JOURNAL SPORTS

Coaches have plenty to keep track of during games – managing game strategy, coaching their players, encouraging the officials, and communicating with the coaching staff. Many head coaches are making offensive or defensive play calls.

They are focused. But they can’t ignore everything else. Sometimes, things happen that aren’t soon forgotten.

This week’s Shreveport-Bossier Journal Coaches Roundtable question asked local coaches to share memories of those events.

THEDRICK HARRIS, Woodlawn – “Seeing Hurricane Katrina survivors being dropped off at the stadium during the game. They sat on the visitors side. All other fans sat on the home side to make room. It was the most excited crowd I’ve seen. They didn’t know either team but it didn’t matter. I think they just wanted something to be happy about.”

JOHN SELLA, Loyola – “One year when I was an assistant, Coach Geter and Art Carmody convinced the freshmen that were in charge of changing out the footballs that there was such thing as a left-handed football. They were yelling at them to hurry up and find them so we could sub in our left-handed quarterback. Those boys were freaking out on the sideline trying to find the left-handed balls.”

STACY BALLEW, Byrd – “About 3-4 years ago, we were playing Shreve, and between plays, one of their students ran across the field. The referees saw him running, and fortunately they started blowing the whistle before the play started.

“We really didn’t know what was going on right away. We heard the whistles, and we were looking for a flag, a penalty, or something. Then a few of us see this kid run by, going from their stands all the way across the field into the parking lot.

“It was like 15 seconds of ‘what was that,’ and somebody on the headset said, ‘I think it was a streaker. We’ve got a streaker.’ I said, ‘alright, let’s get back to playing.’ I didn’t see the kid much, but fortunately, he had his clothes on — wasn’t a streaker, just a runner.

“I think one of the deputies tripped him up, in that gravel. I bet he got pretty good road rash when he went down in the parking lot.”

CHASE THOMPSON, North Caddo – ”We played a game at Neville in 2022 and during the game, an electrical fire broke out in our coaches’ section of the press box. They were eventually able to put out the fire, but we had to evacuate the press box, in a hurry.”

JOHN SIMON, Huntington – “I’ve seen this before this year, and still can’t believe it: kids texting their parents during halftime, and someone holding a kid’s phone on the sideline and informing them of their messages during the game.”

NICK PEOPLES, Green Oaks – “One that stands out happened during a game when we had a lot of students on the sideline, guys who didn’t play football but wanted to be close to the action and show support.

“It created a real distraction, with too much movement and chatter right where our players needed to stay locked in. In the middle of the game I had to step in, clear the area, and make sure only the players and staff who belonged on the sideline were there.

“It wasn’t easy, but once the space was under control, the focus of our team improved right away. It was a reminder that as a coach, you’re managing more than just the game, you’re responsible for the environment your team is operating in.”

COY BROTHERTON, Parkway – “I once had a police officer at another school come tell me in the fourth quarter of a game that our cheerleaders were out of the designated cheering section.  

“As far as handling it, I didn’t handle it well.”

MATTHEW SEWELL, Haughton – “I’m a newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic as of January. So I’m still getting used to everything. I always carry my phone with me during the game in case of emergency.

“At the end of regulation when we played Byrd a couple of weeks ago, the officials told us we had a five-minute break before overtime. So we went over the overtime period on the headsets and with the kids and still had a couple minutes to cool down before OT.

“Then my phone started buzzing like crazy and I looked down and my blood sugar was very high.  I’m standing on the 50-yard line with my phone in my hand (sort of) during a game – not anything I ever thought I’d be doing as a coach.

“So I’m giving myself an insulin shot right before overtime and thinking ‘what in the world,’ and I know that’s what anyone in the stands that saw me thought too. I got sent a picture of me back by the bench doing it while the captains were at midfield for the coin toss.”

JOURNAL SPORTS

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is bringing back its original series “Behind the Glory,” premiering Thursday at 8:45 p.m. statewide, with the first episode featuring LSU football great and Pro Bowl lineman Andrew Whitworth.

Developed by LPB as a spinoff of its annual live coverage of the annual Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, this short-form series has become a standalone favorite—bringing audiences memorable, Louisiana-focused stories that go behind the headlines to capture the spirit of Louisiana athletics. 

Hosted by Hall of Fame broadcaster Lyn Rollins, “Behind the Glory” takes viewers inside the personal journeys of Louisiana sports legends.

The Season 3 premiere spotlights Whitworth, who built a championship career at every level—first helping West Monroe High School win three Class 5A state titles (1997, 1998, 2000), then contributing to LSU’s 2003 national championship, and ultimately claiming a Super Bowl title with the Los Angeles Rams at Super Bowl LVI. Today, Whitworth serves as an NFL analyst for Thursday night Amazon Prime game coverage and has carried that same drive off the field, channeling it into his BigWhit 77 Foundation, which supports communities and youth programs across the country.

Following the premiere, new episodes this fall will profile Dale Weiner, one of Louisiana’s winningest high school football coaches; Herb Vincent, Associate Commissioner for Communications at the Southeastern Conference, and Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award honoree; and Vickie Johnson, Louisiana Tech standout, two-time WNBA All-Star player, and one of the league’s first African-American female head coaches. More episodes will follow next spring.

“At LPB, our mission is to tell Louisiana stories—and many of those stories unfold on the fields, courts, and sidelines,” said Jason Viso, Director of Programming at LPB. “With Behind the Glory now in its third season, alongside our weekly series Game Notes and Post Game Notes, we’re continuing to celebrate Louisiana’s sports legacy in ways that connect with fans and honor the people behind the game.”

Viewers can stream past episodes anytime at www.lpb.org/behind-the-glory and on the LPB YouTube channel.

Rollins, a 2018 LSHOF inductee for his broadcasting career reaching statewide and beyond, has been the official voice of the Hall of Fame since 2011.

Funding for this program is provided by Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, celebrating the charm, history, and culture of Louisiana’s oldest city, and the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting. 

By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director

Few college football teams have players as versatile as Centenary junior Vance Feuerbacher.

The Gents’ quarterback and punter, who has also played extensively at linebacker in his first two seasons, was named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Football Co-Offensive Player of the Week after a remarkable outing last Saturday.

Feuerbacher completed 31 of 48 passes for 500 yards and five touchdowns in a 50-33 loss to East Texas Baptist University in non-conference play on Saturday night at home.

His 500 yards passing ranks third all-time for an SCAC quarterback in a game. Feuerbacher also scored on a 2-point conversion run and punted and kicked off.

The Gents (0-2) have a bye week and return to action at Austin College on Oct. 4 in the first of two meetings with the ‘Roos, but this one will not count as a conference contest.

VOLLEYBALL: Tuesday night, the Ladies were swept in their SCAC opener by the LeTourneau YellowJackets on Tuesday inside Solheim Arena in Longview, Texas.

The Ladies (1-6, 0-1 SCAC) play at home this weekend in a pair of league matches versus Hendrix College (Saturday at noon) and the University of the Ozarks (Sunday at 1). The YellowJackets (8-4, 1-0 SCAC) won their third straight match and their homecourt debut.

WOMEN’S SOCCER:  Visiting ETBU blanked the Ladies 4-0 in a non-conference contest on Tuesday evening at Atkins Field.

The Ladies (1-6-1) fell behind 2-0 at halftime and the Tigers (4-1-3) cruised to the road win. Centenary could not build upon its first victory of the season from last Friday, a 1-0 shutout win over Millsaps College at home.

Centenary hits the road this weekend to open conference play with contests at McMurry (Friday) and Schreiner (Sunday).

MEN’S SOCCER: The Gents were shut out 5-0 by the ETBU Tigers in a non-conference contest on Saturday evening at Cornish Soccer Field in Marshall, Texas.

The Gents (2-3-2) dropped to 0-3-1 on the road this season while the Tigers (5-3-0) improved to 4-2 at home. The Gents are in the midst of their longest road trip of the season which consists of five matches. 

Senior Casey Clemo made his first start of the season in goal for the Gents and played the first half, allowing two goals and recording five saves. Senior Sam Brocato played the second half as he allowed three goals and made three saves.

The Gents now turn their attention to SCAC play as they will face the McMurry War Hawks on Friday, Sept. 26 in Abilene, Texas. The weekend finishes with a match at Schreiner on Sunday in Kerrville, Texas.

MEN’S GOLF:  Centenary shot a 117-over par 981 to finish 13^th in the Rhodes Fall Invitational on Monday at Tunica National Golf and Tennis Club in Tunica, Miss.

The Gents shot a 57-over par 345 in Monday’s final round after carding a 60-over par 636 on Sunday following two rounds of play at the par 72, 6,995-yard course.

Transylvania University, ranked 17^th nationally in the latest Bushnell/Golfweek DIII Coaches Poll, won the team title as the Pioneers shot a 10-over par 874 to finish 12 strokes ahead of host Rhodes (22-over 886).

The Gents, the host Lynx, and Pioneers were joined in the field by Belhaven, the University of Dallas, Hardin-Simmons, Hendrix College, Mississippi University for Women, Rose-Hulman, Texas Lutheran, and Webster.

Freshman Trey Bishop led the way for the Gents as he shot a 20-over par 236 to tie for 48^th place.

The Gents return to action on Oct. 13-14 in the SCAC Fall Preview at Hawk’s Creek Golf Club in Westworth Village, Texas.

Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu

Choosing a college can feel overwhelming for students and families. With so many questions about programs, admissions, campus life, and cost, the search often begins online. But if a university website feels dated or confusing, that first impression can create more stress than clarity.

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches has recognized this challenge and responded with a bold solution: a redesigned website that puts students and families first.

Unveiled this month, the new nsula.edu is built to guide prospective students, parents, and the community through a clear, engaging digital experience.

“Our enhanced site is dynamic, mobile-friendly, and designed with users in mind,” said Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer. “Whether you’re a high school student exploring majors, a parent reviewing financial aid, or a faculty member sharing research, the website is your first step into NSU.”

The redesign highlights admissions, academic programs, and campus life while showing the long-term value of an NSU degree.

“The website is more than just a facelift,” Gentry explained. “It’s a living, adaptable platform that will continue to grow alongside our students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Natchitoches community.”

Features include:

• Simple admissions navigation
• Interactive views of academic offerings
• Mobile-first design for families on the go
• Accessibility to ensure every visitor has a seamless experience

For President James T. Genovese, the project signals NSU’s forward momentum.

“This new digital front door reflects who we are today and the bright future we’re building,” Genovese said. “It shows students across Louisiana and beyond that NSU is a place where they can belong, grow, and succeed.”

While prospective students are the primary audience, the refreshed website also serves alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and the local community. From campus events to academic updates, nsula.edu is designed to be a central hub for all who are part of the NSU family.

“Our goal is for everyone who visits the site to feel connected,” said Gentry. “For prospective students especially, we want them to see themselves at NSU from the very first click.”

As students and families look ahead to the next chapter of education, a strong first step can make all the difference. Northwestern State University’s new website is designed to open doors, answer questions, and showcase the opportunities waiting in Natchitoches.

Discover the redesigned experience today at www.nsula.edu.

On September 24, 1908, history shifted gears when the first factory-built Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line. It wasn’t just a new automobile—it was the beginning of mass mobility for millions, setting in motion transformations in work, culture, cities, and even leisure.

Henry Ford had spent years tinkering with designs, experimentation, and small-scale production. But by 1908 he refined the process enough to introduce a car that was affordable, simple, and rugged. The Model T would soon be dubbed the “Tin Lizzie,” acknowledging its utilitarian charm more than anything to do with luxury.

What made the 1908 date especially noteworthy was that this was the first time factory-built Model Ts were produced—not custom or semi-custom units, but vehicles coming straight off (or down) the assembly line, with parts standardized, labor specialized, and production going into full swing.

What makes the Model T’s debut weird in retrospect is how foreign the idea seems now: a car built not for the ultra-wealthy, but for average people. It flew in the face of automotive thought at the time, where cars were often custom-built, expensive, and labor-intensive. The Model T forced a rethinking of what cars could be.

Additionally, the manufacturing methods used began to reshape entire economies: assembly lines, standardized parts, and cost-cutting without sacrificing reliability (though with plenty of compromises by later standards). Ford’s innovations laid groundwork not just for the auto industry, but for industrial production in many sectors.

By making cars accessible, Ford changed how people lived: where they could work, how far they could travel, what jobs were possible, and how communities were structured. Roads, gas stations, suburbs, road trips—all owe something to that moment when the Model T became a real possibility for millions.

Culturally, too, the Model T became a symbol: of progress, but also of questions about the trade-offs of mass production—environmental, social, and economic. Critics at the time and since have noted both the benefits (mobility, jobs, growth) and the costs (pollution, urban sprawl, car dependency).

The debut of the Model T wasn’t just about a car—it was a turning point in how societies move, work, and think about technology as a tool for everyday life. On this day, over a century ago, something ordinary and revolutionary began rolling off a factory line in Michigan that would change the world for anyone with a roadside.

Each week, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s Tony Taglavore takes to lunch a local person – someone who is well-known, successful, and/or influential, and asks, “What’s Your Story?”

By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services

Valedictorian. Finalist for Louisiana Student of the Year. A 35 ACT score.

The girl who is “Haughton through and through” has the goods to succeed in just about any profession.

“I always felt like I needed to be an engineer or an architect. I need to be a doctor. I need to be something that people expect. So, I told everyone I was going to be a dermatologist. I told everyone I was going to be an architect.

Problem was, she didn’t want to be any of those things.

“My parents said from the time I was born that I was an entertainer. ‘If there was a microphone, we would have to hold you back from it.’ If there was a funeral, I would run up and try and talk into the microphone.”

So, when it came time to make a career plan, parents and daughter had a heart-to-heart talk.

“My mom and dad sat down with me and said, ‘You do not want to do that (engineer, architect, doctor). Any time you talk about it, you are not excited about it. You have no love for that – we can tell. What you do have a love for is music. You love writing. You love singing. You love performing. Just try it.”

She is. The daughter of a salesman, and a community college math teacher, is now early into her freshman year at college, majoring in Music Business. She has released two singles which have been streamed some 50,000 times. “I’m sure 49,000 have been my family playing them over and over.”

Remember, everyone wanted her to do something different. Well, almost everyone.

“To (my parents), my happiness and my being in the will of the Lord is so much more important than doing what people expected, and it’s so much more important than having a job that is financially secure and very controllable. They would rather see me follow what God has for me than follow what other people wanted me to do.”

Days before leaving for Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, 18-year-old Kylie Small told me that story – and her story – during lunch at a place she chose, Newk’s Eatery in Bossier City. Kylie had tomato soup, half a turkey sandwich, and a Dr. Pepper. I enjoyed the Newk’s Favorite salad, and water with lemon.

“I wish (Belmont) was closer to home, because I love family. I love Haughton, and I am very sad to leave. But this is where I need to go to do what I want to do. There is no better place to follow my dreams than Nashville.”

Those dreams—to be a singer and songwriter – were born at an early age, and by accident.

“My parents put me in piano. I hated piano. I was not good at it. I did not enjoy it. It was not fun.”

When first-grader Kylie tried out for the Bossier Parish Talented Arts Program, the folks listening agreed – Kylie wasn’t good at piano.

“They asked if I could do anything else, because I can’t do piano. I said, ‘Yes, I can sing.’ Nobody ever told me I could sing. I had never sung seriously. But I sang what I can only imagine was the best rendition of Let it Go (from the Disney movie Frozen) they had ever heard, because it got me into (the program).

From elementary through high school, Kylie, with the help of music teachers, refined her voice. She also competed in cheer, and played soccer, volleyball, and softball. Kylie served on Student Council, and was involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“I dipped my toes in every single thing I could in high school. I stayed busy. That’s how I stayed out of trouble.”

So how did the oldest of two sisters (by five years) manage to excel in the classroom when she was busy excelling in so many other things?

“Honestly, I’ve never studied once. A lot of things came very naturally to me. It’s a blessing and a curse. I’m very grateful God gifted me with a lot of things. I just did really well in school naturally . . . . Tests and school never worried me. They were never much of a concern.”

What was a concern was how Kylie was going to get noticed for her musical talents. Mom and grandma – “I call her Honey” – had the answer.

“Get on TikTok! You need to get on TikTok and you need to start posting. That’s how people are going to find you.”

Mom, grandma, and TikTok. I found that to be an interesting combination.

“I started doing (TikTok) my sophomore year. It took off. Two weeks later, I was contacted by a talent scouting agency in Nashville. That’s when I thought, ‘Okay, God is opening doors, and maybe I was called to do music.”

The agency helped Kylie release her first single, Them Boys, and her latest song, For a Cowboy. Both, which Kylie co-wrote with a Nashville songwriter, are available on most major music streaming platforms.

At Belmont, Kylie, who is a big fan of Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton, will learn the business side of music. When not in class, and not making hats at her part-time job, Kylie will sing and play guitar for whoever will listen. She hopes one of those people will be the one to make her dreams come true.

“There are so many talented people who haven’t made it. It’s a little bit worrisome. With so much talent out there, how will I ever get my talent seen?”

But competitive by nature (remember all those sports she played?), Kylie is ready to fight for her time in the country music spotlight.

“In four years, I would love to be going on tour. I want to have an album out. Being a full-time artist is the goal. I would love for that to pay the bills. My parents have been so supportive, especially financially . . . . I would love to be able to make it, then pay them back. I know they don’t expect me to. They don’t want me to, because they love me. But they’ve done so much for me, I want to do that for them.”

I wanted to get Kylie’s opinion on a song I wrote about stubbing my toe on a piece of furniture in the middle of the night while going to get a piece of pound cake. Instead, I decided to ask my final question. As always, what is it about Kylie’s life that could influence others?

“Don’t let fear, doubt, or other people’s expectations stop you from doing what you love . . . . The amount of people who are not on your side is a lot smaller than the people who are. The few negative ones are often times just really loud . . . . People hate success. People hate to see successful people . . . . You have to overlook that, do what you love to do, and what you feel led to do.”

Hmmm. Sounds like the makings of a hit song.

Do you know someone with a story? Email SBJTonyT@gmail.com.

The Journal’s weekly “What’s Your Story?” series is sponsored by Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers.

By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports                                                                                                                     

It takes a lot of sacrifices to be a scholar-athlete.

Huntington High School senior quarterback Justin Whitaker knows.

When Whitaker’s dad, Johnathan, got transferred from Dallas to Shreveport over the summer, it meant Whitaker had to leave his South Oak Cliff High School teammates behind. He went from being a Bear to a Raider at Huntington.

So far, he hasn’t missed a beat. Whitaker is still a standout athlete and a stellar student. He is one of  is one of 37 Shreveport-Bossier seniors who have been named to the fifth annual National Football Foundation McNaughton Chapter Preseason Scholar-Athlete Watch List. Nominees must have at least a 3.2 grade point average, have won all-district honors or have remarkable team impact, and be involved in extracurricular activities.

“I feel blessed,” said Whitaker, who was unaware of his inclusion. “I just feel blessed by God.”

It hasn’t been easy. When Whitaker and his dad moved east to Louisiana, they left behind mom, Latasha, and little sister, Aniya. An older brother is already off at college.

“It’s hard,” the recently-turned 18 Whitaker said. “It’s a drain on all of us. I miss my mom and my little sister a lot. I see her on game day. They’ll come and spend the weekend with us.”

If Mrs. Whitaker made it to Friday night’s game, she got to do a whole lot of cheering for her son. The Raiders’ 6-foot-1, 175-pound quarterback completed 19 of 25 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns, plus he ran for 65 yards and another score in a 59-57 battle against Benton (and Huntington’s former coach, Stephen Dennis).

“That was my best game so far,” Whitaker said. “The O-line blocked real well for me and I was able to get the ball out quick. The defense made the stops when they had to. Our running backs did good. It was a back-and-forth battle in the first half, but in the second half we just held the ball and chewed clock.”

There wasn’t his first outstanding performance for Huntington. In Week 1 against West Monroe Whitaker was 19 of 29 for 245 yards and three touchdowns.

Whitaker said he got started with football when he was pretty little, playing everything from defensive back to wide receiver, running back to quarterback. But he didn’t really get serious about it until seventh grade when he had to compete for the job as quarterback. And he thinks it was his ability to stay cool under pressure that earned him the job.

“It was a hard-fought competition,” he said. “I’d say it was my mentality and staying calm and poised. It’s something I worked on.”

Whitaker also puts the scholar in scholar-athlete, holding a 3.9 grade point average. While he has an affinity for science, he really enjoys math – algebra in particular.

“It gives me a challenge,” he said. “It something’s easy I tend to get bored with it.”

He also enjoys graphic design and making visuals for his teammates.

But engineering is where Whitaker’s future lies. He has his eyes on Colorado School of Mines, which is one of the top engineering programs in the country. But if a football offer comes his way, that would be something to consider as well.

Whitaker said he also participates in track, tackling the 300-meter hurdles, the 4X4 relay, the high jump and triple jump. A regional finalist last year in Texas, Whitaker has yet to compete in Louisiana – but he’s checking the competition already.

“I feel like it’s going to be good,” he said.

Contact Lori at sportslyons@gmail.com

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

It’s a feel-good story, Southwood shaking off a 46-game losing skid, the state’s longest in high school football, starting this season 2-0.

And it does feel good, says Cowboys’ first-year coach Deaumante Johnson.

But it’s not good enough. Not at all.

It IS good enough to earn Southwood the Shreveport-Bossier Journal Team of the Week honor for Week 3, though.

While Johnson appreciates the recognition, there’s not a strong sense of satisfaction around the program. Relief, certainly, and there is abundant appreciation from the 31-year-old coach.

“Very proud of these guys, of this coaching staff, and thankful for the support of the alumni, the school itself, and the community,” he said, noting the journey to turn around the program is just underway.

“We always have to stay uncomfortable. That’s what I’m preaching to these young players – to have success, you must stay uncomfortable,” he said. “We still have a lot of cleaning up to do, coaches and players, in all three phases. That’s to be expected dealing with a rebuilding program.”

The opening 16-15 victory over Arcadia was undeniably a milestone. Last week’s 50-28 triumph at North Caddo was improvement, said Johnson, but that was to be expected.

“It felt good to win, to not have it come down to the wire. But I wasn’t too happy because we had 115 yards in penalties, and two unsportsmanlike penalties. You don’t win that way very often.

“The first game, there was a lot of nervousness for the kids, not truly believing in themselves that they could win. Let’s be honest, they’ve been down. Getting them to understand preparation through the week will put you in position to win is a vital process. We also needed to be going in understanding these are 1A and 2A teams that as a 4A program, you’re supposed to beat.

“You have to kill a flower with a sledgehammer. There are levels to the game, and when you play smaller schools, you have to handle business. That’s how you build confidence of a football player.”

The mental battle began when he was hired March 17, and it had some fundamental building blocks.

“It took time to build confidence. I had to get them to believe first,” said Johnson. “Showing them you do care about them. The kids don’t care how much you know — until they know how much you care.

“The confidence developed through, honestly, the hiring of the staff. Once the kids began to see who had been hired, they could Google and see their credentials, they could see the success these coaches have had as players and coaches, and knew they would get good guidance. It built up over time, and it’s still building.”

The interest level and desire has been apparent. The Cowboys have 97 players, double the number on hand when Johnson stepped onto the Ranch. Most are sophomores and juniors, with 11 seniors already able to say the turnaround began in their last season.

The on-field approach is simple (although their base schemes are “everything,” Johnson said, citing the advantage of versatility and being a tough team to scout). The core vision is, for a program climbing from the basement, especially bold.

“To come out and dominate. The mindset and approach is the same, we have to have great preparation to succeed. We see success as winning the district championship. People may think I’m crazy, but I’m a winner. It’s the only mindset I have, and that’s the mindset this program is getting,” said Johnson. “Southwood is going to play very disciplined, detailed football.”

There are now game tapes that help that process. There’s more than belief, there’s documentation.

Last week Southwood brought in sophomore Jamilton Coleman to spell starting quarterback Jayden Carter, and got a spectacular performance: 15 of 21 passing for 281 yards and four touchdowns.

Other offensive standouts so far include two-way player Christian Green, who caught two TD passes, running back Roger Moore and receiver Christian Sheppard.

Defensively the leaders have included linemen Winfred Avant and Kamron Demery.

The Cowboys’ punt game has been very good with Chadarious Rhines’ booming hang time that has contributed to a pair of forced fumbles.

Now the Cowboys find themselves in an early-season matchup of unbeatens to begin District 1-4A competition. They will host 3-0 Loyola Thursday night at Independence Stadium.

The Flyers will be the favorite. That’s understood – an established program with a winning culture against an upstart aiming to earn respect. Now there’s more than hopes and dreams at Southwood – there’s certifiable progress, with more on the horizon.

“We really do have good athletes here, and that’s been understood. They want to get better. Now that they have a sniff of success, they’re all buying in,” said Johnson. “I love their mindset – the 24-hour mindset. These kids do not talk about the games in the past, they figure out what’s next, how to dissect our upcoming opponent to win. That’s how we’re going about it week after week.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

JOURNAL SPORTS

Pivotal district matchups pitting 1-5A pacesetters Airline and Evangel, and 1-4A unbeatens Northwood and North DeSoto headline the local Week 4 high school football slate.

Airline, the reigning 1-5A champion, brings a 13-game league winning streak to Evangel’s Rodney Duron Stadium Friday night. It includes a 47-42 win over the Eagles last season. The Vikings have won their last 17 regular-season games overall.

Northwood and North DeSoto renew their rivalry when the Griffins, newly minted as the No. 1 team in Class 4A after last week’s 39-28 win at Class 5A West Monroe, visit Jerry Burton Stadium Friday night. 

Northwood has won its last nine regular season games and is 12-1 in regular-season contests since the start of last season, with the only blemish a 38-21 defeat last year at North DeSoto. The Griffins have a 10-game regular season win streak and own wins in their last 14 district outings since losing 20-19 to Northwood in the 2023 regular-season finale.

It’s the opening week for district games in 1-4A and 1-2A, including a Thursday night 1-4A matchup of unbeatens Loyola and Southwood.

Week 4 games

THURSDAY

District 1-5A

Benton (0-3, 0-2) at Captain Shreve (2-1, 2-0)

District 1-4A

Loyola (3-0, 0-0) at Southwood (2-0, 0-0), Independence Stadium

FRIDAY

District 1-5A

Airline (3-0, 1-0) at Evangel (2-1, 2-0)

Huntington (1-2, 1-1) at Haughton (1-2, 1-1)

Natchitoches Central (1-2, 0-2) at Parkway (3-0, 1-0)

Non-district

John Ehret (1-2) at Byrd (0-3), Lee Hedges Stadium

District 1-4A

Booker T. Washington (2-1, 0-0) at Bossier (2-1, 0-0)

North DeSoto (3-0, 0-0) at Northwood (3-0, 0-0)

Minden (1-2, 0-0) at Woodlawn (2-1, 0-0), Independence Stadium

District 1-2A

Calvary (2-1, 0-0) at D’Arbonne Woods (3-0, 0-0)

Green Oaks (1-2, 0-0) at Union Parish (0-3, 0-0)

Magnolia School of Excellence (0-2, 0-0) at North Caddo (0-3, 0-0)

District 1-1A

Plain Dealing (0-2, 0-1) at Haynesville (3-0, 0-0)

Week 3 scores

District 1-5A

Captain Shreve 42, Natchitoches Central 36

Evangel 43, Byrd 36

Huntington 59, Benton 57

Parkway 66, Haughton 21

Non-district

Airline 34, Union Parish 19

Loyola 64, Cedar Creek 13

Northwood 62, Mansfield 26

Southwood 50, North Caddo 28

Woodlawn 62, Lakeview 0

Logansport 40, Bossier 12

Green Oaks 38, Booker T. Washington 14

Calvary 33, Franklin Parish 30

Lakeside 52, Plain Dealing 0

By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE – After two wins and a loss in the last three seasons against Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, LSU head coach Brian Kelly has learned three things.

Score plenty of points.

Keep your foot on the gas.

Play to the final horn and beyond.

Round 4 between Kelly and Kiffin is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium when No. 4 LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC) travels to No. 11 Ole Miss (4-0, SEC). It’s where two years ago LSU lost a 55-49 shootout that produced a combined 1,343 total offense yards.

In Kelly’s trio of games against Kiffin, Ole Miss has had the lead for 126 minutes and 5 seconds, LSU has been on top just 49 minutes and 16 seconds, and the score has been tied for 4 minutes and 39 seconds.

Kelly won his first meeting in 2022 with Kiffin, a 45-20 victory in Tiger Stadium when LSU outscored the Rebels 42-3 after Ole Miss led 17-3 with 14:57 left in the second quarter.

The shootout two years ago in Oxford saw Ole Miss take a two-TD lead four times until LSU forged a 49-40 lead with 8:34 left to play that it couldn’t maintain.

Last season in Baton Rouge, LSU never led until quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s game-winning TD pass on the Tigers’ first offensive play in overtime for a 29-26 win.

“Their offensive tempo is the best in the SEC, so you better get (your defense) lined up,” Kelly said at his weekly in-season Monday press conference. “In some instances, it keeps you from doing too much (schematically). You’ve got to keep your cleats on the ground and be fundamentally sound.”

Ole Miss has replaced NFL draftee Jaxson Dart at quarterback with sophomore Austin Simmons and senior transfer Trinidad Chambliss of Ferris State.

Simmons (580 passing yards, four TDs, four interceptions, 69 rushing yards, one TD) started the first three games but missed most of the third game and sat out last Saturday’s win over Tulane to nurse an ankle injury.

Chambliss (719 passing yards, four TDs, 195 yards rushing, two TDs) started vs. Tulane.

“Both of them have been extremely effective and efficient through their first couple of games, throwing and running,” Kelly said. “You’ve got a dual threat situation.”

While Ole Miss averages 15.4 more points (44.8 to 29.0) than LSU and is ranked 12^th nationally in scoring offense, the Tigers allow 9.50 points less (9.25 to 18.75) than the Rebels and are ranked ninth in scoring defense.

“We have to continue to play at the level that we have defensively, and then bring your offense up to the level that it needs to be to win games in the SEC,” Kelly said. “You can’t be scoring a touchdown or 10 points. That’s not going to cut it in the SEC.”

Kelly said starting linebacker West Weeks, who sat out LSU’s 56-10 blowout of Southeastern Louisiana last Saturday with a sprained ankle, is probable to face Ole Miss.

Running back Caden Durham (sprained ankle) is day-to-day and is being monitored. Defensive end Gabriel Reliford (shoulder sublaxation) is doubtful. Tight end Trey’Dez Green (sprained ankle) is likely after missing the SLU game.

Here’s Kelly on other subjects:

On a tactical battle between LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker and the offensive playcalling of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin

“We’re at the point that we know each other very well. There’s no tricks, really. When you get down to it, it’s the team that really is executing at the highest level and doing the little things the right way. They’re going to get theirs. There’s no question that’s a great offense. They (Baker and Kiffin) know each other so well, and they know what to expect in both of them on offense and defense and how to make the appropriate adjustments.”

On LSU’s offense playing mentally freely

“I want our teams not to be so scripted. We got a little scripted offensively to the point where it was so planned out, and then the game starts, and then you have to adapt and adjust.

“As you talk about the offensive structure, I think it’s continually finding ways to run the ball and have a running game and then let Garrett Nussmeier (quarterback) do what he does, and he loves to throw the football down the field.”

On quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s improved play as his torso injury heals

“You could see a difference in what he was doing (vs. Southeastern). He was much more confident throwing the football. He saw opportunities to run and took them. His escape from the pocket when he threw the touchdown pass was outstanding. Those are the things that we’re looking for from him, allowing him to push the ball down the field. He’s highly accurate throwing downfield. It’s good to see him back to where he had been before this year, and I know he’s feeling really comfortable right now.”

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

No. 4 LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC) vs. No. 11 Ole Miss (4-0, 1-0 SEC), Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Saturday, 2:30 p.m. (ABC)

Last game for Ole Miss: Won 45-10 in Oxford over Tulane on Saturday. Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss had 412 total offense yards (307 passing, 112 rushing) and threw for two TDs

Series record and last meeting: LSU leads 45-23-2. Last year in Baton Rouge, the Tigers rallied for a 29-26 win in overtime.

Ole Miss head coach: Lane Kiffin (109-52 overall in 14 seasons, 48-18 in six seasons at Ole Miss)

THIS AND THAT

Early betting line: Ole Miss opens as a 2½-point favorite.

Betting tip: The home team has won the last five games in this series, and six of the last eight games have gone over the Vegas total points.

Number of Louisiana natives on Ole Miss roster: 10

Number of Mississippi natives on the LSU roster: 2

Number of transfers on Ole Miss roster from 4-year schools: 42 players from 35 schools.

OLE MISS PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Trinidad Chambliss (42 of 62 for 719 passing yards, 4 TDs, 142 rushing yards on 14 carries), RB Kewan Lacy (358 rushing yards and 7 TDs on 79 carries), WR Harrison Wallace III (16 catches for 343 yards, 2 TDs), DT Zxarian Harris (21 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 PBU), S Wydett Williams Jr. (15 tackles, 4 PBU), LB Princewill Umanmielen (10 tackles, 2½ TFL), PK/KO Lucas Carneiro (10 of 11 FG, 16 of 16 extra points, 30 kickoffs for 65.0 ypk and 29 touchbacks), P Oscar Bird (9 for 46.22 ypp, 2 inside the 20).

DID YOU KNOW. . .

The combined 1,343 total offense yards by Ole Miss (706 yards) and LSU (637) between the teams in Oxford in 2023 is the fifth-highest combined total offense yards in a game in SEC history.

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

JOURNAL SPORTS

After a very impressive win last Friday, the Calvary Baptist Cavaliers have risen one spot to fifth in the Class 2A state high school football rankings voted by a Louisiana Sports Writers Association panel.

Calvary (2-1) played at home for the first time this season and upset the No. 1- ranked Class 4A team, Franklin Parish, 33-30, last week.  Meanwhile, then-No. 5 Notre Dame of Crowley was edged 24-21 by Teurlings Catholic and traded places with the Cavs in this week’s poll.

The only other Shreveport-Bossier teams to receive voting support in any classification were Evangel (2-1) and Airline (3-0) in the 5A rankings. They collide Friday night in a District 1-5A contest at ECA.

Calvary opens District 1-2A play at D’Arbonne Woods (3-0) in Farmerville.

In a noteworthy District 1-4A opener, Northwood hosts No. 1-ranked North DeSoto in a collision of 3-0 teams.

This week’s voting by a panel of 11 regional high school sports journalists who are LSWA members:

Class 5A

School (1^st place votes), points, last week’s rank

1. Karr (11), 3-0, 132, 1
2. Catholic-Baton Rouge, 3-0, 117, 2
3. Ruston, 3-0, 114, 3
4. Central, 3-0, 87, 5
5. St. Augustine, 3-0,  81, 6
6. Alexandria Senior High, 3-0, 78, 7
7. Neville,  2-1,  63, 4
8. John Curtis, 2-0, 62, 8
9. Zachary, 3-0, 50, 9
10. Brother Martin, 3-0, 23, NR

Others receiving votes: Archbishop Rummel 17, Destrehan 9, Terrebonne 8, Evangel Christian 7, Ouachita 5, Covington 3, Jesuit 2, Airline 1.

Class 4A

1. North DeSoto (9), 3-0, 127, 2
2. Teurlings Catholic (2), 3-0, 110, 3
3. Franklin Parish, 2-1, 102, 1

(tie) St. Thomas More, 1-2, 102, 4

5. Franklinton, 2-1, 79, 6
6. Lakeshore,  3-0, 73, 7
7. St. Charles, 3-0, 71, 8
8. Plaquemine, 2-1, 55, 9
9. Iowa, 3-0, 46, NR
10. Archbishop Shaw, 1-2,  39, 5

Others receiving votes: Vandebilt Catholic 16, Cecilia 10, E.D. White 8, Lutcher 6, Tioga 3, Westgate 3, Belle Chasse 1.

Class 3A

1. Jewel Sumner (4), 3-0, 115, 4
2. St. James (2), 2-1, 113, 1
3. Sterlington (2), 2-1, 111, 2
4. Madison Prep (1), 2-1, 95, 3
5. Bunkie (1), 3-0, 91, 6
6. Jena, 3-0, 80, 7
7. University (1), 1-2, 72, 5
8. Lake Charles College Prep, 2-1, 53, 8
9. Church Point, 2-1, 40, 9
10. Erath, 3-0, 38, NR

Others receiving votes: Jennings 21, Amite 11, Marksville 7, John F. Kennedy 7, Westlake 3, De La Salle 1.

Class 2A

1. Lafayette Christian Academy (10), 3-0, 130, 1
2. Ouachita Christian, 3-0, 116, 2
3. Catholic-New Iberia (1), 3-0, 109, 4
4. Dunham, 2-1, 95, 2
5. Calvary Baptist, 2-1, 94, 6
6. Notre Dame, 2-1, 67, 5
7. Lafayette Renaissance Charter,  3-0, 56,  8
8. Oak Grove, 2-1, 54, 9
9. Ferriday, 3-0, 44,10
10. South Plaquemines, 2-1, 33, 7

Others receiving votes: Kinder 16, Mangham 13, Union Parish 11, Northlake Christian 8, Newman 4, East Feliciana 3, Episcopal-Baton Rouge 3, Northeast 2.

Class 1A

1. Haynesville (11), 3-0, 132, 1
2. Opelousas Catholic,  3-0, 119, 2
3. Jeanerette, 3-0, 101, 3
4. Covenant Christian, 2-1, 92, 4
5. Southern Lab, 2-1, 85, 5
6. Hamilton Christian, 3-0, 70, 6
7. Vermilion Catholic, 1-2, 63, 7

(tie) Riverside, 2-1, 63, 8

9. Kentwood,1-2, 45, 9
10. Ascension Catholic, 2-1, 38,10

Others receiving votes: Ascension Episcopal 14, North Iberville 14, Westminster-Opelousas 9, Logansport 4, St. Edmund 4, General Trass 4, Grand Lake 2, Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 1.

Jimmie Bodard and Ronnie Peterson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, suffered from continual wanderlust.

Jimmie wanted to go to New Mexico, and Ronnie wanted to go to Shamrock, Texas, but they disagreed on how they were going to get to their destinations. Ronnie wanted to hitchhike, but Jimmie wanted to fly. Neither had enough money for a plane ticket, but Jimmie had another idea. Once before, when they were overcome by wanderlust, Ronnie had talked Jimmie out of borrowing an airplane, but Jimmie was more convincing this time. As most thieves do to minimize their actions, Jimmie called it borrowing rather than stealing. That evening in May 1948, Jimmie and Ronnie walked to Oklahoma City’s downtown airpark which was open to the public. They agreed that they would wait until the following day to steal an airplane and spent the night in one of the many airplanes in the airpark’s hangar. Rather than getting an early start on their trip, they spent most of the day deciding which plane to take. While browsing, they stole a pair of headsets and microphones which they needed for their flight.

Finally, a little after 5 p.m., Jimmie and Ronnie pushed their plane of choice out of the hangar and onto the runway. In the cockpit, Jimmie started the engine and opened the throttle. The airplane gained speed, Jimmie pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane lifted off. It was a textbook takeoff. Just after the plane got off the ground, the engine sputtered. Jimmie reassured Ronnie that airplanes always did that on takeoff. Ronnie was unconvinced until, just as Jimmie had said, the engine smoothed out. Jimmie aimed the plane westward toward their destinations. Their plan was for Jimmie to drop Ronnie off near Shamrock and then continue to his destination in New Mexico. Jimmie and Ronnie took turns flying the plane until Ronnie decided he had had enough. He told Ronnie to land so he could get out. They found a large field and landed just northwest of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, about 40 miles from Ronnie’s intended destination. Just after touchdown, the front wheel of the plane got stuck in the field. They had no choice but to abandon the airplane.

Undeterred, Jimmie and Ronnie stole a saddle horse from the farmer in whose field they had landed and rode toward Cheyenne. At the Washita River, the horse refused to cross, so they abandoned the horse, swam across the river, and continued on foot. Soaked to the bone, Jimmie and Ronnie drew so much attention in Cheyenne that someone notified the sheriff. The sheriff questioned Jimmie and Ronnie, but they told the sheriff they had hitchhiked into town. The sheriff arrested them after he learned that they were wanted by the highway patrol, but not for stealing the airplane. A confused farmer located the airplane in his field the following day and called the police. Investigators traced the airplane back to the airport, but no one at the airport had realized the airplane was missing. Finally, after some tough questioning, Jimmie and Ronnie confessed everything to the shocked sheriff. You see, Jimmie and Ronnie, the airplane and horse thieves, had run away from home. They were fifth graders; Jimmie was 11 years old, and Ronnie was 12. They had learned how to fly an airplane by reading comic books.

Sources:
Pawhuska Journal-Capital, May 21, 1948, p.1.
The Daily Oklahoman, May 22, 1948, p.30.

Continue your article here…

Frequently, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s always-hungry reporter has lunch at a local restaurant and tells you about the experience.

By ANON E. MUSS, Journal Services

I believe in second chances.

Not in all cases. But in some cases.

I say this because almost a year ago (October, 2024), I reviewed my lunch experience at The Pearl Shreveport (6871 Fern Avenue). The restaurant, which opened in 2023, was only serving lunch once a week. My visit was very disappointing – so much so that I gave the restaurant Two Forks. Lately, however, The Pearl has been promoting its lunch service, which has expanded to Monday-Friday. So, on a recent Thursday, I gave the eatery a second chance, and invited a friend to join me.

We arrived just before 1pm, and were immediately greeted by Jeff, who escorted us to a table in one of the restaurant’s dining rooms. We would soon learn Jeff would also be our server. Let me say this right now: Jeff was fantastic. He was personable (but not overbearing), polite, and very attentive. Several times, Jeff refilled our water glasses before they got below half full. In short, he provided us with excellent service.

Speaking of glasses, my friend noticed that these weren’t “plain” glasses. They had some type of design, which along with very soothing music and impressive artwork (several pieces were for sale), added to what felt like an upscale experience. I will say one thing did not look upscale – the chairs at our table. On each one, their dark finish had come off in places, a sign of the wear and tear they have received.

There were only a couple of other tables which were occupied, including a group of six people who left just after we were seated. Even though it was a little late in the lunch hour, I get nervous when a restaurant doesn’t have a decent lunch crowd. However, Jeff said that that the previous day, almost every table was full.

When I had lunch at The Pearl last year, a lunch menu wasn’t offered. However, this time – in an example that the restaurant has become serious about lunch, my friend and I were given a lunch menu. And it didn’t have just four or five items. There were a variety of eight oysters on the half-shell, four appetizers, three salads, three soups, six lunch plates, five sandwiches, three po’boys, and a cheeseburger. I would say that’s getting serious about lunch.

My friend and I had to be somewhere in a little over an hour, so we didn’t let much time pass before ordering. In lieu of an appetizer, we decided to share a cup of Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (The menu said $6, but we were only charged $3 for a “Lunch Add-On”). Like a good server, Jeff promised he would bring out the gumbo before our meal, and he did. The gumbo was piping hot, and filled to the brim with chicken and sausage. The rice was a bit clumpy (as it was last year), but the generous portion of chicken and sausage alleviated any feeling of disappointment. The gumbo, which came with two pieces of round toast, was even a little spicy, and that was before I added a few drops of tobacco sauce.

It wasn’t long after that we were served our entrees. I went with Catfish Atchafalaya ($16), which was described as fried catfish topped with etouffee on gouda grits. I received not one, but two sizeable pieces of fish, placed atop a bed of grits. Like our gumbo, the fish was hot, although the grits were only lukewarm. The etouffee on top of the fish had a “tomato” taste. I wasn’t a big fan of the etouffee, but that had nothing to do with the restaurant. I like tomatoes in most cases, but not in this case.

My friend ordered the Fried Shrimp Plate ($16), along with a Diet Coke with lemon ($2.99). The menu’s description was cut and dried, saying the shrimp would be served with fries, Cole slaw, and hush puppies. Indeed, it was. The presentation was outstanding, so much so that when I saw my friend’s food, I said “I wish I would have ordered that!” You know how sometimes you’re meal is served on a plate so big that it looks like you weren’t given much food? This plate was the perfect size. Six fairly large shrimp, a few fries, two hush puppies, a nice serving of slaw, and containers of cocktail and remoulade sauce filled the plate.

My friend raved about how everything tasted and was kind to let me sample. The shrimp were hot, and battered to perfection. I prefer my slaw to be not so creamy, and this was that slaw. The remoulade made for a tasty dipping sauce for everything.

After eating, we were full, and with it being the middle of a hot September day, we didn’t plan on ordering dessert. That was, until Jeff said all of The Pearl’s desserts were made in-house, and that morning. That’s a hard proposition to pass up. We were offered several choices, but decided to try the peach cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream ($12).

Like with the shrimp plate, the size of the bowl was a perfect fit for the amount of cobbler and ice cream served. Both were very good. The cobbler was unlike any cobbler I have had. The “crust”, if you will, was separate from the peaches. So, we scooped a portion of crust, then a portion of cobbler, then a portion of ice cream. It was a different, fun way to enjoy cobbler.

In reviewing our receipt, I noticed that the price charged for the fried shrimp plate was a dollar more than what was on the menu. I pointed that out to Jeff, and while he didn’t offer an explanation, or say it was a mistake, he – without question – said he would take care of that. Jeff soon brought a new receipt, which reflected “$1 Off”.

The cost of our lunch before tax and tip was $49.99. I thought that was a fair price for the quality and quantity of food, and the level of service, we received – all in a pleasant atmosphere.

This time, The Pearl Shreveport earned a solid Three Forks. I say “earned” because the restaurant has come a long way from my last lunch visit. The folks there have put in the effort, and it showed. In 2024, I wrote The Pearl “was much more suited for dinner than lunch.” I can’t say that this time. I would not hesitate to return – and would even look forward to doing so.

The Pearl made the most of its second chance.

1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt
2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying
3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it
4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so

Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit for lunch?

Email SBJRestaurantReview@gmail.com.