By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Sports 

The first week of high school soccer featured rematches of state finals and semifinals contests from last season, along with a potential state championship preview.

In Loyola’s Flyers Invitational, the Lady Flyers had a rematch of their DIII finals win over Archbishop Hannan, with the result being a little different. The teams played a physical and very evenly-matched game. Both teams had opportunities to score, but both defenses stood tall, resulting in a 0-0 tie. Loyola dropped a division so this rematch will not be seen this year.

Caddo Magnet girls faced Lakeshore in a rematch of the Lady Mustangs’ 6-0 semifinal loss. While missing three starting offensive players, the Lady Mustangs were forced to play a more defensive game. Lakeshore won 4-0, but the match played much closer then their state semis did. This match could easily be replayed next February.

The Bossier boys’ soccer team got out of its comfort zone in a big way by traveling to south Louisiana for a couple early games. They played DII Ben Franklin to a 2-2 tie last Friday. Saturday they matched up with fellow DIII contender The Willow School. It was a fast-paced, up-and-down physical game that answered only one question with the 0-0 tie. It showed both teams are very good and evenly matched, perhaps destined for a finals rematch.

Byrd’s Lady Jackets faced preseason state title favorite St. Scholastica Friday. Byrd was able to prove it fits in the conversation as a DI state contender by playing to a 0-0 tie with the Lady Doves.

The week for Parkway’s Lady Panthers was highlighted by a 2-0 victory over Baton Rouge High School. Both goals were scored by Cammie Dunn. Keeper Aubri Dupri had 51 saves in four games.

Captain Shreve’s girls travelled to Mississippi to play two games. Friday they beat Sumrall High School 4-0, but on Saturday morning losing to perennial power Biloxi High School 2-1. These games do not go into the LHSAA rankings but were very encouraging for the Lady Gators.

Benton’s girls started their season by winning Haughton’s Cranberry Classic, going 3-0.

The Loyola and Evangel boys hosted Episcopal of Acadiana, both losing by six to the Lafayette area school.

The Byrd boys traveled to Monroe to face Ouachita Parish (L 1-0) and West Monroe (L 3-0). Earlier in the week they topped Parkway 6-1. Parkway later beat Evangel 1-0.

Benton’s boys faced two strong teams, tying Alexandria 0-0 and falling 2-0 to Lafayette.

The Shreve boys beat Lafayette 2-1.

The local soccer scoreboard for Week 1:

Monday 11/14 Girls 

Loyola 4, Airline 2
Bossier 8, Huntington 3
Haughton 6, Northwood 0
Shreve 8, Ouachita Parish 0

Boys

Loyola 2, Northwood 1
Benton 0, Alexandria 0

Tuesday 11/15 Girls

Calvary 2, West Ouachita 1
North Caddo 3, Southwood 0
Airline 0, North Desoto 0

Boys

Magnet 3, Evangel 1
West Monroe 2, Bossier 1
Haughton 9, Southwood 1
Byrd 6, Parkway 1

Wednesday 11/16 Girls

Bossier 0, Northwood 0
Magnet 8, Evangel 2
West Monroe 1, Benton 0
Shreve 4, Alexandria 0

Boys

Parkway 1, Evangel 0
Ouachita Parish 4, Northwood 0

Thursday 11/17 Girls

Loyola 4, Parkway 0
Huntington 3, Wossman 1
Airline 2, Calvary 2
Benton 4, Minden 0
Haughton 2, Ruston 1

Boys

Haughton 4, Minden 0
Benton 8, Southwood 0
Byrd 5, Natchitoches Central 1
Shreve 7, North Desoto 1

Friday 11/18 Girls

Loyola 0, Hannan 0
Parkway 2, Baton Rouge 0
Lakeshore 4, Magnet 0
Byrd 0, St. Scholastica 0
Shreve 4, Sumrall Miss. 0

Boys

Episcopal-Acadiana 7, Loyola 1
Bossier 2, Ben Franklin 2
Shreve 2, Lafayette 1

Saturday 11/19 Girls

Benton 2, Calvary 0
Calvary 2, Northwood 0
Loyola 2, Baton Rouge 1
St. Scholastica 2, Loyola 1
Ruston 7, Bossier 1
Minden 4, Bossier 1
Hannan 5, Magnet 2
Airline 4, Minden 0
Haughton 2, Northwood 0
Northshore 6, Parkway 1
Lakeshore 3, Parkway 0
Benton 2, Haughton 0
Byrd 1, Hannan 0
Byrd 2, Northshore 0
Biloxi Miss. 2, Shreve 1
St. Thomas More 5, Magnet 1

Boys

Episcopal-Acadiana 6, Evangel 0
Bossier 0, The Willow School 0
Ouachita 1, Byrd 0
Lafayette 2, Benton 0
West Monroe 3, Byrd 0

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Rebecca “Becky” Adams Lagars, 65, died peacefully at Christus Coushatta on November 21, 2022.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mansfield. Father Mark Franklin will be officiating. Interment will follow at New Rockdale Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Jimmy Lagars; her sister, Julie Adams; and her mother, Mary Boyter. She is survived by her brother Joseph Adams and his wife, Karen Adams. She had three children, Mandie Adams, Terri Lagars, and Jerri Lagars; and eight grandchildren, Kaitlyn White, Evan White, Grayson Lunsford, Michael Castie, Jonathan Bayles, Kaylee Lagars, Cameron Lagars, and Caleb Lagars.

Pallbearers will be Michael Castie, Gary Evans, Jeremy Evans, Tyler Evans, Kim Drinkard, and Bobby Miller.

Becky was a hard worker, a great mother and wife, and a loyal friend. She loved her family and was a caretaker to all. She loved the country life and was a master gardener. Becky was a patient fisherwoman, who traveled when she could, but mostly loved cooking and spending time with family and friends. She was proud to be a homemaker.

She was surrounded by family and friends at her passing after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

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BOM was proud to continue our sponsorship of the Northwest Louisiana FCA Founders Award Banquet. This year’s guest speaker was Mike McConathy, All-American basketball player at Louisiana Tech, 2nd leading scorer in LA Tech’s history, winningest college basketball coach in Louisiana history (Bossier Parish Community College & Northwestern State University). We always enjoy this event with our community members! Pictured left to right: BOM’s Henry Burns, JD Hartley, and Melinda Williams.

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In order for our staff to spend time with friends and family on Thanksgiving, we will not publish tomorrow. We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving as you are able with your loved ones as well.  

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal will proudly resume publishing on Friday morning at 6:55 a.m. 

Make sure to get your news at 6:55 a.m. every day of the week in the fall by subscribing for FREE by clicking HERE.

All SBJ articles are free and always will be free! 

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In my personal Tedders brain, Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl memories are a wild wintertime blend of a lost cell phone, a bad dude named Zack Valentine, a giant Sharpie, John Wayne, a hypnotist, a wrist watch, snow, and grinning Iowa State fans walking around filled with joy and dressed as giant ears of corn.

Good times.

I-Bowl teams will tee it up for the 46^th time — only 10 bowls are older — on Friday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at cleverly named Independence Stadium. The afternoon (or make it an all-day) experience would be a thoughtful and fun early Christmas gift, which you can make happen by visiting the bowl’s website (Google “Independence Bowl”) or by calling 318.221.0712.

We hope to see you there. But first … let’s review. 

McNeese State 20, Tulsa 16, 1976: This bowl started it all in America’s bicentennial year, thus the name of the “Independence” Bowl. Tedroe missed the game. Was in high school in West Monroe and probably could not have told you where the stadium was or, if I had known, could not have even imagined any way to get to the game. 

Louisiana Tech 24, Louisville 14, 1977: Saw the highlights on the late news and said, “Wait. What? Bowl game? Shreveport?” 

East Carolina 35, Tech 13, 1978: Was on the sidelines and fairly occupied, through a strange turn of events only the Creator could have devised, as the Tech equipment manager. John Wayne was there and Omar Bradley and, unfortunately, the aforementioned Zack Valentine, who hit our QB near our sideline and literally knocked the snot out of him. This was when a cliché actually happened; I witnessed it. Our friend the late Keith Thibodeaux, still the best all-around athlete I’ve ever seen at Tech, was knocked out of the game early on that play and I was sort of glad he didn’t have to endure the rest of it like we did. Tech had just won two Southland Conference titles in a row, but the other team was better, at least on that cold and sunny afternoon. That was the end of an era, the final game for Hall of Fame coach Maxie Lambright. (They gave us watches at the team banquet and we were thrilled; now team gifts are … well, let’s just say, speaking of eras, a new day has dawned in the Bowl Gifting World.) 

Elderly Miss 35, Texas Tech 18, 1998: Sanford writing products was the bowl sponsor and the beautiful mother of maybe my favorite I-Bowl Memory: the giant blow-up Sharpie in the parking lot. A thing of undisputed beauty. Think of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters. God I miss it still. 

Mississippi State 43, Texas A&M 41, 2000: The glorious, unmatched, never-to- be-forgotten Snow Game/Snow Bowl. Watched it on TV because me and 10-year-olds were playing football in the front yard, in the snow, and they didn’t want to stop. We’d run inside to warm up and watch and go back outside. (Ours is the not-as-memorable Snow Bowl — except to us.)

Elderly Miss 27, Nebraska 25, 2002: At the banquet for both teams, a hypnotist — he was nothing short of spectacular, had guys walking around like chickens and such — brought maybe five players from each team up and sat them in chairs and attempted to hypnotize them. It “took” on most, but not on all. Eli Manning was one who tried, but you could tell it was not working on him; not sure any of the Football Manning Family have a brain that can un-think long enough to be hypnotized. So Eli was one of the guys fired. Fortunately for the Rebels, he didn’t fall asleep at the game, either: 25-of 44 for 313 yards and a touchdown. (Programming note: Eli is one of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees; the star-studded bunch will be inducted in July. LaSportsHall.com for more info; hope to see you there, too.)

Missouri 38, South Carolina 31, 2005: Our friend Patrick Meehan was on an elevator a couple days before the game and dropped his cell phone through the slot where the doors close. You could hear it bumping metal and breaking on the way down. Carolina coach Steve Spurrier looked down the narrow opening and said, to no one, “That’s unfortunate.” He had the best post-game quote too: his team led 28-14 at half and when we asked him about losing the second-half lead, he pointed to a couple of his defensive coaches and said, “Go ask those guys.”

Not a third of the way down my list and … we could go on and on. We will, next year. Good grief we love us some Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

But now it’s time to look forward, not back. So see you at the game. Wonder what will happen? Come getcha some!

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD, Journal Sports 

(NOTE – Each Tuesday this season, the SBJ spotlights the staff’s selection as the local “Team of the Week.”)

Even though school was out for the week for Thanksgiving break, Rodney Guin was busy working Monday morning.

And he was very glad to be doing so.

“Yeah, that’s always the mark of success,” the Calvary Baptist head coach said about high school football coaches working during the break.

It’s a mark to which the Cavaliers have become accustomed. Going into this year’s playoffs, Calvary had made 17 playoff appearances with an overall record of 33 wins and 14 losses – including three state championships (Division III titles in 2013 and 2014 and Division IV title in 2020).

Last season, the Cavaliers made it to the semifinals of the Division IV playoffs before falling 40-37 to eventual state runner-up Ouachita Christian.

This week, No. 5-seeded Calvary is preparing for its quarterfinal matchup against No. 4 seed Dunham in the Select Division III playoffs. The Cavs (9-2) will meet the Tigers (10-1) at Dunham Stadium in Baton Rouge Friday night at 7.

After a first-round bye, Calvary faced No. 12-seeded Northlake Christian in last week’s second round. For a team that had outscored its opponents 443-134 prior to last Friday’s game, the Cavs got off to an uncharacteristic slow start.

At the end of the first quarter, the Cavs and Wolverines were tied 0-0. Not the typical start for a Calvary team that had scored 40 or more points in nine of 11 games and 50+ in seven of those matchups.

“We were moving the ball, but turnovers made it a slow start,” Guin said of last week’s game. “We fumbled twice in the red zone and had a guy wide open in the end zone but he dropped it.”

In most cases, turnovers and dropped balls could be a concern for a playoff team. But not this Cavs’ team.

“We haven’t turned the ball over all year long,” said Guin. “I think we may have had one fumble. And dropped balls is not a problem we have. We catch hundreds of balls.”

Guin was right not to worry. Running back James Simon caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Abram Wardell and ran for a 3-yard score. With Wardell’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Aubrey Hermes, Calvary had a 22-0 lead by halftime.

The Cavs added four more touchdowns and a safety in the second half, and the defense held the Wolverines scoreless as Calvary defeated Northlake Christian 52-0.

Simon, who finished the night with two rushing TDs and two receiving TDs, is close to 1,000 rushing this season with 20 TDs and no fumbles. On the season, Wardell has completed 128 of 160 passes for 2,181 yards and 31 TDs. Against Northlake Christian, the sophomore quarterback threw to seven different receivers and four different ones for TDs. Hermes has 9 TD receptions so far with 741 yards on 44 catches.

While Calvary is taking a prolific offense down to Baton Rouge, the Cavs will face a big challenge with an exceptional Tigers’ defense.

“They’re very good,” Guin said of the Wolverines. “They have the best defensive line we’ve faced since Week 2 against Captain Shreve (a 27-14 loss). That’ll be a challenge. The key is for us is being able to block up front. We’ve got to have good line blocking.”

Another challenge for Calvary will be a Dunham offense that has put up 50+ points in each of its last two games (including last week’s 56-21 victory over King Charter in the second round).

“You don’t win deep in the playoffs if you can’t play good defense,” said Guin. “Everybody can score. We’ve got to be able to stop their offense.”

With a defense that has shut out its last three opponents, Calvary is primed for another deep run in the playoffs.

Contact Harriet at sbjharriet@gmail.com 

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By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine

If I am a college recruiter, I’m camping out at ancient Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans Friday night. There will be talent all over the place on both sides of the football in the state quarterfinal matchup between Northwood and Brother Martin in Division I-Select.

I have seen both teams play this year and last year. They are very talented but different in terms of strengths and weaknesses. If you don’t know much about Brother Martin High School, just know that if it wasn’t for Catholic High of Baton Rouge and the Bears’ recent dominance, the Crusaders would probably have three state titles in the past five years. During that time, Brother Martin has lost to Catholic in the playoffs, either in the quarterfinals or deeper.

Brother Martin has been part of the fabled Catholic League district in New Orleans for almost a century, and it’s one of the most successful programs.

Both teams have great quarterbacks. Both are seniors who played in many big games in the past three years.

Brother Martin’s triggerman is Clayton Lonardo, who at 6-3, 210 with 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash was an all-district tight end last season. This kid is a D-I prospect all day but doesn’t get talked about much. Trust me: I’ve seen him several times in the past two seasons and he’s a big-time player.

Northwood counters with Mason Welch, who in my eyes is definitely a D-I QB, standing 6-4, weighing 220 pounds, but more mobile this fall than before. He also has been the QB for the Falcons so has an edge in experience at the position, and it shows week after week. He is a great leader for coach Austin Brown’s team.

The Falcons and Crusaders are very athletic on offense.

Brother Martin is led by WR Jordan West (5-8, 180, 4.5 speed with great agility), WR/TE Ray Lotten (6-5, 230, 4.6), WR Chase Dephillips (4.5 speed) and RB Sidney Harris (5-9, 205). Brother Martin star RB Torey Lambert, a prime recruit, has been hurt most of this year and it’s uncertain if he will play in this game or not; Lambert is 6-0, 210 with 4.5 speed if healthy.

Northwood counters in skill players with sure-handed WR Marc Denison, who has 4.55 speed at 6-0, 180. The Falcons have the best two-way player in Louisiana in Mar’Jayvious Moss (5-11, 180, 4.40 speed), and two running backs who both are tough to tackle and play some defense in Fabian Sanders and Quintavion White.

Both teams have great players on defense.

Brother Martin’s top hand is four-year starting DT Brendan Leblanc (6-1, 245, 4.9 speed).

The Crusaders’ MLB, Rylon Johnson (5-11, 220), has over 100 stops – he’s a tackling machine. Other standouts are LB Jadon Weber (6-0, 210), DT Dakota Berns (6-2, 255), LB Blake Ranlett (6-2, 190), and two great cornerbacks — Troy Santa Marina (5-11, 175, 4.5 speed) and Greg Jackson (5-10, 182, 4.5 speed).

Northwood has superstars on defense who include LB Jeremiah Reed, DT Ted Jamison (5-11, 303), DE Taderius Collins (a real playmaker at 6-4, 250), and DT Jamarion Kennedy (6-4, 300) who is among the best players on the team, I think. And of course, the Falcons are anchored by one of the best defensive backs in the country, Mr. Moss.

What will be the keys to this game? Northwood must score points with big plays and get turnovers to put the offense in the red zone — like they have been doing all year.

Brother Martin needs to put together long drives and wear down Northwood on defense. The Crusaders do have more depth and players, but the Falcons can win this game if they don’t turn the ball over, pick up some turnovers and don’t let the talented QB from Brother Martin beat them with his legs on third down. This kid can run and is a tough player to prepare for.

Brother Martin overall has more talent and more depth but as far as starting talent? It’s the best 22 in Louisiana at Northwood as far as college prospects, rivaled only by Catholic-BR, Edna Karr and Ruston.

I will take Northwood in an upset – not according to the seedings, but the eyeballs.

Although the Falcons are seeded No. 5 and Brother Martin, at 7-5, is seeded 13^th, most prep pickers will expect the Crusaders to move on.

Even though the seedings favor Northwood, few will join me in picking the Falcons. 

Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

NATCHITOCHES – After making a run at the Southland Conference championship, Brad Laird will return for a sixth season as Northwestern State’s head football coach for the 2023 season, NSU Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian confirmed Monday.

This fall, Northwestern produced its best Southland Conference record in more than a decade and went into the final week of the season with a chance to win its first conference title since 2004.

NSU started 4-0 in the Southland Conference for the first time since 1988 and posted its best winning percentage in the league since 2004, going 4-2 in six conference games. The 4-2 mark was NSU’s first above-.500 finish in conference play since 2010.

“The progress our team showed throughout the season reinforced to me the program is headed in the right direction,” Bostian said. “After meeting with Brad, I am further convinced he is the right person to maintain the momentum built this season. It is clear Brad connects with his players on a personal level and they fought through a tough start to the season because of the level of respect they have for him.”

Bostian noted that 31 of 44 players on the offensive and defensive two-deep chart, including nine of 11 offensive starters, are expected to return for next season.

Through five seasons, Laird is 16-35 after a 4-7 season that included four losses to FCS playoff qualifiers and another to FBS Southern Mississippi. Laird owns a 15-23 mark in Southland Conference competition.

The Demons made sweeping coaching staff changes in the spring and welcomed 30 newcomers to the program this offseason, although one of the new hires, offensive coordinator Cody Crill, hired in January, never coached a game at NSU. Crill stepped away from the program less than two weeks ahead of the Sept. 3 season opener at Montana for family reasons. That and another late staff departure left the Demons two coaches short this fall.

Following an 0-3 start, the Demons won four of their next six games, putting themselves alone in first place in the Southland entering the final two games of the season.

“A year ago, based partly on outside circumstances (the pandemic), it was prudent for us to extend Brad Laird’s appointment as Northwestern State’s football coach,” NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones said. “The steps the program has taken during the 2022 season proves we made the right decision. Maintaining continuity at the head of the program is important to build on the culture coach Laird has created.”

Laird, a record-setting quarterback at Northwestern State from 1991 through 1995, held the Demons’ all-time passing record for nearly a quarter century before coaching Shelton Eppler to a record-breaking, two-year campaign in 2018-19.

Laird, a Ruston High School product, served as defensive coordinator at NSU three times for a total of eight years and also was associate head coach for three of those seasons before becoming head coach in 2018.

Laird was inducted in 2015 into Northwestern’s N-Club Hall of fame, the highest athletic honor at the university.

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BATON ROUGE – “All they need is one.”

LSU’s Brian Kelly, in the fashion of any college coach discussing his upcoming opponent, heaped mounds of praise on Jimbo Fisher and the floundering Texas A&M football team during his press conference on Monday.

Whether it was warranted or not is a great question that probably won’t spark the most thought-provoking debates among LSU fans. There’s a certain relief in watching a rival suffer through the dysfunction the Tigers and their fan base went through the last two seasons.

But Kelly’s right — the Aggies don’t have the record they want, but all they need is one win against LSU. It’ll cap the season on a high note, maybe help Fisher save face on the recruiting trail, and leave A&M not saddled by an SEC losing streak entering next season.

It’s almost surreal to consider that, in the wake of A&M compiling the country’s highest-ranked  recruiting class last winter, the Aggies are 4-7. Kelly made it a point to mention that the talent Texas A&M has rostered doesn’t match the record. And, lo and behold, Kelly was right again.

The Aggies are going through upheaval. There’s Mushin “Moose” Muhammad II, a star wideout, actively discussing on Twitter an internal conflict between he and Fisher over his choice to wear sleeves during a game (Fisher has a policy against skill position players wearing sleeves). There was the very public conflict between Fisher and Nick Saban this summer ignited by Saban’s accusing A&M of “buying” its recruiting class with NIL money. Never mind the constant carousel of comments by media and fans regarding Fisher’s exorbitant contract that would for sure take a massive buyout — $86 million is the most commonly cited figure — from boosters.

Suffice to say, there’s a lot bubbling underneath the surface of that locker room, and opposing coaches could breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they’re facing that circus on Saturday.

Yet, time and time again since arriving in Baton Rouge last winter, Kelly’s proven that he won’t take anything for granted.

There were justifiable fears among fans of a trap game against Arkansas, which was probably LSU’s sloppiest outing since the loss to Florida State – but Kelly made aggressive decisions throughout that wintry day in Fayetteville, not playing it close to the parka. Last Saturday’s visit by UAB was written off as an easy win, and while it was, it was because the offense rebounded to have one of its cleanest performances of the season, and the defense was dominant in the final three quarters.

Kelly hasn’t done things the traditional LSU way, either: Jayden Daniels has constantly rewritten the rushing record books for quarterbacks at LSU, and while Daniels is having a fine season worthy of dark horse discussion for the Heisman Trophy, he didn’t exactly have a high bar in the run game from past LSU quarterbacks: Justin Jefferson’s 450-yard year was enough to rank No. 1 on the single-season all-time rushing yards list for quarterbacks. Daniels eclipsed that in half a season.

Then there’s the running-back-by-committee approach, which has proven wildly effective after the use of a featured back for much of the last decade at LSU. That move’s paid off in dividends: the Tigers have four different running backs that have pitched in major playing time in Josh Williams, John Emery, Jr., Armoni Goodwin, and Noah Cain. Against UAB it was Cain, a Penn State-transfer who had previously seen the least amount of playing time of the four, scoring three touchdowns. With Goodwin gone for the rest of the year due to a knee injury, Cain’s emergence is key.

Kelly hit the lottery in the transfer portal this offseason, and he pointed to Cain and linebacker Greg Brooks as tw of his biggest gets, even saying that his staff “knew what they were getting” when they pulled them out of the transfer portal.

Those moves haven’t just allowed Kelly to survive in his first year – he’s thrived. On the precipice of a 10-win season – LSU’s third since 2013 – his Tigers need to grasp his own piece of wisdom.

“All they need is one.”

Contact Ryne at rgberthelot@gmail.com

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JOURNAL STAFF

College

MEN

Faulkner 100, LSUS 88
LSU 77, Illinois State 61
Louisiana Tech 79, ULM 58

Decari Markray Classic at BPCC

BPCC 95, Delgado 94, OT
Navarro 120, SUSLA 90

WOMEN

Hendrix 77, Centenary 47

HIGH SCHOOLS 

Girls

Airline 56, Mansfield 12
Camden, Ark. 56, BTW 43
Captain Shreve 59, Winnfield 57
Conway, Ark. 78, Parkway 68
Glenbrook 40, Calvary 32
Haughton 59, Minden 39
Southwood 39, Ellender 36
Sterlington 41, Loyola 6
Woodlawn 40, Green Oaks 12

Boys

Bossier 67, Barbe 54
BTW 75, Magnolia Charter 32
Captain Shreve 58, Menard 40
Captain Shreve 54, Simsboro 36
Carroll 54, Bossier 52
Franklin Parish 66, Woodlawn 61
Green Oaks 60, Camden, Ark. 48
Lakeview 75, Airline 67
Loyola 57, West Ouachita 53
Red River 51, Byrd 40

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September 10, 1957 – November 20, 2022

Funeral services celebrating the life of Ruby H. Glover will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at Hunter Magnolia Baptist Church in Mansfield. Rev. Amador Santos and Rev. Ken Norton will be officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Stanley. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Ruby was born Sept. 10, 1957, in Conroe, Texas, to Charles and Marjorie Hart and entered into eternal rest on November 20, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan Price; her daughter, Sheryl Wilson; her parents, Charles and Marjorie Hart; and her grandparents, Myrtle and Alvin Powell.

Left to cherish her memory include her husband of 38 years, Ray Dean Glover; daughter, Sandra Yount, and husband, Sammy; sister, Scarlett Crawford; nephew, Adam Weaver; grandsons, Matthew Burns, Beau and Jacob Yount; granddaughters, Brittany Rogers, Tristan Burns; and great niece, Cheyenne Weaver.

Honoring Ruby as pallbearers will be Adam Weaver, Adam Ramsey, Alvin Powell, Severn Doughty, Sammy Yount, and Huel Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be George Glover and David Chadwick.

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By Edwin Crayton/Opinion

They can legalize marijuana,
But only God can send the rains required to grow it.

Billionaires can launch space ships to explore new worlds,
But only God can actually create new worlds.

They can take a precious baby’s life.
But only God has the power to give life.

They can make a man look like a woman.
But only God can create a real woman.

They can remove God’s commandments from in front
of court houses. But only God can make sure that
justice is served inside that court house and every other one
in the land.

We can neglect to thank God for his many blessings
and instead turn a day meant for giving thanks to him, into
just another day that’s really all about us. But only God can
give us the blessings that fill our dinner tables and our wallets.
And only he can wake us so that we can enjoy them again the next day.

As our world unwisely continues to rebel against God and his holy word,
It is comforting to remember that God is always in control and that he
blesses in a special way, those who are faithful. Pray that we Christians
will be faithful and obedient to him despite the costs of doing so, and that we
will express sincere thanks not merely on Thanksgiving Day, but the other
364 days of the year as well. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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Just in time for the holidays, this can work for any course of any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cans crescent rolls
• Cranberry sauce
• 1 (8 or 12 ounce) wheel of Brie, cut into cubes
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  On a baking stone unroll crescent rolls, separating each one.  Arrange with the thick end toward the inside in a sunburst pattern.  The base of the triangles should overlap.  Spread cranberry sauce on dough.  Top with bacon and Brie.  Fold triangle tips over and tuck extra dough underneath.  This will make a ring so you have a hole in the middle of the dough.  Whisk eggs and baste over dough.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake for 15-20 minutes until done.

Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author.

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By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports

Lake Lambert ripped off a 97-yard touchdown run 3 minutes into Byrd’s second-round playoff game against Alexandria on Friday night at Lee Hedges Stadium. 

And that was just the beginning. 

Subsequent scoring runs of 56, 19, 34 and 50 yards highlighted one incredible evening for the Yellow Jackets’ senior and his team, who eliminated the Trojans, 49-10.

“I don’t think (ASH) knew what he could do, obviously,” Byrd head coach Stacy Ballew said. “He was running up and down the field. I’m trying to talk to linebackers, then all of the sudden, it’s time for kickoff again. I don’t know what all he did, I didn’t see it all, but he was running up and down the field.”      

Lambert compiled 267 rushing yards on just eight carries.

“The job is not finished. I’d like a ring on my finger whenever we are talking about records,” Lambert said after posting the sixth-most rushing yards in a game in Byrd history.    

Pearce Russell, Benton

Was locked in one heck of a receiver duel with Denham Springs’ Camron Eirick (six catches, 158 yards, three TDs) on Friday night. Russell completed an incredible season with five catches for 154 yards – all receptions of at least 15 yards — and a touchdown.

On the year, Russell finished with 91 receptions for 1,691 yards. He scored 19 touchdowns. 

Abram Wardell, Calvary

The Cavaliers quarterback completed 18 of 23 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns in his team’s 52-0 whitewashing of Northlake Christian on Friday.

Wardell found seven different receivers in the second-round playoff game and four different players for the touchdowns. 

Mason Welch, Northwood

The Falcons’ foray into the Select playoffs started with a bang. Welch set the tone with a 70-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and, when Northwood needed to finish the job, added a 6-yard touchdown pass to Marc Dennison and another scoring run (4 yards) in the fourth quarter. 

Greg Manning, Benton

An absolute workhorse in Friday’s second-round game against Dunham Springs. Manning had 37 touches – 33 carries for 104 yards and three catches for 19 yards.

His 1-yard touchdown run marked his 33rd trip to the end zone of the season – 26 rushing, seven receiving. The junior completed his 2022 season with 1,445 rushing yards.

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com

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Don’t count the Dallas Cowboys out just yet.

Last week’s fourth-quarter debacle at Lambeau Field masked the fact the Cowboys had dominated the Green Bay Packers for most of the game in enemy territory. Sunday, Dallas posted an even better start on the road in Minnesota and made sure there would be no collapse.

“We played a complete game,” Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott said. “We knew we needed to respond after last week. This was big for us.”

The Cowboys eviscerated the Vikings, 40-3, and looked a heck of a lot like the team Prescott led during his 13-3 rookie season – using a ‘keep the ball out of the opponents’ hands with a run-first’ mind-set.

Where Dallas lacks – a bevy of weapons in the passing game – it makes up for with a stout backfield duo and a defense capable of obliterating teams like it did Minnesota.

During an afternoon stocked with superlatives lathered in blue and silver, the defense would be the obvious choice as the No. 1 star. The Cowboys sacked Kirk Cousins seven times, allowed just 183 yards and forced seven punts. 

However, the Dallas offense may have found its identity for 2022. Yes, Prescott can air it out 40 times if needed. He proved that last year when the Cowboys led the NFL in offense behind a career-high 37 touchdown passes from the former Haughton star. He also threw for more than 4,900 yards in 2019.

That does not appear to be the best approach this season. Dallas said goodbye to wide receiver Amari Cooper and didn’t do much to replace him. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to chunk it all over the lot – especially if you don’t have to.

Sunday, Prescott threw the ball 25 times and completed a whopping 88 percent of his attempts. It marked the second-most-efficient performance in No. 4’s career. No. 1 came in 2016 (32-of-36 vs. Tampa Bay). 

You see where I’m going here.

Sunday, Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott each earned 15 carries. Both players scored twice, although Pollard’s came through the air. The Cowboys piled up 151 yards on the ground (Pollard led with 80) and helped the offense hog the ball for a dazzling 37-plus minutes.

“They’re dynamic,” Prescott said of his running backs. “When you have both of them out there, the defense doesn’t know what’s coming at them. Those two guys will do whatever you ask them to do. They have no egos; we’re blessed.”

Considering the strength of the season and the talent on offense, Jerry Jones’ failure to add another skill star on offense doesn’t make sense, but that doesn’t mean the Cowboys can’t make a postseason run. It simply means the identity must be different.

The first loss in the history of the franchise after holding a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter (last week at Lambeau) is officially history and the Cowboys (7-3) have a short week before their annual Thanksgiving Day game. 

This is a big one. The opponent: the 7-3 New York Giants in a battle for second place in the NFC East.

“I missed them the first time,” said Prescott, who was out with a hand injury when Dallas beat the Giants, 23-16, in Week 3, “so I’m ready to get after them this time.”

Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS 

NEW ORLEANS — Will the real New Orleans Saints please step forward?

Saints fans hope that’s what happened Sunday in a 27-20 homefield win over the reigning, but declining, Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams (3-7).

A week after a meek outing, a 20-10 loss to the once-proud Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans rose up and got a career day from quarterback Andy Dalton while benefitting from a concussion that sidelined Rams’ QB Matthew Stafford after halftime.

Dalton hit a career-best 84 percent (21-25) of his passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns, two in a pivotal third quarter that allowed the Saints to open a two-score advantage. That coincided with the New Orleans defense smothering the Stafford-less Rams, who managed only a pair of field goals in the second half.

Dalton completed 11 straight in the second half on the way to posting a career high QB rating of 149.6.

His longest throw was a 53-yard strike to rookie Chris Olave, unleashed just as Rams’ superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald arrived.

“When you turn it loose and get hit to the ground, you never know what’s going to happen,” said Dalton. “To have that outcome and I put the ball in a great spot, it was exactly how we had it planned by taking that shot down the field. We got the look that we wanted and he made a great play.”

Olave, the first-rounder from Ohio State, had five grabs for 102 yards. It was his third 100-yard game, one shy of the Saints’ rookie record held by Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Marques Colston since 2006.

He said it was just a matter of time before the Saints took that downfield shot.

“Coach (Pete Carmichael, the offensive coordinator) called a really good play on third down. We practiced that on that look this week,” said Olave. “We got the look that we wanted. Andy (Dalton) threw a great ball. The line protected well and that was the outcome.”

Rams’ coach Sean McVay said that backbreaking play, at the 5:47 mark of the third period for a 24-14 advantage, typified his team’s day.

“Aaron (Donald) does a great job of winning quickly, and (Andy) Dalton gets it out, and we are just not right in position on the back end,” said McVay. “You do not take away credit from those guys (the Saints).”

The Saints (4-7) snapped a two-game losing skid while Dalton gave way to Taysom Hill frequently. Although Hill did not have the dynamic day he did in the New Orleans win over Las Vegas three weeks ago, his involvement revved up the winners’ attack – leading the ground game with 52 yards on nine carries.

“It is part of how we play offense,” said Dalton, a 14-year veteran in his first season in New Orleans. “When you can play that way and have success with me in there and Taysom in there, the defense doesn’t know what is going to happen next.”

A Saints team that has topped the NFL in penalties most of the season drew only two flags for 15 yards Sunday.

“We didn’t do things that were going to beat ourselves today,” said head coach Dennis Allen. “That was good to see.”

Although he’s just a rookie, Olave recognized the dire nature of the Saints’ standing entering Sunday.

“It was much needed. We had consecutive bad games. To get a win against the reigning champs was huge. I feel like it is a great step that we can take forward.”

New Orleans, which won for the 400^th time in franchise history, heads to San Francisco for its next contest.

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JOURNAL STAFF

SULPHUR – Captain Shreve senior swimmer Lillian Tichenor was named the Outstanding Swimmer for the second year in a row at the LHSAA Division I State Swimming Championships at SPAR Aquatic Center Saturday.

Tichenor had first-place finishes in the 100 fly (55.67) and 200 IM (2:03.25). Tichenor’s back-to-back honor followed Brooke Fegley’s award in 2020 to make this the third consecutive year for a Shreve swimmer to collect the honor.

Teammates Lilliana Eppers and Madelyn Aubrey, both juniors, and sophomore Jennie Tichenor helped the Shreve girls finish eighth in the team standings.

C.E. Byrd swimmer Cailyn Bradford, a junior, won a state championship in the 200 free with a time of 1:53.32. Bradford also had a third-place finish in the 100 fly in 57.93.

Other Byrd girls swimmers included juniors Marina Klein and Caroline Carberry and sophomores Riley Quinlan and Taylor Garsee. The Yellow Jackets finished one spot ahead of Shreve in the team standings at seventh.

In Division II, Caddo Magnet’s girls finished fourth thanks to three freshmen and a senior. The senior, Hannah Waddell, took first in the 200 IM (2:17.04) and second in the 100 breaststroke (1:09.64). Freshman Maya Trutchi was first in 100 backstroke (59.87) and second in the 50 free (25.17). Jolie Vo and Lily Bodily, both freshmen, teamed with Waddell and Trutchi for a second in the 200 free relay.

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After a courageous fight with illness, Shreveport resident Michael James Kilpatrick went home to be with his heavenly father on Nov. 16, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, at Grace Community United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Rich Varner.

Mike was born in Houma on July 28, 1949. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Petroleum Engineering where he was an active participant in the Kappa Sigma Fraternity while serving his country in the Army Reserves.

He started his career in Houston at Texaco and then moved to Shreveport where he advanced to the VP of Production and Drilling at Arkla Gas after 20 years of service. He then moved to Dallas to pursue new opportunities at Hunt Petroleum and then back to Shreveport to finish his successful career. He had such a passion for his work but referred to his job as a hobby. He had a great demeanor working with people and finding the right solution to any problem be it an oil well or something personal. During his career he served on the Board of Directors at the Shreveport Petroleum Club and was an active member of the Shreveport Society of Petroleum Engineers.

After his retirement, he loved travelling and spending time with his partner, Jenny McDowell, as well as getting as much time with his grandchildren as possible. He also served in life and ministry as a board member at Samaritan Counseling Center and a member of Grace Community Church.

Mike will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his children, Katie Hooper and her husband, Wade Hooper, Joe and Amy Kilpatrick; three grandchildren, Sofia, Kinsley and Grey; his brother, Robert and his wife, Darlus Kilpatrick; and niece, KC Kilpatrick-Baird. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Kilpatrick and Anna Kilpatrick and wife, Frances Ann ‘Bugs’ Kilpatrick.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Christus Health Hospital for the care and comfort during his last weeks of life:

Dr. Deepthi Panjam
Dr. Himanshu Desai
Stephanie Gonzales
Me Sherrell Butler
Precious Williams
Kimberly Jones
Endiah Green
Kortney McGee
Brandon Romero

Honoring Mike as pallbearers:

Steve Lenert
Phil Israel
Rick Githens
Mike Geautraux
Wade Hooper
Rob Duvall
Robert Kilpatrick

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Samaritan Counseling Center (1525 Stephens Avenue, Shreveport LA, 71101) where Mike became an active board member as it supports those who need help but cannot always pay for therapy. He became passionate for the cause after his own therapy and how it helped him after ‘Bugs’ passed away and didn’t want a financial reason to be why someone could not get help to improve their life.

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Oil and gas exploration plays a big part in the economics of Bossier Parish, and the parish police jury Wednesday moved to help alleviate an issue that has accompanied some of the drilling and well completion process.

A new noise ordinance designed to accommodate both the industry and residents living near drilling and production sites received unanimous approval following months of deliberation between parish staff and representatives of oil and gas companies.

“We met with consultants and members of the oil and gas industry at least a half dozen times, maybe more, to go through changes and try to meet their needs while preserving the rights of landowners in Bossier Parish,” parish attorney Patrick Jackson told jury members. “We think we have done that.”

Jackson said the new ordinance contained substantial changes, most of them industry requested. He said the process of collaboration with the industry had proved to be “…educational for both sides.”

“We consider this a living document,” Jackson said. “We tried to find a way to say yes to both sides. Noise is one of those super-specialized issues. We tried to make a working document that allows the harvest of minerals of Bossier Parish within an economic scale and allow those who don’t have mineral rights to be protected in the process.”

Jackson said once the ordinance is adopted, it could become a model for other parishes to consider.

During Wednesday’s meeting, police jury members also:

• Awarded bid for Project No. 2022-109, South Bossier Park – new athletic fields, in accordance with bids received November 10, 2022.
• Adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 46 of the Bossier Parish Code of Ordinances, “Environment,” to add/and or amend certain sections and/or subsections. (Tabled on November 2.)
• Approved the Map of Partition for Charles L. Ford, Jr., Mark A. Ford, Susan Mitchell Scott, Cindy Ann Wheeler, John William Miears, and Cindy Butterfield Miears, located in Section 6, Township 23 North, Range 11 West, Bossier Parish; located off Shiloh Road and Oglee Road.
• Established a speed limit of 25 miles per hour on Bullfight Road, located in Section 3, Township 16 North, Range 12 West, Bossier Parish; located off Caplis Sligo Road.
• Approved application of Durr Engineering, LLC, to the Haughton Parish MPC, for a zoning amendment to change the zoning classification of three tracts of land totaling approximately 18 acres, located at the northwest corner of State Highway 157 and Highway 80, in Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 11 West, Bossier Parish, from R-A, Residential Agriculture District, to l-1, Light Industrial District, for a storage facility.
• Scheduled a public hearing on December 21 to consider approval of the plat of the proposed development of Coleman subdivision, located in Section 20, Township 20 North, Range 12 West, Bossier Parish; located off Maggio Road.
• Scheduled a public hearing on December 21 to consider designating Cypress Bend subdivision as a golf cart community and designating all roadways in Cypress Bend subdivision as golf cart friendly.
• Scheduled a public hearing on December 21 to consider adoption of impact fees for water customers for Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 of the Parish of Bossier.
• Scheduled a public hearing on December 21 to consider adoption of impact fees for water customers for Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 2 of the Parish of Bossier.
• Scheduled a public hearing on December 21 to amend a resolution adopted by Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 Board of Supervisors on September 15, 2021, adopting water and sewer rates, to include water rates for mobile home parks, industrial establishments, and large commercial establishments.
• Accepted report on meeting of the Property Standards Board of Review and agreed to move to condemnation hearings on four properties.
• Accepted report on meeting of the Policy and Procedures Committee and established a parish animal control policy.
• Ratified approval of Bossier Parish Police Jury insurance rates for the year 2023.
• Approved the professional services contract with Ginger Adam Corley for governmental relations for the year 2023.
• Approved applications for renewal of Bossier Parish beer/liquor licenses for 2023, subject to approval by the health department. (Approved by the Sheriff’s Department.)
• Approved applications for renewal of Bossier Parish beer/liquor licenses for 2023. (Approved by the Sheriff and Health Department.)
• Approved request to amend the 2022 Bossier Parish beer/liquor license for Johnny’s Pizza House #15, 5510 Airline Drive, Bossier City, approved on October 20, 2021, to add Ms. Jennifer Prine as an applicant.
• Approved request to amend the 2022 Bossier Parish beer/liquor license for Johnny’s Pizza House #25, 1120 Highway 80 East, Haughton, approved on October 20, 2021, to add Ms. Jennifer Prine as an applicant.
• Approved request to amend the 2022 Bossier Parish beer/liquor license for Our Place Bar and Grill, 300 Cryer Camp Road, Elm Grove, approved on November 17, 2021, to add Ms. Debra Davidson as an applicant.
• Adopted resolutions supporting applications for the FY2022-2023 Local Government Assistance Program.
• Adopted resolutions supporting applications for the FY2022-2023 Community Water Enrichment Fund.
• Adopted resolution authorizing the publication of a Notice of Intention to expand the boundaries of Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 of the Parish of Bossier, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
• Adopted resolution authorizing the publication of a Notice of Intention to reduce the boundaries of Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 2 of the Parish of Bossier, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
• Adopted resolution approving the legal merger between Village Water System, Inc., and Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 of the Parish of Bossier, Louisiana (the “District”), with the District being the surviving entity, and authorize the Parish Administrator or Parish President to execute any and all documents or contracts in connection with the merger of Village Water System, Inc., into the District.
• Adopted resolution authorizing the Parish Administrator or Parish President to execute any and all documents in connection with the Town Lake Boulevard (Innovation Drive) and Dairy Lane extension project.

 

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By Royal Alexander

As we approach Thanksgiving week it may do us all some good to take a deep breath and realize that although this past year was at times difficult, we have made it. We have persevered through another year and that is commendable in and of itself.

I always try to remind myself of something I heard years ago (I don’t recall the author) regarding our blessings as Americans. When asked how he was doing, this man replied “well, I was born in America, and I have my health, so I feel like I’ve already won the lottery.”

I thought it was a great response and perspective!

Our recently passed Veterans Day makes me grateful not only for our current military heroes but also for those who were grievously wounded and those 1.1 million American service men and women since the Revolutionary War to the present day who died defending America, placing on the altar of freedom that “last full measure of devotion.”

And for what was this enormous sacrifice made?

For the defense and preservation of the freedoms and liberties we often take for granted. These fundamental rights include the ability to speak out and peacefully express our opinions—to one another and to our government; to defend ourselves in court when we are accused of a crime; to arm ourselves under the 2nd Amendment so we may protect ourselves and our families against crime—and even, according to our Founders’ intent, from an unjust U.S. government; and to pray and gather as millions of us will do with our loved ones on Thanksgiving Day.

We are thankful that our Declaration of Independence remains the “promise” of America and that through our Constitution, as simple as it is profound, we as a Nation also remain dedicated to the continued “fulfillment of the promise” of America. The Declaration’s transcendent recognition of both our intrinsic human value and that our rights come not from government but from God: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights and that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

It’s true America will continue to have to grapple with and solve many challenges that face our country. We will need to overcome the self-inflicted economic pain and international vulnerabilities directly caused by our government’s breathtakingly poor policy choices, along with other struggles. Yet, I am encouraged at the thought of the tremendous talent and ingenuity of the American entrepreneur and the stunning ability of the free market and free people to adapt to tough times, as we have so many times in American history.

In his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, President George Washington declared:
“ … it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor … I recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” (www.mountvernon.org).

Fast forward to 1981 and the first and second Thanksgiving Day addresses by President Reagan, who echoed Washington’s beliefs.

In 1981, in his first Thanksgiving Address to the American people, President Reagan, for whom my brother Tom worked in the White House at this time, reminded all Americans that God, not government, is the source of the multitude of national blessings bestowed upon all Americans, and that charity toward one another is engrained upon our national soul.

President Reagan pointed out that “Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character.”

In his second Thanksgiving Day message in 1982, President Reagan said that “I have always believed that this anointed land was set apart in an uncommon way, that a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth who had a special love of faith and freedom.”

This week I hope we are able to unplug from social media and other distractions and reconnect ourselves with our families, our faith, and personally and publicly reaffirm what should be our galactic gratitude for the abundant blessings that all Americans have received from above.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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