JOURNAL SPORTS

RUSTON – Louisiana Tech battled back from a 13-point deficit, taking the lead in overtime but visiting Western Kentucky answered with a walk-off two-point conversion to edge the Bulldogs, 28-27, on Tuesday night inside Origin Bank Field at Joe Aillet Stadium.

“There’s a lot of bright spots tonight, but we just could not quite overcome some of the mistakes that we made against a good football team,” said Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie. “I thought there were situations where we were able to overcome some of those mistakes throughout the night, but at the end of the day we just didn’t make enough plays.  

“I think our defense played a great second half—shutting them out until we got to overtime.  There’s a lot of bright spots from tonight, but ultimately, we want to win the football game, and we were not able to do that.”

Tech (4-3, 2-2 CUSA) got off to a quick start as usual, scoring a touchdown on its opening drive for the fourth straight game.  However, WKU (6-2, 4-1 CUSA) scored 17 unanswered points to take a 20-7 advantage at halftime.

Devin Gandy’s 85-yard kickoff return off a crossfield lateral to open the second half ignited the comeback, trimming the deficit to six just 15 seconds into the third quarter.

Tech’s defense stiffened from there, holding the Hilltoppers scoreless.  Captain Shreve redshirt freshman John Hoyet Chance connected on back-to-back 24-yard field goals in the fourth quarter to erase the deficit and ultimately send the game to overtime tied 20-20.

The Bulldogs got the ball first and running back Andrew Burnette proceeded to cap a five-play, 25-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run up the middle to give Tech its first lead since the opening quarter.  

However, WKU’s George Hart III responded with a four-yard score, and the Hilltoppers elected to go for the win – converting a gutsy two-point pass from quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. to K.D. Hutchinson for the 28-27 final.

Blake Baker had a career night at quarterback for the Bulldogs, completing 31-of-45 passes for 340 yards and a touchdown, spreading the ball to 10 different receivers. He also had a team-high 49 yards rushing.  Marlon Jackson  led the pass-catching group with 76 receiving yards, while running back Clay Thevenin added 52 through the air and 35 on the ground.

Defensively, the Bulldogs were led by Jacob Fields (11 tackles) and Jakari Foster (10 tackles) while Sifa Leota had eight tackles, including three tackles-for-loss and two pass breakups.  Kameron Carter provided the lone turnover for Tech with an interception in the fourth quarter.

Tech outgained WKU 449-340 in total offense and converted 10-of-19 third downs.

“I’m proud of how the guys rebounded in the second half after struggling through the first two quarters.  Guys made plays; guys competed,” said Cumbie.

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By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Sports Information Director

The Centenary football team enjoyed the ride home from Batesville, Ark., last Saturday night feeling great about an overtime win over Lyon College and happy to be home for two of their last three regular-season games, beginning this weekend.

The Gents, 1-4 overall and 1-1 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play, are home this Saturday at 5 to face McMurry in another conference contest.  They will also play at Atkins Field on Nov. 8 against Austin College.

After the 23-20 OT win at Lyon, senior running back Obadiah Butler was named to the D3football.com Team of the Week on Tuesday.

He had a monster performance against Lyon as he rushed 17 times totaling 234 yards and two touchdowns.

Butler, who also caught three passes for 18 yards, had touchdown runs of 70 and 80 yards and averaged 13.8 yards per carry. The senior holds a commanding lead in rushing yards in conference play averaging nearly 200 per game and 12.3 yards per carry. 

Captain Shreve product Rhema Getter was named the SCAC Defensive Player of the Week after he had a team-leading and game-high 14 solo stops and 18 total tackles last Saturday. The senior also posted three tackles for loss, one sack, and a QB hurry in the league’s first overtime game since 2009. Getter’s 18 tackles are the most this season by a SCAC player.

VOLLEYBALL: The Ladies were swept by the Southern Arkansas Muleriders in a non-conference match on Tuesday evening inside the Gold Dome.

Centenary (2-16) lost for the ninth time in a row and is now 2-3 at home this season while the Muleriders, a Division II opponent, improved to 9-14 overall. 

The Ladies return to conference play this weekend in a league crossover hosted by LeTourneau. Centenary will play three matches, facing Colorado College and St. Thomas on Saturday and McMurry on Sunday.

SOCCER: The Ladies and Gents will face Texas Lutheran in a conference doubleheader on Friday evening in Seguin, Texas with the women’s match set for 5 o’clock and the men to follow at 7:30.

The Ladies were blanked 2-0 by Hendrix College on Sunday at home to fall to 1-11-3 overall and 0-5-2 in league play. The Gents had their season-best winning streak snapped at four as they fell 3-0 to Hendrix.

The Gents (7-6-2, 5-3-0 SCAC) suffered their first loss since falling 3-1 to Colorado College at home on Oct. 3.

The Ladies and Gents will host Concordia in their final home contests of the season on Sunday (noon for the women, and 2 o’clock) at Atkins Field.

GOLF: The Ladies finished seventh in the Abilene Intercollegiate hosted by Hardin-Simmons on Tuesday at Live Oak Golf Club in Abilene, Texas. 

Sophomore Amber Shaw and sophomore Haylee Crowder, a former Haughton High School star, tied for 28^th place at 30-over par 172 to lead the way for the Ladies. Shaw shot rounds of 93-79 and Crowder went 87-85.

The Ladies completed their fall season. Their spring schedule will be announced soon.

SWIMMING: Centenary’s teams opened their seasons this past weekend with a pair of conference dual meets against McMurry in Abilene, Texas.

The Ladies defeated the War Hawks on Friday (95-51) and Saturday (107-63) while the Gents were defeated Friday (111-70) and Saturday (131-72).

Centenary will hold its annual Alumni/Intrasquad meet on Saturday at 1.

Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu

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Congratulations to Ireland Slocum on her promotion to Head Teller at BOM Bank’s Fern Avenue location in Shreveport!  We’re so proud of her hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our customers. Join us in celebrating this exciting milestone in her career!

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April 16, 1986 – October 14, 2025

Jessica Michelle Roth, lovingly known as Jessie, passed away on October 14, 2025, at the age of 39, following a sudden illness. She was born on April 16, 1986, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and spent nearly all her life in her hometown, apart from five years living in Georgia.

Jessica graduated from C.E. Byrd High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. She had a bright and curious mind, a love of reading, and a joyful spirit that came alive through dance.

Jessica was deeply loved by her family and friends. She is survived by her devoted mother, Raynelle Griffin Branch. She was preceded in death by her father, Michael Roth.

Arrangements for her funeral service are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Jessica will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the light she brought to those who knew her.

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Funeral services for George “Mike” Michael Kelley, 77, will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Keithville, 6295 Williams Rd., Keithville, Louisiana. Burial will follow at First Baptist Keithville Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Brother Mike Stowell.

Mike was born on October 19, 1948 in Winnfield, Louisiana to James Howard and Mildred Florence Gaar Kelley and passed away at his home on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Mike was a resident of Keithville. He graduated from Winnfield Senior High School, then Northwestern State University with a Bachelor Degree in Animal Sciences. After graduating from Northwestern, he went to work for Codding Embryological Sciences where he was foreman of the donor herd. Later he operated and owned Flow Specialties with his father-in-law for over 40 years. He was married to the love of his life for 52 years, Carol Kelley. Mike loved flower and vegetable gardening, working with his hands, and just being outdoors. He loved old westerns, dancing, and he would break into song at any time. He had a passion for attending all of his children’s and grandchildren’s events. They were his heart.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, James Howard and Florence Gaar Kelley; sister, Miriam Skains; and brother, James Maxwell Kelley. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Carol Kelley (Keithville); daughter, Heather Emmons (Francois Degueurce) Shreveport; son, James Kelley (Jennifer) Benton; and daughter, Janis Rosenquist (Cole) Keithville; his six wonderful grandchildren: Laura, Sydney, Shelby, Ryan, Anna, Clara; sister, Markeita Kelley; sister-in-law, Becky Kelley; and three nieces.

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Gayle Latham LeGier Smith
May 7, 1945 – October 20, 2025
Service: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 11am at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport. 

Robert James Blackshire
March 28, 1946 – October 18, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 10am at Carver Memorial Park Cemetery, Shreveport. 

Ector Lee Calhoun
November 15, 1940 – October 18, 2025
Service: Friday, October 24, 2025, 12pm at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, Shreveport. 

George Michael Kelley
October 19, 1948 – October 18, 2025
Service: Friday, October 24, 2025, 10am at First Baptist Keithville, Keithville. 

Kendall Jashon Kennedy
September 22, 2003 – October 18, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Charles Heath LaFoe
November 30, 1971 – October 17, 2025
Service: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 11am at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport. 

Patricia Ann Washington
June 2, 1954 – October 17, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Bert Arthur Winkler Jr.
February 25, 1963 – October 17, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 5pm at Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, Shreveport. 

Kendrick Fidell Stewart Sr.
July 30, 1963 – October 16, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11am at Memorial Funeral Home, Plain Dealing.

Joseph Draper
March 1, 1934 – October 15, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Barry Eldon Franklin Sr.
October 21, 1959 – October 15, 2025
Service: Friday, October 24, 2025, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Dr. Raymond Dennie
April 9, 1936 – October 14, 2025
Service: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shreveport.

William C. Sanders
August 29, 1962 – October 12, 2025
Service: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Albert Eugene Hampton
May 12, 1960 – October 10, 2025
Service: Monday, October 27, 2025, 11:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery, Keithville.

Lenora Mae Henning
November 29, 1932 – October 10, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Dennis K. Beckman
October 11, 1942 – September 25, 2025
Service: Sunday, November 9, 2025, 12pm at the Woman’s Department Club, Shreveport.

John Davis Walton
June 12, 1949 – September 9, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 1pm at Carver Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport.

Sharon McCaskill
October 22, 1943 – August 20, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 2pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

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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

“None of my members want to travel with me. I am a bad luck traveler.”

For example, there was the time flying back home from a real estate conference in San Diego, with a scheduled connection in Dallas.

“You take off over water, then you obviously have to do a U-Turn and come back over the continental United States. We took off that day, and the plane didn’t turn around.”

Hmmm . . . .

“The plane finally turned, and we were going up the coast. I knew something was wrong.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” the pilot announced. “We had a problem on takeoff. Actually, two problems. Number one, the wheels will not come up. Number two, the flaps will not come up.”

Yep. Sounds like a couple of problems, all right.

“Unfortunately, we’re not going to Dallas. We’re going to land at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport).”

LAX has the longest runway on the west coast.

“(The pilot) cannot put the flaps in another position and use the air resistance to slow the plane down. He also doesn’t have a lot of control over the plane.”

So, the plane flew “low and slow” for three hours, dumping fuel in case there was a crash landing.

“He hits the landing on this long runway, and all he’s really got is gravity and a hand brake.”

But those were enough. The plane stopped at the end of the runway. Then came the fire trucks.

“’Oh, this is great!’ Then we realize they’re approaching us with hazmat suits on and holding radar guns. We find out later they are measuring temperature, because we can’t go close to the terminal because they’re afraid the heat from the plane and the wheels will light the gas fumes.”

Scott Hughes, Chief Executive Officer and Association Executive for the Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors, told me that story – and his story – during lunch at place he chose, Imperial Cathay. Scott had Sesame Chicken, Steamed Rice, Hot Celery Soup, and water with lemon. I enjoyed Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, Egg Drop Soup, and water with lemon.

“I could write a book on my travel excursions . . . . I could sit here for two hours and tell you travel stories.”

Born in Bryan, Texas (“I am an Aggie by birth, but really and LSU fan”), Scott knows a thing or two about going places. As a military child, he lived all over the United States, and in three foreign countries. “When I was 18 years old, I had lived in 19 different “homes”.

“You learn to make friends quickly. Unfortunately, you probably learn to not make deep friendships because people are going to come and go. At one point, I did six different schools in six years. I got very good about meeting people. I got very good about being social, although I am probably not as social as people think I am.”

At his German-based high school, Scott played several sports but excelled in cross country.

“There was a time when I was a fairly elite distance runner.”

And those Frankfurt American versus Berlin American competitions were memorable. Well, at least the trips were.

“We had to get on a train at night and ride the slow train through East Germany, into the free part of West Berlin. We would get up in the morning, do our competition, and at night, we would take the slow train back through the dark to East Germany, because they wouldn’t let you see anything. We used to joke that Berlin High School had the greatest homefield advantage in the world, because everyone who went to play them had to come in at night on the train, compete that day, and leave that day by train.”

While overseas, the son of a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel – Scott was one of three children – became interested in politics.

“You’re living on a military base in Europe and get ready to leave the base, which you were allowed to do, and a 19-year-old marine is standing there with a rifle, or an Army guy, says, ‘Not a good day to be an American.’ In those days, that was code red for ‘Be Careful’ . . . .

When it was time for college, Scott could have gone to several schools. But he and his family were back in Bossier City – Scott’s father had once been stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base. Tired of moving, Scott went to Centenary College, earning a business major, a Master of Business, and a minor in accounting. He also ran cross country, played volleyball, and was a cheerleader.

“There aren’t many of us in the country who have earned three Division 1 (athletic) letters.”

Several times during our conversation, Scott mentioned his love for – and commitment to – community. Some 40 years and four careers later, he is still here. Scott has worked in advertising, architectural marketing, K-12 school policy as Executive Director of Alliance for Education, and since 2011, as a real estate executive.

But don’t ask Scott if he can show you that three bedrooms, two bath charmer you saw for sale.

“I have 1600 members and 200 brokers who know real estate. They list and sell. They know what they do. I run the businesses for them. I run the CE (Continuing Education). I run government affairs. I run the (Multiple Listing Service, a database of property listings). I, to this day, don’t know where all the subdivisions are . . . . I can tell you what prices are doing and which way interest rates are going. I have an MBA. But I don’t really know the specific pricing in a neighborhood. I don’t know what’s for sale on a given day. That’s not what I do. I really try to stay in my lane.”

Sometimes – especially during an election year – Scott travels in an additional lane. Remember his interest in politics? (Scott once ran for the state legislature – his only campaign – and missed the runoff by 240 votes). For 18 years and without pay, Scott has been a political analyst for a local television station. Scott also provides political analysis for a local radio station. He accepted both opportunities on two conditions.

One: He doesn’t get paid.

Two: “I’m not going to be controlled by anybody. I get to say what I want to say. No one is going to be in the background saying, ‘You can’t say this. You can’t say that.’”

I felt Scott could talk about real estate, and politics, the rest of the day. But the time had come for me to ask my final question. As always, what is it that someone could learn from his life story?

“For most of us, we’re going to go to work every day. Decide what you want to do and do something you like. It’s not necessarily important you make all the money in the world. I think it’s important you make money because you have to live. But I’ve reached a point in my life where I think it’s more important that you enjoy the work you do . . . . Years ago, I decided whatever I was going to do all day long, I wanted it to matter. I wanted it to be something I enjoyed doing. I wanted it to be something that was interesting.”

Four careers and a whole lot of travel stories. Interesting, to say the least.

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.

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The Shreveport Police Department and Shreveport Fire Department are investigating a tragic house fire on Milton Street that claimed the lives of two young girls. The fire occurred on Oct. 13, and investigators now believe arson may be to blame.

According to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, 5-year-old Danielle Spearman died at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Willis-Knighton South after being taken there following the fire. Nine-year-old Aaliyah Robinson died the following day, Sunday, Oct. 19 at 12:16 p.m. at Ochsner LSU Health.

Police Chief Wayne Smith and Fire Chief Clarence Reece condemned the act, describing it as cowardly and unacceptable. Both leaders urged those responsible to turn themselves in, emphasizing that such violence will not be tolerated in the Shreveport community.

Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement or Crime Stoppers at 318-673-7373.

Anonymous video tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers app, P3Tips.

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On October 17, 2025, just after 5:00 p.m., Shreveport Police officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of
Lyon Avenue in reference to an assault and battery. Upon arrival, officers found members of the Shreveport Fire Department on scene rendering aid to a 65-year-old male victim who had sustained a large facial laceration and was bleeding heavily.

Through witness statements, officers learned that the victim had reportedly been approached by a male
suspect, later identified as Ashton Slocum, who asked him for a cigarette and food. Without provocation,
Slocum allegedly began striking the victim in the face.

An off-duty SPD officer observed a man matching the suspect’s description in the parking lot of Brookshire’s Grocery nearby and detained him until on-duty officers arrived.

Slocum was arrested and charged with one count of Second Degree Battery and one count of Battery of the Infirm due to the victim’s age.

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By MATT VINES, LSUS Public Relations

WASHINGTON D.C. — The 2025 LSUS Pilots, the first-ever college baseball squad to put together a perfect season, were feted like royalty Monday at the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

The Pilots rubbed elbows with President Donald Trump, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and other U.S. and Louisiana dignitaries throughout the day.

LSUS became the first NAIA champion team in any sport to be recognized at the White House.

The 59-0 Pilots won the program’s first national championship and first-ever in any sport in LSUS history.

They were joined for some of their activities, including the visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday afternoon, by the College World Series champion LSU Tigers.  The unique double dip of national championships resulted in a rare dual recognition of championship teams at the White House.

“Louisiana is a special state, and it’s an honor to celebrate two college baseball national champions from that great state,” Trump said in a half-hour ceremony in the East Room of the White House. “Both teams brought incredible pride, grit and glory to their schools and their state, and they are bringing that same Louisiana spirit to a place called the White House.

“It’s rare for two teams from one state to be in one room, but these are incredible teams who had amazing seasons.”

LSUS baseball coach Brad Neffendorf and LSU coach Jay Johnson flanked Trump on the stage where players and administrators from both teams stood on risers.

After Trump exalted LSU and its second national championship in three seasons and eighth in the last 35 years, he turned his attention to the Pilots.

“59-0 – what in the hell is that?” Trump said of LSUS’s perfect record. “Normally you have a little bad luck and lose a game or two, but (Neffendorf) deserves special recognition.

“Both of these programs made history together and dominated two leagues.”

Neffendorf, speaking after LSU’s Johnson, summed up the Pilots’ performance this season with one word – investment.

“These guys were invested in everything we asked and invested in each other,” Neffendorf said. “You always wonder how quick a roster can become a team – and some don’t.

“But this roster became a team so quickly, and we (coaches) got the heck out of their way and let them go get the job done.”

Speaker Johnson, a double graduate of LSU (undergraduate and law degrees), mentioned growing up just off Youree Drive in the “shadow” of the LSUS campus.

“I played ball on that baseball field, and it’s a great day when we can recognize champions from North and South Louisiana,” Johnson said. “We want to thank (President Trump) for being a gracious host and having us out to recognize this excellence.

“Louisiana is punching way above our weight limit. This is a prideful state. These guys work so hard and did it with class, grit, determination and integrity.”

The day ended for the Pilots with a team dinner at Bobby Van’s Grill, where the team members received NAIA national championship rings.

While the Pilots trailed in just 18 of the 59 games, LSUS did need some comeback magic at times, including erasing a four-run deficit in the national championship win against Southeastern (Fla.), as the president noted in his remarks.

LSUS benefited from back-to-back home runs from Jackson Syring and Ian Montz to rally in the championship game, the last blasts of an offense that smashed 76 home runs and batted .361 on the season.

Trump mentioned these heroics and the hitters by name and earlier shook the hands of LSUS starting pitchers Isaac Rhode and Cobe Reeves along with designated hitter Anthony Swenda.

Rhode, NAIA Pitcher of the Year, pitched the final inning of that championship win after reliever Kenneth Schechter tossed four scoreless frames to give the Pilots’ bats time to make the comeback.

Ten different Pilots from that championship team played professional baseball, including pitcher Draven Zeigler, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

LSU had 10 players chosen in the Major League Baseball draft, which drew quips from Trump about wanting to represent these players and also wondering why the Tigers’ 53-15 record wasn’t better.

Jay Johnson mentioned the honor of sharing the stage with Neffendorf and the Pilots, who accomplished something that the college baseball world may never see again.

Neffendorf won a host of national coaching awards, which included the NAIA Coach of the Year and the Skip Bertman Coach of the Year, the latter of which recognizes coaching from every college level.

“We’re extremely honored and excited to be here, and our guys were jacked up to be together one more time as I know LSU’s guys are, too,” Neffendorf said. “There’s no better place than the state of Louisiana for baseball.”

Trump was presented with LSUS and LSU baseball jerseys with his name and “No. 47” on the back, representing his current presidential term.

Contact Matt at matt.vines@lsus.edu

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JOURNAL SPORTS

There are some interesting matchups on the local Week 8 schedule for high school football, headlined by unbeaten Parkway hosting explosive Captain Shreve on Friday.

The Panthers are atop District 1-5A and the Gators are one game back, despite getting blitzed in the past two weeks by the other 1-5A unbeaten, Evangel (71-25) and Class 5A No. 10 Destrehan (68-28).

Another appealing Friday game is a non-district meeting between Class 2A power Calvary and 1-5A’s Huntington, whose coach, John Simon, was involved with the Cavaliers program as his sons starred for Calvary in the past three seasons.

Two 1-5A matchups won’t impact the district lead but should be very competitive – Thursday’s visit to Natchitoches Central by Airline, and Friday’s battle between Benton and Byrd.

In 1-4A, a much-improved Bossier team visits Minden in that loop’s best showdown of Week 8.

The 1-2A contest between locals Green Oaks and North Caddo appears to be the top matchup in that district this week.

The Week 8 schedule involving teams from Caddo and Bossier parishes:

 

THURSDAY’S GAMES

District 1-5A

Airline (4-3, 2-3) at Natchitoches Central (4-3, 2-3), Turpin Stadium

 

District 1-4A

Northwood (6-1, 3-1) at Southwood (3-3, 1-3), Independence Stadium

 

District 1-1A

Jonesboro-Hodge (4-3, 2-1) at Plain Dealing (0-6, 0-4)

 

FRIDAY’S GAMES

District 1-5A

Benton (2-5, 1-4) at Byrd (1-6, 0-5), Lee Hedges Stadium

Captain Shreve (4-3, 4-1) at Parkway (7-0, 5-0)

Haughton (1-6, 1-5) at Evangel (6-1, 6-0)

 

Non-district

Huntington (3-4) at Calvary (6-1)

 

District 1-4A

Loyola (7-0, 4-0) at Booker T. Washington (4-3, 1-3)

Bossier (3-4, 1-3) at Minden (3-4, 2-2)

North DeSoto (7-0, 4-0) at Woodlawn (2-5, 0-4), Independence Stadium

 

District 1-2A

North Caddo (1-6, 1-2) at Green Oaks (1-6, 0-3), Jerry Burton Stadium

Magnolia School of Excellence (0-6, 0-3) at Homer (2-5, 1-2)

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JOURNAL SPORTS

The Evangel Eagles moved up two spots in this week’s Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 5A Top 10 poll, while the Calvary Cavaliers stayed put in the Class 2A rankings.

This week, eighth-ranked ECA (6-1, 6-0 in District 1-5A) comes home for a Friday night visit from Haughton (1-6, 1-5).

Calvary (6-1) will be home Friday against a 1-5A opponent, Huntington (4-3).

Unbeaten Parkway (7-0, 5-0) got 15 points in the 5A voting, two slots out of the top 10. The Panthers host Captain Shreve (4-3, 4-1) on Friday.

In the Class 4A poll, District 1-4A has North DeSoto at No. 1 while Loyola (7-0, 4-0) and Northwood (6-1, 3-1) are among teams receiving voting support.  Loyola plays BTW and Northwood meets Southwood this week, with the Falcons-Cowboys contest on Thursday.

The Week 8 LSWA Top 10 polls, as voted by an 11-person panel of sports media personnel from around the state:

 

Class 5A

School (first place votes), W-L, poll points, last week’s ranking

1. Karr (11), 7-0, 132 , 1

2. Ruston, 6-1, 114, 2

3. John Curtis, 6-0, 107, 3

4. West Monroe, 6-1, 99, 4

5. St. Augustine, 6-1, 81, 5

6. Alexandria, 6-1, 77, 7

7. Catholic-Baton Rouge, 5-2, 60, 9

8. Evangel Christian, 6-1, 49, 10

9. Zachary, 5-1, 37, 6

10. Destrehan, 5-2, 26, NR

Others receiving votes: Central 19, Parkway 15, Archbishop Rummel 12, Neville 6, Southside 5, Carencro 4, Thibodaux 4, Ouachita 3, Hahnville 2, Brother Martin 1, Liberty 1, St. Paul’s 1.

 

Class 4A

1. North DeSoto (9), 7-0, 127, 1   

2. Teurlings Catholic (2), 7-0, 122, 2

3. St. Thomas More, 5-2, 110, 3

4. Plaquemine, 6-1, 88, 4

5. Iowa, 7-0, 76, 5

6. Franklin Parish, 5-2, 71, 6

7. St. Charles, 6-1,  66, 7

8. Archbishop Shaw, 5-2, 59, 8

9. Lakeshore, 6-1, 50, 9

10. Vandebilt Catholic, 7-0, 31, 10

Others receiving votes: Belle Chasse 17, Franklinton 12, Loyola 9, Tioga 6, Westgate 4, Northwood-Shreveport 3, E.D. White 3, Brusly 2.

 

Class 3A

1. Jewel Sumner (8), 7-0, 126, 1

2. Madison Prep (1), 6-1, 117, 2

3. Bunkie (1), 7-0, 102, 3

4. St. James, 5-2,  97, 4

5. University (1), 5-2, 94, 5

6. Sterlington,  5-2, 83, 6

7. Erath, 7-0,  70, 7

8. Jena, 6-1, 52, 9

9. Lake Charles Prep, 5-2, 37, 10

10. Marksville, 6-1, 23, NR

Others receiving votes: Church Point 15, Amite 15, Jennings 15, John F. Kennedy 10, Donaldsonville 2.

 

Class 2A

1. Ouachita Christian (6), 7-0, 124, 1

2. Lafayette Christian Academy (4), 6-1, 121, 2

3. Dunham (1), 5-1, 110, 3

4. Calvary Baptist,  6-1, 101, 4

5. Catholic-New Iberia, 6-1, 86, 5

6. South Plaquemines, 5-1, 63, 8

7. Notre Dame, 5-2, 60, 5

8. Mangham, 6-1, 55, 10

9. Lafayette Renaissance Charter, 6-1, 44, 9

10. Kinder, 7-0, 32, NR

Others receiving votes: Oak Grove 26, Newman 12, Ferriday 11, East Feliciana 3, Northlake Christian 3, Union Parish 2, D’Arbonne Woods 2, Country Day 1.

 

Class 1A

1. Haynesville (11), 7-0, 132, 1

2. Jeanerette, 7-0, 119, 2

3. Hamilton Christian,  6-0, 105, 3

4. Riverside Academy, 6-1, 102, 4

5. Westminster-Opelousas, 7-0, 77, 5

6. Covenant Christian, 5-2, 60, 6

7. Kentwood, 4-3, 58, 7

8. Ascension Episcopal, 6-1, 56, 8

9. Opelousas Catholic, 5-2, 36, 9

10. North Iberville, 7-0, 32, NR

Others receiving votes: Ascension Catholic 23, Southern Lab 15, St. Edmund 12, Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 9, Logansport 8, St. Frederick 2, Catholic-Pointe Coupee 1.

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The leaves are falling and so are college football head coaches.

Ten, count ’em, ten head coaches have already been fired and we aren’t even in the ninth week of the season.

The knives are out, and tempers are boiling after LSU’s 31-24 loss Saturday at Vanderbilt in a matchup of ranked Southeastern Conference football teams.

The noise on the internet is that Brian Kelly, the Tigers’ fourth-year head coach, is a bum, never should’ve been hired and should be fired immediately. And those are the kind comments.

I understand LSU fans are upset. LSU was being touted by LSU coaches and players before the season as a serious contender for the national championship, and the Tigers have been underwhelming in putting together a 5-2 record. With No. 3 Texas A&M and fourth-ranked Alabama on the schedule as the next two opponents, the future doesn’t look bright.

In a time when we expect instant gratification in everything, many are calling for LSU to find the $50-plus million to buy out the remainder of Kelly’s $10 million per year contract.

Wait a minute, please. Take a few slow, deep breaths.

There’s something to be said for patience as opposed to impatience or contrariness. Patience can lead to stability, and stability can lead to confidence, and confidence can lead to success. Impatience can lead to hurried, irrational choices, which can lead to chaos, which can lead to failure.

Bear with me. I started in the sportswriting business five decades ago, and I remember it as a time of stability for successful head coaches at the time. Woody Hayes, until a sideline eruption with a player, coached 28 years at Ohio State. Bear Bryant coached 25 years at Alabama. Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Eddie Robinson coached at Grambling for 55 years over two stints, starting in 1941 and ending in ’97. Vince Dooley coached 25 years at Georgia.

Frank Broyles coached 19 years at Arkansas. Charlie McClendon coached 18 years at LSU.

Here’s one to ponder: Frank Beamer coached 29 seasons at Virginia Tech, but that never would’ve happened in today’s impatient college football environment. Why? Because he had a rough go of things through his first six seasons, with records of 2-9, 3-8, 6-4, 6-5, 5-6 and 2-8-1.

No way he would’ve survived with that record today. Why do I say that? One of the coaches who have already been fired this season is Brent Pry, in his fourth season at Virginia Tech. He was fired  after his team lost its first three games. His overall record at Virginia Tech was 13-25. Frank Beamer’s overall record at Virginia Tech through the first three games of his fourth season was 12-23.

Patience with Beamer paid off for Virginia Tech back then (his tenure was from 1987-2015) as he finished with a career record of 235-120-2, including multiple 10-win seasons, 23 straight bowl games and advancing to a national championship game with 13 victories in 2000.

It’s rare to find a head coach now who has spent as much as 25 years at one school, although Kirk Ferentz is in his 27^th season at Iowa. At the NCAA Division III level, Geno DeMarco is in his 33^rd and final season at Geneva College, located in Beaver Falls, Pa., home of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath.

Also in Division III,  former LCU foe Pete Fredenburg coached for 24 seasons at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas, before retiring after the ’21 season.

The longest active tenure among SEC coaches belongs to Kentucky’s Mark Stoops, who is in his 13^th season with the Wildcats. He is the winningest coach in Kentucky’s football history and has survived a two-year probation from the spring of ’21 to March of ’22. He has 79 victories in his time at UK, but that includes a 10-win season in 2021 that was vacated as part of the probation due to a violation where at least 11 players were paid for work they did not perform.

One of those 10 coaches already fired this season is Billy Napier at Florida, the same guy many LSU fans were wishing would’ve been hired out of Louisiana-Lafayette by LSU after the 2021 season instead of Kelly.

Which is a reminder that you’ve got to be careful what you wish for. The urge to purge might not result in a surge.

Contact Bob at sports@journalservicesllc.com

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By DOUG IRELAND and RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE — LSU football coach Brian Kelly spent more time Monday talking about the opportunity ahead than the frustration behind.

The 20^th-ranked Tigers, down 10 spots in the Associated Press Top 25 after last week’s 31-24 loss at Vanderbilt, are home Saturday night at 6:30 to meet No. 3 Texas A&M. Kelly’s messaging Monday at his weekly media session and talking with the SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum was simple: beating the undefeated Aggies is within LSU’s capacity.

“We have a great opportunity this weekend, in Tiger Stadium, to play the Number 3 team in the country. We believe the way we’re moving, if we continue to get better on both sides of the ball, we’re prepared to win the game,” said Kelly. “We believe we can win the game.”

Even if most Tiger fans and media are skeptical.

“We’re disappointed with the loss and we want to do better for our fan base. We get that.  But there are a lot of things that we can take away from the game that we need to build on,” he said.

The second straight road loss to a highly-ranked SEC opponent by a one-score margin was rooted in the continuing inefficiency of the LSU offense, he said.

“We had 49 offensive plays. We need to make the most of every one of those, and we didn’t. We turned touchdowns into field goals, and they had touchdowns,” said Kelly. “That ultimately was the difference in the game.”

But the Tigers’ defense was, for the first time in 2025, not up to par.

“It wasn’t our best performance. We didn’t play with the same emotion, the energy. At times we weren’t fundamentally in a good position,” he said. “We had some good calls that would have put us in really good situations … and we paid for it, ultimately.”

That can’t happen again, certainly not in the next two games, against A&M and Alabama. The Aggies are much improved over the unit that handled LSU 38-23 in College Station last year.

“They score a lot of points. The Arkansas game, the Notre Dame game … they’re putting points on the board, they’ve been in the 40’s several times,” said Kelly. “But they can also win keeping the points down. It’s a team that can win either by their offense or their defense, and that’s why they’re one of the top teams in the country.”

But Kelly believes his team can muster a more complete performance than it’s had since the season opening win at Clemson.

“We’ve been on the road twice (in the SEC), and came up short both instances in close, hard fought games. We’ve got to turn the tide at home, play a much better game for four quarters where we complement offense and defense. We’ve got to put both sides of the ball together, and if we do that, we’re going to have a great opportunity to win this football game.”

 

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

No. 20 LSU (6-1 overall, 3-0 SEC) vs. No. 3 Texas A&M (7-0, 4-0 SEC), Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. (ABC)

Last game for Aggies: Won a 45-42 shootout at Arkansas last Saturday. A&M rolled for 497 total offense yards and scored on seven of its nine drives. QB Marcel Reed completed 23 passes on 32 attempts for 280 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 55 rushing yards with one score. RB Rueben Owens II ran for 69 yards and a career-high two TDs on 14 carries.

Series record and last meeting: LSU leads 36-24-3. Last year, Tigers’ QB Garrett Nussmeier threw a season-high three interceptions in a 38-23 loss in College Station.

Texas A&M head coach: Mike Elko (51-14 in four seasons overall, 15-5 in second season at Texas A&M).

 

THIS AND THAT

Early betting line: Texas A&M by 2½.

Betting tip: The home team in this series has won eight straight and the last four LSU-A&M battles have gone over the Vegas total (61.2 ppg).

Number of Louisiana natives on Texas A&M roster: 2

Number of Texas natives on LSU roster: 14

Number of transfers on Texas A&M roster from 4-year schools: 25 players from 20 schools, including 18 players from 14 Power 4 Conference schools.

TEXAS A&M PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Marcel Reed (125 of 202 for 1,710 passing yard, 15 TDs, 4 interceptions and 241 rushing yards and 4 TDs on 51 carries, RB Le’veon Moss (389 rushing yards, 6 TDs on 78 carries), DE Cashius Howell (15 tackles, 9 TFL, 8 sacks, 3 PBU, 4 QB hurries), LB Daymion Sanford (32 tackles, 6½ TFL, 2½ sacks, 1 interception), PK/KO Randy Bond (9 of 14 field goals, 20 of 20 PATs, 40 kickoffs for a 63.6 YPKO, 33 touchbacks), P Tyler White (28 for 45.0 ypp, 2 touchbacks, 12 fair catches, 7 inside the 20, 8 50 yards or more).

DID YOU KNOW. . .

At one stretch of the LSU/Texas A&M series, LSU hosted 27 of 29 games in Baton Rouge, including 17 straight seasons from 1960 to 1986 (LSU was 13-3-1).

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

RUSTON — Louisiana Tech tries to move to 4-0 at home as the Bulldogs return to Origin Bank Field at Joe Aillet Stadium for the first of two consecutive home Conference USA weekday matchups, hosting Western Kentucky tonight.

Tech (4-2, 2-1 CUSA) looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 35-7 loss at Kennesaw State in its last contest while WKU (5-2, 3-1 CUSA) is also coming off its first league loss, 25-6 to FIU. 

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. for a game that can be seen on CBS Sports Network. The Louisiana Tech Radio Network broadcast airs on 95.7 FM KLKL locally, featuring analyst Teddy Allen and sideline reporter Jerry Byrd paired with new play-by-play voice Kyle Schassburger.

The Bulldogs’ quarterback situation is unsettled after injuries to the top two on the depth chart forced third-teamer Evan Bullock to finish the Kennesaw State game 10 days ago.

Tech leads the all-time series 6-5, including last year’s 12-7 win in Bowling Green. The Bulldogs are 3-2 against WKU in Ruston.

Tech and WKU renewed its rivalry in 2014 as the Hilltoppers joined the CUSA after spending five years in the Sun Belt. The two schools are 4-4 against each other in that span, which includes the 2016 CUSA Championship game, in which WKU won 58-44.

The two programs first met in 1939 with WKU winning the inaugural game, not before Tech evened the series the following season. The programs met again 33 years later in the 1973 Division II National Championship game in Sacramento Calif., with the Bulldogs earning a 34-0 shutout to claim the D-II title.

Tech will look to win its fifth straight home game tonight. Dating to last season’s finale against Kennesaw State, the Bulldogs have outscored opponents 136-34 while averaging 34 points per game during that four-game stretch and giving up 8.5 defensively. The Bulldogs have not won five straight at home since the 2019 season when they finished 6-0 at Joe Aillet Stadium.

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Barry Franklin, Sr. was born in Bossier Parish on October 21, 1959, and went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2025, after a long battle with his health.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Aulds Funeral Home.

Barry was preceded in death by his father, Robert Franklin; his mother, Mary Franklin; and his brother, Neal Franklin.

He is survived by his children, Angela Smolik (Danny), Dorothy Harville (Ben), Barry Franklin, Jr., and Curtis Southern (Shannon); his loving girlfriend, Kim Carlson, and her children, Felicia, Crissy, Matt, and Jon; his grandchildren, Bronson, Teagan, Hollie (Mason), CJ, Cole, and Makayla; and the mother of his children, Elsa Franklin; as well as, many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to have known him.

Barry-known as “Bear” to many who loved him-was born and raised in Bossier City, Louisiana, and was a proud Bossier High School Bearkat alumnus. He enjoyed having a good time and loved playing pool, even competing in Las Vegas tournaments a few times. In his younger days, he worked as a bouncer on the Bossier Strip and later spent many years as an appliance repairman with American Appliance.

Everyone who knew Barry knew he loved life and had a gift for making people laugh. He always had a good story to tell and a way of bringing joy to those around him.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Christus Highland for their care and life-saving efforts.

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Bert Winkler, Jr., aka “Ju Ju,” 62, went home to be with our Lord on the morning of October 17, 2025 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He had many health struggles over the last four years and was secure in his faith and was at peace with going home in be forever with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bert was born on February 25, 1963 to Bert Arthur Winkler, Sr. and Diana Faye Reynolds Winkler in Newport, Rhode Island while his father was serving in the Navy. He graduated from Southwood High School in Shreveport. He worked in the oil field for many years but later worked in construction driving a dump truck. His nickname “Ju Ju” was coined by his brother, Scott. Scott, as a young toddler, couldn’t pronounce Junior. It came out as Ju Ju. His three grandchildren gave him immense joy, and he loved them deeply. He had a big heart for animals, especially strays.

Bert was preceded in death by his mother, Diana Reynolds Winkler and both maternal and paternal grandparents. Left to cherish his memory is his father, Bert Winkler, Sr.; his daughter, Destinee Hunter; and grandchildren, Brooklyn, Ian, and Madelyn; brothers, Scott Winkler and sister-in-law, Michelle, Brian Winkler and sister-in-law, Tracie; sister, Ramona Dixon and brother-in-law, Daniel; as well as two nephews and six nieces.

A Memorial Service will be held for Bert on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, 9113 West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Bert will be greatly missed, but we will continue to love and cherish his memory forever.

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Charles Heath LaFoe
November 30, 1971 – October 17, 2025
Service: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 11am at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport. 

Jimmy Ray Protho
October 6, 1953 – October 17, 2025
Service: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Bert Arthur Winkler Jr.
February 25, 1963 – October 17, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 5pm at Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, Shreveport. 

Barry Eldon Franklin Sr.
October 21, 1959 – October 15, 2025
Service: Friday, October 24, 2025, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Dr. Raymond Dennie
April 9, 1936 – October 14, 2025
Service: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Leonard “Lenny” Joseph Lewis
May 29, 1942 – October 14, 2025
Service: Monday, October 20, 2025, 1pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Shreveport.

William C. Sanders
August 29, 1962 – October 12, 2025
Service: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Lenora Mae Henning
November 29, 1932 – October 10, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Susan “Sue” Elizabeth Schloss
June 25, 1941 – October 4, 2025
Service: Monday, October 20, 2025, 2pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

Dennis K. Beckman
October 11, 1942 – September 25, 2025
Service: Sunday, November 9, 2025, 12pm at the Woman’s Department Club, Shreveport.

John Davis Walton
June 12, 1949 – September 9, 2025
Service: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 1pm at Carver Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport.

Sharon McCaskill
October 22, 1943 – August 20, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 2pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport. 

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Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler has recognized Mrs. Pam Combs as the city’s Employee of the Month.

Combs has served the City of Bossier for 30 years and currently holds the position of Chief Deputy Clerk in the Civil Department. Known for her bright personality and dedication to her work, Combs is highly regarded by her colleagues and the citizens she assists each day.

Mayor Chandler commended Combs for her professionalism and outstanding customer service, noting his appreciation for the positive impact she continues to make within City Hall.

Combs was nominated for the recognition by Judge Parks and staff, who praised her commitment and consistent excellence in serving the community.

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