Doubt that LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt knows about Dirty Harry, let alone anything one of Clint Eastwood’s iconic movie characters said.

But one of those lines fits what Leavitt did to produce his best night yet as LSU’s quarterback Saturday night against Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in a 35-6 rout that was not that close.

All summer long, Tiger fans fretted over Leavitt’s status coming off surgery on his right foot after an injury last season at Arizona State. His mobility was not a problem, but rather an asset, in the opening blowout of Clemson, the Week 2 pullaway from Louisiana Tech or the Lane Kiffin Homecoming game at Ole Miss.

It became a problem against the Aggies. Not that injury, even if it was the same leg. Leavitt tweaked a hamstring on a second-quarter keeper, and spent the rest of his night looking like Kirk Gibson limping around the bases after his epic game-winning pinch-hit home run that won Game 1 of the 1989 World Series, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a world championship upset of the slugging Oakland A’s.

Eastwood’s Detective Harry Callahan had a series of classic quotes in the five-flick Dirty Harry series. One thing Callahan said fits what Leavitt did Saturday night.

“A man’s gotta know his limitations.”

By design to some degree, but more out of necessity, Leavitt was content to stay in the pocket and go through his progressions. The results made his multi-million dollar NIL deal look a lot better: 17 completions in 23 throws, 312 yards, and two touchdowns, so sharp that combined with the Tigers’ defensive shutdown, he did not need to finish the game.

Meanwhile, the opposing quarterback went through hell.

A&M’s Marcel Reed had shredded LSU in each of the last two seasons, but Blake Baker’s defense made him feel like he was across Nicholson Drive in the cage with Mike the Tiger.

It was the first time since 2018 LSU held an SEC team without a touchdown. This SEC team had scored 49 points on the Tigers and handed Brian Kelly his $54 million buyout last season, but Reed was an Aggie joke Saturday night – 10 of 26 for 106 passing yards, and stacked up for a negative 13 yards running (mostly trying to escape tacklers) after collecting 170 in his first two meetings with LSU.

The LSU defense sacked Reed four times, added three more tackles for loss, and oskied two interceptions.

Dialed back to pretty much one dimension, Leavitt was sharp, and the offense flowed. The Tigers piled up 506 yards, while yielding just 197.

“Really gutsy performance by him,” said Kiffin. “I was actually getting ready to take him out. And he said, no way, he wasn’t coming out.”

He shouldn’t take the field next time, not against FCS McNeese this Saturday night. Backup quarterback Landen Clark, who starred at the FCS level last season for Elon (North Carolina, not Musk), ran for a couple short touchdowns and looked quite capable of steering the Tigers in the Bonnette Bowl (longtime LSU publicist Michael Bonnette’s younger brother Matthew is his counterpart at McNeese).

In the “go figure” category, the Tigers (3-1 overall, 1-1 in the SEC) slipped one spot to 11^th in the AP Top 25, because Florida soared up 13 spots to No. 8 after former Tulane coach Jon Sumrall’s Gators ripped Ole Miss 52-28.

Leavitt’s limp will bear watching, and unfortunately LSU linebacker Whit Weeks will only be able to watch. Given the prized No. 7 jersey for his senior year, Weeks was again struck by injury, this one a fracture in his leg that will require surgery today. The team captain and defensive signalcaller in a best-case scenario might be back in 4-6 weeks, or on the dark side, not at all.

Dahvon Keys was the primary replacement, and a good one. He made six stops Saturday night and led LSU with 92 last season.

Now that the Tigers have lost two of their best defenders for at best, indefinitely – safety Dashawn Spears is gone for the year after an injury at Ole Miss – Baker may need to cook up even more devious game plans to offset their absences.

Speaking of absences, the incomparable Hall of Fame writer Ron Higgins is also on the shelf after surgery, hopefully to return in 4-6 weeks. We don’t have a Dahvon Keys behind hm, but we will limp through giving you LSU coverage until he’s back.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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JOURNAL SPORTS

District games began last week in 1-5A with Haughton, Evangel and Parkway opening with victories in the local big school circuit.

In 1-4A, Booker T. Washington overwhelmed Southwood and was the only Shreveport-Bossier winner in that district’s results.

Airline tumbled from the unbeaten ranks and North Caddo captured its first win in non-league contests. Loyola and Northwood, longtime 1-4A rivals, staged a non-district shootout now that the Flyers have dropped down to Class 3A and the Falcons remain in 1-4A.

The Week 4 scoreboard for Shreveport-Bossier high schools:

THURSDAY’S SCORES

Parkway 29, Huntington 6

North DeSoto 55, Woodlawn 0

Minden 39, Bossier 0

FRIDAY’S SCORES

Haughton 50, Captain Shreve 36

Evangel 49, Benton 13

Franklin Parish 54, Airline 43

Pleasant Grove, Tex., 47, Byrd 7

Loyola 71, Northwood 53

Booker T. Washington 44, Southwood 8

Calvary 53, Union Parish 0

Green Oaks 50, Red River 22

North Caddo 21, Plain Dealing 0

Beekman Charter 40, Magnolia School of Excellence 6

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JOURNAL SPORTS

There were a few shifts in this week’s Shreveport-Bossier Journal Top 10 poll rankings, but the only change at the top is unanimous agreement.

Unbeaten Calvary, the No. 1 ranked team statewide in Class 2A, was at the top of all five SBJ media voters’ rankings this week. The Cavs had been getting four first-place votes, but their blowout win at Union Parish and Airline’s loss to Class 4A Franklin Parish got the final No. 1 vote going to Linwood Avenue.

One point separated No. 2 Parkway and No. 3 Evangel, with Loyola staying put in fourth. Airline, which had gotten the other first-place vote, dipped to fifth after it couldn’t hold a fourth-period lead against the visiting Patriots.

Five veteran sports media members who cover local high school football rank their top 10 teams each week. Rankings started after Week 1 and continue through the end of the regular season.

The SBJ Top 10 going into Week 5:

1, Calvary (5 first place votes), 50 points

2, Parkway, 41

3, Evangel, 40

4, Loyola, 36

5, Airline, 31

6, Haughton, 27

7, Green Oaks, 20

8, Booker T. Washington, 14

9, Captain Shreve, 11

10. Benton, 4

Receiving votes – Northwood, 1.

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JOURNAL SPORTS

For the second straight week, Northwestern State’s football team found itself digging out of an early hole that was too large to overcome, while Grambling and Centenary could not find fourth quarter magic in narrow losses highlighting area college football teams Saturday.

Louisiana Tech was idle and hosts Army this Saturday.

NORTHWESTERN: For the second straight week, the Demons showed flashes that they are closer than the final score may indicate. But they have to start better than 21 down at Weber State last weekend, and again by the same first-quarter spread Saturday at home against a Southeastern Louisiana team coming off a 38-35 upset at ULM.

NSU (0-5, 0-2) trailed 28-0 in the second quarter before a pair of explosive scoring drives signalled a response, but the early advantage built on the heels of the Southeastern (3-2, 1-1) running game proved too much to overcome in a 52-21 loss Saturday night at Turpin Stadium.

“I think we played close to the exact same football game two weeks in a row,” Northwestern head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “Found ourselves down in a hurry with some mistakes and (then) proved to ourselves we can play with a lot of people at this level in this country. We’re proving on a down-by-down basis that we can play with people, we’ve just got to be more consistent to give ourselves a chance. The little things are killing us right now.”

The Demons missed a field goal on their opening possession, with kicker Payne Williams III getting injured as he made the attempt, spoiling an excellent opening drive. The Lions went down the field in nine plays to get on the board first, recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff return, and added to the lead four plays later to make it 14-0 just over 10 minutes into the game.

A big play late in the first half got the Demons on the board when quarterback Zach Wilcke found Brendan Webb for a 43-yard touchdown. Wilcke took advantage of a free play after the Lions were flagged for being offside and lofted the ball down the field to Webb.

After a Lion field goal to answer Webb’s touchdown, the Demons needed just five plays to travel 75 yards on the ensuing possession. Back-to-back explosive plays, an 18-yard end-around by Webb and a 39-yard completion to Zay Davis, helped set up Camryn Davis for the first of his two highlight-reel touchdown catches.

 “Those are two talented, young players that are getting better, just like a lot of guys on our team,” McCorkle said. “Happy for Cam getting two touchdowns today and Brendan is a big play guy. We’ve got a lot of guys in that room that can make plays.”

GRAMBLING:  The Tigers (2-2 overall, 0-1 SWAC) pushed defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Prairie View but couldn’t sustain enough offense to overcome a a 21-14 deficit in the fourth period.

Grambling led 7-0 in the second quarter before Prairie View (2-3, 2-0) scored 14 unanswered points across the third and fourth quarters to take a 21-7 advantage. The Tigers drew within one score with 3:10 left on Tyson George’s 47-yard reception from Jacobe Robinson, but the Panthers didn’t surrender possession afterward.

Grambling finished with 265 yards of total offense, including 193 passing yards, while Prairie View posted 317 yards in a defensive slugfest at the Cotton Bowl in the annual State Fair Classic between the schools.

CENTENARY: The Gents dropped a14-7 heartbreaker to Schreiner’s Mountaineers in a non-conference game at Atkins Field, getting on the scoreboard with 5:07 remaining but a closing 40-yard drive stalled out at the visitors’ 40 in the final seconds.

The Gents (0-3) had four different players throw passes as they tried to mount some offense. Keegan Davis threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Theo Dunn to give Centenary a late chance to tie the game.

The Mountaineers (3-1), in their first season of NCAA Division III football competition, outgained Centenary by 100 yards, 390-290, as each team suffered three turnovers.

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The Rotary Club of South Shreveport broke ground on a new pavilion at the LSUS Pioneer Heritage Center and presented a $20,000 gift to the LSU in Shreveport Foundation to support the project.

The Pioneer Heritage Center is home to seven historic structures, including two listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The new pavilion will provide students and visitors with a place to gather, learn and connect with Northwest Louisiana’s history.

During the groundbreaking, leaders drove old-fashioned nails into a timber beam to honor the craftsmanship that built the region.

Tours of the Pioneer Heritage Center can be scheduled at pioneer@lsus.edu.

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Kimberly Gayle Provost, 47, of Bossier City, Louisiana, passed away on September 26, 2026.

Born March 9, 1979, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kim leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will remain forever in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose smile, laughter, and presence will be cherished by her family and friends for years to come.

Throughout Kim’s life, she faced many illnesses and endured countless challenges, yet she continued to move forward with a strength that inspired those around her. Her journey was not always easy, but it never stopped her from demonstrating courage, perseverance, and resilience. Kim is now healed, whole, and at peace, free from the pain and struggles that diabetes brought at such a young age. Although her life here on earth has come to an end, her story continues through the love she shared and the memories she created.

Those left to cherish her are her loving father and mother, John and Maggie Provost; brother Brandon Provost, wife Lewynell, and niece Olivia; Uncle Glen & wife Patty Provost; cousins Dustin Provost and Morgan, and Austin Lamoureux; stepbrother Drew & wife Rachel Wales, nephew Harper, nieces Hallie and Hollyn Wales, Uncle Bruce Dominique and Uncle Jason Dominique, along with countless other cousins and friends.

Kim was preceded in death by their mother, Penny Marie Dominique Provost; Annie Jane Dominique; Betty Joan Provost Thomas; Louis Daniel “Dan” Thomas; and Aunt Pamela Lomastro.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Auld’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation: https://breakthrought1d.ca/

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It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of James “David” Shaw on September 14th, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born January 4th, 1950, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to James A and Adeline Batcheldor Shaw, David was a strong willed, intelligent, and caring young man. He graduated from C.E.Byrd High School as a Merit Scholar, later earning a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern State University-where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

After a brief year teaching upon graduation, David entered the aerosol industry as a young chemist at Aeropres Corporation in Shreveport. There he was able to show off his skillset and move up to Technical Director. After a few years in the industry, he joined Trio Energy Company as Technical Director where he helped launch a line of aerosol propellants. It did not take long for David to become a prestigious member of the aerosol industry. Following the sale of Trio, David moved to Chicago where his talents truly showed as Vice President of Manufacturing at Claire Sprayway. When the opportunity arose, he was able to move back to his hometown of Shreveport as a special advisor and consultant for Diversified CPC. During his many years at Diversified, David was promoted to Director of Specialized Products and was instrumental in the development of several new product lines. Diversified’s development in refrigerants, blowing agents, and specialty gases can be attributed to the brilliant work and mind of David. His passion for this industry was clearly shown in his dedication to the production of products and the joy he had sharing his expertise with others at events such as SATA and NAA conferences where he was often a keynote speaker. Even in retirement, he remained a consultant in the field with Unistar Chemical Solutions. Throughout his 50+ year career in the aerosol industry, David was a highly respected leader and was one of the industry’s leading scientists and technical experts.

David held many titles in his life; professionally, as seen above and personally, as son, brother, “Uncle”, husband, and his proudest “Daddy”. Being the father of his twin girls was his biggest accomplishment in life. Being able to see his daughters grow up and thrive into adulthood was an added bonus.

David enjoyed many things in life, many falling under the common theme of the great outdoors. Whether he was playing a round of golf or on a hunting trip, he wanted to be out and about. One of his favorite activities was anything to do with watersports. On countless trips to Arkansas, all family and friends alike ended up behind the boat on a tube or a pair of water skis. It was a passion that David loved to pass on to any and everyone who joined the crew. When it was time to go from the great outdoors to the great indoors, David donned his purple and gold to cheer on LSU. “Geaux Tigers” followed by the fight song often filled the air Saturdays in the Shaw Household. A Tigers win topped with something chocolate was the definition of a great night. Most importantly, David enjoyed any chance he could get with “his girls”, Lynn, Catherine, and Nicole.

David is preceded in death by his parents, James and Adeline, and his sister, Margaret. Left to carry on his “mark” are his wife of 37 years, Lynn Harbour Shaw; daughters, Catherine Shaw Hammond and husband Nick, Nicole Shaw Lafitte and husband Trent; honorary son-nephew John “Jackson” Shaw; grandson, Bennett Lafitte; his brother Bill Shaw and wife Kay; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of David’s life will be held Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104. Visitation will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm with a brief service afterwards. A private interment will be held for family at Forest Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana (285 Mt. Zion Road, Shreveport, LA 71106) in David’s honor.

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Phonetic: /mawk·​ish/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

lacking flavor or having an unpleasant taste

exaggeratedly or childishly emotional
a mawkish love story
mawkish poetry

Ruth A. Johnson
March 27, 1950 – September 26, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Catholic Church, Shreveport.

Kimberly Gayle Provost
March 9, 1979 — September 26, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Betty Lou Crews Smith
April 10, 1933 — September 26, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Irma Christine Turner
March 29, 1935 – September 26, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Cloe Teer Henington Rinehart
February 24, 1942 — September 22, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 11am at Broadmoor Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Karolyn May Parsons
January 26, 1948 — September 21, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10:30am at Airline Drive Church of Christ, Bossier City.

Timothy Allen “Timmy” Johnston
September 16, 1968 — September 20, 2026
Service: Thursday, October 1, 2026, 1pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Jeff Scriber
April 7, 1971 – September 19, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 6pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Brigitte Kay Teague
February 21, 1960 — September 18, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 5pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.

Margaret “Maggie” Gerlicher McElroy
November 16, 1943 — September 16, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 2:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Shreveport.

James David Shaw
January 4, 1950 – September 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 4pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.

Pamela List
August 26, 1957 — September 9, 2026
Service: Monday, September 28, 2026, 10:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

Jerry Grass
December 21, 1935 — August 27, 2026
Service: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 11:30am at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.

Robert Ashley Jahnke
March 11, 1945 – August 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11am at Christ United Methodist Church, Shreveport.

Helen Christine “Chris” Frazier Belk
October 1, 1953 — August 6, 2026
Service: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 2pm at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Shreveport.

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Two 18-year-old Shreveport men were arrested following a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen pickup truck, boat and trailer in Winn Parish on Sept. 21, 2026.

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report from Winnfield City Police regarding the theft of a gray Ford pickup truck pulling a trailer with a boat from TAZ Mart in Winnfield. The vehicle was reportedly taken by two Black males and was last seen traveling north on U.S. 167.

A short time later, deputies received a report of a boat and trailer blocking the roadway on Louisiana Highway 156. Deputies responded and confirmed that the boat and trailer matched the description of those stolen with the pickup truck.

Deputies located the stolen vehicle traveling south on Gum Springs Road off Louisiana Highway 156. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, speeds exceeded 125 mph.

The vehicle crossed U.S. 84 at speeds exceeding 100 mph before continuing southbound on Gum Springs Road. The driver eventually ran off the roadway and crashed into several trees.

The driver and passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot into the surrounding woods. Winn Parish deputies, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officers, Atlanta Police and the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Chase Team established a perimeter and searched for the suspects.

After several hours, one suspect was apprehended in the woods near Black Mountain Road. The suspect was identified as Demario Cortez Spearman Lewis, 18, of Shreveport. Spearman Lewis, identified as the passenger, was arrested and charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated obstruction of a roadway, resisting arrest by flight and theft of a firearm.

At approximately 7 a.m., a Winn Parish deputy spotted a Black male matching the description of the second suspect walking along the edge of Archie Jones Road, just off Gum Springs Road. The deputy apprehended the suspect without incident.

The second suspect, identified as the driver, was Kadence Jaa’lyn Dequise Neal, 18, of Shreveport. Neal was arrested and charged with two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated obstruction of a roadway, aggravated flight from an officer, careless operation of a vehicle with crash, speeding 120/45, resisting arrest by flight, theft of a firearm and leaving the scene of a crash.

Both suspects were booked into the Winn Parish Detention Center.

The Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office also responded by sending a drone and operator to assist in locating the second suspect.

Sheriff McAllister thanked the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Winn Parish Chase Team, Winnfield Police Department, Winnfield City Marshal’s Office, Atlanta Police Department and Sheriff Tony Edwards of the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.

“This is the way it’s supposed to work, departments assisting each other when manpower is stretched,” Sheriff McAllister said. “This was a great outcome. No one was injured during the pursuit, crash, or apprehension.”

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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From Sept. 16-22, Shreveport Police arrested 18 people on DWI charges. Four were charged with DWI, second offense.

DWI, second offense:

Brock Allen Lawson — also charged with careless operation, improper turning or signaling, and expired registration.

Dekendrey E. Reddix — also charged with a registration violation and driving under suspension.

Jackie Williams — also charged with speeding and possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle.

Tremaine M. Levi — also charged with hit-and-run, driving under suspension, an ignition interlock violation, no proof of insurance, and possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle.

DWI, first offense:

Donald G. Edwards Jr.

Antonio Jacobs — also charged with speeding.

Johnnie D. Winn — also charged with speeding and careless operation.

Steven G. Shuler — also charged with no proof of insurance, careless operation, and possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle.

Shirley A. Collins — also charged with improper lane use.

Nicolia Lashundae Washington — also charged with driving under suspension, a registration violation, and no insurance.

Andrea Rene Brown — also charged with reckless operation.

Jessie L. Ward III — also charged with improper lane use.

Mitchell E. Hampton

Megan B. Huff — also charged with improper turning or signaling and a taillight violation.

Christain Oshea Brimzy — also charged with driving without a license, a one-way roadway violation, and possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle.

Antonio M. Ramirez-Rodriguez — also charged with driving without a license and speeding.

Arvesta Demery — also charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession and possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle.

Kevin Lopez

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Speaker Mike Johnson Addresses Bossier Chamber on Tax Policy and National Defense
Bossier Chamber of Commerce, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed local business and community leaders Wednesday at the Public Policy Kickoff hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. Johnson provided a Washington update and highlighted the working families tax cut as a key legislative priority. He also spoke on national defense and artificial intelligence. The event followed Johnson’s Tuesday morning appearance at LSU Shreveport, where he discussed national and state issues with community members and students. Johnson, a Shreveport native and Captain Shreve High School graduate, represents Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, which includes both Caddo and Bossier parishes.

Today is Dolly Parton Day in Caddo Parish; Community Events Across Shreveport
United Way of Northwest Louisiana, Caddo Parish Commission

Today is Dolly Parton Day in Caddo Parish, proclaimed by the Caddo Parish Commission to honor Parton’s lifelong commitment to literacy and her Imagination Library program, which provides free books monthly to more than 7,000 Northwest Louisiana children. United Way of Northwest Louisiana is marking the occasion with a series of community events today, including a special Dolly Smoothie at two local Smoothie King locations, a free screening of 9 to 5 at Robinson Film Center, and the Bakowski Bridge of Lights illuminated in pink tonight in honor of Parton’s life and legacy. The Robinson Film Center also continues its Remembering Dolly Book Drive through Sept. 30.

Notini’s Italian Restaurant Closes Bossier City Location After 45 Years
Notini’s Italian Restaurant

Notini’s Italian Restaurant closes its Bossier City location today after 45 years at that address, ending a decades-long chapter for one of the region’s most established Italian dining institutions. The restaurant has announced plans to reopen at a new location. No details on the new site have been announced. Patrons wishing to follow updates are encouraged to monitor the restaurant’s social media channels.

Last Day: Caddo Parish Voter Registration Drives at Shreve Memorial Library
Shreve Memorial Library, Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters

Today is the final day of Shreve Memorial Library’s five-day voter registration drive in partnership with the Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters. Registration sessions are available today at three branches: Atkins Branch, 3704 Greenwood Road; Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop; and Broadmoor Branch, 1212 Captain Shreve Drive. Bring proof of age, residency, and identity. The general election is November 3; the last day to register to vote in Louisiana is October 4.



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Twelve students taking American Sign Language through the Bossier Schools Distance Learning Program recently visited the Deaf Action Center in Shreveport for a Bingo and spaghetti lunch.

The event gave students an opportunity to use their language skills and knowledge of Deaf culture in a real-world setting. Students played bingo and conversed with members of the Deaf community, gaining a deeper understanding, confidence and appreciation for ASL and the culture surrounding it.

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On Thursday, Kyle Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers was fined 15 large for his celebration in last week’s game. Juszczyk’s unthinkable offense was for simulating chugging beer which the NFL determined to be “engaging in offensive demonstrations.”

“I don’t even drink beer,” Juszczyk said.

He didn’t like it – nor should he – but I won’t be a surprised if he issues a quarter-hearted apology.

Earlier in the week, Colorado’s Ben Finneseth apologized for his remarks about the temporary stadium and/or crowd at the Buffaloes game against Northwestern. He remarked that the facility felt like a library (among a few other things).

“It was childish. It was a stupid thing that I said,” Finneseth said. “It won’t happen again, and the way I handled it was horrible.”

It should be pointed out that his original comment was caught on a sideline mic, not in an actual interview setting. Makes no difference in Apology World.

Of course, it didn’t help that the Buffalos lost by five touchdowns in the “library,” perhaps because they had a hard time figuring out the Dewey Decimal System.

Ryan Grubb, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, fired off an apology for the horrendous offense of criticizing the Crimson Tide’s fans for booing after the team fell behind. “I told the guys, ‘I said, shoot, guys, if you’d have quit as fast as some of your fans, we wouldn’t have won that game. So I was proud of them. For a bunch of 19-year-olds to go out there and just 21-6 and not flinch, I was fired up.”

Uh, Ryan … Bama Nation would like to see you in the office immediately. Bring your apology.

Arch Manning apologized

Steve Sarkesian apologized.

Others are becoming famous for apologizing.

If you’ve ever heard of American sprinter Sam Blaskowski, it’s only because he issued an apology not because anything he’s done on the track. But a social media post he shared seven years ago was discovered. He didn’t post it, but he shared it. When he was in his mid-teens.

Dropped by his track club.

But there is no better combination of senseless apologies and unknown athletes than Australian Joanna Wietrzyk.

Who?

Glad you asked.

She’s the current women’s solo professional champion in Hyrox.

What’s Hyrox?

Wish you hadn’t asked.

Forced to look that up, I discovered that it’s some kind of uber-fitness competition that trace its roots all the way back to 2017. In a race earlier this month in China, Wietrzyk suffered a bout of fecal incontinence (two words I’d never thought I’d write) but went on to win the race.

If you ask me, good for her.

But the crazy world of Hyrox exploded (perhaps a bad choice of words) over the incident and she retroactively withdrew from the race, forfeited her win, and – wait for it — apologized to competitors and organizers.

After that, the inventor of Hyrox also apologized and immediately implemented some rule changes.

These days, we are never at a loss for an apology in the sports world. There’s always another one on the way, so just keep your seat.

I would say it’s getting out of hand, but it’s been out of hand for a long time and there are two words to explain it – social media.

There’s always somebody out there just waiting to be outraged and feels the need to let the world know it, even though the world doesn’t care.

My apologies if you don’t agree.

Contact JJ at johnjamesmarshall@yahoo.com

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Week 4 of the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s annual High School Football Pick ’Em contest is underway, giving local fans another chance to test their gridiron knowledge and win cash.

Each week, the contest features 10 selected matchups highlighting Bossier and Caddo high schools and marquee regional games. The second round of competition concludes Friday, Sept. 25, so make your selections before kickoff to get in the game.

Each weekly winner will take home $100 and be featured with a photo in the Journal.

Participants can submit their picks online through the SBJ platform throughout the season to see who truly reigns as the top football prognosticator in Bossier and Caddo Parishes.

[jsllc_pickem_form]

Contest Rules & Details

• Anyone is eligible to participate for free, and each week’s winning participant will win a $100 prize. Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games. Ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two designated weekly contests. The picker with the closest score, without going over, is the winner. All decisions by Management/SBJ are final. The contest can be modified and/or cancelled without notice to the public.
  
  The only persons not eligible to participate are the publisher, the publisher’s immediate family, and regular content contributors to the Journal as determined by Management/SBJ.
  
• There is no entry fee. All contest decisions by Journal management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Mondays and must agree to have their photo published in the Journal.
  
• Every participant receives a free subscription to the Journal, delivered directly to their inbox daily at 6:55 a.m.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

MEDINAH, Ill. – Scottie Scheffler sealed the victory, then said his partner Sam Burns saved the day.

Just after the International duo of Australia’s Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im of South Korea had broken through to take a 1-up lead with Im’s birdie on the 13^th hole, Burns pulled his 8-iron and turned things back America’s way Thursday in the opening four-ball match of the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club.

His 173-yard shot stopped two feet, five inches away on the par-3 hole, and the kick-in putt squared the match and erased their only deficit of the day. Scheffler sank a 4-foot par putt on the 17^th hole to lift the Americans into a lead, then saved par with a near-perfect pitch out of the sand on the last hole, ending six inches from the cup as the Internationals faced a 40-foot par putt in a desperate try to halve the match.

It didn’t fall and the Internationals did. The USA closed the afternoon with a 3-2 edge heading into today’s foursomes competition.

American captain Brandt Snedeker has paired the longtime friends together again, this time against Corey Conners and Cup rookie Nick Taylor. Tee time is 12:05 in the first of five alternate shot matches, with Golf Channel carrying the competition. NBC picks up the weekend coverage.

In an on-course interview moments after Thursday’s match, Scheffler gave Burns his due.

“Both teams got off to pretty hot starts today and we pulled off a little bit after that, but Sam, I felt like he had probably the shot of the match there on 14,” said the World No. 1 Dallas native. “We lost 13 to go one down, and then he went in there to a couple feet, and we were able to square up the match. That was really a big moment for us as a team.”

Burns, a Shreveport native who now lives in Choudrant, was the USA’s best statistical performer Thursday, the only one of the 10 Americans to post positive numbers in each of the “Shots Gained” categories.

The 30-year-old former LSU All-American sank a 17-foot birdie putt at the 9th to keep the match even. Lee and Im then missed three straight birdie looks that would have given them their first lead of the day before finally converting on the 13^th to nab a short-lived advantage.

“We knew it was gonna be tough,” said Burns, a career-best eighth in the Official World Golf Rankings playing in his fifth straight international competition. “These matches always seem to be close. It’s a couple shots here and there. It’s always a good feeling when you’ve got this guy by your side. You know, he’s gonna be in every hole, and he’s gonna compete as hard as he can.”

It was the first win in five tries for Burns and Scheffler pairing  at either the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, and the first time they’ve played together in international competition since 2023.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports

BATON ROUGE – No. 10 LSU and No. 23 Texas A&M are in the same pirogue without a paddle heading into Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. fork-in-the-bayou SEC showdown here in Tiger Stadium.

The winner sails through the first month of the 2026 season with its College Football Playoffs hopes solidly afloat.

The loser is bailing water.

The Tigers and the Aggies, both 2-1 overall and 0-1 in the SEC after 32-24 and 31-21 losses last Saturday against then-No. 8 Ole Miss and unranked Kentucky respectively, are already fighting for survival.

What makes the storyline even more intriguing is that LSU and Texas A&M are relying on starting quarterbacks whose strengths and weaknesses, stats and even jersey numbers (No. 10) mirror each other.

LSU’s Sam Leavitt and Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed were ranked by 247Sports as the 15^th and 17^th best high school quarterbacks in the nation in the Class of 2022.

Leavitt, a redshirt junior from West Linn, Ore. playing for his third school, is 18-5 in 23 college starts (the first 20 at Arizona State, the last 3 at LSU), including a 2024 CFP first-round loss to Texas for 11-3 ASU.

Reed, a senior from Nashville who has played his entire career with the Aggies, is 18-6 in 24 college starts, including a 2025 CFP first-round loss to Miami for 11-2 A&M.

Their career statistics reveal they are dependable runners (Leavitt 1,014 rushing yards and 16 TDs on 236 carries, Reed 1,202 yards, 16 TD on 257 carries) and inconsistent passers (Leavitt with a 61.4 career completion percent, Reed is at 61.3).

In their most recent losses, Leavitt and Reed both had a TD pass and run each, both completed less than 60 percent of their passes, both missed wide open receivers (including Leavitt twice for likely TDs) and both threw interceptions forced into coverage.

“I missed a lot of throws that are layups for me, throws that I make easily,” said Reed when he faced numerous tough questions in the postgame media session following the loss to UK. “I didn’t make them, and they were costly, so I gotta fix it. I can make those throws, and I will make those throws down the stretch. It definitely feels more mental, so I’ve got to fix that immediately, and build my confidence back up.”

Fortunately for Reed, he’s playing LSU, a team he has terrorized the last two seasons in A&M wins (38-28 at College Station in 2024, 49-25 in Baton Rouge a year ago).

In roughly 5½ quarters vs. the Tigers including the entire game as a starter last season, Reed has rushed for 170 yards and five TDs, and passed for 272 yards, two TDs and tossed two interceptions.

Reed’s history against the Tigers is one of many reasons why A&M’s third-year head coach Mike Elko’s faith in Reed hasn’t waned.

“I have a lot of confidence in Marcel,” Elko said earlier this week. “I believe in Marcel. Marcel is our quarterback.”

Leavitt, who’s being paid well over $4 million annually by LSU after the Arizona State transfer was plucked from the portal last January by first-year Tigers’ coach Lane Kiffin, hasn’t yet looked comfortable for an entire game.

While Leavitt leads all SEC starting quarterbacks in rushing yards (198) and TD runs (6), his completion percentage of 61.3 percent is among the worst in the league.

He’s thrown a SEC-worst five interceptions with just three TD passes.

Since LSU has rarely allowed Leavitt to speak to the media (including just one postgame interview so far), Kiffin has been the designated spokesman to explain Leavitt’s struggles.

“We have a lot of incompletions, a lot of dead plays where we’re not getting anything,” Kiffin said. “We’re not making the defense run sideline to sideline.”

Kiffin understands Leavitt’s tendency to quickly bail from a collapsing pass pocket rather than hang in and complete passes.

“When you get impacted early in the game by rush, and you can’t step up and throw in rhythm,” Kiffin said, “it affects you. They (the Ole Miss pass rush) did a really good job.”

Pro Football Focus, which reviews college game films, charted the duress Leavitt received from the Rebels. He was hurried 11 times by the pass rush, pressured 14 times and sacked three times.

According to PFF, LSU’s starting offensive line grades were abysmal vs. Ole Miss, averaging 54.1 percent as a group. Left offensive tackle and Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton, the second highest paid player on the team earning more than $4.3 million, graded 53.6.

Kiffin considered possible O-line changes in practice this past week.

There may be a new starting lineman or two or increased playing time for a trio of FBS transfers with considerable playing time. Sean Thompkins (a junior from Baylor), former Shreveport Calvary Baptist Academy standout sophomore Devin Harper and Wiliam Satterwhite II (a sophomore from Tennessee) have been trained at multiple line spots.

The better the O-line, the more Leavitt feels he can throw from the pocket.

“Confidence is fragile at every position, but especially at quarterback because it’s the one position you’ve got to do your job with potentially getting hit from all over,” Kiffin said. “When he (Leavitt) was having success by taking off on his own (he ran for 63 yards and a TD on 17 carries vs. Ole Miss), it’s hard to stay in there (the pocket) when that’s how the game was going.

“But he knows we have to do a better job of that, even in those situations. Deliver the ball on time and not try too much.”

LSU receivers, as sophomore Ole Miss transfer Winston Watkins, are adapting to Leavitt’s madcap scrambles.

“Sam Lev is a guy that’s going to try to make an extra play or try to extend plays with his legs,” said Watkins, who has a team-leading 15 receptions for 207 yards and two TDs. “So, it’s just understanding the type of quarterback you got, understanding scramble drills and understanding the play is not over till it’s over. It’s finding a way to get open and making that extra play.”

GO FIGURE

6: Sacks for LSU edge rusher Princewell Umanmielen, who leads the FBS in the category

14: Sacks by LSU, which leads the FBS

8-1: A&M’s record under third-year head coach Mike Elko when leading entering the fourth quarter

33: Rushing yards per game allowed by the Tigers, first in the SEC and second nationally

34:28: A&M’s average time of possession, first in the SEC and seventh nationally

55-3: Texas A&M’s huge fourth-quarter scoring advantage in its first three games

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

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BATON ROUGE – It seemed like many times Bob Pettit wasn’t necessarily comfortable with the notoriety of being Bob Pettit.

For generations of basketball fans, from Baton Rouge to St. Louis, he was a legit Naismith Hall of Famer. A self-made two-time All-American who led LSU to the 1953 Final Four. One of the 50 greatest NBA players in history with the St. Louis Hawks, twice league MVP, two-time scoring champion, a 10-time All-NBA first-team honoree, an 11-time All-Star and four-time All-Star game MVP, an NBA champion in 1958 when he became the first player to score 50 points in championship series game and retired in 1965 as the league’s all-time leading scorer.

Pettit, who died Wednesday at the age of 93, was all that and more. But he only carried himself that way on the court, heeding the advice given to him when he was a college sophomore by teammate Joe Dean Sr.

“When you walk out on that court, you’ve got to think you’re the greatest thing out there,” Dean told Pettit. “You have to believe you are the greatest. There’s nobody as good as you are. You understand?”

Dean’s advice stuck with Pettit for the rest of his basketball career. It started with two seasons at Baton Rouge High through 1950, then four seasons at LSU through 1954 and 11 NBA years with the Hawks.

“I’d wake up every morning, shave, look in the mirror,” Pettit recalled, “and say `You are the greatest, nobody can stop you.”

The basketball court was virtually the only place that Pettit exuded the ego and the quiet swagger necessary to become an NBA legend, starting when he was named the league’s Rookie of the Year.

Pettit certainly enjoyed reaching his goals, but he preferred to focus on the journey than the destination. He never got enamored with his accomplishments because he truly took it one season at a time.

That’s not a cliché. It was Pettit’s thought process, honed from years of youthful failure waiting for a growth spurt while attending Baton Rouge High.

As a ninth-grade football player, he lasted one day when a running back ran for a 65-yard TD through a hole he was supposed to be defending.

As a ninth-grade basketball player, he played in just three games and scored zero points.

As a ninth-grade baseball player, he was the first player cut from the team.

At 5-10, 118 pounds, he also tried out for track and field.

“My teammates thought I was a javelin,” Pettit always said jokingly. “They picked me up and threw me 180 feet.”

As 10th grader, he was cut from the basketball team and played in a church league.

“At that point, all l wanted to do was earn a varsity letter,” Pettit said.

Thanks to Pettit’s dad, who erected a backyard basketball goal, young Bob practiced day and night. It was always about mastering the fundamentals, proper shooting technique with both hands, boxing out on rebounds, not trying anything outside of his skill set.

It was an approach that served him well until the day he retired.

His dogged improvement, paired with a growth spurt, made Pettit a 6–7 star center who led his BRHS team to the state championship in 1950.

Only a handful of colleges recruited him. It took just a steak dinner at Baton Rouge’s upscale restaurant Bob and Jake’s with LSU head coach Harry Rabenhorst for Pettit to sign with the Tigers.

After playing on the freshman team for head coach John Chaney – “He taught me more about playing basketball than any coach I ever had,” Pettit once said – Pettit eventually averaged 27.4 points and 14.4 rebounds (both LSU career records), including 31.4 points and 17.3 rebounds as a senior in 1953-54.

He was the second overall pick in the NBA Draft and wrangled an $11,000 a year salary by agreeing to report to the Hawks a month early to help sell season tickets.

He was immediately moved from center to forward, having to learn to play facing the basket offensively.

And after his first season, Pettit realized his 210-pound frame needed added muscle to survive and thrive in a league where the games often had as many fights as hockey. So, he turned to Baton Rouge weight trainer Alvin Roy for an off-season lifting regime alongside LSU football team members at Roy’s health club near the Tigers’ campus.

“With all the pushing and shoving under that backboard, I’ll need to be stronger,” Pettit said. “So I went to see Alvin Roy and said ‘Alvin, I need to get stronger, can you help me?’ He said, ‘Man, I’m the man. I can help you. I’ll never make you to where your muscles will hurt or hinder you.’”

Pettit eventually put on 30 pounds of muscle through the years and became almost impossible to defend because of his sure mid-range jumpers and strong drives to the hoop.

While he constantly added elements to his game, such as improving his free throw shooting or his outside shooting stroke, Pettit usually stayed true to what he did best.

“I was very aware of my abilities,” Pettit said. “I was very aware of my limitations. Scoring off offensive rebounds accounted for 8 to 10 of my points as well as 8 to 10 free throws. I’d be off and running when my jump shots fell.”

His opponents, such as fellow Naismith Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, marveled over Pettit’s year-to-year consistency that led to his career averages of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds, the best pro stats of any former LSU star in history.

“Pettit knew what he could do and what he couldn’t do,” Robertson said. “And what he could do, he did expertly.”

A series of injuries in the 1964-65 season led to Pettit’s retirement as he transitioned to the banking industry. But the move was something he had prepared for in off-seasons.

He was named to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1970, to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1973 and had his LSU statue unveiled in February 2016 (62 years after LSU retired his jersey upon graduation).

A humbled Pettit was pleased with the statue and the enormity of the honor.

“I asked him (the sculptor) to give me hair and muscles, and he has done that,” Pettit said with a smile at the ceremony. “I never dreamed this. I’ve had quite a few honors over the years, but nothing compares to this.”

Through the decades, Pettit maintained courtside season tickets to LSU home games and attended when his schedule and health permitted. Also, he made annual donations to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Until the very end, he believed in his home state and his home state returned his love.

We have lost an athletic legend and an even better gentleman. Godspeed, Mr. Pettit.

Contact Ron at ronhigginsmedia@gmail.com

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By MATT VINES, Journal Sports

The Shreveport-Bossier area officially kicks off district play with District 1-4A and District 1-5A getting started.

As we enter into Week 4, results and play have started to crystallize which teams are likely contenders not only for district titles, but which squads are the biggest threats to advance in their respective playoff brackets.

Captain Shreve (2-1) at Haughton (3-0) tops the list in terms of teams that perhaps have the most questions surrounding them.

The Gators have improved a defensive unit that surrendered 55 points to an explosive Loyola offense in big wins against Bastrop (51-6) and Northwood (49-28).

But Northwood might not be that top-10 seed team in Division I Select that they’ve been the past two seasons.

Captain Shreve could build credentials as a possible District 1-5A championship contender with a win at undefeated Haughton.

Haughton quarterback Taylor Weathersby seems like he’s been under center for a decade, and the Bucs’ offense has been dominant in their three wins so far.

While Homer (0-3) is a legitimate test that’s provided competitive contests in every recent matchup with Haughton — including a 42-30 Bucs win this season – Haughton’s other two wins haven’t provided those many problems.

The Bucs rolled through Southwood (50-0) and Glenbrook (45-6), bringing Haughton’s opponent record to a total of 0-9.

Of course a deep District 1-5A will provide plenty of tests and power-point opportunities, and that continues for Haughton  in the next two weeks with Captain Shreve followed by Parkway.

A Bucs win against Captain Shreve would go a long way to Haughton obtaining its first playoff appearance since 2022. This is the Bucs’ best start since 2019.

The Gators have won the last five meetings all by at least 20 points.

Evangel-Benton offers further district insight

Evangel’s 42-0 shellacking of district foe Huntington in a non-district game opened eyes not necessarily because the Eagles had more points, but the zero on Huntington’s side.

The Eagles, a very good football team that’s striving and twisting to be elite in the Division I Select realm, delivered such a performance after scrapping and clawing in losses to West Monroe (42-32) and Neville (43-27).

A repeat defensive performance against a Benton (2-1) bunch looking to find a desired level of consistency in the second season under coach Stephen Dennis could signal an early district favorite.

Quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston is using any means necessary to move the chains and keep his defense resting on the sidelines.

He’s turned more to his legs instead of forcing passes. Houston is Evangel’s leading rusher (400 yards and a touchdown) in addition to the leading passer (843 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions).

“That’s just the way I’m reading the play,” Houston told the Shreveport-Bossier Journal. “My dad always tells me to be a point guard, but sometimes, we can make a couple bad passes, trying to do too much.

“So when I see green grass from now on, I’m going to start taking it.”

Benton has a chance to showcase its improvement as well, opening the season with a 34-26 win against Northwood before a 30-16 loss to Booker T. Washington in which the Tigers fell behind by 24 points and gave up 294 passing yards.

Benton played its part last week in a 38-6 win against Woodlawn. A win at Evangel would thrust the Tigers into the conversation with its Bossier Parish counterparts Airline and Parkway.

Can Benton quarterback Malachi Zeigler and the Tigers continue to chart their playoff return (missed in 2024 and 2025) with what would be a huge win over the Eagles?

Don’t sleep on non-district matchups like Airline’s

There are still appetizing morsels that won’t count in district standings.

Franklin Parish visiting Airline is another look at this Vikings team that could possibly be undefeated heading into its final two games with Evangel and Parkway.

The Patriots are one of the up-and-coming programs in North Louisiana, which includes top 7 playoff seeds the past two seasons, a 2024 quarterfinals trip, and a series split with Calvary Baptist.

Franklin Parish lost the opener to defending state champion Sterlington (Division III Non-Select) but responded with big wins over Oak Grove (53-20) and Madison Parish (62-0).

Loyola (2-1) and Northwood (1-2) have had fun times as District 1-4A foes, but with the Flyers swooping to Class 3A this year, tonight’s meeting  in Blanchard won’t count in district standings.

Loyola and high-flying Bryce Restovich feels like a known factor, but the jury is still out on Northwood.

The Falcons pulled off a comeback at West Ouachita (28-22) in what otherwise would be an 0-3 start. They dominated Captain Shreve into the third quarter before the Gators roared back.

Northwood is in its toughest stretch that started last week with Shreve (49-28 loss) and continues with Loyola, North DeSoto, BTW, and Minden – who have a combined record of 10-2.

C.E. Byrd is trying to avoid an 0-4 start, but that’ll be an uphill battle against a 4-0 Pleasant Grove (Texas) squad that is ranked No. 4 in UIL’s Class 4A Division II.

The teams did split their previous two-game series.

A big day from running back Christian Maxie could see him break Byrd’s all-time school rushing record.

Maxie (3,400 career yards) needs 348 yards to top Justan Gibson, who rushed for 3,747 yards from 2004-06.

District 1-2A story lines

Coming off a Saturday win in the Soul Bowl over BTW, Green Oaks (3-0) heads south to face a winless Red River squad (0-3).

Why is this important?

The Giants are coming into a short week justifiably feeling really good about themselves.

Red River has built a lead in all three of its losses, including a 12-0 edge over Parkway.

Can Green Oaks rein in the praise and positivity to go on the road in a classic trap game?

Calvary Baptist (3-0) likely won’t be in a trap game scenario against the new-look Union Parish Farmers.

The Farmers aren’t the team of former coach Joe Spatafora, who led the program to two state titles and five total championship game appearances.

Union Parish is 0-3 against a murderer’s row of North DeSoto, Alexandria Senior High and Southside, losing by a combined 160-30.

Somebody is getting a win when Plain Dealing (0-3) heads to North Caddo (0-2).

The Titans have lost their two games by a combined 76-7 while Plain Dealing is trying to shed the state’s longest losing streak (47 games).

Contact Matt at matt.vines@lsus.edu

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Captain Shreve’s visit between the pines to Haughton headlines a busy Friday night schedule involving 15 local teams in the fourth week of high school football.

Another District 1-5A opener sends Benton to Evangel. Other contests matching local teams are Loyola at Northwood, a District 1-4A opener between Booker T. Washington and Southwood at Independence Stadium, and a contest between teams seeking their first wins, Plain Dealing at North Caddo. The Lions are trying to halt the state’s longest skid, 47 games.

Airline aims for a 4-0 start when Class 4A power Franklin Parish visits M.D. Ray Field.

Thursday night at Independence Stadium, Parkway (3-1, 1-0) pushed away from Huntington (0-4, 0-1) with a pair of touchdowns in the final three minutes for a 29-6 District 1-5A victory.

The District 1-4A season kicked off with a pair of unbeatens going on the road to post victories.

Defending district champ North DeSoto (4-0, 1-0) won its 21^st straight regular season contest, rolling 55-0 over Woodlawn’s Knights (0-4, 0-1). Minden (4-0, 1-0) handed Bossier (1-3, 0-1) a 39-0 loss as the Bearkats again struggled without injured dual threat junior quarterback Montrevell Lewis.

The Week 4 schedule for Shreveport-Bossier high schools:

THURSDAY’S SCORES

Parkway 29, Huntington 6

North DeSoto 55, Woodlawn 0

Minden 39, Bossier 0

TONIGHT’S GAMES

Captain Shreve (2-1) at Haughton (3-0), Dak Prescott Field

Benton (2-1) at Evangel (1-2), Rodney Duron Field

Franklin Parish (2-1) at Airline (3-0), M.D. Ray Stadium

Pleasant Grove, Tex., (4-0) at Byrd (0-3), Lee Hedges Stadium

Loyola (2-1) at Northwood (1-2), Jerry Burton Stadium

Booker T. Washington (2-1) at Southwood (0-3), Independence Stadium

Calvary (3-0) at Union Parish (0-3)

Green Oaks (3-0) at Red River (0-3)

Plain Dealing (0-3) at North Caddo (0-2), Johnny Prudhomme Stadium — update: 6 o’clock kickoff

Beekman Charter (2-1) at Magnolia School of Excellence (0-3)

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JOURNAL SPORTS

Northwestern State is home for the first time in a month while Grambling plays at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, facing Prairie View in the annual State Fair Classic, and Centenary plays at Atkins Field in area college football contests Saturday.

Louisiana Tech is idle before hosting Army next week.

NORTHWESTERN STATE: The Demons (0-4, 0-1) return home and to Southland Conference play Saturday when they host Southeastern Louisiana (2-2, 0-1) at Turpin Stadium.

Kickoff is 6 p.m. The game can be seen on ESPN+ or heard regionally on Natchitoches-based 100.7 FM KZBL through the BDCRadio.com website or the NSUDemons app.

Northwestern showed plenty of encouraging signs during the final three quarters of last week’s 49-20 loss at Weber State, producing 389 yards of total offense and forcing two turnovers after a blocked field goal returned for a score and a long kickoff return helped the Wildcats snag a 21-0 lead in the first six minutes.

The 389 yards were the most the Demons have produced against an FCS opponent in three seasons under head coach Blaine McCorkle and are the second-most in their past 29 games against FCS competition. A new starting quarterback was a catalyst.

“We moved the ball well on offense we just have to eliminate mental errors and costly mistakes,” Charlotte transfer Zach Wilcke said. “I think it gave the guys a lot of confidence. Just getting in the receiver room and watching film with those guys and seeing what we can exploit each week is going to be big the rest of the way.”

SLU (2-2, 0-1) was surprised in its opener at home by SLC foe Houston Christian 34-28, but last week shocked ULM with a 38-35 win in Monroe.

The Lions are coming off a 38-35 win at ULM, their first victory over an FBS opponent in program history. Southeastern used three takeaways, turning two into touchdowns, while dynamic receiver Dkhai Joseph added a punt return touchdown to help the Lions stun the Warhawks.

“They’re a good football team and have been for a while,” Demons’ third-year coach Blaine McCorkle said. “They’re physical. They’re sound. They know what they want to do and they’re good at it. They’ve got great personnel and extremely well coached.”

GRAMBLING: After two home wins over lower division teams and a bank-account boosting drubbing at TCU, the Tigers are back in the DFW metroplex to kick off their Southwestern Athletic Conference slate with a big test.

Defending SWAC champion Prairie View (1-3, 1-0) and Grambling (2-1) collide Saturday at the Cotton Bowl.

The Tigers have a balanced offense averaging 447 yards, but haven’t closed the door on a four-quarterback competition for the starting job. But they have a multi-pronged running game.

“It’s no secret what I’m going to do – we’re going to run the rock,” said Grambling coach Mickey Joseph in a midweek interview.

Prairie View has non-conference losses to Tarleton State, Baylor and Stephen F. Austin, but blasted nearby SWAC rival Texas Southern 52-14 in its second game.

“The West Division championship runs through PV,” said Joseph, whose first two teams have fallen to the Panthers. “This is two good teams who will get after each other.”

CENTENARY: The Gents shoot for their first win in three starts Saturday evening at 6 when a fledgling Schreiner Mountaineers squad visits Atkins Field in the “Military Heroes Game.”

Centenary held a 14-12 halftime lead, but was overwhelmed afterward last Saturday in a 46-14 loss at East Texas Baptist.

“We must fix the mistakes from last week and prepare for a very talented and well-coached Schreiner team,” said Gents coach Byron Dawson. “It’s going to take great preparation, focus, and four quarters of effort to get the job done.”

Schreiner (2-1) is in its first year of football and opened with a thrilling 33-27 win over Austin College. After losing to Oklahoma Panhandle, the Mountaineers posted a 31-28 victory over Southwestern.

Saturday’s game will honor military members and veterans while raising funds for The SEAL Legacy Foundation. Led by Centenary’s Kappa Sigma fraternity, the Military Heroes Game brings together students, student-athletes, alumni, faculty and staff, and the Centenary College Choir in support of veterans and military families. Kappa Sigma has already raised $10,000 toward a $30,000 fundraising goal for the event with T-shirt sales at the game adding to the total.

A slideshow honoring veterans will be shown on the video board before kickoff. During halftime, the Centenary College Choir will perform “Salute to the Armed Forces.”

Centenary alumni will also provide free hot dogs at the game. Donations to The SEAL Legacy Foundation fundraising effort can be made through Kappa Sigma.

Live stats and live video are available for the game at the links below:

STATS: https://www.gocentenary.com/sports/fball/2026-27/boxscores/20260926_cei4.xml

VIDEO: https://flosports.link/4pWO02I

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Mary Nell Ray, age 59, passed from this life on September 22, 2026 in Shreveport, LAwith her family surrounding her. She was born on December 23, 1966 in Crossett, AR. She graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Her main goal in life was raising her three sons and loving her grandchildren. She believed in God and knew that he was always with her. She loved going to flea markets with Sharon, reading books, and sitting on the back porch talking to her daddy.

She was preceded in death by her father, Max Tillman Ray; her biological father, Doyle Gray, and brother, Ronald Dean Ray.

She leaves behind, her mother, Mary B. Ray of Crossett, AR; three sons, Michael Trigleth (Brittney), Justin Trigleth (Brandy) of Crossett, AR and Billy Trigleth (Felicia) of DeRidder, LA; stepmother, Nancy Gray of Crossett, AR; four brothers, Brian Ray, Sr. (Roni), Patrick Ray (Betty), Carl Gray (Amy) of Crossett, AR and Kirk Gray; three sisters, Jean Floyd (Kenny) of Camden, AR, Shelia Hall (Larry) of Crossett, ARand Sandra Gray of Sterlington, LA; a cousin that was more like a sister, Sharon Kelley of Crossett, AR; ten grandchildren, Kaylee, Leland, Ryland, Gabe Troy, Timothy, Dakota, Devon, Haley and Tyler; five great grandchildren and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service was at Jones Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, September 25, 2026 beginning at 11 a.m. with Bro. Brian Ray, Sr. officiating.

Interment is in Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Michael Trigleth, Billy Trigleth, Justin Trigleth, Jeremey Barnett, Jason Barnett and Brian Ray, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers were Patrick Ray, Leland Trigleth, Timothy Noble, Tyler Collins, Clint Barnett and Hayden Hennington. http://www.jonesservice.com.

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Celebrating the life of Robert Price Davis (Jan 9th 1957 – Sept 22,2026), a remarkable man whose spirit was defined by love and kindness. Robert was the cherished son of Robert Price Davis Jr and Veronica Fell Davis. His upbringing in Shreveport instilled in him a deep sense of community and dedication to those he loved. A service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 3 pm at Aulds Funeral Home in Shreveport.

Robert’s life was profoundly enriched by his marriage to Sandra Flores Davis. They wed on May 26, 1979, and shared 46 beautiful years together, until Sandra’s passing in 2025. Their union was blessed with three devoted daughters: Rachel Dixon, married to Christopher; Stephanie Davis, partnered with LaMarcus; and Christina Davis. His daughters were a source of immense pride and joy, reflecting the values and love he and Sandra instilled in them. His favorite quote “A family that prays together stays together.”

As a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Robert exemplified service and dedication. His military service was a testament to his courage and commitment to his country, attributes that continued to manifest throughout his life.

Family was the cornerstone of Robert’s existence. He found boundless joy in his role as a grandfather to Alycia, Isaiah, Jason, Alliah, Hunter, Hailee, Tristan, and Braydon. His face would light up at the mention of his great-grandchildren, Eliza and Ezekiel, whose laughter and innocence filled his heart with happiness.

Robert was predeceased by his wife, Sandra, his parents Robert & Veronica, and his brother, James Davis. Yet, he leaves behind a legacy carried forward by his surviving family members, who will forever cherish the memories they created together.

Known for his generosity and kindness, Robert touched countless lives with his willingness to help others. His actions were a true reflection of the compassionate soul he was, always ready to lend a hand or offer a comforting word.

Robert’s love for his family was unparalleled. Every moment spent with his children and grandchildren was treasured, and his legacy of love and support will continue to inspire them for generations.

Robert Price Davis’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, and service. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

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