Lincoln Parish Journal Sports Services
Ruston vs. Opelousas, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 28, at Malone Stadium in Monroe, La.
Listen live: 107.5 FM (Radio)
It’s been three consecutive years in the quarterfinals for Ruston High School head football coach Jerrod Baugh and his Bearcats.
Overshadowed by the global coronavirus pandemic, last season’s unique schedule and format ended in a rainy 6-0 playoff loss at home to the Destrehan Wildcats to have the Bearcats (District 2-5A) finish a very respectable 7-3.
“I feel fortunate we were able to find a ball game,” Baugh said. “I think it says a lot for the Bayou Jam that Opelousas was willing to come play. It will be a good experience for the kids. It’s very unfortunate for Ash not to have scrimmage or jamboree. We’re looking forward to play Opelousas. Their coach is building a good program; they’re going to be ready to play. We’re looking forward to getting to play and having the kids have a chance to compete.”
This year the Bearcats, and the rest of Louisiana High School football, are hoping for a more familiar-feeling season with 10 regular-season games scheduled beginning on Friday, Sept. 3, at Neville High School. Ruston and Neville have played each other every season for nearly seven decades.
Before the regular season begins, however, Ruston will face off in an exhibition match with the Opelousas Tigers (District 6-4A), a last-minute addition to the Bayou Jamboree after the Alexandria Senior High Trojans were forced to quarantine due to COVID restrictions.
“We’re going to be depending on our seniors quite a bit with a few injuries to start the season for us,” Baugh said. “A lot of those guys are three-year starters; you always plan on leaning on them while the younger guys get some experience in their positions. It will help us naturally develop some depth if they’re productive doing what they’re asked to do.”
Ruston will also return home to James Field at Garrett Stadium after being graciously hosted by Grambling State University at Eddie Robinson Stadium for the 2020 season. Ruston High’s press box and other stadium amenities were repaired following the 2019 EF-3 tornado that came through the town.
Ruston’s games will be broadcast weekly on the radio by Kyle Roberts (play-by-play), Mark Cramer (color analyst), and Nick Brown (sideline reporter). Carl Johnson and Caleb Granger will oversee in-game stats.
NOTES: RHS returns both quarterbacks from last season… Junior Jaden Osbourne completed 53 percent of his passes for 491 yards and 2 touchdowns… Senior Dawson Willis will likely see time at the wide receiver position… Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove finished his senior season last year with 602 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns before signing with Mississippi State… Backfield is expected to rely heavily on junior Dyson Fields while senior Devian Wilson recovers from an injury… Junior defensive end Christian Davis tallied four sacks last season in 15 tackles off the defensive end spot… Senior BJ Green returns to the secondary after notching 21 tackles last season… Senior Dylan Rhone is the only offensive returner that caught multiple passes last season… Senior Brady Beason takes over kicking and punting duties.
