JOURNAL SPORTS
The last time this happened was before Pearl Harbor was attacked to ignite the Pacific theatre conflict in World War II, at the end of 1941.
The Centenary football team will make history as it welcomes the East Texas Baptist University Tigers to town this evening for a scrimmage set for 6:30 p.m. at Mayo Field on the south side of the Kings Highway campus.
The Gents, led by head coach Byron Dawson, scrimmaged the Millsaps College Majors last Saturday in Jackson, Miss, and feature a roster of 70 players including several from the Shreveport-Bossier area in addition to 15 out of state players. Centenary’s scrimmage last weekend marked a return to the gridiron for the first time since November 1941, and this will be the first home intercollegiate competition since then.
Centenary’s previous football history began with the Gents’ first game in the fall of 1894 and after WWII, it was dormant until a brief attempted revival in 1947 and again in the 1960s. More than a half-century later, the sport is back on campus. This season will feature scrimmages and exhibition contests before the Maroon and White play official NCAA Division III contests in 2024.
Admission is free to the scrimmage. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. with a tailgate including live music. The “Gents Walk” is set for 6 p.m. as Dawson and the Gents will enter Mayo Field for the first time. The first portion of the scrimmage will be a situational style followed by a live game-type competition for two quarters.
Record hot temperatures are predicted in Shreveport-Bossier City on gameday, so fans are encouraged to hydrate and seek shade when possible. The Gold Dome will be open for fans to cool down if needed.
Concessions will available on a cash-only sales basis, and fans are permitted to bring their own water.
Seating is very limited due to the ongoing construction at the athletic complex, so fans can bring their own chairs.
Parking is also very limited. Please park on the west side of the Gold Dome in either the grassy or gravel lots.
Please enter through Shehee Stadium (baseball stadium) and walk around to Mayo Field. Signage will be present to direct fans.