JOURNAL STAFF
LAKE CHARLES — Haughton quarterback Christian Turner used his legs in a Week 1 win against Red River, but his arm took center stage Friday at LaGrange.
Turner threw five touchdown passes as Haughton built an early lead and never looked back.
Receiver Jalen Lewis caught four of those scoring passes as LaGrange didn’t have an answer for the Bucs’ air attack.
“Christian had only one carry tonight, and we did a lot of damage through the air,” said Haughton coach Jason Brotherton of Turner, who rushed for 169 in the season-opener against Red River. “We played better defensively tonight, played faster and tackled better.”
The defense played a large role in Haughton’s quick start, logging a safety and an Andrew Markray interception return for a touchdown en route to a 16-0 first-quarter lead.
Haughton opened the floodgates and led 36-8 at the half. The Bucs (2-0) struck first in the second half for a 43-8 edge before LaGrange added two late touchdowns.
Haughton hosts Many next week before opening District 1-5A play.
Parkway 33, Red River 0: Parkway’s first points were the most special Friday, and it turned out to be all the Panthers needed.
Kicker Aeron Burrell booted a 55-yard field goal, a new Bossier Parish record, to start the scoring.
The Panthers (2-0) stifled a Red River offense that put up 28 points in a loss to Haughton this past week, logging their first shutout since two straight in early 2022 (Red River and Bossier).
“It’s awesome to see Aeron do something like that,” said Parkway coach Coy Brotherton. “Our defense played great tonight.
“Our defensive backs played excellent, allowing only two catches.”
After a nail-biting affair in a 43-41 win at Minden, Parkway didn’t have to dust off the theatrics Friday.
Leading 5-0 in the second quarter, the Panthers’ passing game picked up in the second half as quarterback Kaleb Williams tossed three touchdowns to put the game out of reach.
Texas High 62, Benton 14: The Benton Tigers drew first blood Friday in Texarkana, but by the time the Tigers scored again, the game was well in hand for Texas High.
Texas High rattled off 48 straight points in the first half, slowed only by a lightning delay early in the second half.
“Texas High was more physical and aggressive all night,” said Benton coach Reynolds Moore.
His Tigers (1-1) were coming off an emotional season-opening win against former district rival Northwood, and Benton will be looking for answers when it plays its home opener against Isidore Newman this coming week.
It’s the second game Texas High has won in the series in as many years, although the 46-35 affair in Benton this past season was a more competitive affair.
