JOURNAL SPORTS
There are some good rivalries among Bossier Parish schools, but there’s a stronger sense of brotherhood among the football coaches just east of Red River.
That was apparent Tuesday evening at the third annual appreciation dinner hosted by Origin Bank in Shreveport, and organized by the Shreveport-Bossier Journal sports staff to pay tribute to coaches and administrators as the school year, and specifically football season, is nearly here.
Football practice already IS here. That kept the Airline contingent from attending, with head coach Justin Scogin sending regrets. But the other five Bossier coaches were on hand for the social event, along with some coaching staff members and principals, and local officiating assignments director Curtis Graham, who provided insight into the men in stripes with whistles and flags who will enable fair play this season.
Award-winning veteran SBJ writer and columnist John James Marshall pointed out to the group that the relationships between the Bossier coaches and football staffs are exceptionally cordial, and that adds value to the matchups as they unfold during the season. Tuesday there were Benton Tigers mingling with Bossier Bearkats, Haughton Bucs laughing with Parkway Panthers, and the ever-friendly Lion from Plain Dealing, head coach Clint Walker, making the rounds with his big smile and firm handshake.
And there were friendly jabs. Recounting a few of the memorable prep football stories that Journal writers have produced recently, JJ cited the incredible 2022 score war won 78-71 by Benton over Haughton, looking out at Tigers’ offensive-minded coach Reynolds Moore.
Immediately, Marshall winced as he looked at second-year Bossier coach Gary Smith – who previously was Haughton’s defensive coordinator, and good-naturedly ducked his head and grimaced.
But Smith popped right back. “Yeah, but the year before, we won 7-0,” he said, grinning.
Fact. You could look it up. Journal prep sports guru and historian Lee Hiller did.
Moore and Smith recounted that slugfest in the rain a few minutes later, with Moore claiming Haughton’s touchdown came on a play when Benton had only 10 defenders on the field.
It was that kind of fun-filled gathering Tuesday night.
More of the same is anticipated when Caddo Parish coaches gather Thursday evening.
