The Bakowski Bridge of Lights shone blue on Oct. 1 in honor of Officer Matthew Rhoden, 37, who tragically passed away in a car accident on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Officer Rhoden served the community with dedication and integrity as a valued member of the Shreveport Police Department.
Mayor Tom Arceneaux shared these heartfelt words:
“In the wake of the tragic loss of Officer Matthew Rhoden, I want to take a moment to express our city’s deep gratitude for his service and reflect on the impact he made on our community. Officer Rhoden was a dedicated member of the Shreveport Police Department, and his commitment to protecting and serving our city will always be remembered. While words can hardly ease the pain felt by his family, friends, and colleagues, I want them to know that our entire community stands with them during this difficult time.”
The Bossier Parish Police Jury began its regular meeting on Oct. 2 with a public hearing to consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approval or adopting the adjusted millage rates after reassessment and rolling forward to rates not exceeding the prior year’s maximum.
Five residents addressed the jury with concerns about the potential increase in millage rates due to the increase in property tax values adjusted by the tax assessor.
Philip Rodgers, the Jury President, shared with the public the Jury’s plan to help the community. One point he emphasized to the audience was that the Bossier Parish Police Jury’s millage rates are not affected by other parish entities’ millage rates.
“We can only do what’s in our budget and for our millages that we have,” Rodgers said. Rodgers added that to help the taxpayers, the police jury would vote to decrease the library millage and freeze the other millages, resulting in no tax increase for Bossier taxpayers from the Police Jury.
Jurors then voted to adopt the Adjusted Property Tax Millage Rates 2024:
General Alimony – inside city limits 1.26 mils – outside city limits 2.52 mils
Highway Tax -1.76 mils
Library Tax – 6.83 mils
Health Unit Tax – 0.73 mils
Corrections Facilities – 2.72 mils
Jurors then voted to set forth the adjusted millage rate(s) and roll forward to millage rate(s) not exceeding the maximum authorized rate(s):
General Alimony Tax – inside city limits 1.23 mils – outside city limits 2.80 mils
Highway Tax – 1.95 mils
Library Tax – 5.24 mils
Health Unit Tax – 0.81 mils
Corrections Facilities Tax – 3.02 mils
During the visitor’s portion of the meeting:
Mrs. Lisa Johnson, President/CEO of Bossier Chamber of Commerce, requested $25,000 from the jury to help fund the Chamber’s marketing efforts for the parish.
Jurors approved Mr. Kenneth Starnes, Section 8 Housing, Annual Plan.
In other business, jurors:
Adopted EMS User Fee for the year 2024.
Adopted Acreage Tax for the year 2024.
Approved the application of Jennifer Hill, Cafe Seven, LLC, to the Bossier City-Parish MPC for a Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low-content alcohol for on-premises consumption at a Coffee Shop/Cafe, Joe Mama Coffee Co., located at 5450 Airline Drive, Suite 100.
Approved the application of Carole Mitchell, Zion Hill Enterprises, Inc., to the Bossier City-Parish MPC to change the zoning classification of 0.68 acres of land, located at 130 Mid-South Loop, Bossier Parish, LA, from R-A, Residential Agriculture District, to B-2, Limited Business District, for a proposed Construction Company Storage/Office in Police Jury District 2.
Approved the application of Ryan Estess, Raley and Associates, Inc., to the Bossier City-Parish MPC to change the zoning classification of 24.776 acres of land immediately south of Bee Bend Estates, and west of Bayou Bend Subdivision from R-A, Residential Agriculture District, to R-LD, Residential-Low Density District, for a proposed residential subdivision in Police Jury District 6.
Approved the application of Ryan Estess, Raley and Associates, Inc., to the Bossier City-Parish MPC to change the zoning classification of 4.428 acres of land South of Bee Bend Estates, West of Bayou Bend Subdivision from R-A, Residential Agriculture District, to B-2, Limited Business District, for a proposed commercial development, in Police Jury District 6.
Tabled a vote to consider the abandonment of Willow Brook Subdivision, Unit No. 4, a Planned Unit Development located off Vanceville Road in Police Jury District 5.
Scheduled a public hearing for November 6, 2024, to consider approving the application of Dale Dunn, A Dunn Property Management, LLC, to the Haughton MPC to change the zoning classification of 3.0 acres of land located at 5820 Highway 80, Haughton, LA, from R-A, Residential Agriculture District, to R-MD, Residential Medium Density District, for proposed rental duplexes in Police Jury District 2.
Scheduled a public hearing for November 6, 2024, to consider approving the proposed development of Duckwater Landing, Unit No. 2, located on 5.237 acres of land in Police Jury District 5.
Scheduled a public hearing for November 6 to consider approving the proposed development of Fairview Point Estates, Unit No. 2, being a re-subdivision of Fairview Point Estates, Lots 1 through 6 and Lot 18, located on 21.012 acres of land off Fairview Point Road, in Police Jury District 1.
Scheduled a public hearing for November 6, 2024, to consider approving the proposed development of Ruth Barnard Acres Subdivision, Unit No. 2, being a re-subdivision of Lots 15 and 16, Ruth Barnard Acres Subdivision, located on 5.195 acres of land in Police Jury District 4.
Scheduled a public hearing for November 6, 2024, to consider the adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 94, “Commercial Vehicle Enforcement” of the Bossier Parish Code of Ordinances, to add and amend certain sections and subsections.
Tabled a public hearing for 30 days to consider approving the application of Jacob Malone, Raley and Associates, Inc., to the Bossier City-Parish MPC to change the zoning classification of 10.77 acres of land located at the southwest intersection of HWY 80 and Forest Hills Boulevard from B-1 Business, Commercial Office District to B-3 General Business District for a proposed convenience store with fuel sales, and a carwash facility in Police Jury District 2. Tabled initially on September 4, 2024.
Closed the case on the 30-day review of a property located at 189 Hedge Drive, Benton, LA, Tax Assessment No. 105804, Police Jury District 3.
Approved Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Services Agreement for Roadside Vegetation Management with EDKO, LLC, Project No. 2020-117, Roadside Vegetation Management.
Approved Amendment No. 3, Project No. 2023-125, GOHSEP Storm Debris Removal (South), in connection with the removal of debris caused by the severe storm and tornado event on July 8, 2024, for which the governor declared a state of emergency in Executive Order Number JML 24-10.
Approved Change Order No. 1, Water Sector Program (WSP)-Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 of the Parish of Bossier-Subrecipient LA WSP10905 for the Bossier Parish Police Jury for Project No. 2023-128, Contract II, Water Distribution Improvements.
Approved Change Order No. 5, Project No. 2021-105, Bossier North-South Corridor, Phase II, Flat River to Crouch Road.
• Accepted the Certificate of Substantial Completion of Project No. 2024-110, Covington Road Extension – Phase 1.
Approved Final Change Order No. 1, Project No. 2024-110, Covington Road Extension – Phase 1.
Approved Change Order No. 2, Project No. 2024-129, Bay Hills Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
Approved the amended division order with BPX Operating Company for Henry D. Thrash 24H 1 APO.
Accepted Carlisle Thompson, LLC’s proposal for grant management services for Tropical Storm Beryl Grant Management.
Approved the agreement between the Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District No. 1 of the Parish of Bossier and Quad Land Development, LLC.
Adopted a resolution authorizing the Bossier Parish Police Jury to acquire and/or expropriate all parcels, tracts, properties, and servitudes required for Winnfield Road New Booster Station, Project No. 2024-120, for Consolidated Waterworks/Sewerage District.
Adopted a resolution to authorize the Bossier Parish Police Jury to consent to and approve of the assignment by BPX Operating Company (”Assignor”) to Silver Creek Exploration III, LLC, (”Assignee”) of certain rights, title, and interest held by Assignor in certain mineral leases identified in that certain “Lease for Oil, Gas and Other Liquid or Gaseous Minerals” as they relate to State Agency Lease No. 18227.
Approved the application of Michael Johnson and Jitendra Kumar for a 2024 Bossier Parish beer/liquor license at Daiquiri Express Airline, 5430 Airline Drive, Suite 100, Bossier City.
The Shreveport Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Aundrea Williams, who was last seen in the 3900 block of Powell Street. Aundrea is approximately 5’5″, weights 120 lbs., and has brown eyes and brown hair.
Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact the Shreveport Police Department immediately.
The Shreveport Police Department also reminds the community that it is illegal to harbor a runaway juvenile and encourages anyone with knowledge of her location to come forward.
It’s the halfway point of the regular season and there’s been some movement in the Shreveport Bossier Journal Top 10 weekly poll.
The Top 2 teams — Parkway and Airline — are still the Top 2, though both had narrow victories last week.. And guess who plays each other this week? That’s right, it’ll be No. 1 Parkway at No. 2 Airline on Friday night.
Huntington, fresh off its win over Evangel, moves into the No. 3 spot, the highest the Raiders have been this year after opening the season at No. 9.
Byrd dropped two places to No. 5 after falling to Parkway but Captain Shreve stayed put (No. 6) with a wild 69-68 loss to Airline.
The last three teams in the poll all lost but held their spots — Evangel by a point to No. 3 Huntington, Loyola to undefeated Minden and B.T. Washington by a touchdown to District 1-4A leader North DeSoto.
There should be plenty of shakeup after this week’s play. Other Top 10 matchups this week are Evangel vs. Captain Shreve at Lee Hedges Stadium (Thursday), Byrd taking on Huntington at Independence Stadium (Friday) and BTW traveling to Northwood at Jerry Burton Stadium (Friday).
TWO-WAY PLAYMAKER: Tyler Welch halted an Evangel threat with an interception and caught a TD pass on Huntington’s ensuing drive last Friday night as the visiting Raiders edged the Eagles 28-27.
The second half of the high school football regular season starts fast in Shreveport-Bossier.
There are five Thursday night contests, all involving local teams, four of the games west of the Red River.
The Week 6 slate has plenty of appeal – not all of it at the top of the standings, as some struggling teams square off with victories tantalizingly within reach.
The headline game again involves Parkway, which won last week’s matchup of District 1-5A unbeatens by toppling Byrd. This Friday night, the Panthers head to the north side of Bossier City to meet Airline’s undefeated Vikings, averaging 56 points after their 69-68 victory Friday night at Captain Shreve. Parkway’s given up only 72 total, but 35 came last week to Byrd. The Panthers are scoring 45 per game.
Byrd is the visiting team in a key 1-5A contest again Friday. The Yellow Jackets go to Independence Stadium to face the district’s other leader, Huntington’s Raiders, in a collision of powerful running teams.
Meanwhile, Southwood and Woodlawn collide Thursday night with both eager for positive reinforcement. The Cowboys, mired in a 41-game skid, have three of their four losses this season by a total of 13 points. The Knights haven’t been so close in their four losses, but did top Southwood 6-0 in jamboree competition.
Plain Dealing is home against Cedar Creek in another matchup certain to end in jubilation for one of those winless teams.
Week 6 high school football schedule
THURSDAY’S GAMES
District 1-5A
Evangel (1-4, 1-3) vs. Captain Shreve (3-2, 2-2), Lee Hedges Stadium
Haughton (2-3, 1-3) at Benton (0-5, 0-3)
District 1-4A
Woodlawn (1-4, 0-2) vs. Southwood (0-4, 0-2), Independence Stadium
Booker T. Washington (3-2, 1-1) at Northwood (4-1, 1-1), Jerry Burton Stadium
Bossier (2-3, 1-1) at Loyola (3-2, 1-1), Messmer Stadium
FRIDAY’S GAMES
District 1-5A Parkway (5-0, 3-0) at Airline (5-0, 3-0)
Byrd (4-1, 2-1) vs. Huntington (4-1, 4-0), Independence Stadium
District 1-2A
Homer (1-4, 0-1) at Calvary (3-2, 2-0), Jerry Barker Stadium
D’Arbonne Woods (4-1, 1-1) at Magnolia Charter (0-4, 0-2)
Union Parish (2-3, 1-0) at North Caddo (3-2, 1-1)
District 1-1A
Cedar Creek (0-5, 0-1) at Plain Dealing (0-5, 0-2)
Non-District
Bastrop (4-1) vs. Green Oaks (1-4), Jerry Burton Stadium
CELEBRATING SIX: Centenary sophomore offensive lineman Kanye Caeser hoists receiver Kobe Chambers after the junior transfer from Mississippi Valley State transfer culminated an 81-yard drive with a touchdown catch in the Gents’ homefield win Saturday. (Photo by CHANA WILLIAMS, Centenary Athletics)
By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director
The Centenary football team played its best all-around game of the season as the Gents defeated the Lyon College Scots 35-14 in a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference contest on Saturday evening at Atkins Field.
The Gents (2-3, 2-1 SCAC) were back on their home field for the first time in nearly a month and made the most of it against the Scots (1-4, 0-3 SCAC).
Centenary improved to 1-1 at home. The Gents and Scots will meet again this season, on Oct. 19 in Batesville, Ark.
Centenary rolled up a season-high 443 yards of total offense, gaining over 200 yards on the ground and through the air as the Gents topped 30 points for the second time. The Gents’ defense allowed just 263 yards.
Junior Zin’Tavious Smith had a big night for Centenary as he threw for 219 yards and four touchdowns and rushed 12 times for 72 yards.
It didn’t start well for the home team.The Scots then moved 60 yards on 12 plays in 5:51 capped by a five-yard touchdown run from Grayson Johnson. Jesus Romero-Castillo’s PAT made it 7-0 with 9:02 remaining in the first quarter.
The Gents then turned it on. Centenary owned the next three-and-a-half quarters, scoring the game’s next 28 points to take a three-TD lead.
The Scots scored with 9:31 left in the game to make it 28-14. Centenary put an exclamation point on the victory on a 32-yard interception return for a TD by sophomore linebacker Vance Feuerbacher late in the contest.
The Scots led 7-0 after one quarter but the Gents’ defense shut them out in the second and Centenary scored a pair of TDs to take a 14-7 lead into the halftime locker room.
Junior Kobe Chambers caught a beautiful TD pass from Smith in the corner of the end zone at the 11:11 mark of the second period and Feuerbacher’s PAT tied it to cap a seven-play, 81-yard drive which covered 2:55.
The Gents’ defense came up big on the Scots’ next possession. Johnson was intercepted by freshman defensive back Delarrious Marshall, a Green Oaks product, and he returned it 13 yards. Four plays and 62 yards later, the Gents were back in the end zone as Smith lofted another well-thrown ball to sophomore receiver Devin Ardoin for a 10-yard score. Feuerbacher’s PAT made it 14-7 with 7:16 left in the second quarter.
Lyon missed a 46-yard field goal and later ran into the Gents’ stingy defense, which denied a fourth-down try in scoring range before halftime.
Centenary started the second half with a bang as Smith hit a wide-open Byron Stewart at the 40-yard line on its second play of the drive and he raced in to score on an 83-yard connection. Feuerbacher’s PAT made it 21-7 after Centenary’s longest offensive play of the season.
Smith and Ardoin connected again, this time on an eight-yard score with 53 seconds left in the third to go up 28-7. Lyon mounted a long drive for a TD with 9:31 remaining to draw within two scores.
Lyon blocked Feuerbacher’s 23-yard field goal attempt on the Gents’ next drive, but Feuerbacher got his revenge when he picked off Lyon backup quarterback Joe Galay’s pass on a fourth-down play and cruised 32 yards to the end zone with 2:45 left in the game.
Feuerbacher – the team’s quarterback in last year’s exhibition season — collected 10 solo stops and had 13 total tackles. Along with his pick six, he added a pass breakup.
The Gents host the McMurry War Hawks at home next Saturday in another SCAC contest at 5 p.m.
McMurry is atop the conference standings at 3-1 overall and 3-0 in SCAC play after a 34-9 victory over Austin College on Saturday.
Northwestern State’s Chancellor Owens (90) fends off the SFA offensive line Saturday night. (Photo by CHRIS REICH, Northwestern State Athletics)
By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Sports Information Director
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – A short-handed Northwestern State football team needed a quick start in its Southland Conference opener Saturday night against rival Stephen F. Austin.
Instead, it was the homestanding Lumberjacks who broke quickly and cruised to a 59-17 victory at Homer Bryce Stadium in the first conference game between the schools since the 2019 season.
Two early turnovers allowed Stephen F. Austin (3-2, 1-1) to build a 24-point lead after the first quarter, and the Lumberjacks extended the lead to 38-3 by halftime.
“I’m really disappointed in how we started a game like this – first conference game and a rivalry game,” first-year head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “To come out slow is really disappointing, and we’re in a place where we have to do some real soul searching.
“There are some people who have to decide what they want to do with this football team. It’s inexcusable the way we started. I appreciate the way we responded for two quarters after that, but the first quarter was a real kick in the pants that we never recovered from.”
After a sluggish start, the Northwestern (0-6, 0-1) offense awakened in the second quarter.
The Demons were held to negative yardage in the first quarter before putting up one of their most productive quarters of the season in the second. Redshirt freshman quarterback JT Fayard threw for 119 yards in the second quarter, but turnovers continued to haunt the Demons, who were missing a bevy of typical starters.
Twice after Reed Honshtein’s 24-yard field goal put Northwestern on the board with 10:25 to play in the half, Fayard marched the Demons deep into SFA territory before an interception ended the threat.
Both picks came at or near the end zone, including one that bounced off tight end Joseph Moreland as he nearly completed a leaping grab at the goal line. Instead, the ball popped free as Moreland hit the ground and found its way into the hands of SFA’s Jaheim Mullen for a drive-halting interception.
“That was a frustrating play,” McCorkle said. “We had the right call at the right time. He hits him right in the chest, and it gets knocked out and they make a fluke play to intercept it. You have to secure it when it’s in your hands. Those are part of those growing pains. He’s throwing it to a redshirt freshman who is trying to find his way.
“We put a lot of true freshmen in the game as the injuries caught up to us. We had 10 starters out with injuries and let two guys go this week who weren’t living up to the standards of our program. That’s part of the growing pains of building this, but myself and my staff aren’t going to flinch through this thing.”
Following SFA quarterback Sam Vidlak’s fourth touchdown pass of the game – a 9-yarder to Kylon Harris with 12:07 to play in the third quarter – the Demons finally converted as Fayard connected with Myles Kitt-Denton for a 74-yard touchdown pass.
It was Kitt-Denton’s third touchdown catch of at least 71 yards this season and his team-leading fourth scoring grab overall. It also helped Fayard throw for a career-high 322 yards, the Demons’ first 300-yard passing game since Zachary Clement threw for 305 yards against Southeast Missouri State on Oct. 22, 2022.
“There were some things to build on, some things we haven’t seen from our offense in a few weeks,” McCorkle said. “They did find their rhythm. JT definitely found his rhythm, and I’m proud of him for that. Myles proved again he can make a play. We didn’t know until gametime if we were going to have him because he was pretty banged up.”
The Demons host Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday afternoon at 2 in Turpin Stadum.
The Shreveport Mudbugs completed a weekend sweep Saturday night when they outlasted the Oklahoma Warriors 2-1 in overtime on a goal from Cole Hutchinson just 29 seconds into the extra session in front of an energetic crowd at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum.
Hutchinson fired a shot from the right wing circle and it knifed through the Oklahoma goalie’s pads.
The Mudbugs (4-4) opened the NAHL South Division series with a solid 4-1 victory Friday night. Nobody left early Saturday.
The Bugs broke the ice at 14:02 of the second when Andrej Paricka deflected in his first goal of the year. Liam Doyle and Jonah Jasser earned the helpers.
Oklahoma evened the score on a 5-on-3 power play at 11:33 of the third period when Travis Bryson scored from the right wing circle.
Shreveport’s Aden Gariepy made 19 stops to earn his second straight win in net. Friday, Gariepy got the W by making 22 stops.
In the opener, Shreveport excelled in special teams.
The home team opened scoring midway through the first period when Evan Adams slapped in his first goal of the season from the left point. Cam Smith and Ian Emery picked up assists.
The Warriors evened the score 35 seconds before the end of the period when Colby Lyons threw a laser toward the net. The Bugs led in shots on goal, 13-8, after one.
Shreveport went on top to stay on the power play at 6:17 of the second period. Lucas Deeb had an initial shot stopped by the Warriors’ goalie, but was able to chip across a rebound from the far side for his fourth tally of the campaign. Captain Brent Litchard earned the only helper on Deeb’s power play goal to give Shreveport a 2-1 edge. The Bugs led in SOG, 25-13 after two.
The Mudbugs got a big goal shorthanded when Brent Litchard fed Bryce Boucher crashing towards the net and he tipped home his second goal in as many games to increase the lead to 3-1 just 40 seconds into the third period. Shreveport secured the outcome as Carter McKay smacked in an empty netter at 19:53.
The Bugs continue their three-week homestand with a two-game series against the New Mexico Ice Wolves, with games upcoming Friday and Saturday at 7:11.
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana State Police announced the graduation of its 104th Cadet Class, consisting of 55 cadets who have completed their journey to becoming Louisiana State Troopers. The graduation ceremony was hosted by the Louisiana State Police Training Academy and held at Istrouma Baptist Church.
The 55 cadets from across the state began their 24-week training at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy on April 21. During this period, they received comprehensive instruction in areas such as crash investigation, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, fair and impartial policing, legal updates, advanced firearms training, leadership skills, and a rigorous physical training regimen. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Troopers, these cadets earned their Louisiana State Police badge Friday.
Now fully graduated, the new Troopers will be deployed across the state, where they will participate in a 10 to 14-week field training program under the guidance of a veteran Louisiana State Trooper.
If you are interested in joining our ranks and continuing our tradition of service to the people of Louisiana, please contact a recruiter at LSPRecruiting@la.gov or text “Join LSP” to 225-777-8162. For more information about the Louisiana State Police, visit www.LSP.org.
The following is a list of graduates and their Troop assignments:
As of Friday, October 4, Woolworth Road has been re-opened. There will be intermittent lane closures the rest of this week as needed to complete work in the area. Drivers are advised to take extra precaution during this time. The City of Shreveport praised Gary Norman and the Public Works Department for working quickly and efficiently to resolve the issue.
I figured I couldn’t actually promote National Frappe Day without actually trying one so I put aside my coffee aversion and got a cup of the cold brew last week.
Frappes are a cold, blended beverage typically made with a base of coffee, milk, and ice. it has a frothy and icy consistency and often topped with whipped cream and other garnishes.
I like coffee-flavored desserts and I love milkshakes so I’m surprised I haven’t tried one before now. But better late than never! I ordered a whole milk frappe with lots of chocolate topped with whipped cream with more chocolate. My need for caffeine is only surpassed by my love of all things chocolate!
Originally created in Greece in the 1950s, the frappe grew in popularity there before spreading to other parts of the world.
Including America! The US loves its cold coffee and spends billions of dollars annually on the frothy brew.
Happy #NationalFrappeDay!
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
Aretta Bonnie Heard Burk September 16, 1929 — October 4, 2024 Service: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 11am at Hope Community Church of God, Shreveport.
Donald Walter Corliss October 21, 1932 — October 4, 2024 Service: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 10am at Christ United Methodist Church, Shreveport.
David Lawrin Hanson May 18, 1941 — October 4, 2024 Service: Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 11:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.
E. Louis McGee October 25, 1931 — October 4, 2024 Service: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 11am, at Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, Shreveport.
Phillip A. Robinette November 13, 1934 – October 3, 2024 Service: Monday, October 7, 2024, 11am at Woodridge Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Paulus Feico Kempff March 20, 1949 – October 1, 2024 Service: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 10am at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
William Clay Calhoun August 11, 1959 — September 30, 2024 Service: Monday, October 7, 2024, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Edris Ann Hodge Maddry June 19, 1935 — September 27, 2024 Service: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.
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)
ON THE BRINK: Captain Shreve’s Car’darrian Devers dives into the end zone with 1:05 to go on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Brodie Savage that drew the Gators within one point of unbeaten Airline. (Journal photo by KEVIN PICKENS)
By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Airline scored on its first 10 possessions Friday night – not in basketball, this was football — and almost lost.
Vikings quarterback Ben Taylor posted a career-best 580 yards as he became the eighth 10,000-yard career passer in state history (10,037 yards), and he matched his career high with seven touchdown passes.
But his coach, Justin Scogin, was bemoaning not letting Taylor (who was 37 of 52) keep the throttle open down the stretch against Captain Shreve at the Gators’ Homecoming game in Lee Hedges Stadium.
And first-year Shreve coach Jeremy Wilburn was bent over in misery postgame, after a trick play he called went haywire on the Gators’ bold bid for a go-ahead two-point conversion with 65 seconds remaining.
Airline senior linebacker Jayden Gladney led Vikings defenders who sniffed out the misdirection, a sideways lateral screen left to offensive guard LJ Prudhomme off a fake sweep right to Jamarcea Plater (school-record 322 rushing yards).
Then Gladney closed the door on a mind-blowing 69-68 Vikings win by cradling the Gators’ ensuing onside kick, keeping Airline perfect at 5-0 overall, 4-0 in District 1-5A. Not a typo — 69-68 final.
Captain Shreve set a single-game school scoring record – and lost. The Vikings were six points shy of their best, posted in a 2022 75-59 win over Benton.
“It was crazy,” said Taylor. Echoed by his counterpart, Shreve’s Brodie Savage, who threw for four touchdowns. And Vikings’ receiver Jarvis Davis Jr., who caught 14 passes for 267 yards and two TDs. And Scogin, who rued how his suddenly conservative playcalling in the closing minutes helped door open for Shreve’s comeback.
“The biggest issue was my mismanagement of the last seven minutes. I’m still a fairly young head coach. It’s hard to manage; you don’t want to get in that ‘let’s run it three times and punt and be excited’ mode. The second-to-last series, there are things I’d probably do differently. Some nights you just make stupid decisions. Some nights you’re the windshield, and some nights, you’re the bug.”
The Gators (3-2, 2-2) trailed by 20 twice. They were down by two touchdowns three times in the second half, including most of the fourth quarter, until the defense forced four straight incompletions just past midfield with 3:41 remaining to halt the Vikings’ run of 10 consecutive series ending in touchdowns. It was 69-55 for all of 11 seconds, the time it took for Car’darrian Devers to get open deep down the middle, catch a Savage pass and juke out a defender on a stunning 51-yard strike that got Shreve within seven.
Energized, five plays later, the Gators forced Airline’s only punt and took over at the Vikings’ 48 with 2:21 remaining. Another five snaps, and following a 19-yard connection between Devers and Savage, the game hung on Shreve’s two-point try.
Why go for the lead and not let Wyss kick to tie it at 69?
“We were gassed. They were gassed. We had a chance to win. We had no more timeouts, and I wanted to put the pressure on them to have to go get it,” said Wilburn. “I didn’t want any overtime. We had pushed it as far as it could go.”
Watching from the Airline sideline was high anxiety for Scogin, Taylor, Davis and company.
“Don’t get me wrong, I was nervous,” said Scogin. “We’ve been pretty good in late-game situations, both sides of the ball. But I didn’t want to have to go the length of the field in the last minute if we could avoid it. I was thrilled when we made the play.”
As for the exotic play call, when oh, by the way, Plater had averaged 11.5 yards per carry and scored four TDs on 28 runs, it was quite a surprise to everybody but Gladney and a couple of his Airline teammates. Wilburn liked the idea, Savage flipping back to Prudhomme, until it unfolded badly.
“We’d been working on a play with him, kinda saved it. LJ was gassed. Wasn’t the right time. I should have put our guys in a better position to be successful there. It wasn’t the best call I could have made. And they made a play on defense.”
That was rare in a game that ranks as the most explosive ever played in Shreveport.
Said Wilburn: “They’re a really good offense. Justin’s as good a playcaller as there is. It was fun for me to go against him in that manner. We just made a couple more mistakes than they did, and still had a chance to win. I’m proud of my guys.”
Mutual admiration society, said Scogin.
“Jeremy Wilburn does a phenomenal job calling plays. He sets a lot of stuff up, does a lot of really good things. I can’t say enough about him and where he’s got that program – a lot better than we were in my first five games.”
As for Taylor, iconic local statistician and historian Lee Hiller, a former Captain Shreve kicker for Hedges, midway through the final period wondered aloud if the Airline senior had reached the 10,000-yard mark.
RACING TO SPACE: Huntington’s Jamarion Washington bursts past teammate Kevion Henry and into the open field Friday night at Evangel. Washington’s two-point conversion run was the difference keeping he Raiders unbeaten in District 1-5A. (Journal photo by GAVEN HAMMOND, landgphoto.com)
By MATT VINES, Journal Sports
Huntington coach Stephen Dennis didn’t want to sound cliché, but one of the team’s oft-spoken mantras paid dividends at Evangel Friday night.
“We always talk about not focusing on the plays we didn’t make, and focusing on the next play,” Dennis said. “If you do that enough, and string enough plays together, you can win games.”
Huntington overcame four turnovers, including two in the red zone, to remain unbeaten in a difficult District 1-5A as the Raiders (4-1, 4-0) rallied past Evangel for a 28-27 win.
Jamarion Washington sprinted 80 yards on a touchdown run to bring the Raiders (4-1, 4-0 District 1-5A) within one point midway through the fourth quarter, and then he put them up for good with the two-point conversion.
It capped the scoring in a seesaw battled that saw ties at 7-7, 14-14, and 20-20.
“All of these district wins have been special because it’s such a tough district,” said Dennis, whose squad has topped Captain Shreve, Benton, and Haughton. “Evangel is a really good team that plays their tails off, and they are going to figure it out in these close games.”
Evangel quarterback Pop Houston struck first with a 24-yard touchdown to Bradon Stephens before Huntington’s Nyles Hullaby responded with a 5-yard TD run late in the first quarter.
Houston connected with Johnny Casey on a 3-yard touchdown pass but Huntington quarterback Landon Gibbs answered with a 43-yard strike to Washington to tie it 14-14.
Gibbs found Tyler Welch, who had intercepted Houston halting an Eagles threat, to put Huntington up 20-14 before Evangel fumbled the kickoff.
The Evangel defense erased the harm with one of the four turnovers it forced. In the second half, Evangel eventually tied the game 20-20 on a 19-yard Houston hookup with Johnny Casey Jr. after intercepting Huntington to ignite the scoring drive and then led 27-20 when Dae Dae Drake powered seven yards with 7:53 to go. On the next play from scrimmage, Washington’s long TD run and two-point conversion provided the winning margin.
“We had a few miscues in the kicking game tonight with a bad snap on an extra point and that turnover,” said Evangel coach Denny Duron. “But the decision I regret is going for it in the red zone in the first half when we had a field goal opportunity, and we didn’t get it. That’s a mistake on me.
“We needed to make a few more plays tonight. It’s a really tough district that tests you every week, and we just have to stay positive.”
Evangel is a surprising 1-4 overall, 1-3 in district play with its only win coming against Natchitoches Central.
But the Eagles’ losses include No. 5-ranked Neville, Byrd, Airline, and Huntington – a “juggernaut of a schedule” as Duron commented.
TACKLING THE TIDE: Loyola’s Jac Ebarb brings down Minden’s Caylien Aubrey as Hayden Horton (44) closes in. (Journal photo by JOHN JAMES MARSHALL)
By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Journal Sports
MINDEN – Loyola found out how little things can often turn into big things and that was not a good thing Friday night as the Flyers were defeated 28-13 by the Minden Crimson Tide in a District 1-4A matchup.
A little thing like a downfield blocking penalty erased an 80-yard touchdown pass that would have put the Flyers ahead by a touchdown late in the second quarter.
A little thing like losing sight of a receiver on a fourth and 10 quarterback scramble resulted in keeping a drive alive and putting the Crimson Tide on the board and tying the score at 7 all.
A little thing like a hands-to-the-face call on a fourth-down quarterback sack came back to haunt the Flyers as Minden turned that into a touchdown three plays later midway through the third quarter for a 21-7 lead.
The big thing was that Minden was able to take advantage of all of those and keep its unbeaten record alive in front of a huge crowd for the Crimson Tide’s Homecoming.
“They made plays and we didn’t,” Loyola coach John Sella said. “I was happy with the way we responded, especially when they may have thought we were going to lay down in the second half and quit. But we didn’t. We still made plays in the backfield and got some stops.”
The Flyers did make plays and they didn’t waste any time doing it. On the first play of the game, quarterback Bryce Restovich threw a perfect touch pass to senior receiver Ben Brewer who outraced the Tide secondary to the end zone for a quick 7-0 lead.
It looked like would be Restovich to Brewer for 80 yards again when the game was tied at 7-all with four minutes to go in the half, but it was called back for an illegal block downfield. That drive went downhill from there with another blocking penalty, quarterback sack and a short punt gave Minden the ball at the Loyola 31.
That’s when the Crimson Tide cashed in a score before half on a 3-yard run by Caylien Aubrey with 23 seconds to play and then wrapped around halftime with a 12-play, 78-yard drive to open the third quarter and take a 21-7 lead.
“Instead of us being up 14-7 at the half, they were up 14-7 at the half,” Sella said. “I thought that was a key moment.”
The Flyers had an 87-yard drive of their own and finished it with a 7-yard pass from Restovich to Jake Black to make it 21-13 with 1:27 to play in the third quarter.
But Minden did what Minden does on the next possession: 13 plays, 71 yards for a touchdown and a 28-13 lead.
“That defensive line is good,” Sella said of Minden. “When they have three that can control the line and drop eight, that makes it tough on an offense.”
Restovich completed 13 of 18 pass for 207 yards. Brewer was the leading receiver with six catches for 135 yards. The total offense was nearly even – Minden had 264 and the Loyola had 261.
“Hats off to both defenses,” Sella said. “We had chances. We just didn’t take advantage of those chances.”
The Flyers (3-2) will play at home Thursday night against Bossier.
LEADING THE WAY: Haughton quarterback Taylor Weathersby threw for a touchdown and ran for another Friday night, leading the Bucs to a hard-fought homefield District 1-5A win over Natchitoches Central. (Journal file photo by KEVIN SHANNAHAN)
By MATT VINES, Journal Sports
HAUGHTON – A furious Natchitoches Central comeback attempt at Haughton fell just short, or wide, as a game-tying field goal missed its mark in the final minute Friday night.
Haughton’s defense staged a goalline stand after the Chiefs had a first down inside the 5-yard line, and the Buccaneers held on for their first District 1-5A win, 28-25, when Mateo Restrepo’s field goal drifted just wide right.
Haughton quarterback Taylor Weathersby threw a touchdown and ran for another to lead the Bucs attack.
Haughton (2-3, 1-3 District 1-5A) built a 28-18 advantage late in the third quarter, which held until Natchitoches Central quarterback Owen Smith tossed a touchdown with just 2:27 left, slicing the Bucs’ edge to 28-25.
Restrepo recovered the ensuing onside kick and NCHS (1-4, 0-4) zipped down the field again with the help of a long pass to Mason Britain.
The Chiefs set up near the five-yard line, but a big Haughton tackle-for-loss on second down and a Cameron Griffin deflection on third down forced the unsuccessful 33-yard field goal attempt.
“One of the best things is that Cameron didn’t even know he was starting tonight until about 4:30 this afternoon,” said Haughton coach Matthew Sewell. “We’ve struggled on that side of the ball, but our kids have stuck with it and kept fighting. They played very well tonight and made a few huge stops.
“It’s a relief to get a win in this district because it is really tough. We’re playing a lot of young guys, and even most of our seniors don’t have much experience. But we’re playing better every week.”
Haughton had a chance to put the game away in the third quarter as the Bucs had a penalty wiped out by a touchdown that could have pushed their lead to three scores.
But the Chiefs defense made the stand that time on fourth down, giving the visitors’ offense a shot.
Another key sequence occurred late in the first half when an NCHS fumble led to a Haughton score with just 20 seconds remaining as the Bucs went up 21-12
Leesville 48, Benton 28: Benton appeared to capture the fourth-quarter momentum when quarterback Malachi Zeigler found Will Gibson on a touchdown pass to go up 28-27 with 9:21 remaining on Homecoming night.
But alas, Xavier Ford.
The Leesville stud running back accounted for 364 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, including three in the final nine minutes, to lift the Wampus Cats to the victory.
It’s his second game of at least 350 yards this season and the senior is near 7,000 career yards.
The Tigers (0-5) stepped away from an incredibly deep District 1-5A only to face one of the best running backs in the state.
Aside from Leesville (4-1) scoring the last three touchdowns of the fourth quarter, there was another telling sequence.
Down 14-7, Benton was stopped on the 1-yard line on fourth down in the second quarter. Leesville marched 99 yards on the ensuing drive to take a 20-7 lead.
Zeigler did lead the Tigers back from the two-score deficit as Benton scored the next three touchdowns before Leesville ran away late.
“Our guys continued to play hard all night,” Benton coach Reynolds Moore said. “We made some mistakes late that are obviously glaring, but we made too many mistakes and missed chances in the first half as well.
“Our defense got a few stops and the offense didn’t go score, and then our offense gets stopped on the 1-yard line and they go 99 yards. Our guys are playing hard, we just have to put a complete game together.”
Benton hosts Haughton in the final game of its four-game homestand.
Mansfield 52, North Caddo 44, 2OT: The Titans sprinted to a large early lead on the road, but the Wolverines stormed all the way back to win in double overtime.
North Caddo constructed a 24-6 advantage which included a Mason Jackson interception return for a touchdown.
Jackson, also North Caddo’s quarterback, had a hand in three Titans touchdowns in all.
North Caddo led 30-12 with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but Mansfield scored three touchdowns in that span to force overtime.
After a Jaydan Hamilton touchdown run cut North Caddo’s advantage to 30-20, the Titans scored what felt like was the clenching touchdown to lead 36-20 with four minutes left.
But the Wolverines (2-3) scored twice in regulation and eventually took it in double overtime.
“Our team played well, but we had some key players go down for us on defense toward the end of the game,” said North Caddo coach Chase Thompson. “Mansfield was able to start scoring once they went down.”
The Titans (2-3) were an eyelash away from a three-game winning streak and return to District 1-2A when Union Parish visits.
Glenbrook 63, Plain Dealing 0: The Lions forced a turnover on Glenbrook’s first possession, but there wasn’t much stopping the Apaches from that point.
Glenbrook scored 21 first-quarter points and led 42-0 at halftime. Cade Vining and Kleaton Davis each scored a pair of touchdowns.
“Once we eliminated our mistakes, we were effective,” said Glenbrook coach Reagan Smith. “Cade Vining is a throwback kind of guy, a two-way warrior.”
The Apaches (3-1, 2-0 District 2-0) remained undefeated in district play, while the undermanned Lions (0-5, 0-4) suffered their fourth straight shutout.
ROOM TO RUN: Northwood’s Kyran Johnson dashed between Woodlawn defenders Friday night as the Falcons held off the Knights at Independence Stadium. (Journal photo by KEVIN SHANNAHAN)
By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports
Northwood’s running game put the Falcons ahead early, then the defense fended off a late rally by Woodlawn to prevail 40-22 Friday night in a District 1-4A contest at Independence Stadium.
The Falcons scored five touchdowns, all rushing. Senior running back Tomarcus Keith scored two, and Kyran Johnson, Sam Sneed and Jaxson Bentzler each added one.
Woodlawn senior quarterback Quintin Wilson contributed two touchdowns and ran for two 2-point conversions, and mega-talented senior Brandon Henderson had another TD for the Knights.
Northwood jumped out early and built a 25-8 lead before Woodlawn rallied to make it 25-22 late in the third quarter. But a pick-6 by Northwood’s Jeremiah Townsel and a crucial Woodlawn fumble helped seal the win for the Falcons.
Knights coach Thedric Harris said the score was more lopsided than the actual game.
“It was a tight game throughout most of it,” Harris said. “Our kids played hard. They did an awesome job. We ran the ball well, moved it well and played well at times on defense. We just couldn’t finish them off.”
Said Northwood coach Austin Brown: “Credit to them — they didn’t let us put them away and they came back. We were finally able to wear them down and pull out a couple more touchdowns. What Coach Harris has done there, they’ll be competing for a district championship in the next year or two.”
Northwood, bouncing back from a disappointing loss at North DeSoto in the 1-4A opener last Friday, improved to 4-1, 1-1. Woodlawn dropped to 1-4, 0-2.
North DeSoto 20, Booker T. Washington 14: BTW coach Gary Cooper is pretty sure his team surprised the No. 2 team in Class 4A Friday night. The Lions had North DeSoto tied at 6-6 going into the fourth quarter but couldn’t hang on for the upset.
Aaron Dillard ran for one touchdown and after the Griffins opened a 20-6 advantage, Von’travious Moore caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Devion Stewart.
North DeSoto improved to 3-2, 2-1; the Lions fell to 3-2, 1-1, but earned respect around the league for throwing a scare into the Griffins.
Bossier 16, Southwood 14: The Cowboys suffered another near miss trying to end their long losing skid as the Bearkats built a lead and held on at Memorial Stadium.
Freshman Ray Davenport scored Bossier’s first TD and Derrick Haynes added a two-point conversion, and the ‘Kats never trailed. The second-half was a stalemate after Bossier carried the 16-14 edge into halftime.
Bossier rose to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in District 1-4A. Southwood slipped to 0-4, 0-2 after its 41st consecutive loss (including a pair of 2022 wins that had to be forfeited). Three of the Cowboys’ losses are by a total of 13 points.
Calvary 49, Magnolia School of Excellence 0: It was a major mismatch, the defending Select Division III state champions bringing a 59-game District 1-2A winning streak in against a visitor dressing out only 13 players. But the Mariners competed, although they could not stem the tide.
Calvary quarterback Abram Wardell threw six touchdown passes, all to different receivers as the No. 2-ranked Cavaliers (3-2, 1-1) simply outmatched Magnolia (0-4, 0-2) at Jerry Barker Stadium.
Calvary coach Rodney Guin said most of the game was played with the clock running.
“They just didn’t have the manpower,” Guin said. “I give them credit. They dress out about 13 or 14 people and they still showed up and played the game. Hats off to them because a lot of schools would have just called it. We just had them outmanned.”
D’Arbonne Woods 38, Green Oaks 26: Tovoras Lee ran for three touchdowns and Cortaveus Dorsey had one receiving touchdown but the Giants lost on the road in a District 1-2A game. The Giants are 1-4, 0-2.
By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director
With nearly two dozen Shreveport-Bossier products among a roster hoping to score an historic homefield triumph this evening, the first-year Centenary football team returns to kick off at Atkins Field on Kings Highway for the first time in nearly a month.
Opportunity looms as the Gents will face the Lyon College Scots in a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference contest set for 6 p.m.
The Scots (1-3, 0-2 SCAC) were blanked 49-0 at home by Texas Lutheran in conference play last weekend. Centenary fell to TLU 31-8 on the road Sept. 14.
The Gents (1-3, 1-1 SCAC) fell 47-8 to the East Texas Baptist Tigers last Saturday in a non-conference game in Marshall, Texas.
Centenary achieved a milestone moment in its return to the gridiron on Sept. 21 as the Maroon and White recorded their first NCAA victory since the 1940s, a 36-17 victory over the Austin College ‘Roos at Sherman, Texas.
In their only homefield appearance so far this season, the Gents lost to Hendrix at home in the season opener on Sept. 7.
Lyon defeated Grinnell 48-28 to begin the season, but lost 48-6 at McMurry in Week 2 and 41-14 to Howard Payne at home a week later.
The Gents will play three of their next four games at home. Along with tonight’s game, they play host to McMurry on Oct. 12 and Austin College on Oct. 26 for Homecoming.
“We’re excited to be back at home for our Week 5 game against Lyon College,” said Centenary head coach Byron Dawson, who won state championships at Evangel Christian Academy as a player and head coach. “It’s crucial that we remain focused and locked in on what it takes to succeed. We’ve had a strong week of preparation, and we know coach (Chris) Douglas will have his team ready to compete. We’re counting on the Gents supporters and the local community to show up in full force on Saturday evening.”
The Gents are averaging 273.3 yards per game on offense – 175.3 passing and 98.0 rushing – and are scoring 18 points per game.
Junior quarterback Zin’Tavious Smith from Coushatta and Red River High has emerged as a key figure. He has completed 15 of 31 pass attempts for 125 yards with one touchdown and a pair of interceptions this season.
Smith is also the Gents’ leading rusher with 25 attempts for 187 yards and two TDs. Junior running back Josh Ware, a Southwood product, has rushed 29 times for 121 yards and a TD.
Junior transfer Kobe Chambers is Centenary’s leading receiver with 22 catches for 267 yards and one TD. Chambers and Smith connected for a 61-yard score at ETBU last week for the Gents’ TD.
Freshman Jacob Wilson, a defensive back from Evangel Christian, is the Gents’ top tackler with 21 total tackles and leads the team in interceptions with two.
Lyon finished last season at 4-4 overall, improving from a 1-9 campaign in 2022.
The Scots are averaging 17 points, 169.0 passing yards, and 85.8 rushing yards.
The Gents and Scots will meet again this season, on Oct. 19 in Batesville, Ark.
Multiple law enforcement agencies conducted an enforcement detail on I-220 on Sept. 27. Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. reported that the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Shreveport Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police conducted a Saturated Enforcement Detail on I-220 in Caddo and Bossier Parishes.
The operation took place from 8-11:30 am. As a result of this enforcement detail, 55 citations, 6 written warning citations, and 17 verbal warnings were issued, totaling 78 traffic stops. The top speed recorded during the enforcement detail was 104 mph.
K-9 Enzo of the Shreveport Police Department had an eventful night on Sept. 28-29 assisting in the successful apprehension of two dangerous suspects.
The first incident occurred on Sept. 28 at approximately 9:52 pm, when Shreveport police received reports of a male firing multiple rounds in the 1500 block of Parker Street. Upon arrival, patrol officers spoke with citizens who confirmed that the shots came from a residence on Parker Street. A female exited the home and confirmed that the male suspect had been firing shots. Despite commands, the suspect refused to exit the home. K-9 Enzo was deployed and successfully challenged the suspect, identified as Donald Moore, out of the residence. Moore was taken into custody without further incident and charged with illegal use of a weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Later, on Sept. 29 at approximately 1:08 am, K-9 Enzo’s handler attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle. The driver fled, swerving toward SPD units in an attempt to run them off the road. The pursuit ended at the intersection of Burke Street and Parkridge Avenue when the suspect rammed a police unit. K-9 Enzo was again deployed, entering the vehicle and apprehending the juvenile suspect inside.
K-9 Enzo and his handler demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery, contributing to a productive and successful night for the Shreveport Police Department.
The Shreveport Police Department has received reports of scam calls and emails soliciting money on behalf of SPD. Please be aware that SPD officers will never call, email, or ask for any form of payment.
The SPD advises members of the public that if they receive a suspicious call or email, they should always verify the caller’s identity before sending any currency. When in doubt, contact SPD to confirm.
For non-emergencies, the Shreveport Police Department can be reached at (318) 673-7300. SPD advises members of the public to stay safe and vigilant.
The Caddo Parish Commission has been promoting its video series “Meet Your Commissioners.” The series gives the public the opportunity to connect with the faces behind the decisions. The Caddo Parish Commissioners discuss different aspects of their experiences, sharing their journeys, motivations, and favorite aspects of their districts.
The latest episodes can be viewed by clicking on the “Commissioners” tab found on the homepage of the official site, caddo.gov. Episodes are also accessible on the Parish’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@parishofcaddo and on the Parish’s Facebook page as they are uploaded.
