, there’s 3-star (recruits), 4-stars, a lot of talent around here, and being in the same room gives me inspiration,” said Captain Shreve’s Scotty Simo.

“I am blessed to be in this atmosphere and this type of community,” said Mar’Jayvious Moss of Northwood.

Most of the players knew each other, or had at least crossed paths, and exchanged social media messages.

“I’ve seen everybody here at some point, at 7-on-7 or in other situations, and they are all very impressive as people and players,” said Southwood standout Corinthian Walters. “It’s fun to be here with them and it’s an honor.”

Some have been pals since childhood.

Quarterbacks Lake Lambert of Byrd and Mason Welch of Northwood go way, way back, growing up playing with, and against, each other.  Those kinds of relationships were commonplace among the group and added to the joy of the experience – not to mention the anticipation of meeting again on a football field.

“These Shreve guys, I went to elementary and middle school with them,” said Lambert, “so that makes the rivalry much better and makes us play much harder.”

Some, if not most, of the players will be highly recruited sooner or later. But that took a back seat Wednesday as they uniformly expressed their optimism about the upcoming season, about their teams, and their appreciation for their coaches.

Case in point: Woodlawn defensive lineman Shadrick Jones. He was thankful for the mentorship of his head coach, Thed Harris, and that Harris recognized him as one of the Knights’ leaders.

“I’m honestly grateful, because I was on a bad path, and when he came in, Coach helped me change everything — how I was approaching classwork, everything. It’s honestly a blessing,” said Jones.

As for football, everybody was confident. Those representing heavyweights Byrd, Captain Shreve, Huntington, and Northwood were taking aim at deep playoff runs.

Raiders quarterback Kamron Evans can foresee it all coming together this season, and in the future for coach Stephen Dennis’ rising program.

“Very excited to see all the work we have put in is paying off,” said Evans. “I’m looking forward to building something that is going to be better after I leave.”

Confidence was also plentiful among the perceived underdogs, whose programs haven’t been as successful lately — Booker T. Washington, Green Oaks, Southwood, and Woodlawn.

“We have a lot of expectations and have been working really hard,” said BTW’s Darayvion Eason. “We are really looking forward to having a good year.”

Southwood defensive back Noah Grant was equally undaunted. “I believe nobody can beat us. Others may disagree, but what Coach (Jesse Esters III) has done, we know we are much better than others realize.”

Said Woodlawn’s Jones: “Everybody came willing to work, all summer, and we’ve been grinding. It’s going to be an eye-opener for everybody else, 100 percent.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

Photo by DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

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By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

Denny Duron has had plenty of memorable moments – seven decades worth to be exact. His impact extends well beyond the Shreveport Community Church (former First Assembly) his father founded, the Shreveport community, and the gridiron.

Sunday provided an opportunity to reflect on, and revel in, 70 years of family, work, devotion, and fun as every one of his children and his grandchildren attended his birthday bash.

“All those people plus my church family in the same room — how in the world can that fail?” Duron told the Journal. “It was wonderful. I sat there and took it all in — the songs, the worship, the reflection.”

Although many may believe he deserves a respite considering his personal resume and the nice round number he reached last week, Duron isn’t coasting to the finish – whenever that line may come.

“Every morning I get up at 4 o’clock with my hair on fire,” said Duron, who boasts an epic white mane. “I have more energy than I can believe. I don’t ever take a pill or an energy drink — I just love living. When you get to 70, every day is a bonus.

“When I wake up, I say, ‘I’m grateful to be alive. This is the day the Lord has made; I’ll rejoice and be glad in it.’ Then I think, ‘This is about to be the greatest day of my life, but it won’t be as good as tomorrow.’”

Duron’s normally aspirated engine is a must as the head coach of the Evangel Eagles football team aims to invigorate the former national powerhouse.

The Eagles have struggled over the past few seasons (0-8 in 2020, 3-8 last season), but they may have turned the corner with the help of battle-tested legacy twins and participation numbers that have doubled in the past two years.

The recent struggles didn’t put a dent in Duron’s desire or “The Evangel Way.”

The “iron-sharpens-iron” mantra remains prevalent. The Eagles scrimmaged West Monroe last week, will participate in a jamboree, and open the regular season with a home game against Class 4A heavyweight Neville on Sept. 2.

“We can’t wait to play Neville because they are the best,” Duron said. “You’re going to find out where you are in your journey. It just reveals so much.”

The twin sons of former Evangel legend Josh Booty and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Sara Fulghum are back for their junior seasons. Quarterback Peyton and wide receiver Parker Fulghum are expected to lead the Eagles offense.

“They are great people, No. 1,” Duron said. “They show maturity beyond their years. Football is a part of their life, but it’s certainly not their life. They’re students of the game and they train hard. They are very affirming to the guys who play alongside them. They are true leaders.”

Peyton, who will be a third-year starter, tossed 10 touchdowns (his brother hauled in seven TDs) in 2021 despite a host of pressure from opposing defenses. Duron is optimistic both the offensive and defensive lines will show improvement this season.

“We’re really excited about the progress our guys have made for their coaches Danny Palmer (offense) and Ronnie Alexander (defense),” Duron said. “These guys are really coming off the ball.”

Even with great line play and twin leadership, things still won’t be easy – especially in District 1-4A. Duron believes local high school football may be the best it’s ever been.

“I have so much anticipation for every day because I look around at our city and there are so many people doing so many wonderful things, especially these coaches at all these schools,” Duron said. “There are a lot of good teams, man. And we have a lot of great coaches. It’s going to be incredibly competitive.”

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com

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By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Rain-soaked fields at North Caddo and Northwood have forced officials to move jamborees scheduled to be played at those two schools to turf fields at Independence Stadium and Loyola’s Messmer Stadium.

Northwood was to host Booker T. Washington and Southwood in a three-way jamboree but moved it to Messmer. BTW will tee it up with Northwood beginning at 6 p.m. before taking on Southwood in the second game and the evening’s action will culminate with Northwood and Southwood.

North Caddo was set to entertain Green Oaks in Vivian on Thursday but will now be a part of the jamboree that was scheduled between Huntington and Woodlawn on Friday at Independence Stadium. Woodlawn and Huntington’s junior varsity will start it all at 6 p.m. with Green Oaks and North Caddo varsity following. Woodlawn’s varsity will play Huntington’s to wrap up the night’s action.

This makes the jamboree between Captain Shreve and Byrd the only action on Thursday night at Independence Stadium. The freshmen will start things at 5 p.m. with the junior varsity and varsity following.

The Bossier Lions Club jamboree is still on for the turf at Airline’s M.D. Ray Field. The Vikings and Benton Tigers will kick off at 5:45 followed by Bossier and Plain Dealing and 1-5A foes Parkway and Haughton finishing things.

Calvary will host Union Parish at Jerry Barker Stadium and Loyola will travel to play Natchitoches Central at Northwestern State’s Turpin Stadium.

2022 Jamboree Schedule

Thursday

Caddo Parish Jamborees

At Independence Stadium

Byrd vs. Captain Shreve

Friday

Caddo Parish Jamborees

At Messmer Stadium

BTW vs. Northwood

BTW vs. Southwood

Northwood vs. Southwood

At Independence Stadium

Huntington vs. Woodlawn, JV 6 p.m.

North Caddo vs. Green Oaks, 6:45

Huntington vs. Woodlawn, 8 p.m.

Bossier Lions Club

At Airline

Airline vs. Benton, 5:45 p.m.

Bossier vs. Plain Dealing, 7:15 p.m.

Haughton vs. Parkway, 8:45 p.m.

Landers Dodge Jamboree

At Calvary, Jerry Barker Stadium

Calvary vs. Union Parish, 6 p.m. 

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Jamboree

At Turpin Stadium

Lakeview vs. St. Mary’s, 6 p.m.

Loyola vs. Natchitoches Central, 8 p.m.

Saturday

Bayou Jamb at Joe Aillet Stadium, Louisiana Tech

Cedar Creek vs. Evangel, 5 p.m.

Contact Lee at Lee.hiller51@gmail.com

Photo by JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports

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We gathered recently in Thibodaux for the annual conference of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. On Saturday night during the dinner and awards ceremony, I sat at a table with good friends Terry and Carol Jones from West Monroe.

The last event that night was the ever-popular raffle. In an annual ritual, we enthusiastically purchase tickets hoping to win prizes of merchandise provided by sponsors. I felt a slight tingle of excitement when one of my numbers was called. There were fishing rods and reels and all sorts of neat stuff. My enthusiasm dropped a bit when I was handed my prize. I got a cap and coffee mug.

As the number of prizes dwindled down to the last one, I heard a little squeal from Carol as one of Terry’s numbers was called. What did he win? More on that later.

It was a cold December day in 2015 when Terry was hunting ducks and squirrels along his favorite waterway, Dugdemona Bayou. Growing up in northern Winn Parish, the Dugdemona  and its surroundings were his favorite places to hunt and fish.

As he paddled his way along the bayou in his pirogue, he encountered a tree that had fallen across the waterway. As the struggled to remove enough limbs to make his way along the bayou, one of the limbs caught the barrel of his shotgun, a Mossberg Model 500 pump, and flipped it into the water.

“When I looked back and saw my shotgun was gone, I carry a magnet with me just in case I lose something like that but the magnet got hung and broke off so I gave up and came home,” Jones said.

Six months later the following summer, Jones was back fishing on Dugdemona when he recognized the same fallen tree that had robbed him of his shotgun.

“I realized this was where my gun had fallen into the water. The water level was down and I looked down and to my surprise I saw my gun lying on the bottom in the mud all rusted, corroded and covered in silt. It was in really bad shape so I knew there was no way it could be salvaged.

“It was loaded when it went overboard so I had to be careful and I stuck the barrel in the mud and left it there as a sacrifice to the Creek gods,” he laughed. “Telling friends about my mishap, several told me that they had also lost guns to the overhanging limbs on Dugdemona.”

Back to the LOWA conference…

As ticket numbers were being called, I watched several friends winning rods, reels, tackle boxes and all sorts of neat prizes. I kept watching my skein of tickets hoping for something a bit more valuable than my cap and coffee mug but, alas, that never happened.

The table of prizes dwindled down to the very last one and when the number was called, the usually quiet and easy-going retired history professor, Dr. Terry Jones, showed a measure of excitement when his number matched the one being called out.

The final item is always the most coveted prize of the drawing and this time was no different; in fact in his case, it was extra-special. My friend, Terry Jones, had the ticket that matched the prize; it was a shotgun — but not just any shotgun.

It was a Mossberg Model 500 pump, just like the one rusting away along the margin of Dugdemona Bayou.

Oh, and by the way, he also won a padded gun case. It floats.

You can’t make up stuff like this.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

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By Robert St. John

If I carried a business card, there would be a lot of job titles listed on it— restaurateur, author, producer, columnist, writer, cook, designer, documentarian, show host, travel host, board member, manager, president, CEO, founder, and chairman of the board. But the most important job title I have— or ever will have, and it’s not even close— is “Dad.” Actually, “Dad,” if my son is addressing me, “Daddy,” if it’s my daughter.

Most of those job titles are positions and responsibilities I sought— some I dreamed of as a young man, and others I never expected. I’m embarrassed to say “dad” was never something I thought about.

Though I always wanted to be a father, even as a teenager, I’m not sure why. It probably had something to do with losing my father at an early age. I could probably go sit on a doctor’s couch for an hour a week for a couple of years and figure that out. But to what end? The point is I wanted to be a father but— had you asked me in the mid 1980s when I was in full-restaurant mode— being a father would have been way down on the list behind restaurateur, chef, and/or business owner.

When I met my wife in the summer of 1988 neither of us wanted to get married. She claimed early, and often, that she never wanted to have children. It’s so strange to type that sentence today as she is 100 percent totally devoted to our kids and is the absolute best mother I know. I, on the other hand, wanted a whole litter of kids. I would have had a dozen if it were up to me. But I was super focused on my career and building up the restaurant.

Then my daughter was born, and everything changed in that moment.

I can honestly say that my entire life’s focus, mission, and purpose was transformed in the maternity ward of the Forrest General Hospital at 8:10 a.m. on May 31, 1997.

I knew I would be excited about having a child. I knew I would love and adore a child. But when they put that crying a little girl in my arms it’s as if a box, heretofore hidden inside me for 36 years, opened instantly, and my capacity to love another being amplified exponentially. The degree with which I thought I would love my child paled in comparison to the feeling I had in that moment. It’s the same deep feeling I have today, if not more so.

My son was born four years later to the same sentiment. We stopped at one each. My friend Tracy says, “With two you can play man-to-man. With three you gotta play zone. And zone is never as good as man-to-man.”

I have loved and enjoyed every phase of their childhoods. Even the early crying-at-night stages. My wife did almost all the late-night rocking, but when it was my turn, I can remember telling myself, “There will be a day when you will miss this and wish you were holding this little infant in your arms. Treasure it.” Those days came, and they came too fast.

Through elementary, junior high, high school, football, soccer, theatre performances, cheerleading, and long trips when no one would be quiet in the back seat, I would do it all over again, tenfold. There’s almost nothing I would skip.

Though of all those phases— even the 10-year-old phase when I was seen as the greatest thing alive in my son’s eyes— I’m not sure I would trade any of it for where we are today. My 25-year-old daughter just moved back from New Orleans where she was working as an interior designer. She has a house in town and is working with another interior designer. She loves her job. My 21-year-old son has just finished a six-month stint in Florence, Italy, cooking in the kitchen of a friend. In another week he will head to culinary school in New York to become a chef.

I never pushed my career on them. The restaurant industry is brutal enough, and if one isn’t totally in love and obsessed with it, he or she will be miserable. My son came to me six years ago and stated his intention to go into the restaurant business. I laid out an eight-year plan for him to follow. He is currently almost halfway through that plan. My daughter never expressed interest in the restaurant business. They both worked for me in their high school years, but we always knew she would be an interior designer. And she is a very good at what she does.

Maybe that’s what makes yesterday so special. I spent two hours in the kitchen of our Italian restaurant with our lead prep cook and kitchen manager at Tabella in Hattiesburg, Joseph Heidelberg, the new executive chef at Enzo in Richland, Justin Ferguson, my business partner, Jarred Patterson, and my son. We were developing recipes for the new Italian restaurant we will open in a matter of weeks. The menu will include American-Italian food such as the food we have been serving at Tabella for the last 11 years, but it will also offer authentic Italian food that I have learned from my yearly trips to Italy, and my son is leading the effort on those dishes as he learned many of them during his most recent stint.

After a full day in the kitchen, I picked my daughter up at her house and we drove to Ridgeland, Mississippi, to the new restaurant so she could start moving forward on the design plan. It was just the two of us, which is kind of rare, as she spends most of her family time with her mother or as part of the whole (the four of us). I loved it. The conversation never lulled. We spoke about my vision for the restaurants, and other restaurants that are in the works. She sat in the passenger seat and thumbed through the plans as we discussed colors, coverings, and artwork.

At the restaurant, we walked around and measured and did all the things that an interior designer needs to do to get her job done. Then we had dinner. I have traveled to a lot of places this year. I even spent three months eating my way through Spain and Italy. But no dinner can compare to this one where she and I just sat and talked shop while we ate.

On the ride home, we stopped talking about business and focused on music. I played DJ for a while, and then she took over the car’s sound system. We talked about the music we were listening to these days and shared new songs the other hadn’t heard yet. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.

Thirty-five years ago, when I got in this business, I was at a point in my life where I had no intentions or prospects of marriage. I just wanted to own a restaurant. Just one. That was my dream. Kids were nowhere in my top-20 life goals. Today, my family is at the top of the pyramid. I guess we must be open to new experiences, and always be available for what God has in store. Today I am a happy man. I am in the business I love so much and working with the two human beings on this planet I love the most. My wife understands that last statement, by the way.

Onward!

Polenta

2 cups Polenta

6 cups Chicken stock

1 TB Kosher salt

1 tsp Fresh ground black pepper

In a 2-quart sauce pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the polenta or cornmeal and reduce to medium-low heat and stir constantly until it begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.

Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and published cookbook author.

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Veronica Sherman Washington
July 19, 1958 — August 11, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Greenwood, 9860 Greenwood Road, Greenwood.

Gail Janice Moore
October 31, 1949 — August 17, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Baptist Church, 533 East Dalzell Street, Shreveport.

Clim McFan, Jr.
July 23, 1969 — August 16, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6915 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Cedric Duron Carter
November 4, 1971 — August 15, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.

Caroline Ray Jones
August 8, 1954 — August 16, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Winnfield Funeral Home, 3701 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport.

Sally Mae Harris
June 27, 1949 — August 19, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Galilee Baptist Church, 1500 Pierre Avenue, Shreveport.

Lloyd McCarty
July 15, 1947 — August 12, 2022
Memorial Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Aulds Funeral Home Chapel, 7849 East Kings Highway, Shreveport.

Thelma Hill
August 2, 1923 — August 14, 2022
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Paige Chapel Baptist Church, 7711 Jefferson Paige Road, Shreveport.

Maxine Thornton
September 8, 1960 — August 13, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Roundgrove Memorial Gardens, 2869 Roundgrove Lane, Shreveport.

Ruth (Thomas) Johnson
December 22, 1929 — August 14, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church, 2100 C.E. Galloway Boulevard, Shreveport.

Annie Lou (Johnson) Colquitt
June 30, 1935 — August 16, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.

Tracy Louise Chambers
November 19, 1974 — August 19, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6915 W. 70th Street, Shreveport.

Thomas Lanny McConnell
April 3, 1945 — August 19, 2022
Funeral Mass: Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 204 Patton Street, Shreveport.
Reception: Wednesday, August 31, 2022, following Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church Family Center, 204 Patton Street, Shreveport.

Wilson J. Lonzo
March 9, 1946 — August 20, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 9:00-10:30 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Marksville.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. St. Richards Catholic Church in Hickory Hill.

Franca Cox
November 30, 1948 — August 16, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.

Sue Ellen Pilgreen
May 17, 1951 — August 22, 2022
Graveside Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery, 6476 LA-151, Dubach.

Ronald ‘Ronnie’ Howard Duncan
July 24, 1949 — August 21, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier.
Funeral Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier.
Interment: Friday, August 26, 2022, following service at Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery, 601 US-80, Haughton.

Nancy Hamil-Sandifer
November 3, 1937 — August 19, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 2:30 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

E. Ashe Young
September 12, 1931 — August 20, 2022
Funeral Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Interment: Friday, August 26, 2022, following service at Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport.

Billie B. Garsee
May 22, 1937 — August 20, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 705 S. Spruce Street, Vivian.
Graveside Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 12:30 p.m. at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens, Highway 1 North, Vivian.

Bennie James Cooper
February 23, 1936 — August 21, 2022
Funeral Service: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Thursday, August 25, 2022, following service at Bethsaida Cemetery, 8799 LA-1216, Many.

Bonnie Ruth Greene Keene
July 31, 1955 — August 13, 2022
Memorial Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 3647 LA-146, Homer.

Wilbert White
August 2, 1944 — August 17, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at St. Rest Baptist Church, 1664 Garden Street, Shreveport.

Carolyn Webb
June 4, 1938 — August 20, 2022
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 500 Common Street, Shreveport.

Larry Benjamin
December 31, 1947 — August 20, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 9:00 a.m. at Round Grove Cemetery, 2869 Round Grove Lane, Shreveport.

Sandra Stevenson
March 22, 1946 — August 10, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.

Felton Jackson
November 4, 1963 — August 15, 2022
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at New Bethel MBC, 3300 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.

Howard King
September 27, 1949 — August 15, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Carver Cemetery, Kennie Road, Shreveport.

Barry White
December 7, 1959 — August 17, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Greater Zion Baptist Church, 6924 Bethany Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 27, 2022, following service at Galilee Cemetery, Keithville.

Lee Darrow Brown
June 22, 1956 — August 12, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Shreveport Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 5307 Alex Lane, Shreveport.
Graveside Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Forbing Union Cemetery, 250 Par Rd 118, Shreveport.

Bettye Jo Biggs
August 10, 1932 — August 19, 2022
Graveside Service: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Gibsland Cemetery, Gibsland.
Annie O’Neal Bradley Crawley
June 14, 1927 — August 21, 2022
Interment: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Harris Cemetery, Swampers.

Clifford L. Terry
October 27, 1933 — August 18, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life Graveside: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

Karen Boyce Logan
August 7, 1938 — August 18, 2022
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Belcher Presbyterian Church, 508 Gray Street, Belcher.
Reception: Saturday, August 27, 2022, following service at the home of Stephen and Jann Logan, Gilliam.

Elizabeth Earline Sanders
August 28, 1950 — August 13, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Holly Springs Cemetery, 854 Hwy 79, Minden.
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Holly Springs Cemetery, 854 Hwy 79, Minden.

John L. Johnson, Jr.
July 14, 1947 — August 11, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Friday, August 26, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at New Hope CME Church, 3737 Ninock Street, Shreveport.

Charles Terry Jones
August 17, 1937 — August 9, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4736 Lyba Street, Shreveport.
Funeral Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4736 Lyba Street, Shreveport.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $90. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com)

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The receiving line stretched from the open casket past the back door and into the lobby where we signed the guest book. 

Even after two days of a houseful of friends, the mom and dad were not close to being hugged-out. I don’t know what else you do when your child, 25, is gone. Suicide. And there’s the open casket, and you’re at church on the business end of the receiving line. 

I guess you keep accepting hugs, and you hold on. 

And you wish you could turn back the clock. 

We all wish we could turn back the clock on some things. I suppose you never wish it more than at a time exactly as this. 

Who has answers? 

And what do you do? One day a brother and son and teammate are quietly neat, efficient, a good-grades maker, a championship junior golfer, and a young believer. But after one semester at school on a golf scholarship, his room looked like the inside of a clothes-washing machine, his grades reflected indifference, his clubs just idle, old toys. A bad crowd, a bad decision, a bad deal. 

He couldn’t leave the stuff alone. The drugs. He’d have good runs, then a trip to the bad side of town. Nothing he did was out of the ordinary for a guy chasing a lie he’s bought into, hook, line, sinker, future, and life. Stories like this more often than not turn out the same way: somebody gets killed in the end. 

He was sweet. He was gentle. He helped the little-boy golfers on the course where the family lived. Polite to everybody. Lots of friends who reflected most of what he had been before The Big Lie knocked, and he’d answered and invited him in. 

He was talented. Three years ago, he dusted off the golf clubs, practiced a few days, won the city championship, and flashed all the old promise. No big surprise: he was that good. 

But his problem was worse. And a lot bigger than he was. So, it was never a shock when the shadows would come and he’d be gone again until, at age 25, he was gone for good. 

His parents did all they could. Tens of thousands of dollars invested in the last year alone, getting him help. Loving him soft and loving him tough. Hugging him close, giving him space. Praying and hoping. They never lost hope. But for a tiny window of time, their son did. 

It must be a terrible weariness, the one that hits someone just before they call it quits. The moment when all motivation is gone. To some, it comes after a pink slip or a divorce paper or a dream’s death. Desperation blasted with a kind of veiled self-honesty that must say, “Well, this is the only way left. The only thing right. The only way out.” 

A hopeless, frustrated kind of tired and weary. Hope’s not gone, but it’s lost. And if a piece of it isn’t found quickly enough, a receiving line and a shovel and a lot of tears are just around the corner. 

When they found him in his room, his faithful dog Dice, 14, wouldn’t leave him. Dice would have stayed by him forever. Same as everyone else. But a guy at the end must feel as if he’s taking up space, and always will be. Maybe when hope is lost, the whole system breaks down. 

“His whole life, he was good to everybody but himself.” I heard that time and again on the day of the funeral, the day of the open casket, and the hold-tight-to-the-promises preaching. Heard it from people who loved him, from people scared and hurt by so much of what he’d done, people who knew the beautiful boy inside him but never could push the good deep enough in there to change his heart. 

Why do some of us in the dirty pile of broken people believe just enough to dodge the early darkness, and some of us don’t? No answer fits. But I know there’s a pile. This funeral was proof of that. 

In it is the once used and no longer wanted, the never used and never useful, the cracked and the torn and the misshapen. And I know there’s a guy who wants the pile to stay just as it is, a guy who wants us to feel worthless and hopeless and ashamed. 

But I know there’s another guy too, one who wants us to see grace and mercy and feel a conviction to change, a guy gentle and humble in heart, a man who offers rest for the weary and burdened. He champions the underdog. He loves a comeback story. And he majors in solving the problems of people broken in the pile. 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Staff

The lineup has thinned for the 11^th Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase Sept. 2-3 at Independence Stadium, with Saturday’s middle game scrapped.

It involved two area Class A teams, Cedar Creek of Ruston and Minden’s Glenbrook Academy. The teams will meet, but not on the big stage in Shreveport. Instead, the Cougars and Apaches play at Glenbrook on Sept. 1, the Lincoln Parish Journal reported Monday.

The teams agreed last winter to a home-and-home series, then were persuaded to move at least this year’s contest to the Battle on the Border. Cedar Creek signed and returned a game contract, but Glenbrook – coached by former Parkway coach David Feaster – did not, apparently not satisfied with terms.

The snafu surfaced last Thursday when Cedar Creek coach Matt Middleton called Shelly Ragle, director of Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation, the city entity that runs the Battle on the Border.

Tuesday, Ragle said she and her administrative team are trying to plug the gap created by the collapse of next Saturday’s 3 p.m. matchup.

“We found out all of that Thursday, and we’re trying to determine what we’ll do with that middle of the day game window, or if we’ll do something different. Schedules for the teams are finalized at this point. It’s all happened so quickly.”

If a pair of teams can’t be located to fill the void, Ragle said all possibilities were on the table, with a “Battle of the Bands” showcase as one concept.

“Our goal is to have a great atmosphere for these young people. You’re still going to see some great football from the teams we have remaining,” she said.

“Battle on the Border has had such a long, rich tradition. We will learn from this, move forward, have a great weekend and come back strong in 2023. At this point, that’s all we can do.”

Ragle empathized with Cedar Creek and Middleton when she fielded his call.

“Understandably, at that point they wanted to be released to assure they had a game that weekend.  I understood their perspective.”

The 11^th-hour shift leaves just six teams playing three games in the event. Denton (Texas)-Ryan High School meets Arkansas’ Bryant High in the only game next Friday, kicking off at 7:30.  Saturday’s slate starts at 11 a.m. pitting Scotlandville, from the Baton Rouge metroplex, against Oklahoma’s McAlester High. The only local matchup comes next Saturday night at 7:30 when Huntington and Mansfield square off in a game only recently shifted to the Battle on the Border.

As of a Shreveport-Bossier Journal report July 28, there were no local teams involved for the first time in the history of the event. Last year, participants included four Shreveport schools – Byrd, Captain Shreve, Southwood and Woodlawn.

An Oklahoma publication, the Ada News, reported McAlester will receive up to a $5,000 guarantee from the City of Shreveport along with 34 hotel rooms as cornerstones of its deal to participate.

Local and area coaches were quoted in an Aug. 3 Journal story saying outreach from then-SPAR assistant director Joe Mero, the event coordinator, about playing in the 2022 event was too late in the scheduling process and inconsistent or even non-existent. Mero is apparently no longer with SPAR, as of last week, although Ragle declined comment on personnel matters.

“I am the point person for the department,” said Ragle, “but we have several people who have been part of Battle on the Border. We’ve been reaching out to the participating teams and we have the same fun atmosphere planned, to provide a great experience for the teams and fans.

“Those young athletes coming to play, they’ll get their Battle on the Border swag, they can win a trophy, they get to play in a big stadium atmosphere. We want to put on the best Battle on the Border we can, and start working really hard on Sept. 5 to stage a great 2023 event,” she said. “We want these young people and their coaches to go home next weekend telling everyone they want to come back again next year.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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JOURNAL STAFF

High school football officially kicks off next Thursday night, in the first of an exciting 10-week regular season.

It’s going to be more exciting, week after week, since you can win $250 by picking the winning teams.

Fans have until next Thursday afternoon at 4 to enter the Week One  Shreveport-Bossier Journal High School Football Pick ‘Em Contest. Anyone has the chance to win a $250 prize as the week’s top predictor of local prep football games.

The contests will be conducted weekly during the 10-game high school football season. There is no entry charge, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Shreveport-Bossier Journal.

Participation is very simple for anyone able to access this link:

https://tinyurl.com/SBJPIckem

The Pick ‘Em portal opens to a menu of game-by-game matchups, with an easy click to pick winning teams for each contest. Two local games will be used as tiebreakers, with participants predicting the total points scored in those games.

It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.

Entries are open now for the first week’s contest picking the winners from local games on Sept. 1 and 2.

Each week, the entries will remain open until 4 p.m. on the first playing date that week (usually Thursday).

One person will win each week’s $250 prize, to be announced in the Journal early the following week as the subsequent Pick ‘Em Contest launches. All contest decisions by SBJ management are final.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail.

A panel of Journal writers and local celebrities will also pick the games each week, but won’t be eligible to win the cash prizes. Their individual picks will NOT be publicized, just the week’s final win-loss results and the season’s record for each picker.

It will be fun for participants to compare their weekly records to stellar local sportswriters including Teddy Allen, Jerry Byrd Jr.,  Lee Hiller, Roy Lang III, John James Marshall, and Harriet Prothro Penrod. The celebrity picker panel will be revealed next week – with some of Shreveport-Bossier’s best known folks aiming to out-rank the experts, and each other, each week.

Come Monday, the Journal is shifting to publishing all seven days of each week during the football season, providing thorough coverage of local high school sports, along with colleges of local interest (featuring LSU, Grambling, Northwestern and Louisiana Tech) and the NFL, focusing on the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys.

Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $250, maybe more than once!

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By TONY MARKS, Journal Sports

OPELOUSAS – There were no fireworks Tuesday as the Louisiana State Racing Commission and officials with Louisiana Downs settled philosophical differences about the track’s thoroughbred racing schedule for 2023.

It will follow the same template used this season, with at least one additional race daily, and racing on the weekends at the Bossier City track.

But due to legal considerations, a report on the reported $2.3 million unaccounted for in the track’s purse fund and approval of 17 new off-track betting locations were both deferred Tuesday. The missing money stems from Louisiana Downs’ offseason ownership transfer.

The missing purse money issue is between the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, and Harrah’s Bossier City Investment Company. As the Shreveport-Bossier Journal first reported, approximately $2.3 million is unaccounted for — a result of the transition last February of purse money and gaming purse funds when the sale of Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Casino was closed. Caesars Entertainment sold what was then Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Casino, Racing and Entertainment, to its current ownership, the Rubico Acquisition Corporation.

The larger topic Tuesday at the commission’s regular meeting, held at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, focused on next year’s racing calendar at the Bossier City track.

The track had requested most thoroughbred racing in 2023 to take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Three Friday dates were also sought.

The commission, however, wanted to mirror the current schedule with racing from Saturday through Tuesday. Informal discussions leading into the meeting resolved the disagreement, said Bossier Parish commissioner Mike McHalffey.

The track’s 2023 thoroughbred season will be 84 days next May-September, with racing Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday beginning at a 4 p.m. post time, as the commission strongly suggested.

“I think for the public, and for the local people, it’s important to run on the weekends,” said McHalffey. “(Louisiana Downs’ racing secretary) Matt Crawford and I have been working on the schedule, and together, we decided the schedule we are currently using would — at this time — be the best approach for everybody because of the environment we’re in. It’s not the right time to make a change.

“We decided it was best for us to stay where we’re at now, and take a small step by adding a race a day to the card — eight races a day — and take a small baby step right now and see where we’re at and, after we see where we’re at, go forward. We can always tweak it, but we didn’t want to do anything to make a major change right now. The timing just wasn’t right,” he said.

Other commissioners echoed McHalffey’s perspective and, hailing from around the state, saw a bigger picture for Louisiana’s racing industry.

“It didn’t make any sense for them not to race on Saturdays or Sundays. Those are big days in the industry. Then, they proposed racing on two days that would have been on top of (Evangeline Downs). You’d have been splitting horses between the tracks,” said commissioner Deano Thornton, the former mayor of Winnfield.

“We wanted to get off overlapping dates because they’re feeding from the same pool of horses,” Thornton said. “Right now we’re fighting to have good fields because there’s lots of races with only 5-6 horses, and the foal crops are down. With these new machines going in, hopefully there will be a lot more money for purses.”

The track’s new quarter horse schedule was also approved during the meeting. There will be 46 dates running from Jan. 5-April 1. A requirement is also in place for a minimum of eight races per day in March and April. During January and February, there will be at least seven races per day. Louisiana Downs has hosted several quarter horse seasons in recent years.

Earlier in the meeting, the commission deferred a report on the missing $2.3 million, and took no action on Louisiana Down’s request for new off-track betting locations. Chairman Benjamin Guilbeau stated the “purse issue” is under investigation, and an anticipated report by the state attorney general’s office was not possible because involved staff members had court obligations Tuesday. Louisiana Downs’ OTB applications have been submitted for approval to other state authorities.

In other business, the commission heard from Louisiana Downs’ director of marketing Andrea Butler, who reported over $115,000 has been spent so far this year on advertising, an increase of $8,600 over the same time period in 2019. That amount has been spent on local and national billboards, radio, and publications, she said.

Louisiana Downs, according to Butler, now has a race replay promotion where non-winning wagers can be submitted for a drawing.

• With additional reporting by Tony Taglavore and Doug Ireland, Journal staff

Photo by TONY MARKS

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When kids grow up, they don’t necessarily want to be around their parents.

But they do want to know their parents are around — just in case.

Louisiana Downs is like that. Judging by low attendance in recent years — including this one — a lot of people don’t want to go. But it’s good to know the 48-year-old track is there, just in case.

At my age, not much surprises me. But early this week, I was in disbelief.

On the agenda for yesterday’s Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) meeting, I saw that the Downs had requested next year’s thoroughbred racing dates. I didn’t think much about it. But something —perhaps journalistic intuition — told me to pull up the calendar on my phone and see which days of the week corresponded with which dates.

Saying I was surprised would be an understatement.

Was Louisiana Downs actually asking the racing commission if they could not have live racing on either a Saturday or Sunday?

Again, I checked the dates against the calendar. Sure enough, the track was requesting to race Monday through Wednesday some weeks, Monday through Thursday other weeks. There were also three Friday dates.

No Saturday racing. No Sunday racing. Wow.

Thank goodness common sense — by way of the LSRC — prevailed. With help from Mike McHalffey, Bossier Parish’s representative on the LSRC, the commission came up with an alternate proposal, which was approved. Next year, the Downs will operate very similar to this year’s schedule. The 2023 meet — also 84 days— will start on Kentucky Derby Day, May 6, with live racing weekly Saturday through Tuesday.

“We need to get the young people involved,” McHalffey told me Tuesday on his way back from the commission meeting in Opelousas. “We need to get the families involved. By running on the weekend, that’s the right approach at this time. You have to introduce them to it some way, and I believe that’s the way to introduce them.”

My memory is terrible. So, I reached out to Kent Lowe. The Shreveport native was very well-respected in the horse racing industry during his years as a member of the Downs’ publicity department. Can he ever remember the track not racing on a Saturday or Sunday?

“I can’t recall the track not racing on a weekend during racing season,” Lowe said, “unless something specifically canceled those dates.”

I wondered why the Downs would not want to run at least part of the weekend. So, I asked Andrea Butler, the track’s spokesperson and marketing director. She did not respond. Again, I turned to Lowe, who has been a keen observer of the racing industry for some 40 years.

“I understand exactly what they are hoping to do,” Lowe said. “If you watch (the national horseracing network) TVG on a Saturday or Sunday, they aren’t showing Louisiana Downs races. If you watch on a Monday or Tuesday, you can see Louisiana Downs races a good bit.”

In other words, the more national exposure a track gets, there’s a better chance more money will be bet on those races at off-track betting sites. The bigger the handle, the better the purse money, and the better the quality of horses and races. And nowadays, you can bet on races at Louisiana Downs while at another track, on your couch, or in your beach chair in Destin.

“It’s a TV game and they don’t need on-track attendance like the old days,” Lowe said. “They need people watching and betting — wherever that might be.”

I wondered what Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler thought about the track not wanting to race on at least one weekend day. So, I asked him.

“He’s never mentioned that,” Chandler said, referring to Louisiana Downs owner Kevin Preston. “I would like it to be open every day!”

I also wondered what Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau president Stacy Brown thought, since her organization promotes the track to visitors. So, I asked her.

“We have been a well-rounded destination place, not just on the weekend,” Brown said. “Weekday (hotel) occupancy often surpasses weekend occupancy. It’s not as crucial as years ago.”

Brown said she knew the track was working on racing dates for next year, but was not aware they were asking to not run on the weekend.

Then there’s this from Butler, in her marketing capacity for the track, at yesterday’s meeting.  She told the commission she was working on hosting different activities such as a cornhole tournament and wiener dog and unicorn races on “family days.”

“If I could have a cornhole tournament, specials, unicorn races, free T-Shirts, concerts, and live entertainment to get those families in the door, then maybe they’ll come back on the next date night when it’s just the parents,” she said. “I’m just trying to get bodies in the door.”

No mention of horse racing.

I give credit to Butler and applaud her efforts to market the facility to non-horseracing fans. But this summer’s low attendance and general public disinterest is proof that plan isn’t working. Just as a jockey must change strategy when he or she can’t get his or her mount to the rail, the Downs must change its approach to get “bodies in the door.”

Racing on the weekend is part of the solution.

Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com

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By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

How many cities do you know where every Class 5A program has the talent to make the playoffs in 2022? I don’t know many, but today we will talk about the Class 5A programs around Shreveport and Bossier, and all the programs that have the talent to get to the playoffs. Teams like Airline, Benton, C.E Byrd, Captain Shreve, Haughton, Parkway and Southwood.

District 1 in Class 5A is so incredibly tough that, as is the case in a lot of other Class 5A districts in Louisiana, if you see a team in the playoffs with a 5-6 record or 6-5 record, that team from this district would have a great chance to win a first-round playoff game.

Let’s start with Byrd, which is on a roll with so much success in the last five years and ready to, I believe, make another deep playoff run, led by three-year starting quarterback Lake Lambert. Lambert was behind center as a sophomore in 2020 when the Yellow Jackets made it to the state championship game. Now he is the type of player that could lead many teams deep in the playoffs with his experience and athletic talent. This program right now has the stuff to be district champion and compete for a state title.

You have a Captain Shreve team that also has the talent to win the district and the talent to compete for a state title. The Gators are led by quarterback Kenyon Terrell, receiver Marquez Stevenson  and one of the best defensive lines in Louisiana; this defense has a really good chance to be strong in late season.

Haughton, led by head coach Jason Brotherton, just seems to keep winning. I predict they will get to the playoffs again with a very good offense led by quarterback Collin Rains and a defense that is young but led by tough linebacker Connor Blank. If they grow up fast as a team, they might shock some people in 2022.

Parkway has a lot of talent back on both sides of the football and will rely on a great season from transfer quarterback Ashton Martin (6-4, 190). The Panthers also return one of the best playmakers in Bossier in senior Jaylan White, and one of the top wide receiver groups in the state along with one of the best offensive lines in Louisiana. This program, if things come together right, also has the talent to compete for a district and state title in 2022.

Benton is the sleeper team with a lot of talent. The offense has one of the best-kept secrets in the state in quarterback Gray Walters, and one of the big sleepers in Louisiana in wide receiver Pearce Russell. The key is the young defense, led by defensive back Sawyer Simmons, holding up and getting stronger as the season goes along.

Even after last year’s struggles, Airline has the talent to go deep in the playoffs; the Vikings just need to put it all together as a team in 2022. This team has star power led by wide receivers Daxton Chavez and Cameron Jefferson, linebacker Justin Epps, defensive back Chris Montgomery and a few more potential all-state players.

A team people might be sleeping on that returns a ton of talent and a coach (Jesse Esters) who brings a lot of energy is Southwood. The Cowboys return one of their biggest offensive lines in quite a few years and one of their strongest teams, led by defensive end/linebacker/running back Melvin Coleman and all-state linebacker/defensive back Corinthian Walters.

Also remember another playoff team is in this district but not in the Shreveport/Bossier area; Natchitoches Central might field its most talented team in years. The Chiefs were in the district driver’s seat last season under coach James Wilkerson until an injury to their talented QB was too much to overcome.

I would not want to play any of these teams come playoff time in 2022, and it would be a shame if any team in this district doesn’t make the playoffs. One thing is for sure: all the 1-5A teams will be battled-tested and ready to play anyone in November and December.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

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By TEDDY ALLEN, Journal Sports

 Plain Dealing returns more than half its starters and more than half its team from a two-win campaign last season.

That’s 12 players on a roster of 22. But those numbers aren’t the focus of first-year Lions head coach Clint Walker.

The number he’s most concerned with is 100, as in 100 percent.

“I tell the kids that I don’t measure success in wins and losses,” Walker said. “I measure it by competing and the players learning how to work. You do that and, in my experience, the wins will come. It’s a tough district for sure, but we’ll be fine if we compete and keep getting better each and every day.”

Walker said last weekend’s scrimmage against Magnolia Charter “went well. We saw a lot of good things on defense. On offense, we got a lot of things to fix. We made some first-year quarterback mistakes, but we’ll keep working at it.”

The Lions spent a lot of time this summer overhauling the defense, changing the scheme, and “the improvement showed” during the scrimmage, Walker said. The new look should keep the Lions in more of a base so weekly adjustments will be tweaks and not major new preparations.

“Offensively, we simplified things from what we did last year,” Walker said. “We’re trying to keep it simple and better utilize what we have. It’s still running the wing and the ‘I,’ we just simplified our way of doing it.”

Joshua Miller was a defensive back and backup QB last year; at 5-11, 175, he’ll call the signals in 2022. His main targets will be a pair of seniors in tight end Elijah James (6-4, 160) and Colby Curry (6-0, 165).

The Lions will throw to their backs a lot as well. That likely trio includes junior Aaron Reddix (5-10, 160), sophomore Tyrese Kimble (6-0, 172), who played last year as a freshman, and senior RB/LB Colton Davis (5-9, 165), who was hurt in Friday’s scrimmage but will be ready to go when the Lions play Bossier at approximately 7: 15 Friday night at Airline Stadium in the 69^th Annual Bossier Lions Club Jamboree.

Senior players returning to do big-boy work as they did last year for Plain Dealing include senior OL/LB Jayden Gay (5-3, 166), two-way linemen Cole Modisette (6-3, 230) and Jamauriel Ray (6-1, 277), and center/linebacker Reagan Foster (5-8, 176).

The Lions open Sept. 2 at home against Delta Charter, then travel to Lincoln Prep and Lakeside before District 1-1A play opens at Plain Dealing against Ringgold.

“We’ve still got some good non-district teams to play,” Walker said, “but not a BTW or North Caddo like last year. These are teams better suited for us.

“Hey, it’s going to be a challenge, but it always is,” he said. “I didn’t go into this with blinders on. And these kids know what they’re up against, what obstacles they have to get over. But they worked hard this summer in the weight room and especially on defense; as long as they keep working, we’ll be OK.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By LEE HILLER, Journal Sports

Preparations for the 2022 football season continue this week with jamborees culminating the preseason buildup to season openers next week.

A pair of Caddo Parish jamborees kick off Thursday to start things, one at Independence Stadium involving Captain Shreve and Byrd and another in Vivian at North Caddo’s Sanders-Prudhomme Stadium between the Titans and Green Oaks.

A bulk of the jamborees will take place on Friday with two more involving Caddo Parish public schools. Due to the heavy rains this week Booker T. Washington and Northwood have shifted to the artificial turf at Loyola’s Messmer Stadium. Woodlawn faces Huntington at Independence Stadium.

All of the Caddo jamborees will kick off at 6 p.m.

Airline Stadium will be the site of the 69^th Annual Bossier Lions Club Jamboree that will have Airline and Benton kick off things at 5:45. Bossier and Plain Dealing will follow at around 7:15 and Haughton and Parkway at 8:45 p.m.

The Landers Dodge Jamboree will take place at Calvary’s Jerry Barker Stadium where the Cavaliers will face another Class 2A team in Union Parish from Farmerville. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in what figures to be a battle between teams ranked highly all season long in 2A with Union Parish featuring running back Trey Holley, an LSU commitment who is on pace to break the state career rushing yards record.

Loyola will travel to Natchitoches to face the Chiefs in the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Jamboree at Northwestern’s Turpin Stadium. Kickoff for the Flyers and Chiefs will be at 7 p.m. after Lakeview and St. Mary’s play the first contest.

Evangel will make the trek to Ruston to play Cedar Creek in the Bayou Jamb at Louisiana Tech’s Joe Aillet Stadium. Kickoff for the Eagles and Cougars will be around 5 p.m.

Jamboree Schedule

Thursday

Caddo Parish Jamborees

At Independence Stadium

Byrd vs. Captain Shreve, 6 p.m.

At North Caddo, Sanders-Prudhomme Stadium

Green Oaks vs. North Caddo, 6 p.m.

Friday

Caddo Parish Jamborees

At Loyola, Messmer Stadium

Southwood, BTW, Northwood, 6 p.m.

At Independence Stadium

Huntington vs. Woodlawn, 6 p.m.

Bossier Lions Club

At Airline

Airline vs. Benton, 5:45 p.m.

Bossier vs. Plain Dealing, 7:15 p.m.

Haughton vs. Parkway, 8:45 p.m.

Landers Dodge Jamboree

At Calvary, Jerry Barker Stadium

Calvary vs. Union Parish, 6 p.m.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Jamboree

At Turpin Stadium, Northwestern State

Loyola vs. Natchitoches Central, 7 p.m.

Saturday

Bayou Jamb at Joe Aillet Stadium, Louisiana Tech

Cedar Creek vs. Evangel, 5 p.m.

Contact Lee at lee.hiller51@gmail.com

Photo by JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports

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By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

I’m devastated to report our streak has gone to rest with the all-time heaters in the sky.

After six straight winning campaigns and nearly 40 units of profits accumulated, we suffered a loss last week. Even though it was just .78 of a unit, it’s still sad to see the streak come to an end.

We get back on the horse this week with a variety of golf wagers. 

The 2021-22 PGA Tour season comes to an end with this week’s Tour Championship. Unfortunately, the season ends with a ridiculously dumb scoring system. In case you don’t know, Scottie Scheffler will begin with a two-stroke lead on Patrick Cantlay and more than two strokes on the rest of the 29-man field (Will Zalatoris withdrew).

However, many sportsbooks offer betting on the Tour Championship with AND without the bonus strokes awarded. We dabble in both. Just make sure you’re making the correct bet. Will hit all three Tours in action – PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Korn Ferry Tour.

Good luck!

Notes

All bets are measured in units. For instance, if your normal bet on a game is $100, that is one unit. If the bet is listed as .2 units, it’s a $20 bet.

Best line (as of Tuesday) is listed in parenthesis. Find the best price, one key to being a successful sports bettor! Shop around! Remember this is a VALUE-based system, so don’t settle for a price significantly less than the one listed. And jump on better prices!

Sportsbook legend

CAE: Caesar’s

FD: Fan Duel

MGM: Bet MGM

DK: DraftKings

BS: Barstool

LANG’S LOCKS

Last week recap: Loss, -.78 units

THIS WEEK’S SELECTIONS

PGA TOUR 

Tour Championship

Win bet (without stroke bonus)

Aaron Wise, .1 unit, +4000 (DK)

Top 5 bet (without stroke bonus)

Matthew Fitzpatrick, .2 units, +300 (BS)

Top 10 bet (without stroke bonus)

Aaron Wise, .2 units, +190 (DK)

Win bet (with stroke bonus)

Scottie Scheffler, .9 units, +225 (DK)

Top 5 bets (with stroke bonus)

Matthew Fitzpatrick, .4 units, +400 (MGM)

Aaron Wise, Aaron, .2 units, +2500 (CAE)

Top 10 bets (with stroke bonus)

Matthew Fitzpatrick, 1.4 units, +138 (CAE)

Corey Conners, .5 units, +300 (CAE)

Top 20 bet (with stroke bonus)

Aaron Wise, 1.2 units, -110 (CAE)

DP WORLD TOUR

Omega European Masters 

Win bets

Fabrizio Zanotti, .1 unit, +4400 (MGM)

Edoardo Molinari, .1 unit, +8200 (FD)

Miguel Angel Jimenez, .1 unit, +11000 (DK)

Top 20 bets

Edoardo Molinari, .4 units, +275 (MGM)

Miguel Angel Jimenez, .2 units, +400 (CAE)

Scott Jamieson, .2 units, +360 (FD)

Adrien Saddier, .1 unit, +700 (FD)

Tristen Strydom, .1 unit, +1000 (MGM)

Daniel Gavins, .1 unit, +900 (FD)

Sebastien Heisele, .1 unit, +1200 (FD)

Alvaro Quiros, .1 unit, +1200 (FD)

KORN FERRY TOUR

Nationwide Children’s Memorial Classic

Win bet

Justin Suh, .1 unit, +4400 (DK)

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com

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Anyone who has suffered flood damage to a property in which they live as a result of the recent heavy rains may self-report that damage to a state reporting site, according to Ian Snellgrove, director of the Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Snellgrove said the state website will allow citizens to input information regarding disaster-related damage.

TO INPUT YOUR DATA – CLICK HERE: https://damage.la.gov

The website is a virtual Louisiana initiative and damage reporting process launched by GOHSEP in the spring of 2020. Persons can self-report damages in the aftermath of significant disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and winter weather.

If a residence has taken damage due to effects from severe weather, go to the site to begin the reporting process. Reports help parish, state, and federal authorities better understand the location and severity of damage and expedite the individual assistance process following major disasters and emergencies.

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Nancy Hamil-Sandifer
November 3, 1937 — August 19, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 2:30 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

E. Ashe Young
September 12, 1931 — August 20, 2022
Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport.
Interment: Friday, August 26, 2022, following service at Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport.

Billie B. Garsee
May 22, 1937 — August 20, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 705 S. Spruce Street, Vivian.
Graveside service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 12:30 p.m. at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens, Highway 1 North, Vivian.

Bennie James Cooper
February 23, 1936 — August 21, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Service: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport.
Interment: Thursday, August 25, 2022, following service at Bethsaida Cemetery, 8799 LA-1216, Many.

Bonnie Ruth Greene Keene
July 31, 1955 — August 13, 2022
Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 3647 LA-146, Homer.

Wilbert White
August 2, 1944 — August 17, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-8:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, 2200 Laurel Street, Shreveport.
Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at St. Rest Baptist Church, 1664 Garden Street, Shreveport.

Carolyn Webb
June 4, 1938 — August 20, 2022
Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 500 Common Street, Shreveport.

Larry Benjamin
December 31, 1947 — August 20, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Graveside service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 9:00 a.m. at Round Grove Cemetery, 2869 Round Grove Lane, Shreveport.

Sandra Stevenson
March 22, 1946 — August 10, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.

Felton Jackson
November 4, 1963 — August 15, 2022
Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at New Bethel MBC, 3300 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.

Howard King
September 27, 1949 — August 15, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Graveside service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Carver Cemetery, Kennie Road, Shreveport.

Barry White
December 7, 1959 — August 17, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Gates, 1339 Jewell Street, Shreveport.
Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Greater Zion Baptist Church, 6924 Bethany Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Saturday, August 27, 2022, following service at Galilee Cemetery, Keithville.

Lee Darrow Brown
June 22, 1956 — August 12, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Shreveport Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 5307 Alex Lane, Shreveport.
Graveside service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Forbing Union Cemetery, 250 Par Rd 118, Shreveport.

Bettye Jo Biggs
August 10, 1932 — August 19, 2022
Graveside service: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Gibsland Cemetery, Gibsland.

Wanda Nell Merritt McEachern
December 7, 1952 — August 21, 2022
Graveside service: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Evergreen Union Cemetery, 1638 Evergreen Road, Minden.

Annie O’Neal Bradley Crawley
June 14, 1927 — August 21, 2022
Interment: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Harris Cemetery, Swampers.

Carolyn Davis
August 6, 1926 — August 19, 2022
Visitation: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Funeral service: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport.
Interment: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, following service at Forest Park Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport.

Clifford L. Terry
October 27, 1933 — August 18, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life Graveside: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

Patricia Lee Tyler
July 23, 1948 — August 19, 2022
Celebration of Life Visitation: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport.

Karen Boyce Logan
August 7, 1938 — August 18, 2022
Memorial service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Belcher Presbyterian Church, 508 Gray Street, Belcher.
Reception: Saturday, August 27, 2022, following service at the home of Stephen and Jann Logan, Gilliam.

Elizabeth Earline Sanders
August 28, 1950 — August 13, 2022
Visitation: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Holly Springs Cemetery, 854 Hwy 79, Minden.
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 27, 2022, 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Holly Springs Cemetery, 854 Hwy 79, Minden.

Jack Dee Kent, Jr.
November 25, 1929 — August 19, 2022
Graveside service: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery, 601 US-80, Haughton.

John L. Johnson, Jr.
July 14, 1947 — August 11, 2022
Visitation: Thursday, August 25, 2022, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Precious Memories Mortuary Chapel, 4017 Greenwood Road, Shreveport.
Celebration of Life: Friday, August 26, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at New Hope CME Church, 3737 Ninock Street, Shreveport.

Charles Terry Jones
August 17, 1937 — August 9, 2022
Visitation: Friday, August 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4736 Lyba Street, Shreveport.
Service: Friday, August 26, 2022, 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4736 Lyba Street, Shreveport.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $90. Contact your funeral provider or SBJNewsLa@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to SBJNewsLa@gmail.com)

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By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Sports

No weekend thoroughbred racing at Louisiana Downs next year?

That’s what the Bossier City track proposed, ahead of today’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Louisiana State Racing Commission. The 10 a.m. session will be at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas.

However, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal has learned the commission will counter with a schedule which mirrors the current 84-day meet, with racing Saturday through Tuesday.

According to the meeting agenda published on the commission’s website, the track requested dates mostly comprised of Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. There were three Friday dates, but no Saturday or Sunday dates.

The track also proposed that the 2023 meet start May 8 — two days after the Kentucky Derby. In recent years on Derby Day, the track has had live racing and has offered the opportunity to wager on the first leg of the Triple Crown. The track has also encouraged fans to dress in Derby Day attire.

Andrea Butler, spokesperson for Louisiana Downs, did not respond to questions from the Journal as to why the track would not want to race on at least one weekend day.

Also at today’s meeting, the commission is expected to receive an update on the “purse issue” between the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, and Harrah’s Bossier City Investment Company. As the Journal first reported July 29, approximately $1.9 million was unaccounted for —apparently a result of the transition of purse money when the sale of Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack was closed last February. Caesars Entertainment sold what was then Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Casino, Racing and Entertainment, to Rubico Acquisition Corporation.

On Aug. 1, the Journal reported the amount of money unaccounted for was actually $2.3 million — the $400,000 difference thought to involve money from video poker machines at the time of the ownership shift. Following the Journal’s reporting, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office issued its first public statement on the issue, saying it was aware of the complaint, and was working with the Commission “and other parties to resolve the matter.”

Late Monday, a spokesperson for the AG’s office told the Journal there wasn’t any new information to provide. That may be under wraps until today’s commission meeting.

Other items on today’s agenda include the consideration and anticipated approval of 17 off-track betting sites (OTB’s) for which the Downs has applied. Six of those are in Caddo Parish, with 11 others in surrounding parishes.

Also at today’s meeting, Louisiana Downs will ask for approval of a 46-day quarter horse meet. Racing would take place January 5-April 1, mostly on a Wednesday-Saturday schedule, with some racing Thursday-Saturday and Tuesday-Saturday.

Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com

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By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD

For this week’s installment, I went to Cush’s Grocery & Market to meet Kasie Mainiero, a lifelong educator who has recently undertaken a new role with Caddo Parish Schools. Having been a teacher at University Elementary School under Mainiero’s leadership as both assistant principal and principal, I can attest to her dedication to all aspects of a child’s education.

Just 18 days into her new role as Child Well-Being Specialist for Caddo Parish Schools, Kasie Mainiero has already visited 36 schools in the community. Heck, she’s already been to five schools before our lunch meeting today.

That’s the way Mainiero rolls. It reminds me of something my grandmother used to say about people who were able to accomplish great things: “She doesn’t let any grass grow under her feet.”

We’re talking about someone who has never been able to sit still for long. She’d rather be up and moving – whether as a pre-K teacher, a kindergarten teacher, a counselor, a coordinator, a master teacher, an assistant principal, or a principal. Those are all positions Mainiero has filled since receiving her bachelor’s degree at Centenary College, a Master’s in Counseling from Louisiana Tech, and +30 from LSUS (she is currently working on her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at La. Tech).

“I’m very excited about it,” Mainiero says of the newly-created position with Caddo Parish Schools. “I’m very positive about the potential it has to make changes (in our schools and community).”

The position has many facets, including: overall student well-being; implementing the new Rethink Curriculum (a computer-based strategy to help provide a safe and secure environment); connecting school administrators to resources in their community; improving the climate and culture of schools; and trauma response, to name a few.

“We have got to help children figure out how to regulate their emotions, especially kids who have been through trauma,” says Mainiero. “And help teachers know how to deal with kids who are dealing with trauma.”

To help meet that goal, Mainiero has been meeting with different community members in town – and she is amazed at the resources that are available.

“The Community Foundation, VOA (Volunteers of America), VYJ (Volunteers for Youth Justice) – there are amazing people out there doing this work in a different way, and some are already doing it in the schools,” she says. “And churches are one of our most important community resources to help schools.”

Mainiero has seen the benefits of focusing on the emotional well-being of students. During her tenure as principal, UES became the first-ever “We Care School” – incorporating a pilot program through Community Renewal International that aims to teach students about giving back, being kind, and caring for others.

As a result, the school saw a decrease in suspensions and expulsions as well as a tremendous decrease in the rate of referrals.

So how does this correlate to academics?

“We’re not going to move that reading (or math) deficit if kids’ needs aren’t met,” explains Mainiero. “When children don’t know how to read, we teach them reading skills. When children don’t know division, we teach them math skills. When children don’t know how to act, we kick them out and say, ‘You should know how to act.’ Kids are so much more than a test score. My goal is for us to make better human beings.”

And, as it is said, it takes a village – teachers, administrators, counselors, cafeteria workers, custodians, community members, churches.

For those who doubt the importance of an increased focus on the emotional well-being of students and its impact on academic performance, I echo Mainiero’s belief when she says, “How’s it been working for us without it?”

Just take a look at the news – the shootings, suicides, and increased violence – and it is evident that something must be done.

“This district is vast, with urban, suburban, and rural schools,” says Mainiero. “There are so many different needs at different places. I’m getting to all these places and trying to assess what those needs are. Everybody is in their own bubble and doesn’t know what other schools are doing and what resources they have.

“My job is to go in and say, ‘How can I help you get where you want to be?’”

Mainiero knows as well as anyone that results will take time. And how will the results be measured?

“That’s one of the hardest parts,” she says. “There are so many variables. It’s going to be interesting. Hopefully, we’ll be able to look at statistics and say, ‘I wonder why our crime rate went down and test scores went up.’ It all indirectly affects so many facets of a child’s life.

“We’re talking about an individual, a person. One little thing could change the course of that child’s life. Small differences over time – that’s how you make change.”

Contact Harriet at sbjharriet@gmail.com

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By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

Sam Burns believed he deserved a spot on last year’s Ryder Cup team. Ultimately, he wasn’t selected. Now, it appears he’s not going to give the folks in charge of the international team events a choice.

Burns enters the final week of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs this week, but he already has a fall date for Charlotte, N.C. The former LSU and Calvary Baptist star was announced Monday as one of six Americans to earn an automatic berth on the 2022 Presidents Cup squad.

The event, set for Sept. 20-25 at Quail Hollow Club, will feature the U.S. against the “Rest of the World,” foreign players not eligible for the Ryder Cup. Burns will represent the United States in team play for the first time as a professional (he was a member of the 2014 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team and the 2017 U.S. Arnold Palmer Cup Team).

Burns, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour this season, finished fourth on the U.S. Presidents Cup points list. The other automatic qualifiers: Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau.

U.S. captain Davis Love III will name six wild-card selections on Sept. 7.

The International Team has eight automatic qualifiers: Hideki Matsuyama, Sungjae Im, Joohyung Kim, Mito Pereira, Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Corey Conners and Adam Scott.

The rosters could change if any qualified players bolt for LIV Golf.

The Shreveport native hasn’t considered the option.

“I fully support the PGA Tour, 100 percent,” Burns said. “It was a pretty easy decision for me when all this kind of started because I went back to and thought about when I was a kid growing up and being on the putting green and having a chance to, in my imagination, win a PGA Tour event, to win a major.”

Burns, 26, will make his second appearance at the Tour Championship held at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta. When play begins Thursday, Burns will start the event at 5 under, five strokes behind leader Scheffler.

The PGA Tour uses a handicapped scoring system to determine the FedExCup champion. Three other players will begin the tournament ahead of Burns: Cantlay (8 under), Will Zalatoris (7 under) and Schauffele (6 under). The field’s other 25 players will start in Burns’ rear-view mirror.

Burns finished 18^th in the FedExCup in his only other Tour Championship appearance (2021).

“It’s been a good year on the golf course — some highs and lows in there,” Burns said. “I didn’t really know what to expect coming off last year. I knew I was playing well.”

Career year

Sam Burns’ 2021-22 season update

Category (PGA Tour rank)

Wins: 3 (2^nd)

Earnings: $7.07 million (7^th)

Top-10s: 8 (7^th)

Scoring average: 69.67 (10^th)

Strokes-gained, putting (average per round): .539 (11^th)

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com

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By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Sports

Three months before the season is not the best time to change head coaches.

But it sounds like Captain Shreve hasn’t missed a beat.

When Bryant Sepulvado left the sidelines in July, after seven years leading the Gators, to become the school’s assistant principal, Adam Kirby was named interim head coach. Kirby was Shreve’s offensive coordinator in 2021. Last month, the “interim” tag was removed.

“(The players) know me,” Kirby said. “They know my expectations. I ran the weightroom last year. I was assistant head coach. When Bryant was away, I ran practice. They know me. They know my personality. And, we didn’t have any staff turnover.”

Which means the Gators are in position to pick up where they left off.

“We’re looking to build on what we did last year with a 10-win (10-2) season and a number one (power points) ranking. But (the players) want to go further in the playoffs. This team is really hungry to put Shreve on the map statewide. We want to be one of the top 5A programs in the state.”

The Gators return several skill players — including quarterback Kenyon Terrell — from a squad which was upset in the second round of the playoffs. The senior is Shreve’s seventh all-time leading passer, after throwing for 2,072 yards and 21 touchdowns last year.

“Kenyon’s phenomenal,” Kirby said. “He is the best quarterback in North Louisiana by far, in my opinion. His football IQ is through the roof. He’s a competitor. He loves the game. He’s very quick with his feet. He can make reads in a split second.”

Terrell’s main target will be Marquez Stevenson, a Texas Tech commit and state champion sprinter who is one of the fastest high school athletes in the state.

But the Gators won’t be one-dimensional. Running back Jayden Edwards returns for his senior season, after rushing for 484 yards and 3 TD’s.

“It’s going to take more than one guy to bring him down,” Kirby said. “He runs the ball hard, and is really, really good in pass protection.”

Defensively, Kirby will allow his coaches — a group he calls the best in the state — to take care of the game plan.

“I told our defensive staff if he’s putting that much trust in us, we’re going to step up for him,” said seventh-year defensive coordinator Chip Kendall. “We’re going to do whatever we have to do to be successful on that side of the ball.”

You can’t label this year’s defense as either experienced or young.

“We are kind of mixed this year,” Kendall said. “We are very experienced in certain spots, and not so much in others. (Defensive ends) Bryce Lopez, Aaron Holley, and Terrance Green (all seniors) bring a lot of experience. The interior of the D-line got a little playing time last year, but they’re going to get thrown to the wolves this year.”

In the back end, there will be some familiar names, and some newcomers.

“We bring back both safeties, Tre Fuller (So.) and Jake McGee (Sr.), which is good, because they make the calls in the secondary,” Kendall said. “But our corners will be new. So, it’s a good mix of experience and new.” Fuller started as a freshman before getting hurt. McGee also started several games.

On special teams, John Chance (Sr.) will be busy. He is expected to handle all of the Gators’ kicking duties.

Captain Shreve starts its season Sept. 1, at home, against Loyola College Prep.

Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com

Photo by JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports

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By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

District 1-4A it will be one of the toughest districts for Shreveport-Bossier teams this season because most of these teams are very similar in talent.

Class 4A will be made up of most of your “sleeper” Shreveport-Bossier teams.

The team with the most to prove is Evangel Christian Academy, a powerhouse program that went through three really tough years in a row. The great news in my opinion is the program has a chance to be the story of Louisiana in 2022.

Evangel started mostly sophomores, freshmen and juniors in 2021. I saw them in person play Class 5A Dutchtown in 2021 and left the game saying to myself, “Wow … all these players return and this group will be special in 2022 and 2023.” One of the few seniors back is FBS prospect defensive back Kody Jackson. This program has a chance to go from 3-8 in 2021 to a deep playoff run in 2022 for the first time in many years.

Huntington, led by head coach Stephen Dennis, has taken this program from 0-10 to a talented playoff team every year now. This 2022 team might be his most talented, and he returns his big-time quarterback leader of the program in Kamron Evans. This program will be playoff bound again, but the Raiders also have a chance to shock people and go deep into the playoffs with a ton of skill talent, some of the best in Shreveport-Bossier.

Northwood, if you did a talent poll on the top 10 players on a team, might be the No. 1 team in the Shreveport-Bossier area. These guys just need to stay healthy. Athlete, wide receiver, defensive back Mar’Jayvious Moss is one of the best players I saw play in Louisiana last year. Quarterback Mason Welch is another talented hidden gem among their top recruits in the class of 2023.

Both Bossier and Woodlawn have a chance to make the playoffs in 2022. Bossier is much improved after going 6-5 in 2021 under first-year head coach De’Aumante Johnson. The Bearkats have more talent now and a lot of energy among the players to succeed. Linebacker Christian Johnson is one of the best football players in the area.

Woodlawn is the sleeper team in Class 4A to me in 2022. The Knights were young in 2021 and are still young in 2022, but they have a ton of skill talent back, along with some really underrated linemen. Quarterback Isaiah Kennedy is a talented young player who can really shock some people in 2022; if he stays healthy, this could be another deep-playoff-run team. I saw this team play in 2021 and again was impressed with the amount of young talent they have in the program moving forward.

GET YOUR ORDER IN:  For previews of every Louisiana high school and college football team, info on the state’s top senior prospects, and more, you can order the 2022 Louisiana Football Magazine at LaFootballMagazine.com – offering North Louisiana and South Louisiana editions, printed or digital. Magazines are ready for shipping now.

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

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Love them or loathe them, there seems to be no middle ground for NFL fans when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys…especially in Northwest Louisiana. And if the first two weeks of the NFL preseason are any indication, buckle up. It could prove to be as up and down as driving on I-20 East in Bossier. (If you know, you know…)

I know, it’s only pre-season, and like most football-starved fans, I’m living … and … dying on each glorified dress rehearsal, which is the NFL preseason.

This knee-jerk reaction problem is not a recent ailment. Thanks to Facebook memories, I am able to trace the preseason woes of Cowboy fandom.

In 2019, it was the underneath passing game on third and long. I just couldn’t – for the life of me – understand why the Cowboys’ coaching staff would call a pass play with a five-yard out route on third and 15. Made no sense.

The year before that, the target of my ire was offensive lineman Doug Free.

“When I die, please let Doug Free be a pallbearer so he can let me down one more time,” I posted on social media.

It’s funny now. Not so funny then when I could not afford therapy and used social media posts to vent. 

At least I’m self-aware. And I’m not alone. 

A little over a week ago, Cowboy fans took to social media to vent over Dallas’ 17 penalties in the preseason opener against Denver. That is the most penalties in an NFL preseason game since 2019.

And it’s not the look that Cowboy head coach Mike McCarthy, whose team led the league in penalties last season, wanted his fan base to see on the heels of a home season-ending playoff loss to San Francisco in which the Cowboys committed 14 penalties. 

McCarthy didn’t help himself early in the third quarter of the Denver game when a camera caught his reaction after Dallas’ 11th penalty. Flippantly, he slapped at the air as he looked off in the distance and mumbled something under his breath. 

One would think there would be more urgency in his demeanor about the penalty problem, which has spilled over into the 2022 preseason. Fans believed as much as McCarthy addressed the issue on numerous occasions during the offseason.

What a difference a week makes for McCarthy. He was all smiles late Saturday night, watching former Neville Tiger KaVontae Turpin run through Los Angeles Charger coverage units, not once, but twice for touchdown returns on both a punt return and kickoff return.

What a nice surprise from the USFL MVP who signed with the Cowboys on July 27.

While Turpin was the lightning for the Cowboys Saturday night, former Parkway Panther standout Israel Mukuamu, who did not register a tackle during his rookie 2021 season, brought the thunder early in the game with some big hits and an interception of Chargers’ quarterback Easton Stick on a second-and-nine pass with a little over 13 minutes left in the first quarter. 

Of course, the point man in the Cowboys’ offense, Haughton product Dak Prescott, has yet to take a snap.  

When he does, all eyes will be on the former Buc to see if he is able to take another step after being held back in 2021 due to a compound ankle fracture and dislocation during the 2020 season. Despite the health setbacks, Prescott still threw for a franchise-record 37 touchdown passes and a career high 68.8 completion percentage.

With the injury behind him, Prescott comes into the season leaner, healthier, and brimming with confidence. Cowboy fans are hoping that year No. 7 is lucky for the former Mississippi State standout. 

There is one more North Louisiana Cowboy to keep an eye on – former Woodlawn Knight Donovan Wilson. Wilson started three games during his last year and recorded 29 tackles. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and local Cowboy fans are hoping Wilson can return to his sophomore-season form in Dallas. 

In 2020 Wilson started 10 games, recorded 79 tackles, including 3.5 sacks. Wilson also intercepted two passes and forced three fumbles.

If the Cowboys can stay healthy … but, what about the absence of Amari Cooper? 

Like former Dallas quarterback “Dandy” Don Meredith said, if ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we’d all have a merry Christmas

The Boys have one more preseason game – this Friday against Seattle — before the games start to mean something. Dallas will host Tampa Bay on Sunday night, September 11.

Get your blood pressure meds right, Cowboys fans. And – if you’re like me – some ointment for those knee-jerk reactions. 

Contact Jerry at sbjjerrybyrd@gmail.com

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