Month: September 2023
Bean-er there, done that in Shreve’s win over Parkway
By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports
There are plays that are big, plays that are turning points and plays that nobody notices.
And there are plays that don’t even count that can make a difference in a high school football game.
Captain Shreve had all of those in a 28-15 win over Parkway Friday night at Independence Stadium.
Leading rusher Jamarlon Otis had 60 yards total on 15 of his carries. But he had 60 more yards on that other one carry and that big play of his night was the answer Shreve needed after Parkway had cut the second-quarter lead to 14-9. Definite big play.
Anytime you get a 96-yard fumble return for a touchdown, as E.J. McDonald did midway through the second quarter, it’s hard to say that’s anything less than a turning point. After all, the Panthers were a yard away from taking a 10-7 lead. After McDonald’s scoop and score, it was 14-3. Definite turning point.
In the fourth quarter, when Parkway was desperately trying to get the ball back, Shreve quarterback Quortni Beaner got exactly the yardage needed on a fourth-down run to keep the Panthers off the field for another two minutes. Maybe a little unnoticed, but certainly necessary.
But it was a play that didn’t even get recorded in the stat sheet that ended up making a big impact. The only reason Beaner was in the game in the first place was because starting quarterback Brodie Savage suffered a leg injury and was literally carried off the field by Shreve head coach Adam Kirby on a long scramble in the third quarter. That run was called back for a penalty. Shreve lost yardage and its starting quarterback in one play.
The person least concerned about that was Kirby.
“Quortni has never stopped working,” Kirby said of his senior, who opened the season as the starter but was replaced by Savage. “If you want a leader on your football team, you want Quortni Beaner. I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s been the same consistent kid every day. He’s a great leader and a great worker.”
Kirby didn’t need Beaner to come out and throw for 200 yards or make big runs. He just had to make the important plays. Beaner threw only one pass – it was incomplete – but he had two plays early in the third quarter that showed why Kirby had so much faith in him.
A high snap by the Panthers resulted in a fumble recovery by Kyron Wilson and Beaner carried the ball on the next two plays – a 12-yard run and a 5-yard touchdown – that were basically the same play. Truth be told, the play may have been designed to be handed off, but Beaner had different ideas.
“I just kept it,” he said.
It gave a Shreve a 28-15 lead with 10:08 to go and even though the Gator defense gave up 406 yards in total offense, there was no shortage of key plays throughout the game.
“I knew the defense had our back,” Beaner said. “We had the points we needed.”
“I thought our defense came to work tonight,” Kirby said. “Not only did we have a good game plan, but the kids bought into it and played their (posteriors) off. We were really swarming to the football.”
Defensive back Tre Fuller had an interception to stop one Parkway drive and broke up a pass on fourth down on another. Defensive lineman Greg Webb had a quarterback sack on a third down in the fourth quarter that forced the Panthers to punt.
And though McDonald’s fumble return was huge, here’s what really was the difference in the game.
Sandwiched around halftime, Parkway’s offense was on the field for 20 consecutive plays. You know how many points that resulted in for the Panthers? Zero. (A missed field goal and a turnover on downs.)
“It seemed like every time we had a chance to take a lead or get the momentum, we did something self-inflicted that caused them to get the momentum back,” said Parkway coach Coy Brotherton. “There are a lot of bright spots from this game, but you don’t get do-overs.”
Shreve is one of only two 2-0 teams in District 1-5A play (Airline is the other) and the Gators are 4-1 overall. Only one of those teams will be able to make that claim after next week since they play each other.
Parkway will try to rebound from its first loss of the year when they take on Southwood.
Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com
CAPTAIN SHREVE 28, PARKWAY 15
PW 3 6 6 0 — 15
CS 7 14 0 7 — 28
P – FG Aeron Burrell 24
CS – Keaton Flowers 28 pass from Brodie Savage (John Chance kick)
CS – K.J. McDonald 96 fumble return (Chance kick)
P – Kaleb Williams 27 run (run failed)
CS – Jamarlon Otis 60 run (Chance kick)
P – Michael Collier 15 pass from Kaleb Williams (pass failed)
CS – Quortni Beaner 5 run (Chance kick)
RUSHING: PW (42-149), Tony Gladney 23-111, Williams 5-20, C.J. Dudley 6-22, Jayden Lewis 2-11, Peyton Rayner 3-7, Tell 1-4, Team 2-minus-26. CS (41-198), Otis 16-120, Beaner 12-43, Antonio Thornton 4-15, Savage 6-14, Gage Haley 1-3, Javen Thomas 1-2, Jordan Wiggins 1-1.
PASSING: PW, Williams. 20-33-1, 257 yards, 1 TD. CS, Savage 1-4-0, 28 yards, 1 TD, Beaner 1-0-0.
RECEIVING: PW, Gladney 5-76, Le’Broderick Mayweather 6-83, Lewis 5-70, Michael Collier 2-24, Machi Harris 2-14. CS, Flowers 1-28-1TD.
Vikings go against type, rely on unsung defense to control Chiefs
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
NATCHITOCHES – Airline. Defense.
Despite appearances, they do go together. They did Friday night at Turpin Stadium. You wouldn’t look at the Vikings’ 41-21 win over Natchitoches Central and think that, but both coaches, both teams knew that.
It wasn’t the Vikings’ slaughters of the last couple of weeks, virtuoso fireworks displays that were out of reach well before halftime. Airline was in control Friday night but not in command for very often, at least by its recent standard.
“We were up 27-7 and could never get comfortable,” said Airline coach Justin Scogin. “They do a lot of things to make you uncomfortable. For the first time in a while we had some adversity and our guys handled it well. I was very proud of them.”
The Vikings (5-0, 2-0 in District 1-5A), newly-ranked (9th) in the LSWA’s Class 5A Top 10 for the first time this season (and for a long while), weren’t hitting home runs, although they tried enough long shots. A gritty NCHS defense frequently harassed the state’s passing leader, Ben Taylor, generally bottled up the Vikings’ run game, and batted away plenty of passes. Airline didn’t score in the third period, a long time for its first offense to go without reaching the painted grass.
“We didn’t play our best (offensive) game, and a lot of that was credit to them,” said Scogin. “They play a suffocating brand of football, and it was tough.”
But the Smothers Brothers were wearing visitors’ white uniforms.
“We saw our guys needed some help, so we stepped up and did what we are supposed to do,” said senior linebacker Champ Endris. “(Those were) definitely some of the best athletes we’ll play all year.”
“I’ve been saying for a long time, we have a good defense. We have a great defense, but they get overshadowed because we score fast,” said Scogin. “We do a phenomenal job on defense and it really showed tonight.
“(On the Chiefs’ offense) 9 (receiver Cam Davis) is fantastic, the quarterback (Calvary transfer Owen Smith) is great, 8 (WR Dillon Braxton) is really good. They have a lot of threats,” Scogin said. “I’ve been preaching but not many people listen about our defense. Tonight it showed.”
The Vikings kept NCHS contained until the final five minutes, when in a 49-second span, the Chiefs (2-3, 1-1) flashed their firepower, scoring on a 40-yard Smith-to-Braxton bomb, recovering an onsides kick and quickly cashing in. One snap later Davis ran a short out route, danced away from a tackle, and dashed 41 yards, closing to a 20-point spread with 4:02 left.
Nothing to overly stress about, primarily because between the first and second Chiefs’ scores, the ‘D’ clamped down. Hard. NCHS netted just 70 yards in that span.
“We played well, really did,” said Vikings’ defensive coordinator Zack Pourciau. “Probably the best complete game we’ve put together, where we tackled well the entire time, fit where we were supposed to fit, and everybody played to the best of their ability. For the most part the pursuit was fantastic and tackling was good.
“The D-line stepped up bigger than they have and that was a big part of us playing well. They made plays we haven’t made in the last couple weeks. All the way across the board, the kids played their tails off. Chamberlain (Endris) probably had his best game of the year.”
Any fleeting NCHS hopes for a comeback were stalled by a patient Airline offense that chewed clock after halftime while eventually padding the spread, then ate up the final 4:02 with a couple of first downs.
“It got a little tense, but we did what we had to do,” said Scogin. “That’s the sign of a good team. We were able to slow it down and still get it in the end zone (on a 10-play, 59-yard drive to a 41-7 lead with 5:39 to go), and that was a step forward. That made me happy.”
Taylor posted excellent numbers, going 22 of 37 for 303 yards with four TD passes, but under his amazing averages of 367 yards and 5.5 scores.
Scogin said it was a good step forward going into next week’s showdown with the other 1-5A leader, Captain Shreve, which has a two-dimensional offense.
The Chiefs also made strides Friday, said first-year coach Jess Curtis.
“They had a big fourth-down touchdown, and they had a third-down and a bus ride touchdown. I know it’s ifs and buts, but those two plays go another way and it’s on,” said the former Many coach. “That’s why Airline is winning. They understand the game is won in those big moments.”
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
AIRLINE 41, NATCHITOCHES CENTRAL 21
Airline 14 13 0 14 – 41
NCHS 7 0 0 14 – 21
A – Ben Taylor 19 pass to Bob Patterson (Preston Doerner kick)
NC – Cam Davis 8 run (Mateo Restrepo kick)
A – Taylor 37 pass to DJ Allen (Doerner kick)
A – Taylor 14 pass to Allen (Doerner kick)
A – Taylor 39 pass to Tre’ Jackson (kick failed)
A – Jarvis Davis Jr. 42 run (Doerner kick)
A – Allen 6 run (Doerner kick)
NC – Owen Smith 40 pass to Dillon Braxton (Restrepo kick)
NC – Owen 41 pass to Davis (Restrepo kick)
RUSHING: Airline (23-105, 2 TDs) – Jarvis Davis Jr. 1-42, TD; Tre’ Jackson 10-34, DJ Allen 6-14, 1 TD: Brandon Cooper 1-12, Bob Patterson 1-7, Bryson Broom 1-0, Evon Wndrock 2-minus 1, Ben Taylor 1-minus 3. NCHS (26-63, 1 TD) – Zion Thompson 16-39, Owen Smith 9-16, Cam Davis 1-8, 1 TD.
PASSING: A – Taylor 22-37-1, 303, 4 TDs; NC – Smith, 12-18, 149, 2 TDs.
RECEIVING: A – Jackson 5-92, 1 TD; Patterson 4-37, 1 TD; Davis 7-70, Allen 3-62, 2 TDs; Bryson Broom 2-34, JaMarcus Mourning 1-8. NC – Davis 6-88, 1 TD; Dillon Braxton 4-38, 1 TD; AJ Scott 2-23.
Unlikely standouts lift Haughton past Southwood
JOURNAL SPORTS
A senior running back who has seen very little action in his four years at Haughton and a freshman quarterback making his first start were the highlights for the Bucs in a 46-28 District 1-5A win over Southwood Friday night at Leonard C. Barnes Stadium.
Running back Chris Mayes had touchdown runs of 97 and 95 yards and Taylor Weathersby passed for three touchdowns in his debut.
Head coach Jason Brotherton was really happy for his senior back and young quarterback.
“For somebody who has barely played I think he probably had 220 to 230 yards,” said Brotherton of Mayes.
“I was really excited we started a freshman at quarterback. It was his first start and he played great, said Brotherton. “He’s gonna be a really good one for us. We’re really glad he had the chance to have a full week of practice and play a full game and play well.”
“Defensively we gave up some yards, gave up some big plays but we did create some turnovers,” said Brotherton.
Austin Walton was one of the bright spots for the Haughton defense. He had his second scoop and score in successive weeks and added an interception.
With the win Haughton improves to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the district. Southwood loses its 31st in a row and is 0-5, 0-2 on the season.
WEST OUACHITA 53, NORTH CADDO 14: At Vivian, the Chiefs – No. 1 in the GeauxPreps.com Division I non-select power rankings — remained undefeated through five games by building a 32-8 first half advantage and cruising to the non-district win. The Titans fall to 1-4 on the season and will start 1-2A play next week against another undefeated team in Calvary.
ALEXANDRIA 54, GREEN OAKS 0: The Giants still have yet to score on consecutive trips to Alexandria and fall to 1-4 on the season. ASH scored five rushing touchdowns in the first quarter and seven in the half in taking a 48-0 lead at halftime in coasting to its third win in five outings.
HAYNESVILLE 46, PLAIN DEALING 8: The eighth-ranked Golden Tornado ran their record to 5-0 on the season and 2-0 in District 1-1A with the win as Omarion Webb passed for one score and intercepted a pass for another.
The Tornado got out to a 21-0 first quarter lead as Webb went 46 yards on an interception return for a score, Jayden Green ran 24 yards for the second TD and Isiah Washington took in a short pass from Byruss Burns. Zykerius Fielding broke loose for 65 yards for the only touchdown of the second quarter and Haynesville led 28-0 at the break.
Webb got the Tors on the board to start the second half as well, this time with a pass covering 45 yards to JerMarquis Hampton. Haynesville tacked on a 25-yard field goal by Elijah Bray to go up 38-0.
Plain Dealing (0-5, 0-2) got into the end zone with a 2-yard run by Jayden Ray. Aaron Reddix ran in the two-point conversion for the Lions’ only points of the night.
Northwood blanks struggling Bossier, while zeroes also plague BTW, Magnolia
JOURNAL SPORTS
The Northwood Falcons are putting the pieces together, winning their second straight game Friday following an 0-3 start.
A young defense led the way, posting its first shutout of the season in a 41-0 triumph while Bossier (1-4, 0-2 District 1-4A) was held scoreless for the third straight week.
Northwood (2-3, 2-0 District 1-4A) scored three touchdowns in each half to put itself in a three-way tie atop the league.
“We’ve started to find an identity on offense, and we got it rolling last week and eventually got it going this week,” said Northwood coach Austin Brown. “The defense is playing lights out.
“This is a very, very young defense, but they are all athletic and can roll. I’m very proud of defensive coordinator Jarrett Taylor for finding out what these guys do best and getting them in it.”
Defensive back Elijah Crawford intercepted two Bossier passes, returning one for a touchdown.
Northwood heads to Evangel in a battle of district unbeatens next week.
Bossier completed its four-game road trip and returns home to face a winless-but-gritty Minden bunch.
North DeSoto 52, BTW 0: North DeSoto quarterback Luke Delafield threw a 65-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the game, and the anticipated Griffins’ rout was on.
The Griffins scored on every drive in the first half to build a 45-point halftime bulge as North DeSoto (4-1, 2-0 District 1-4A) coasted to its fourth straight win.
But as impressive as the Griffins offense has been – it’s scored 50 or more points in all four of its wins – it’s the defense that’s made the most improvement since the beginning of the season.
The Griffins have pitched consecutive shutouts and kept their last three opponents out of the end zone after surrendering more than 50 points in each of their first two games.
“We have a young defensive line, and they are beginning to play well,” said North DeSoto coach Dennis Dunn. “They needed reps. Our linebackers are playing really well behind them.”
Delafield chunked three touchdowns in the first half, completing 12-of-17 for 267 yards.
Landry Wyatt was the big-play Griffin with 123 yards on just two catches and a score. Cole Cory caught five passes for 88 yards and three touchdowns.
For BTW (2-3, 0-2), the Lions have lost the last two games after a two-game winning streak.
The Lions have been outscored 78-8 in their first two district games after a loss to Woodlawn this past week.
Mansfield 40, Magnolia 0: After an 0-4 start against one of the toughest schedules in the area, Mansfield was looking for a ‘get right’ game.
The Wolverines (1-4) found that in the form of Magnolia School of Excellence (0-5), building a four-touchdown lead in the first half and waltzing to the win in the second half.
Magnolia lost each of its first four games on the field, and in addition, the LHSAA ruled those four losses forfeits.
Mansfield dropped one-score losses to Huntington and Logansport along with blowout defeats to Evangel and Ouachita Christian, but the Wolverines’ 40 points scored Friday was a season high.
Mansfield also pitched its first shutout of the season.
The Wolverines enter District 3-2A play next week against Many, while Magnolia gets back into District 1-1A play against Glenbrook.
Friday’s high school football scoreboard
Friday’s scores
District 1-5A
Airline 41, Natchitoches Central 21
Captain Shreve 28, Parkway 15
Haughton 46, Southwood 28
District 1-4A
Evangel 41, Woodlawn 22
Huntington 32, Minden 16
North DeSoto 52, BTW 0
Northwood 41, Bossier 0
District 1-1A
Glenbrook 29, Arcadia 6
Haynesville 46, Plain Dealing 8
Homer 64, Ringgold 0
Non-District
Alexandria 54, Green Oaks 0
Calvary 32, Westgate 22
Mansfield 40, Magnolia Charter 0
West Ouachita 53, North Caddo 14
AREA
Bunkie 33, Winnfield 0
Cedar Creek 60, Tensas 0
General Trass 42, Rayville 30
Lincoln Prep 6, Lakeside 0
Logansport 38, Red River 34
Northwood-Lena 36, North Central 8
Oak Grove 28, Mangham 12
Pineville 48, Jonesboro-Hodge 8
Ruston 14, Neville 10
St. Frederick 54, Sicily Island 6
Sterlington 39, Richwood 6
Wossman 28, North Webster 21
Zachary 48, West Monroe 7
Home from Notre Dame, Diggs is a happy Tiger as LSU visits Ole Miss
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
OXFORD, Ms. – LSU’s 62-point beatdown of Grambling on Sept. 9 was in the books, Tigers’ coach Brian Kelly had finished his post-game media conference.
The press gathered three-deep around a lectern waiting for player interviews. Suddenly, the crowd parted as junior running back Logan Diggs stepped in front of the battery of TV cameras and bright lights.
Since this was Diggs’ first time to talk to the media covering LSU after he transferred from Notre Dame on May 3, it was a bit of a shock when a smallish, pleasant-faced, bespectacled and polished young man thoughtfully and intelligently answered questions about his Tigers’ debut of 115 yards rushing and one TD on 15 carries.
This is the first thing you learn about the 6-foot, 221-pound Diggs, a former New Orleans Rummel High star. He speaks softly but runs loud.
Heading into Saturday’s SEC West Division showdown between No. 12 LSU (3-1, 2-0 SEC West) at No. 20 Ole Miss (3-1, 0-1 SEC West) here today at 5:30 p.m. in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Diggs is the SEC’s third-leading rusher averaging 84.33 yards per game with 253 yards on 33 carries for a healthy 6.66 yards per carry.
After missing the season-opening loss vs. Florida State because of a hamstring injury that had been nagging him since last spring at Notre Dame before he transferred, Diggs has started the last three games for the Tigers and stabilized the team’s running attack that’s ranked third in the SEC averaging 191.75 yards per game.
“I really needed my burst back,” Diggs said of why LSU head coach Brian Kelly decided to rest Diggs vs. Florida State. “That was the only thing that was missing. I’m very grateful to the coaches and training staff for making sure.”
Kelly had no problem starting Diggs as soon as he was healthy. After all, Diggs was signed by then-Notre Dame head coach Kelly in December 2020 and played his freshman season in 2021 under Kelly before he jumped to LSU to replace the fired Ed Orgeron.
“We were looking for somebody that could change the dynamics of our (Notre Dame) running back room and we liked just liked the way he played the game,” Kelly said of his original recruitment of Diggs.
“He was somebody that that had an edge to him. He had the skills to play at the highest level. And he was a really good student.”
Even with LSU finally offering Diggs a scholarship a few days before the December 2020 early signing period, Diggs stuck to his earlier commitment. A Notre Dame education and a legitimate chance of being able to crack the running back rotation were too much for Diggs to turn down.
All in all, he had two solid seasons for the Fighting Irish despite battling flu that sidelined him for half of his freshman season and then undergoing post-spring practice 2022 surgery for a torn labrum that slowed the start to his sophomore season.
As a freshman in 2021, he ran for 230 yards and three TDs on 52 carries and had 6 catches for 56 yards and one TD. Diggs led the team in carries with 165 as a sophomore in 2022 and was the team’s second-leading rusher with 820 yards and four TDs.
When he began battling a hamstring injury last spring, Diggs surmised he may need a fresh start.
“I felt like I kind of hit like a plateau,” Diggs said. “I wasn’t excelling or getting any better. I felt like I wanted a new challenge. I wanted that new challenge and there was no other place to go but to the SEC and be able to play the best of the best competition every single week.”
So, when Diggs put his name in the transfer portal last April 27 five days after Notre Dame’s spring, Kelly hopped on him immediately.
Diggs wanted to play the last years of his college career in a locale convenient for his family members and friends to see him play in person.
Though she made many trips to South Bend, no one is happier to have Diggs back home than his mother AJ who has been his guiding light and inspiration every step of his journey.
As a single mother raising her two boys, AJ Diggs earned a degree from Nichols State in 2010 while working.
For almost 7½ years, she worked as a registered medical assistant for the Ochsner Health System. Then, she worked just more than four years as a Disability Analyst for the state of Louisiana.
She not only provided for her sons, but she set the bar for them on how to attack life no matter the circumstances.
“My mom is my backbone,” Diggs said. “She sacrificed so much for me and my brother. She made sure that we had a roof over our heads and had food on the table every night. She just taught me to never quit and just to keep going no matter how hard times may get. Rely on your faith in God and continue to push through it.”
About a year ago, with her kids fully raised, AJ Diggs did something that thrilled her sons. She became a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines.
“My mom can really sing and had dreams of being on Broadway,” Diggs said. “She also always wanted to be a flight attendant. She had the confidence, the strength and the faith to do something different and she went to chase one of her dreams. That gave me the confidence to do the same thing (deciding to transfer to LSU).”
GO FIGURE
6 Tackles for loss for Ole Miss in each of its four games this season
12 is the number of players on LSU’s current roster who’ve played a game at Ole Miss
22 Consecutive games with a pass reception for LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers
22.4: Seconds per play for Ole Miss, the 5th fastest in the FBS
400: Yards or more total offense for LSU QB Jayden Daniels in three games in his career, second behind Joe Burrow’s school record of six games.
Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com
Bulldogs end road misery, bury Miners and go to 2-0 in CUSA
JOURNAL SPORTS
EL PASO, Texas – Louisiana Tech put an end to its too-long road losing skid while also rising to 2-0 in Conference USA, defeating UTEP 24-10 as Smoke Harris housed an early 67-yard punt return to give the Bulldogs a two-score advantage Friday night at the Sun Bowl.
Tech (3-3, 2-0 CUSA) used all three phases to get the victory. Offensively, it was a pair of explosive pass plays to go along with another 100-yard rushing performance by Tyre Shelton. Defensively, it was keeping UTEP (1-5, 0-2 CUSA) off the scoreboard in its final four possessions. And on special teams, it was Harris electrifying the Bulldogs’ sideline with his punt return for a touchdown.
The Bulldogs needed just five plays to find the end zone on their opening drive of the contest. The big one was Cyrus Allen going 85 yards on a catch-and-run down to the 1-yard line. Shelton punched it in from there to make it 7-0 just a little over two minutes deep into the game.
After the Tech defense forced a 3-and-out on the Miners first opportunity of the night, Harris’s punt runback covered the distance, going 67 yards to give the ‘Dogs a quick 14-0 lead.
“The fast start really helped us. Really proud of how we started the football game,” said Bulldogs’ coach Sonny Cumbie.
The Miners proceeded to go on a 15-play, 93-yard drive that was made up of 13 rushing attempts. The 13th one put UTEP into the end zone on a 2-yard carry with the first play of the second quarter.
Louisiana Tech did its own version of ground-and-pound later in the stanza, leading to a Jacob Barnes 32-yard field goal to make it a 17-7 lead with 2:28 to go in the half.
UTEP got a 36-yarder to close out its opening drive of the second half. But that was the last time the Miners moved the scoreboard.
The Tech defense forced another 3-and-out, had a turnover-on-downs near its red zone, and for good measure stopped the home team at the 4-yard line for a goalline stand with multiple pass breakups.
“Our defense did a great job in the red zone. UTEP had a good combination of thunder and lightning. They put stress on you,” said Cumbie.
“A great effort by our defense at the end to hold UTEP out of the end zone,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs cashed in one more time in the second half thanks to an extended drive because of a UTEP penalty. As a result, Jack Turner dropped in a perfect pass to the back corner of the end zone to Tru Edwards, son of Tech great Trey Edwards, on the first play of the fourth quarter for a 20-yard score.
It was the first road win for the Bulldogs since 2020. Halting that long skid was something Cumbie and staff stressed all week long.
“We challenged our team and got a tough win on the road,” he said.
Tech is home next Thursday night to play Western Kentucky, then goes to Middle Tennessee State on the following Tuesday for a third game in an 11-day span, all CUSA contests.
Demons wrap up non-conference slate by hosting Eastern Illinois
JOURNAL SPORTS
NATCHITOCHES — The Northwestern State football team may not have fully hit the reset button during its open week, but it did some soul searching.
The results of those discoveries will be put on display today at 6 p.m. when the Demons (0-3) return to action by hosting Eastern Illinois (3-1) at Turpin Stadium in the second of back-to-back home games.
“I don’t know if we necessarily reset, but there was a lot more time to reflect on the things we’re doing well and the things we’ve got to improve on,” sixth-year head coach Brad Laird said. “You get to dive into it a little deeper. To me, getting guys healthy is No. 1 (during a bye week). Number two, schematically and personnel-wise, you get to see where you are.”
The matchup between the Panthers and Demons is the back end of a home-and-home series that began in 2022 as part of the Southland-Ohio Valley scheduling alliance.
A season ago, it was Northwestern State who was the road team, brimming with confidence and riding a two-game win streak. This time, the Panthers hit the road, brimming with confidence and riding a two-game winning streak.
Eastern Illinois has won its past two games with late-game rallies to edge then-No. 25 Illinois State (14-13) on Sept. 16 and McNeese (31-28) this past Saturday on Stone Galloway’s 56-yard field goal with 20 seconds remaining.
Still, the Demons’ focus remains inward.
“We don’t look back at what we’ve done in the past,” said junior guard Jordan Cooper, who has started the first three games of the season. “We focus on what we do moving forward.”
Northwestern State’s emphasis on family remains – even if the weekend off allowed players and coaches to go their separate ways for a couple of days.
“It let everybody refresh and got us away from each other,” said sophomore cornerback Anthony Richard Jr., who ranks second on the team with three pass breakups. “Sometimes, too much time spent together can be detrimental to a team, but we all love each other. It’s good to be back.”
After playing incredibly familiar opponents in the first three weeks – Northwestern State has faced UL Lafayette, Louisiana Tech and Stephen F. Austin a combined 233 times – the Demons’ second straight home game brings forth a decidedly less common foe.
While the Demons and Eastern Illinois met a season ago, it was just the fourth time the teams had met – the first in 29 years. However, Laird sees value in the matchup – one that ends the Demons’ four-game non-conference schedule and serves as a final tune-up for Southland Conference play, which begins Oct. 7 at Lamar.
“It’s great for our conference when you have a non-conference game to stay FCS vs. FCS and play against a different conference,” Laird said. “They’ve played not only us but other teams in our conference. This is a good return trip and a good opportunity outside of our conference to showcase what we have.”
The game will air on ESPN+ with Shreveport’s Patrick Netherton doing play-by-play, three-time All-American and two-time Super Bowl champion Gary Reasons, a three-time All-American for the Demons, as analyst with Shreveporter Tyler Moody on the sidelines coverage.
State Fair Classic gives Grambling chance at three straight
By T. SCOTT BOATRIGHT, Lincoln Parish Journal
DALLAS — One popular belief in football is that teams can’t be rivals if only one is winning year in and out.
If so, that means Grambling State University will be fighting to reignite a rivalry with Prairie View as the Tigers and Panthers clash in the Texas State Fair Classic at the Cotton Bowl in a game set for a 6 p.m. kickoff tonight.
Grambling has lost five straight to Prairie View going back to 2018. GSU leads the all-time series between the two teams 51-22-1. Since the teams moved their rivalry to the State Fair Classic in 1985, the Tigers have gone 27-10 vs. the Panthers.
On a two-game winning streak since getting understandably routed at LSU, Grambling State (2-2 overall, 1-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) is looking for its first victory over Prairie View A&M (2-2, 2-0) since the Tigers won 34-21 in the annual Dallas matchup.
Last season, the Panthers came out on top 34-14.
Head G-Man Hue Jackson understands the meaning and intensity behind this contest, especially with 20 of his players coming from the Dallas area.
“Rivalries are great things,” Jackson said during press conferences held in Dallas on Monday. “I was at USC and playing LSU was always big. It’s awesome being part of those kinds of rivalries. But this thing is a little different, because of the schools, the culture, and all the food they bring to these particular events. It’s outstanding and it’s great football.”
Jackson admits to feeling better heading into the game against Prairie View than he did this time last year.
“I don’t feel pressure this year,” Jackson said. “I felt it last year because I really didn’t know my football team. I didn’t know my staff. I didn’t know this event (State Fair Classic). I didn’t know anything.
“But this year I’m ready for this. My team is ready for this. And I’m excited about playing.”
Jackson said he also feels more comfortable this go round.
“I’m more comfortable,” Jackson said. “I understand the HBCU space better. I understand what my players have to deal with every day. And to me, that’s the most important thing — understanding what the players have to deal with on a daily basis. If you understand that, it makes you a better coach and you can coach a better game.”
Jackson has his offense rolling after defeating Texas Southern 35-23 last Saturday. The G-Men rushed for 282 yards led by Chance Williams’ 174-yard effort with a touchdown on 19 carries.
Those kinds of numbers have helped Grambling become the SWAC’s best scoring offense (33.5 ppg) and the best total offense (397.5 ypg).
GSU also has the second-best run offense in the conference, putting up 179.0 yards per game.
The key for Grambling’s defense will be holding Prairie View quarterback Tarzan Connley in check. Connley has averaged 175.8 pass yards per game with season totals of three touchdowns and three interceptions thus far this season.
Jackson said execution will play an important part in the outcome against the Panthers.
“What we’re trying to do now is take care of the little things,” Jackson said. “Prairie View is a great football team. They’re well coached. I understand that and my team does, too, so we’ve got to go do everything we can to try and win this football game.”
Contact Scott at tscottboatright@gmail.com
September 29, 2023
Byrd breaks through, in a big way, runs by Benton
By JERRY BYRD, Journal Sports
“They’ll be at school tomorrow,” C.E. Byrd head coach Stacy Ballew said as he shook Principal Jerry Badgley’s hand after the Jackets’ 61-35 District 1-5A win over the Benton Tigers last night at Independence Stadium.
For the past three weeks, Byrd has suffered emotional Thursday night losses making it difficult to get up off the mat and make it to 3201 Line Avenue the next morning.
There will be a different feeling at The City of Byrd today.
“I was nervous all the way to the end,” Ballew said. “We’re a young football team. We’ve replaced a lot of guys. A lot of inexperience. So for these guys to come out, keep getting better every week, even going through four straight losses. For them to work and work and work, I’m happy for our team and I’m happy for these kids.”
“Someone has got to step up.”
Byrd players have heard coaches say it in practice, and Byrd fans heard the Voice of the Jackets, Charlie Cavell, say it on Thursday’s pregame show.
On Thursday night, senior running back Jontavious Mobery was that ‘someone.’
Coming into the game, Mobery had less than 50 yards rushing in four games. Against the Tigers, Mobery rushed for 157 yards on 10 carries, three going for touchdowns.
“He can run,” Ballew said. “He made some mistakes, but when he cuts loose and runs, he looks good.”
The Jackets were missing their top two runners. Malachi Johnson, who was dynamic in defeat last week against Captain Shreve and ranks among local scoring leaders, sat out with an injury. Sidelined for the season with an arm injury suffered last week is fullback Dixon Poirier.
Mobery stepped up right away. He started the scoring for the Jackets with a five-yard run with 7:57 left in the first quarter. He added TD runs of 8 and 38 yards in the second and third quarters.
The source of Ballew’s nervousness was Benton running back Greg Manning, who finished with 134 yards on 20 carries including two touchdowns.
Manning’s 11-yard touchdown run with 46 seconds remaining in the first half made it a one-score game at 30-22. Two of Benton’s points came on Manning’s jump pass to Cody Wilhite.
Byrd’s offense was able to move the ball down the field and the University of Miami commit, Abram Murray, kicked a 35-yard field goal to give the Jackets a 33-22 lead at halftime.
It was Murray’s second field goal of the first half. He was successful on a 25-yard field goal with 2:51 left in the first quarter.
Benton’s other two first-half scores came on touchdown passes from Jeffery King to Trey Smith. The first was an answer to Byrd’s first touchdown – an 80-yarder. It was a simple hitch. Smith made the corner miss and was off to the races. The second touchdown came on a 25-yard pass.
King finished the game with 305 yards. He completed 24 of 33 passes.
Byrd’s other touchdowns came on runs early in the second period. Quinton Hilliard scored from 15 yards. Sophomore quarterback Asher Murray scored from 39 on Byrd’s next possession.
In the second half, Byrd pulled away. Before Mobery’s third touchdown of the night, Desmond Simmons would get the first points with a three-yard run. Later, Asher Murray found Alex Schoonover in the back of the end zone.
Byrd’s defense was led by linebackers Ashton Fullwood and Sam Greer, who had 10 tackles including three tackles for a loss. The Byrd secondary also created two turnovers as senior Grant Johnson and Kaiden Abraham-Miller recorded one interception each.
Byrd’s final touchdown came on a 25-yard pass from junior Harrison Ayres to sophomore Troy Bow with 6:25 left in the game.
Ayres did a little bit of everything for the Jackets. He split time at quarterback with Murray. He lined up at fullback for a couple of snaps. From those positions he had 76 yards on 11 carries, and the TD pass. He also played some tight end.
“It feels awesome,” Ayres said. “Glory to God for this win. We’ve been working hard this whole season and chopping. Swinging the axe. It’s been hard (for the seniors going 0-4). It’s their senior year. They want to do great.
“But the year is not over. Take this energy we have. Keep on praying. Keep on working. Keep on grinding. The sky is the limit for this season.”
Ayres and the rest of the Jackets, 1-4, will now turn their attention to Haughton, where they will travel next Friday. Benton, who falls to 1-4, will host Natchitoches Central.
Contact Jerry at sbjjerrybyrd@gmail.com
BYRD 61, BENTON 35
Benton 7 15 7 6 – 35
Byrd 16 17 14 7 – 61
Byrd – Jontavious Mobery 5 run (kick failed)
Benton – Trey Smith 80 pass from Jeff King (Will Pedro kick)
Byrd – Abram Murray 24 FG
Byrd – Quinton Hilliard 15 run (Ab. Murray kick)
Byrd – Asher Murray 39 run (Ab. Murray kick)
Benton – T. Smith 25 pass from King (Petro kick)
Byrd – Mobery 8 run (Murray kick)
Benton – Greg Manning 11 run (Cody Wilhite pass from Manning)
Byrd – Ab. Murray 35 FG
Byrd – Desmond Simmons 3 run (Ab. Murray kick)
Byrd – Alex Schoonover 24 pass from As. Murray (Ab. Murray kick)
Benton – Jackson Jones 41 pass from King (Petro kick)
Byrd – Mobery 38 run (Ab. Murray kick)
Byrd – Troy Bow 24 pass from Harrison Ayres (Ab. Murray kick)
Benton – Manning 3 run (kick failed)
RUSHING – Benton (34-136), Manning 20-134, 2 TDs; King 10-15; Conner Jeter 3-6. Byrd – (53-466) Mobery 10-157, 3 TDs; Simmons 18-120, 1 TD; Harrison Ayres 11-76; Gevin Phill 1-44, Ash. Murray 7-40, Q. Hilliard 2-31.
PASSING – Benton, (24-34-2-305) King 24-33-2-305, 3 TDs; Malachi Zeigler 0-1-0. Byrd, (3-5-0-100) Ayres 2-4-0-76, 1 TD; As. Murray 1-1-0-24, 1 TD.
RECEIVING – Benton, Smith 10-158, 2 TDs; Manning 5-42; Wade Chandler 3-36; C. Wilhite 3-22. Byrd – Schoonover 2-76, 1 TD; T. Bow 1-24, 1 TD.
Burns displays desire, but can’t ignite USA in Ryder Cup opening session
JOURNAL SPORTS
GUIDOIA MONTECELIO, Italy – Sam Burns didn’t wait at all to get into action in his first Ryder Cup.
Burns was teamed with his good friend, the world’s No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, as the lead American tandem to open the 44th Ryder Cup competition with Europe early this morning at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club 10 miles from Rome.
Burns, a native Shreveporter and graduate of Calvary Baptist Academy, and Scheffler went out first for the USA in the four-ball alternating shot format matching two-man teams in four Friday morning matches.
In a match that teed off today at 12:35 a.m. Central time (7:35 in Rome), Burns-Scheffler were overwhelmed by brilliant play from world No. 3 Jon Rahm of Spain and Englishman Tyrell Hatton, with that match setting an early tone in the three-day competition featuring five rounds. Team competitions are today and Saturday with 12 singles matches Sunday to determine the outcome.
Burns-Scheffler were able to win only one hole in a 4&3 defeat in the morning session that was all Europe, producing a 4-0 lead. The Europeans won 22 holes to just 10 by the Americans, featuring a Viktor Hovland chip-in and Rahm’s near ace in the first nine holes of the session.
Europe led all four matches throughout the morning on the way to its first clean sweep in the opening session of a Ryder Cup. Americans had done it just three times, and only once this century, in 2016.
“We switched the format this year to go foursomes first, as that’s where we’re strongest, and all we’ve been talking about this week is getting off to a fast start,” said Irishman Rory McIlroy. “We were ready to go from the first tee shot.”
Burns was among four USA players who sat out afternoon play, as team captain Zach Johnson – in an apparent pre-determined rotation – used all 12 of his team members on the first day of competition.
Team USA has not won on European soil since 1993, but routed Europe 19-9 in 2021 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
That year, Burns was left off the American roster by then-captain Steve Stricker, but this time around, Johnson gave the former LSU All-American one of his six captain’s slots on the 12-man roster.
There was no doubt that Burns, who now lives in Choudrant and is based out of Squire Creek Country Club near Ruston, was thrilled at the chance to represent America in golf’s most prestigious team competition.
This week, he made it obvious to anyone who saw him. Burns had a friend back home carve the letters U-S-A into the right side of his scalp, above his ear, with a straight razor. He unveiled the look, which combines with a healthy blonde mullet that he’s cultivated during most of the recently-completed PGA Tour season.
Burns said he has gotten plenty of haircuts this summer, but “just I haven’t cut the back,” he admitted in a Wednesday media session.
“He’s got great hair,” said Johnson. “I mean, I’d do it if I could do it. I just don’t have any hair to do it.”
Said teammate Brooks Koepka: “Sam has got a nice Kentucky waterfall going. It’s pretty solid, although the ‘USA’ that’s inscribed in the side of his head, I don’t know if he was doing that looking in a mirror because ‘USA’ doesn’t look the best, but it makes it even better.”
Burns explained his motivation.
“Coming into this year, making this team was very high on my goal list, I guess you could call it,” he said.
Burns is not new to international team competition. He was part of the USA’s 2014 Junior Ryder Cup Team (a combined boys and girls roster) that posted a 16-8 win over Europe in Scotland, and played for his country in the 2022 President’s Cup, won 17 ½ to 12 ½ over the International team.
Burns is the fourth Shreveport-Bossier product to make the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Tommy Bolt played in 1955 and 1957. Hal Sutton teed it up the Ryder Cup in 1985, 1987, 1999 and 2002. David Toms was a teammate of Sutton’s in 2002, played for Sutton’s 2004 team (Sutton captained that squad) and played again in 2006.
Two other Louisiana golf greats, brothers Jay and Lionel Hebert from Lafayette, made Ryder Cup squads in 1957 (Lionel), 1959 and 1961 (Jay). Current LIV Golf pro Patrick Reed, who graduated from high school in Baton Rouge, made the roster in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
Burns’ putting ability, and his strong friendship with Scheffler, made him a popular choice to partner with the Dallas native in the Ryder Cup. Scheffler has struggled putting all season long, and although he ranks No. 1 on the Tour in most statistical categories, he did not win a tournament all summer long after a pair of early-season triumphs.
The two pals, who met on the junior golf circuit and bonded, did partner in the 2022 President’s Cup, with Burns going 0-3-2 and scoring one point, but observers agreed that was mostly due to Scheffler being badly out of form as they partnered in all but the closing singles play.
A couple signs of decline on the high school football scene
When I was a bench-warming fifth-string quarterback at Jesuit High School (now Loyola) in the 1970s, hated rival Minden hung a homemade banner along the bleachers that read “We Don’t Eat Spaghetti” in reference to the significant Italian influence of my school’s heritage for many years.
Of course, it did not go unnoticed.
So after the Flyers had pasted the Minden to the tune of 27-0 and then won the district title the next week, the Jesuit faithful unveiled their own sign: “Spaghetti: Breakfast of Champions.”
It might not pass for one of the great literary works of all time, but it was a hell of a comeback. (Conveniently, the two teams were in different districts for the next 10 years after that, so there was no comeback to the comeback.)
Decades later, sign-making has certainly lost its edge. Creativity doesn’t live here anymore.
About all you see these days in the way of inflammatory signs are the same old alliterative phrase. “Ground the Gators” or “Jinx the Jackets” or “Beat Benton.”
Ouch.
Later on in my career (when four other quarterbacks had moved on), we were in a playoff game in Alexandria. It was against Bolton.
Some of the 17-year-old creative geniuses that I called classmates came up with a sign that is probably too risqué for this family publication.
“Bolton” was broken up into two words. And in keeping with the construction theme they had working, the term of another piece of small hardware was inserted before the name of the opposing school.
You could look at the resulting sign as a simple do-it-yourself command for building something.
Or not.
Being a Catholic school and all, the Jesuit priests didn’t quite see it that way. The sign didn’t make it through the first quarter.
Back in those days, schools were taunting before anybody knew what taunting was. You think standing over a sacked quarterback is taunting? That lasts two seconds. Try hanging an inflammatory banner across the field for an entire game and watch that reaction.
A little literary license never hurt anybody, right? If anything, creators should get bonus points in English class for their prose. And the more subtle, the better.
No need to call anybody out by name. No need to point out anybody’s physical characteristics. But c’mon, y’all … can’t we at least try?
Signs aren’t the only thing you haven’t seen at local high school games lately. Here’s another thing that has disappeared and has me absolutely confounded – first down measurements.
I understand there is a concerted effort by various referee associations to move the game along. If you’ll notice, a first down spot after a kickoff or punt always starts exactly on a hash mark in order to make it easier to judge whether it’s a first down or not without calling for the chains. If the original spot was the 34-yard line and the ball reaches the 44, that’s pretty easy. I’m good with that.
But it should not be re-spotted after that. (In other words, if it’s at the 43 and ½, moving it a half yard up or a half yard back.) I’m sorry, but that’s not right.
I saw a playoff game last year with a skipped measurement that literally cost a team the game. So anxious were the officials to keep the game flow going that they refused to call for the chains in the final minutes of the fourth quarter on a close fourth down play. The drive continued and the offensive team kicked a game-winning field goal. (After later review by the state association, it was agreed that the spotting was incorrect.)
“So what am I supposed to tell my team?” said the coach of the losing team. “We don’t get to keep playing because they didn’t want to call for the chains. Oh well.”
Maybe making a banner might help.
Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com
Parkway defense, Shreve offense square off in 1-5A tonesetter
By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports
A week ago, he was about to play a team that hadn’t won a game. This week, he’s going against a team that hasn’t lost a game.
But for Captain Shreve coach Adam Kirby, the pre-game message is always the same.
“It doesn’t matter who we play,” he says (almost every week), “it’s how we play.”
The “who” this week is 4-0 Parkway. The “how” will be determined tonight at 7 o’clock when the Gators (3-1) take on the Panthers in a big District 1-5A game at Independence Stadium.
“We have got to stay in front of the chains because their defense is really good,” Kirby said of the Panthers, who have given up only six points – none on defense — in the last three games. “They really attack the ball carrier, even if it’s after a catch. They fly to the football but are very disciplined on that side of the ball.”
And that should be a good matchup against Shreve’s offense, which features a huge line and the city’s leading rusher in Jamarlon Otis, who had 745 yards rushing (almost 200 more than the next highest total) and nine touchdowns.
But with the quarterback change the Gators have made to junior Brodie Savage, it would seem to offer a little more balance in their offense. Savage had thrown for 680 yards after going from part-time to full time a week ago.
Balance, however, is in the eyes of the beholder.
“Balance is relative to what you want to accomplish on that side of the ball,” Kirby says. “People look at that a lot of different ways. Balance, to me, is this: Are your best players touching the football evenly? Are we making teams defend the entire field? I’ve certainly been very pleased with how our coaches have been getting our guys the ball so that the other team has to defend all 11 all over the field.”
Shreve is coming off a win over Byrd while Parkway defeated neighboring Haughton, so both coaches have to guard against a rivalry hangover.
“We’ll know more after Friday night,” Parkway coach Coy Brotherton says. “It’s a big game with both of us winning last week against our rivals, starting district play 1-0. Looking at the last two years, the battles we’ve had with them, I expect a good one on Friday night.”
Even this early in the district season, this game will allow the winner to take a giant step forward in the 1-5A race.
“Whoever comes out on top will probably be sitting close to the top of the standings at the end of the year,” Brotherton says, “and whoever doesn’t will have to battle back.”
Shreve has battled back after a 61-27 loss to Calvary in Week 2, but Kirby says there is still improvement to be made.
“I’d like to see us stop making dumb mistakes on defense,” he says. “Lining up in the wrong gap on the line, busted coverages, things like that. And I’d like our offensive line to take over the game a little more. We did that in the fourth quarter last week, but why aren’t we doing that all the time?”
Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com
PARKWAY (4-0, 1-0) vs. CAPTAIN SHREVE (3-1, 1-0), Independence Stadium
Series: Captain Shreve 30-17
Last year: Parkway 25-13
Last week: Captain Shreve beat Byrd 35-28; Parkway beat Haughton 24-6
Rankings: Captain Shreve is No. 5 in SBJ; Parkway is No. 3 in SBJ poll
Power rankings: Parkway Non-Select Div. I No. 18; Captain Shreve Select Div. I No. 9
Radio: Captain Shreve on (KLKL.fm, 95.7 FM)
Notable: Parkway’s defense has not allowed a point the last three games … Ashtin Jackson had two interceptions, one a 45-yard pick six in last week’s win over Haughton … sophomore RB Antonio Gladney leads the Panthers in rushing with 396 yards and six touchdowns … Kaleb Williams has passed for 467 yards on 46-of-65 passes and five touchdowns … Shreve RB Jamarlon Otis leads the area in rushing with 754 yards and nine touchdowns … Brodie Savage has passed for 680 yards after starting the last two games and playing the second half against Calvary.
Unbeaten Airline on road to Natchitoches, Haughton faces Southwood in 1-5A games
JOURNAL SPORTS
Airline is finally ranked in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Top 10 and is a unanimous No. 1 in the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s poll rating the 10 best local teams.
The Vikings (4-0) haven’t lost a regular-season content in over a calendar year. They’ve had their last two games secured well before halftime.
They take their high-octane offense (52 points per game, no less than 48 so far) down I-49 tonight to Northwestern State’s Turpin Stadium to meet 2-2 Natchitoches Central, also 1-0 in District 1-5A. Chiefs’ coach Jess Curtis moved over from Many in January and is trying to establish a winning mindset at a long-struggling program.
“A couple of years ago, Airline was at the bottom of the district,” Curtis told the Natchitoches Parish Journal. “Now they have risen to the top. The are believing in their program and that has been our message here with our players.
“We respect what they have done up there. I have known (Airline) coach (Justin) Scogin since he was at Leesville (as offensive coordinator). We played them a few times when I was at Many and it is always fun to go up against him because he does such a great job,” said Curtis. “We expect them to come out and attack with onside kicks and plays like that.”
At the forefront of the Airline attack will be junior quarterback Ben Taylor, who leads the state in passing yardage. Calvary Baptist sophomore transfer QB Owen Smith ranks eighth in the same category.
In another 1-5A contest tonight, Haughton and Southwood look to rebound from losing their league openers by big margins. The Bucs, 2-2 overall, trailed by four scores by halftime last week at Parkway, and the Cowboys (0-4) were blown out at NCHS.
Southwood celebrates its homecoming tonight.
AIRLINE (4-0, 1-0) at NATCHITOCHES CENTRAL (2-2, 1-0) at Turpin Stadium
Series: Airline leads 25-15
Last year: Airline 46-0
Last week: Natchitoches Central beat Southwood 41-12; Airline beat Benton 60-35
Rankings: Airline is No. 9 in LSWA Class 5A poll, No. 1 in SBJ poll
Power rankings: Airline Non-Select Div. I No. 4; NCHS Non-Select Div. I No. 33
Live webstream: Natchitoches Central HS – http://www.nchschiefs.live
Notable: Airline has won 11 straight regular season games … the Vikings are scoring 52 points per game, but are giving up an average of 35 … QB Ben Taylor had a career-high 471 yards and seven touchdowns in last week’s 60-35 win over Benton … Taylor leads the state in passing with 1,466 yards and 22 touchdowns … NCHS quarterback Owen Smith is eighth in the state in passing with 963 yards … WR Camryn Davis is second in the state in receiving yards with 558.
HAUGHTON (2-2, 0-1) vs. SOUTHWOOD (0-4, 0-1) at Leonard C. Barnes Stadium
Series: Haughton 15-4
Last year: Haughton 37-24
Last week: Southwood lost to Natchitoches Central 41-12; Haughton lost to Parkway 24-6
Rankings: Haughton is ranked No. 6 in SBJ poll
Power rankings: Haughton Non-Select Div. I No. 37; Southwood Select Div. I No. 31
Radio: None
Notable: Haughton played last week’s game without starting quarterback Christian Turner with senior receiver Jalen Lewis stepping in and playing the first half and freshman Taylor Weathersby the second half … Devontay Moss has rushed for 270 yards and three touchdowns for the Bucs and Lewis is the leading receiver with 290 yards on 22 catches and four touchdowns … Southwood averaging 10 points per game with 28 of their 40 points coming in the last two games … Cowboy defense has allowed an average of 37 points per game the last three outings.
Evangel-Woodlawn battle, while Northwood is home in 1-4A action
JOURNAL STAFF
A pair of strong District 1-4A teams looking to regain the glory days of the past, Woodlawn and Evangel, will collide tonight at Rodney Duron Stadium.
Evangel is No. 4 in the Shreveport-Bossier Journal Top 10. Woodlawn is No. 8.
The Knights, who were a perennial playoff team throughout the 1960s and the late ‘70s, ‘80s and early ‘90s, have started the season 3-1 and won their district opener last week. Evangel, who has 14 state championships since it opened in 1989 but had a couple rough seasons recently before a strong 2022, has played a tough non-district slate and is 2-2, 1-0.
Bossier, who doesn’t have an offensive score since the first week of the season, travels to Northwood, who won its first game of the year in last week’s 1-4A opener.
In other 1-4A action, Booker T. Washington and Huntington are both on the road. The Lions travel to Stonewall to play high-flying North DeSoto and the Raiders go to winless, but dangerous Minden.
WOODLAWN (3-1, 1-0) at EVANGEL (2-2, 1-0), at Rodney Duron Stadium
Series: Evangel 3-1
Last year: Evangel 39-12
Last week: Evangel beat Bossier 49-0; Woodlawn beat BTW 26-8
Rankings: Evangel is ranked No. 4 in SBJ poll; Woodlawn No. 8 in SBJ poll
Power rankings: Woodlawn Select Div. II No. 18; Evangel Select Div. II No. 15
Radio: None
Notable: The Woodlawn offense is led by quarterback Isaiah Kennedy and is averaging 31 points a game…
Evangel has the state’s fourth-leading passer in Peyton Fulghum with 1,165 yards and 13 touchdowns … twin brother Parker Fulghum leads the state in receiving yards with 641 and has eight touchdowns … The ECA defense is led by Texas A&M commit Gabriel Reliford with 51 tackles, 14 for loss and linebacker Damari Drake with 58 total tackles.
BOSSIER (1-3, 0-1) at NORTHWOOD (1-3, 1-0) at Jerry Burton Stadium
Series: Bossier 19-15
Last year: Northwood 48-12
Last week: Northwood beat Huntington, 27-12; Bossier lost to Evangel 50-0.
Rankings: Northwood No. 9 in SBJ poll
Power rankings: Bossier Non-Select Div. I No. 3; Northwood Select Div. I No. 22
Radio: None
Notable: Bossier has not scored an offensive touchdown since its opening season win and has lost its last three games … Caleb Jones leads Bossier with 202 rushing yards on 41 carries … Last week, Northwood’s defense limited a Huntington team that was averaging 34 points to just 12 … Hudson Hearron passed for 175 yards and two touchdowns for the Falcons … Jalil Wainwright caught five passes for 90 yards, while Tucker McCabe and Desmond Harris had the touchdown receptions.
BTW (1-3, 0-1) at NORTH DESOTO (1-0, 3-1)
Series: North DeSoto 7-3
Last year: North DeSoto 55-6
Last week: BTW lost to Woodlawn 26-8; North DeSoto beat Minden 51-0
Rankings: North DeSoto is ranked No. 5 in LSWA 4A poll
Power rankings: North DeSoto Non-Select Div. I No. 3; BTW Select Div. II No. 22
Radio: None
Notable: The BTW offense has struggled the past two games (20 points) after scoring a season high 52 in its first win versus Bolton … The Lions defense will have its hands full stopping a North DeSoto team that leads the district in overall points with 205, an average of 51.3 per game. The Griffins have scored 51 or more points in each of the last three games.
HUNTINGTON (2-2, 0-1) at MINDEN (0-4, 0-1), The Pit
Series: Minden 17-10
Last year: Huntington 60-33
Last week: Minden lost to North DeSoto 51-0; Huntington lost to Northwood 27-12
Rankings: Huntington is ranked No. 8 in SBJ poll
Power rankings: Minden Non-Select Div. II No. 31; Huntington Select Div. I No. 28
Radio: Minden on Real Country 104.5 FM; www.kbef.com
Notable: Huntington QB Lorenzo White has passed for 902 yards and nine touchdowns… Kaleb Tucker is his favorite target with 20 catches for 380 yards … Hudson Brown leads Minden in passing with 415 yards … Jakobe Jackson has 314 rushing yards and three touchdowns for the Tide.
Calvary hosts powerful Westgate, North Caddo, Magnolia also home tonight
JOURNAL STAFF
Calvary continues its tough non-district schedule tonight with what could be its toughest test when it hosts Class 4A Westgate from New Iberia at Jerry Barker Stadium.
The Cavaliers, ranked No. 1 in Class 2A, have played one of the best north Louisiana Class 1A teams the last number of years in Logansport, Class 5A playoff teams Captain Shreve and Byrd and previously undefeated Class 3A Wossman so far this season. They have managed to win all of those with the recent win over Wossman being the closest of them all.
Westgate is ranked No. 4 in Class 4A and won the 4A state championship in 2021.
North Caddo and Magnolia Charter will also be at home for non-district games. The Titans host Class 5A undefeated West Ouachita – currently No. 1 in its division in power rankings — and the Mariners play Mansfield in a matchup of winless teams.
Green Oaks goes to Alexandria for the second week in a row, this time to play state power ASH. Plain Dealing has a 1-1A date at No. 8 ranked Haynesville.
WESTGATE (4-0) at CALVARY (4-0), Jerry Barker Stadium
Series: First meeting
Last year: Did not play
Last week: Westgate beat St. Martinville 49-32; Calvary beat Wossman 21-6
Rankings: Calvary is ranked No. 2 in SBJ Top 10, No. 1 in LSWA 2A poll; Westgate No. 4 In LSWA 4A
Power rankings: Westgate Non-Select Div. I No. 10; Calvary Select Div. III No. 1
Radio: Calvary on (Promise, 90.7 FM)
Notable: Calvary had its lowest scoring output of the season in last week’s win … QB Abram Wardell is second in the state with 1,266 yards and has 13 touchdowns … receiver Aubrey Hermes is sixth in the state with 439 yards receiving and averages 22 yards a catch … Landon Sylvie leads the Cavs with 35 tackles, Hutch Grace has 31 and Cole Miller 30 and a team-leading six for loss. Julius Moss has three interceptions.
WEST OUACHITA (4-0) at NORTH CADDO (1-3), Sanders-Prudhomme Stadium
Series: North Caddo 1-0
Last year: North Caddo 28-27
Last week: North Caddo lost to Neville 54-0; West Ouachita beat Grant 27-0
Rankings: None
Power rankings: North Caddo Select Div. III No. 25; West Ouachita Non-Select Div. I No. 1
Radio: North Caddo on (KNCB 1320 AM), K104 FM)
Notable: North Caddo is led by junior quarterback Mason Jackson who has thrown for 381 yards and run for 367 … Tray Morris has run for 213 yards … Chancellor Washington leads the receivers with 14 catches for 175 yards … West Ouachita is allowing a little less than eight points per game and scores 28.3 a game.
MANSFIELD (0-4) at MAGNOLIA (0-4)
Series: First meeting
Last year: Did not play
Last week: Magnolia lost to Homer 47-12; Mansfield lost to Logansport 32-24
Rankings: None
Power rankings: Mansfield Non-Select Div. I No. 34; Magnolia Select Div. IV No. 31
Radio: None
Notable: Mansfield is on a five-game losing streak, the Wolverines lost their first six last season before winning three of the last four regular season games … Magnolia has scored in each of its last three games but averages allowing 54.8 points a game … the Mariners lost their first six last season before winning twice in the last four games.
PLAIN DEALING (0-4, 0-1) at HAYNESVILLE (1-0, 4-0), Red Franklin-Memorial Stadium
Series: Haynesville 39-2
Last year: Haynesville
Last week: Haynesville beat Glenbrook 34-14; Plain Dealing lost to Ringgold 54-6
Rankings: Haynesville No. 8 in LSWA 1A poll
Power rankings: Plain Dealing Non-Select Div. IV No. 37; Haynesville Non-Select Div. IV No. 1
Radio: None
Notable: Plain Dealing has lost 18 in a row … The Lions have scored all of their 26 points the last two games … Haynesville is ranked No. 8 in 1A LSWA state poll … Alonzo Jackson Jr. led the Tors last week with four TDs in last week’s defeat of Glenbrook … QB Isaiah Washington completed only three passes but all went for touchdowns.
GREEN OAKS (1-3) at ALEXANDRIA SENIOR HIGH (2-2)
Series: Alexandria 2-0
Last year: Did not play
Last week: Green Oaks lost to Peabody 47-0; Alexandria beat East Ascension 21-14
Rankings: None
Power rankings: ASH Select Div. I No. 12; Green Oaks Select Div. II No. 22
Radio: None
Notable: Green Oaks suffered three interceptions in last week’s loss to Peabody … the Giants have only managed to score 12 points in three games (missing Week 2 in a forfeit loss to Carroll) … ASH has won its last two games, averaging 38.5 points in those games … the Trojans have scored 124 total points and allowed 123.
Thursday’s high school football scoreboard
CITY
Byrd 61, Benton 35
AREA
Delhi Charter 38, LaSalle 0
Delta Charter 44, Lakeview 38
Ouachita Christian 48, Ouachita 14
Union Parish 55, Franklin Parish 33
STATEWIDE
Abbeville 41, West St. Mary 0
Caldwell Parish 42, Sacred Heart-VP 7
Central Catholic 21, Jeanerette 6
Church Point 42, Mamou 16
DeQuincy 16, Rosepine 0
East Ascension 44, De La Salle 7
East Feliciana 42, Livonia 8
Grand Lake 28, East Beauregard 14
Jewel Sumner 52, Haynes 0
Madison Prep 50, Helix Mentorship 0
Montgomery 34, Beekman Charter 28
Parkview 56, Glen Oaks 6
Patterson 14, Franklin 8, OT
Salmen 9, McDonogh #35 8
St. Edmund 30, Oakdale 20
Walker 51, Belaire 0
Warren Easton 35, John Ehret 14
Bulldogs under Friday Night Lights on the border at UTEP
JOURNAL SPORTS
EL PASO, Texas – It’s been a long time, nearly three years, since Louisiana Tech has won a football game away from Aillet Stadium, but tonight the Bulldogs have a prime opportunity to snap that skid.
Tech (2-3, 1-0 in Conference USA) dives into league play with UTEP (1-4, 0-1). The Miners, like the Bulldogs, kicked off their season with a CUSA contest, but fell 17-14 to newcomer Jacksonville State on the road.
The game kicks at 8 p.m. and will be televised on the CBS Sports Network from the Sun Bowl, which is less than two miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s the first non-Saturday game in a string of three midweek contests for Louisiana Tech, which is home next Thursday against Western Kentucky, then at Middle Tennessee the following Tuesday, giving the Bulldogs three games in 11 days. The only other October game is at home Tuesday, Oct. 24 against New Mexico State.
Last week Louisiana Tech fell 28-14 at Nebraska while UTEP was topped at home 45-28 by UNLV, losing for a third straight game. The Miners’ only win came 28-14 in Week 2 at home over FCS power UIW. Tech coach Sonny Cumbie noted he four teams beating UTEP have a combined 14-6 record.
“They have played some really good teams. They played Northwestern who we saw beat Minnesota this week. They played UNLV who is playing some really good football right now at 3-1,” said Cumbie.
The Bulldogs coach is more focused on his team’s mental makeup and ability to execute well enough to win on the road.
“We are talking about it every day with our players. It is time for us to go on the road and win a football game. I am going to ask the guys today in our team meeting if any of them remember where they were in December of 2020 and how much time has passed,” he said.
“It takes an approach with a great week of preparation, great practice each day and really as we travel on the road as being locked in on the intent of what we are doing as traveling to win a football game. We also have to execute at a high level to allow us to win a football game.
In his first career start at quarterback last Saturday, Tech’s Jack Turner threw for 292 yards while Cyrus Allen registered his third career 100-yard receiving game with 102 yards in the contest, his most this season. Nebraska came into the game tied for the third most sacks in the country, but Louisiana Tech did not allow a sack. Defensively, linebacker Zach Zimos recorded a game and career-high nine tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack.
Cumbie didn’t rule out the return of the early-season starter at QB, Hank Bachmeier. The Boise State transfer has completed 70 of his 106 passing attempts for 756 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions. Bachmeier holds a career record of 22-11 as a starting quarterback but missed the end of the North Texas game and the entirety of last week’s matchup at Nebraska due to injury.
Smoke Harris had 10 catches last week and is the Bulldogs’ most dangerous weapon on offense. He has tallied 34 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns this season. Allen is the Bulldogs’ second-leading receiver with 17 catches for 246 yards and two touchdowns in four games.
Turner has been impressive in relief of Bachmeier, completing 39 of 60 passes for 438 yards and two touchdowns. Against North Texas, Turner led the Bulldogs to 23 fourth-quarter points.
Safety Myles Heard leads the Dogs with 50 total tackles, including 2.5 for loss. Heard ranks 18th nationally in tackles per game with 10.0 a contest.
Notice of Death – September 28, 2023
Henry W Hubley
June 9, 1970 – September 24, 2023
Service: Friday, September 29, 2023, 1 pm at Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport.
Jessica Lynn Turner Janes
June 8, 1987 — September 23, 2023
Service: Friday, September 29, 2023, 12:30 pm at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport.
Braden Joseph Barkman
October 3, 1995 — September 22, 2023
Service: Friday, September 29, 2023, Noon at Rose Neath Funeral Home, Southside.
Lewis Ray Bryant
March 9, 1934 — September 27, 2023
Service: Friday, September 29, 2023, 2 pm at Rose Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield.
Mary O. Long
January 30, 1931 – September 17, 2023
Service: Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 10 am at the Cathedral of St. John Berchman.
The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. 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)
September 28, 2023
Bossier Youth Leadership visits the Bossier Parish Courthouse
Members of the Bossier Youth Leadership program visited the Bossier Parish Courthouse on Sept. 26 to gain a better understanding of the history of Bossier Parish, as well as the roles played by the Bossier Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Courts office.
Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington addressed the group, providing insights into the multifaceted functions and responsibilities of his position. From the collection of taxes to serving as the chief law enforcement officer of the parish, Sheriff Whittington described how the Sheriff’s Office functioned as a whole.
Clerk of Court Jill Sessions also spoke to the group about the role her office plays on a day-to-day basis. She shed light on the workings of her office, ensuring the young leaders gained a comprehensive understanding of its significance.
Several other members of the Sheriff’s Office also addressed the group. Their contributions provided a comprehensive view of the various divisions within the Sheriff’s Office, enabling the young leaders to understand their responsibilities.
Overall, the visit to the Bossier Parish Courthouse seemed to be an enlightening and enriching experience for the members of Bossier Youth Leadership. It not only deepened their knowledge of the history of Bossier Parish but also provided them with a better understanding of the roles played by the Bossier Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Courts office.
Bossier Youth Leadership is a program the Bossier Chamber of Commerce has hosted for 30 years, creating an opportunity for juniors in our Bossier Parish high schools to participate in day-long trips around the region to learn more about what makes up a good community, including quality of life, social services, economic development, law enforcement/government and many more. This prestigious program consists of nine monthly sessions in Leadership, Team Building, Quality of Life, Education, Healthcare & Technology, Law Enforcement, Social Services, Economic Development, and Capitol Day.
Parents grateful for son’s care at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport
By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services
The call came in as “Trauma Stat.”
“Everybody and their mom comes down to the trauma bay,” Dr. Sanaz Leilabadi explains. “We’ve got resources available — CT scan, the OR is available, the blood bank is available to us. Everybody is hands-on-deck waiting for this patient to come, who we expect is unstable.”
Unfortunately for Catherine Bowen, “this patient” was her son.
Marshall Bowen arrived at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport as this past February 17th turned into the 18th. Ochsner LSU Health was Marshall’s second hospital of the night, after being rushed by ambulance to the only Level One trauma center in north Louisiana.
“When we got there, it was like a movie,” Catherine said. “We pulled in and everybody was there. There were probably 30 doctors surrounding him.”
Just a few hours earlier, 15-year-old Marshall had been playing for C.E. Byrd in a baseball doubleheader at Calvary.
“I was really excited,” Marshall said. “It was my first time playing (in high school). I was getting all hyped for the game.”
But that excitement soon turned into concern.
“It was a pop fly,” Marshall remembered. “Pretty much dead center (field). At first, I didn’t read it correctly. As soon as I read it, I started running full speed toward it. One I realized I wasn’t going to get there, I dove for it. I laid out. I never saw (second baseman) Alex. He was coming from the left side. The next thing I remember, I was on the ground in a bunch of pain.”
Pain caused by a Grade 5 shattered spleen.
“That’s the worst kind of spleen injury you can have,” Dr. Leilabadi said. “It basically implies that your spleen is completely shattered and there’s always bleeding involved with it.”
After the on-field collision, Calvary’s athletic trainer suggested to Marshall’s parents they take their son to the hospital.
“He was literally green when he came out of the dugout,” Catherine remembered. “Marshall is 6-3, and he was hanging onto my husband. We were walking as slow as we could, and Marshall kept saying, “Slow down. Slow down.”
It was at Ochsner LSU Health that the Bowens met Dr. Leilabadi, a trauma surgeon who was already seven hours into her shift.
“When they brought Marshall over, he looked very grey — very ashen,” Dr. Leilabadi said. “I thought 100 percent we were going to the OR.”
“She said, ‘OK, this is the deal.’ Catherine recalls. ‘His spleen is shattered.’ They basically had to scoop it out of him. His pancreas is torn. He’s going to have to have surgery. He’s going to be in the hospital five to seven days.’”
While Marshall was not in a life-or-death situation while at Ochsner LSU Health, he could have been, if Dr. Leilabadi did not operate.
“(The surgery) was lifesaving in the sense that if I didn’t do anything, and that clot opened up, he would have bled to death.”
Marshall survived, but his pain lasted well after he went home.
“It was a pretty big struggle. It was hard to walk because everything hurt. I couldn’t lay down without help. I had to move really slow, every time I moved.”
Marshall’s injury cost him 12 pounds. And if anyone ever doubts his trip to the trauma center, he has a scar as proof.
“He’s basically cut from his chest bone to his groin,” Catherine said. “We were expecting a little six-inch incision. It goes all the way down — around his belly button and down. He had staples. He had the drain for three weeks. It took him awhile to eat. That’s why he didn’t go back to school immediately, because he had no energy. He wasn’t eating. We were force feeding him protein shakes.”
Marshall’s injury also cost him most of his freshman season. That’s right, most of his freshman season. Despite Dr. Leilabad’s prediction Marshall would not return to the field last season, he did.
April 12th. The final game of the season, and seven weeks after being hurt.
“I wanted to play at least one game before the season ended. That was my goal.”
Goal met.
“He is above average,” Dr. Leilabadi said. “It was a miracle he could look as good as he did after a major insult (injury), but I didn’t expect him to make it to that last game. I’m just proud of him that he did.”
“It was pretty impressive,” Catherine said. “It was kind of surreal. My big thing was, ‘Marshall, don’t dive to first base when you’re off the base.’ I just asked him not to slide face first. He was off the bag, turned around, and dove back to first. He said, ‘I did that for you, Mom.’”
What began as a parent-doctor relationship in the wee hours of a very scary morning, has become much more.
“When we left the hospital, (Dr. Leilabadi) gave us her cell phone number and said if you have any questions, please call,” Catherine said. “She meant it.”
And Catherine has called — more than once. One of those calls didn’t have anything to do with Marshall’s care. Rather, it was an invitation.
”She’s since come to dinner at our house. She’s just an incredible person. I felt like she cared.”
But Dr. Leilabadi’s concern was not reserved for the Bowens.
“I do this for everybody. The reason is that when they come to us as a trauma patient, it is the worst day of their life…I make sure they know the pros and cons of every single thing we are going to do to them, about them, on them — every procedure we do, every medication they get. This is overwhelming to the patient — the whole experience of being a trauma patient — but it’s extremely overwhelming to the family. They don’t know if their family member is going to live or die.”
Some seven months later, Marshall is living just fine. He’s put back on the weight he lost (and then some) and worked out over the summer to get back in playing shape. Of course, Catherine wishes all of this would never have happened. But it did, and she’s grateful for Ochsner LSU Health as a whole, and Dr. Leilabadi in particular.
“I could not have asked for better care.”
Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com