Nate Jones (84) caught four passes for 81 yards as Tech fell 42-34 in double overtime at FIU Friday night (photo by Josh McDaniel).
by Doug Ireland, Journal Sports
MIAMI – Shreveport’s Landry Lyddy got his first collegiate start Friday night for Louisiana Tech, and was impressive before the Bulldogs suffered the same fate they did a week earlier when he came off the bench in the final minute.
Tech lost in heartbreaking fashion for the second game in a row, falling 42-34 to FIU in double overtime on Friday night at Ricardo Silva Stadium.
Lyddy, Mr. Louisiana Football as a high school senior last season at Calvary Baptist, operated in the same style he did last week in a brief role when he threw two TD passes in the final minute and overtime of a 42-41 home loss to Rice.
Friday night, he completed his first 10 passes and went 28-of-40 for 256 passing yards, distributing the ball to nine different receivers. Lyddy guided Tech from behind to a 27-24 edge in the fourth period, but the Tech defense didn’t hold on, giving up a 69-yard drive in the final two minutes that produced a game-tying 28-yard field goal in the final seconds of regulation.
“Landry did a nice job. He competed and made some really good throws, got us into some really nice plays. He did a good job in the RPO game,” said first-year Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie. “He gave us an opportunity at the end of the game to win.”
Both teams scored touchdowns and kicked extra points in the first extra period. FIU notched a TD and converted its two-point try to move back on top, then stopped Tech just outside the 10 on downs to salvage the victory.
Tech (2-6, 1-3 C-USA) hit on all cylinders early, scoring on drives of 75, 61, and 75 on its first three offensive possessions – a 1-yard sneak by Lyddy, a 36-yard field goal by Jacob Barnes and a 29-yard rushing TD by Marquis Crosby.
The Bulldogs held a 17-7 advantage early in the second quarter, but the momentum shifted in favor of the Panthers. The home team took advantage of short field position, mainly by winning the special teams battle (blooped onside kick recovered, 17-yard punt by LA Tech, and blocked field goal).
FIU (4-4, 2-2 C-USA) converted the special teams plays into 17 consecutive points, taking a 24-17 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Tech ended up totaling 184 yards on the ground, nine of which came on a speedy rush to the outside by Charvis Thornton for a tie at 24-all with 13:01 remaining. Another short field goal by Barnes, this one from 32 yards, allowed the Bulldogs to retake the lead with just over five minutes to go. Tech had one more series, but fell just a couple yards shy of a clinching first down, leaving the door open for FIU to make the game-tying drive in the final 120 seconds.
“We have to find a way to win,” said Cumbie. “We had an opportunity to seize momentum early in the game, but our lack of execution on special teams cost us. It is our job as coaches to respond the right way. It is not about feeling sorry about ourselves. Our players are very dejected. Football provides a ton of lessons. We are going to find ways to win football games.”
Tech returns to Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston next Saturday afternoon to face Middle Tennessee.
Grambling State hosts Alcorn State today at 2 p.m. at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium.
By T. SCOTT BOATRIGHT
GRAMBLING — They’ve been close. But after five straight losses — the last two being nailbiters — Grambling State University’s first-year football coach, Hue Jackson, believes true freshman quarterback Julian Calvez can direct his Tigers to a Southwestern Athletic Conference win today.
GSU (1-6 overall, 0-4 SWAC) will be looking for its first SWAC victory after falling just short on Oct. 15 to Florida A&M.
Coming off an open date, the Tigers play host to the Braves starting at 2 p.m. today at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
Alcorn State (3-4, 2-2) enters the game after a 34-27 homecoming loss to Texas Southern.
Jackson said the Tigers are rested after a much-needed bye week following seven straight weeks, six of those on the road.
“I thought we got a lot of good work done during the open week,” Jackson said. “We had some things we needed to clean up and our players and coaches had some time to really focus on that and try to get better as we gear up for this final stretch.”
Calvez has started the last two games for the Tigers — a 37-31 overtime loss at Alabama A&M on Oct. 8 and a 20-16 home loss to Florida A&M on Oct. 15.
He’s connected on 29-of-81 passes for 308 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions while adding 142 yards and another score on the ground.
Jackson said Calvez has made significant progress toward helping the Tigers turn things around and is ready to see it continue.
“He’s immersed himself in this offense,” Jackson said. “He came in here wanting to play. You hate to play a freshman before he’s ready, but he’s just every week gotten better and better, and so we made a decision to put him out there.
“I think he’s going to lead this team to a lot of victories. But he’s a very young player who’s learning to play football at this level — at a high level. You can see him growing week in and week out and hopefully he’ll continue to do so.”
Calvez took some hard hits in his last game against the Rattlers. Jackson said that the Orlando, Florida, product is ready to go against Alcorn State.
“He’s got those young legs and that young mind, thank God, because he was hit a few times,” Jackson said. “We’ve got to make sure we limit his exposure that way. But at the same time, there are times he’s got to protect himself, too, and he knows that.”
Jackson said it’s Calvez’ attitude as much as his abilities that has convinced his head coach to put him in the focal spot as a true freshman.
“I just know what we’re getting with this young man,” Jackson said. “Because when you get a chance to recruit a young guy over a period of time, you kind of get to know him pretty well. He’s about his teammates and has been about that since Day 1.
“But at the same time, he’ll be the first to tell you that he wants to lead this team to victory. And that’s what he is chasing more than anything. This young man works extremely hard. Football is important to him. His teammates are important to him. And getting this program back to winning is important to him.”
Jackson isn’t worried about Alcorn’s defensive strengths and weaknesses and whether to attack the Braves on the ground or through the air, he’s worried about points.
“We just have to go play our football,” Jackson said. “Finally play as well as we can. Alcorn’s had some plays made on them via the pass, they’ve had some plays made on them with the run.
“I think you want to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to score the ball. And that’s what we need to do better. We need to put the ball in the end zone more to give us the chance to win the game, and that’s what I think we’re looking forward to.”
Jackson said his team is on that brink of picking up a win and ending the season in strong fashion.
“We’ve been in an overtime game,” Jackson said. “We had the ball in our possession at the end of our last game with a chance to win on the final play. That’s about as close as you can get without winning the game.
“So now we need to break through and actually win the game. I think that’s the next step for us. But we’ve got to do it. You can talk about it all you want, but until you do it, it doesn’t matter.”
Today’s game will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Butch Alsandor and Jorge Vargas making the call and will also air and be streamed on the Grambling State Sports Radio Network with Ossie Clark and Chyelle Flowers calling the action.
The deadline is 10 a.m. today to enter this week’s Karl Malone Toyota NFL Pick’em contest presented by 511 and Black Rifle Coffee Company.
It’s easy. Each week pick the 10 NFL games that we list and have a chance to win cash and gift cards.
One lucky (or smart) pick’em guru will walk away with $150 worth of cash and prizes. The weekly deadline is Saturday at 10 a.m. (prior to Sunday’s NFL games).
Anyone is eligible to participate (only one entry per contestant). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected NFL games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Lincoln Parish Journal.
It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and are will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail.
Both Ruston High School cross country teams brought home district titles this past week at the 2022 North Louisiana Championships at Chenault Park Thursday afternoon in Monroe, La.
For Ruston head coach Dustin Cochran, it’s a special district title considering how the teams overcame adversity en route to their respective 2-5A crowns.
“As a team we were incredible yesterday,” Cochran said. “We were missing ten runners that were either sick or had a little injury and couldn’t compete. I don’t know how many teams can lose ten runners and still do as well as we did. I think it speaks volumes about the leadership on the team and the team first mindset.”
In the girls varsity division, senior Lily Garrett won the overall race with a time of 18 minutes, 6.80 seconds. Sophomore Parker Nations took third at 18:31.53, while sophomore Sara Naff took fourth at 19:10.57. Sophomore Sydney Owens placed fourth at 19:28.42, and rounding out the scoring for the Lady Bearcats was junior Zoie Holstead at eighth overall with a time of 20:30.79. Freshman Maddy Parkman took eleventh at 20:53.14.
For the boys, four Bearcats finished in the top five overall. Junior Thomas Rogers took second with a time of 15:29.57. Freshman Taylor Roller finished right behind at third at 15:47.11, while junior Landon Byrd took fourth at 15:51.41. Senior Bryar Madden finished fifth at 15:56.33, and junior Cole Magee took fourteenth 17:03.01 to round out Ruston’s scorers.
Also finishing for the Bearcats were freshman Joshua Dalton at fifteenth at 17:12.24 and freshman Al-Amin Wilson at sixteenth with a time of 17:17.75.
“The ability to battle through adversity is a key factor in success,” Cochran said. “At some point everyone goes through an adverse time. You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it. This week we had plenty of those moments. Even while dealing with adversity, the runners we did have gave extreme effort. Winning a championship meet of any kind is always hard and takes everyone moving in the same direction. These kids did that Thursday. The energy was great. The effort was incredible. We are looking forward to being healthier next week, everyone feeling better, and putting our best effort towards.”
Postseason begins for Ruston on Thursday, November 3, at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, La., for the Division I Region I Championships.
On October 27, 2022, just after 5:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop F responded to a two-vehicle crash which occurred on Louisiana Highway 126 at Cut Thru Road in Caldwell Parish. This crash claimed the life of 66-year-old Robert Holden.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 28-year-old Logan Temple of Grayson, was driving south on Cut Thru Road when she made a wide left turn onto Louisiana Highway 126. At the same time, a 2002 GMC Yukon was traveling east on Louisiana Highway 126. As the Chevrolet turned onto Louisiana Highway 126, the Yukon took evasive action and exited its lane of travel to avoid hitting the Chevrolet. The oversteering then caused the Yukon to start overturning.
Holden, who was an unrestrained passenger in the Yukon, sustained fatal injuries when he was ejected from the overturning vehicle. Holden was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Caldwell Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Yukon, identified as 54-year-old Tammy Perot, was not restrained and was ejected during the crash. She was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet was restrained and did not sustain any injuries. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor; however, routine toxicology samples were submitted for analysis.
Troopers would like to remind the public that inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and is a leading cause of crashes in our state. It is important for motorists to pay attention to what is going on outside of the vehicle they are driving and to get plenty of rest in order to remain alert. Troopers would also like to remind motorists that buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself during a vehicle crash. Failure to take a few seconds to buckle up can have devastating consequences. Louisiana law requires every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained day or night.
In 2022, Troop F has investigated 23 fatal crashes, which have resulted in 26 fatalities.
Sitting steady at No. 2 in the LHSAA Non-Select Division I Power Rankings, it seems somewhat safe to say that the Ruston Bearcats (7-1; 3-0 District 2-5A) control their own destiny for a high seed to enter into postseason play, as well as a shot at an outright district title.
Even after a slate of five powerhouse opponents in non-district play, Ruston still has its work cut out for itself in the final two weeks of the 2022 regular season: first at Ouachita tonight, and then home for West Monroe next Friday.
The Bearcats hit the road again for the final time in league-play and head to the Lion’s Den to take on a Ouachita team that sits 4-4 (2-1 District 2-5A) on the season but had also chosen to play a difficult non-district schedule.
“They have a running back where things get started and where they end offensively,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said of Lion tailback Carldell Sirmons. “The quarterback gets some touches, but the speed and agility that (Sirmons) has at running back is hard to deal with. We’re going to have to tackle really well and be where we’re supposed to be. He does a really good job of hitting holes, so if guys are not in the correct gap doing what they are supposed to do, then he’ll do a good job of hitting his spots. We’re going to have to do a really good job of playing really sound defensively and tackle well. We’ve put together a good plan defensively, so we’ll see how it goes in practice.”
Ruston is coming off of a comfortable 48-7 win at home last week against the West Ouachita Chiefs for its 2022 Homecoming Game. That same night, Ouachita trailed West Monroe 17-14 at halftime in Rebel Stadium before the Rebels shut Sirmons down in the second half en route to a 45-14 win over the Lions.
“It’s like I told the kids on Saturday: you don’t need to look at what their score was on Friday,” Baugh said. “It was a close ballgame and then the wheels fell off in the second half for Ouachita. They are still good football team. Coach (Todd) Garvin is going to have them ready to play. They played some really good competition this year and have had a tough schedule just like we have. The score from last week is no indication from what I feel like what we’ll see on Friday.”
While Ruston has won a few in a row over Ouachita, it’s become quite the norm for the Bearcats and the Lions to give fans an instant classic on the gridiron. Last season, the Bearcats eked out an overtime win by a final score of 56-55, winning after the Lions opted to go for two in overtime.
“The past few years these have been close ball games,” Baugh added. “You don’t want to go into a game feeling like it’s going to be close; you’ve got to be mentally prepared for that if it happens to turn into that. I’m urging our kids to go out to practice and get prepared to play the best ballgame we can play.”
Louisiana Tech University was ranked the No. 2 public university in the state of Louisiana among the top 2,000 universities in the world on the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities list.
The rankings methodology focuses on institutions’ academic research and reputation overall without specific focus on individual academic programs. The overall Best Global Universities ranking encompasses 2,000 top institutions spread across 95 countries.
“Collaboration, within our University and with institutions throughout the world, is a hallmark of Louisiana Tech’s culture and our research culture specifically,” said Dr. Les Guice, Tech President. “The Best Global Universities list shows that our reputation and publications are highly respected throughout the world. Louisiana Tech’s research and partnership focus will continue to be on work that makes a difference – and provides unparalleled educational opportunity – for our region, state, nation, and the world.”
Louisiana Tech ranked ahead of the medical and research institutions and at least one R1 Carnegie Classified university in the state.
These rankings, according to USNWR, can help applicants interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees outside their home countries “more accurately compare institutions around the world.”
Louisiana Tech’s Physics program was also recognized for its global research and reputation impact, one of only two programs in the state so honored.
The program, which recently introduced a concentration in Medical Physics, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the discovery of the Higgs boson particle. Louisiana Tech faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and students were among the international cadre of physicists who proved the existence of the Higgs boson, sometimes called the “God particle,” nearly 10 years ago.
“Partnerships with research institutions around the world, such as CERN [European Organization for Nuclear Research] in Switzerland, have helped create research opportunities for our faculty and students at all levels,” said Dr. Sumeet Dua, Tech’s Executive Associate Vice President for Research and Partnerships. “As we continue to prioritize research opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students, our international connections will provide the chance for our students and faculty to make an impact with their research aspirations.”
Rankings indicators included global research reputation, regional research reputation, publications, books, conferences, normalized citation impact, total citations, number of publications that are among the 10% most cited, percentage of total publications that are among the 10% most cited, international collaboration relative to country, international collaboration, number of highly cited papers that are among the top 1% most cited in their respective field, and percentage of total publications that are among the top 1% most highly cited papers. The methodology is available online.
Lane Thomas (2) eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the season and led the Cougars to a 55-0 win over Lincoln Prep Thursday. (Photo by Tim Smith)
By T. Scott Boatright
Playing in a crucial contest toward trying to reach postseason play, Lincoln Preparatory School got run over by the “Lane Train.”
Cedar Creek running back Lane Thomas steamrolled through the Panthers defense to the tune of four first-half touchdowns Thursday night as the Cougars raced past Lincoln Prep 55-0 at Cougars Stadium.
“We got outplayed and got beat all over the field,” said LP Coach Glen Hall. “We didn’t do anything that we practiced. We didn’t execute. We just totally got whooped all over the field.”
When asked what he thought was wrong with his Panthers, Hall was quick to answer.
“Mentality,” Hall said. “We don’t have the mentality to be a great team right now. And until we get that mentality, this is who we’re going to be.
“We’ve got to learn to stand up to be able to take a shot in the mouth and get back up. But we can’t do that right now. We’re just not doing it.”
The Panthers’ struggles with the mental aspects showed on the first play from scrimmage, with Lincoln Prep senior quarterback Bralyn Mayfield set to receive the shotgun snap.
But the snap rolled along the grass to Mayfield, who was sacked for an eight-yard loss before ever getting a chance to set his feet.
“That’s strictly mentality,” Hall said. “You’re supposed to get the first snap perfect every time to start the game off correctly. And we just rolled it back there. That started the whole thing going downhill.
“We practice and practice and practice and do everything we want to execute, and yet by the time the game starts our mindset is that we’re already defeated. You just can’t play like that. And it starts with the head coach. And that’s me. Evidently I’m not doing enough right now to get this team going.”
After stopping the Panthers on a fourth-and-nine on that first series of the game, Cedar Creek took over on the Lincoln Prep 36-yard line and Thomas fired up his engines, rushing for nine yards on first down before running right up the middle and making a juke move to race 27 yards untouched to paydirt to put the Cougars up 7-0 at the 9:21 mark of the opening stanza.
Cedar Creek held the Panthers to a three-and-out on the ensuing series and took back over at the Lincoln Prep 48-yard, with Thomas weaving his way for 15 yards down to the Panthers 12, adding a six-yard run and then wading up the middle for a six-yard touchdown run to push the Cougars’ advantage to 14-0 with 4:25 remaining in the first quarter.
Cougars quarterback Cayden Middleton threw his first touchdown pass of the night with 11 seconds left in the first quarter, hitting Ladd Thompson on a 15-yard scoring strike before Thomas pushed the Cedar Creek lead to 28-0 with 8:06 remaining in the first half as he slashed left on a seven-yard scoring scamper.
Thomas’ fourth touchdown of the night came with five minutes left in the second quarter as he burst up the middle, cut on an angle to the left sideline and raced 62 yards for the score.
Middleton’s five yard touchdown pass to Lawson Lillo with 11 seconds left in the half gave the Cougars a 41-0 advantage at intermission.
“My concern was this being a trap game,” said Cedar Creek coach Matt Middleton. “We’re coming off a real emotional game where we played a really good team and had some chances – my biggest deal was to come out here and handle what we had to handle and not be looking toward next week.
“We’re excited about that game but we had to get through this one first. And I’m excited about our kids and the way we played.”
It was a record-setting, barrier-breaking night for Cougars.
Thomas broke the 1,000-yard barrier, finishing with 173 yards on 14 carries while adding three catches for 53 yards to finish with 226 total yards.
Linebacker Quincy Lewis, Cedar Creek’s all-time leading tackler, totaled six takedowns to finish with 100 tackles on the season.
And Coach Middleton got to see his son set the Cougars’ all-time touchdown record with 41.
“All that is fun, but here’s my deal — I’m a coach,” he said. “I didn’t even say anything when Cayden broke the touchdown record tonight. We had kind of talked about it, and then tonight Coach (Shane) Mabou came up to me and said, ‘That’s it, he broke it.’
“I’m proud of it, but it’s a team deal. He’s got great guys to throw it to and great blockers up front. He’d be the first one to tell you that. It was fun.”
Thompson moved to quarterback after that and scored the Cougars’ final touchdown on a seven-yard run.
Cedar Creek held the Panthers to 58 yards of offense and didn’t allow the Panthers to get their initial first down until there was only five minutes remaining.
Lincoln Prep did add one other first down to finish with two.
“The biggest thing for us was to pressure that quarterback, because that guy can sit back there and throw. I saw him throw it 60 yards in the air. But we felt if we could pressure and harass him a little bit we could do something.
(Cougars defensive coordinator Mark Ware) came up with a great game plan and we harassed (Mayfield) enough for it to go the way we wanted.”
Next up for Lincoln Prep (3-7 overall and 1-2 in District 2-1A) is the regular-season finale on Thursday at Ouachita Christian.
“We’re going to come in and practice tomorrow and get ready for next Thursday against OCS,” Hall said. “And OCS is probably the best team in our (district). So we’ve got our hands full. But I’m going to figure something out. I’m going to work. I’m going to get better.”
Cedar Creek (6-3 and 2-1 in District 2-1A will close out the regular season on Thursday at St. Frederick.
“It’s a big one,” Middleton said of that upcoming contest.. “It’s a big one. St. Frederick is the real deal. The last two years they beat Cedar Creek 7-6. Last year they beat us 7-6 in the first game I coached here, so there’s not a lot of motivation. We’ve got to go handle our business.
“We know what we’re in for and we’re geeked up for it.”
Two men were arrested Monday after a Lincoln Parish sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation.
Deputy D. Johnston was on patrol on U.S. Hwy 80 near Grambling Monday night when he saw a vehicle with a headlight out. He stopped the vehicle near the Lincoln Preparatory School. While speaking to the driver, the deputy saw the front seat passenger had suspected marijuana scattered on top of his pants. When asked if there were any weapons in the vehicle, the driver stated yes, he had a firearm on him. The handgun was retrieved, and the occupants were directed out of the vehicle.
A rear passenger identified himself as Courtney Mamon, 23. A records check showed Mamon was wanted on warrant from Third Judicial District Court for failure to pay child support.
A search of the vehicle yielded a large clear plastic bag full of numerous smaller clear plastic baggies containing suspected marijuana. The front passenger who had marijuana on his clothing identified himself is Triston James with a date of birth of October 12, 1999. James asked to speak with the deputy away from the other occupants, but then decided he did not want to talk.
James and Mamon were arrested and the driver was given a verbal warning for improper lighting.
At the detention center, the man identifying himself as James gave booking officers the name Ramorien Parker and a date of birth of October 21. That information was verified through records which also indicated Parker was wanted on three failure to appear warrants from Ruston City Court for speeding, no driver’s license, and driving under suspension.
Mamon was a booked for failure to pay child support. Parker was booked for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Law (drug free zone), resisting an officer by giving false information, and the three failure to appear warrants. Parkers bail was set at $19,000. Mamon’s offense was not bailable.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Families in the Ruston area have multiple avenues over the next few days to participate in local “Trunk-or-Treats.”
On Sunday, Oct. 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Springs ministry will host its second annual Trunk-or-Treat behind its building at 1601 S. Barnett Springs Road in Ruston. Games and activities will be available for kids as well as an assortment of candy.
“My hope is that this will be a good time for us to gather as a community and enjoy one another,” Springs pastor George Lee IV said. “It’s a great opportunity to connect with families that we have relationships with and finding new families that we may the opportunity to know. Ultimately, we want to have the chance to minister to families as needed.”
The next night, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at Louisiana Tech will host a Trunk-or-Treat at the Thomas Assembly Center located on E. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event will feature carnival games, a costume contest, a cake walk and more.
Athletes representing multiple different Tech sports will be on hand to meet the attending kids.
“Youth in the community can come out and learn more about Louisiana Tech and what we do as student athletes,” SAAC Vice President Nariah Parks aid. “We would love to engage with the community.”
The Lincoln Parish Journal listed all of the trunk or treats we know of in our Weekend Events. If you want to add your trunk or treat to our weekend or weekly events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Sunday, Oct. 30 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Trunk or Treat (The Springs, 1601 S. Barnett Springs Ave.) 5-6:30 p.m.: Trunk or Treat (Trinity United Methodist Church)
Monday, Oct. 31 Halloween 5:30-7 p.m.: Trunk or treat (Grace United Methodist Church) 6-8 p.m.: Trunk or Treat by La Tech Student Athlete Advisory Committee (Thomas Assembly Center)
Nate Jones (84), Tre Harris (3) and the Bulldogs will face off against FIU tonight at 7 p.m. CT. (photo courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications)
by Malcolm Butler
MIAMI — Quarterback shuffle.
That’s what Louisiana Tech was forced to play last Saturday when the Bulldogs used three different signal callers during their 42-41 overtime loss to Rice at Joe Aillet Stadium.
Parker McNeil. Matthew Downing. Landry Lyddy.
All three saw action as the injury bug bit the Bulldogs hard.
It’s a scenario that Bulldog head coach Sonny Cumbie hopes his team isn’t forced to repeat tonight when Tech travels to face FIU. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at FIU Stadium in a game that will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
Tech fans can hear the broadcast on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler and Teddy Allen providing a call of the action with the pregame show starting at 5:30 p.m.
Cumbie said McNeil is the Bulldogs starter. Downing is out with a knee injury. Lyddy and junior college transfer Jack Turner sit on the depth chart behind McNeil entering tonight’s game.
One thing is for certain. Cumbie doesn’t want to see any more injuries.
“I hope if we play multiple quarterbacks (tonight), it’s of our choosing and it’s because the game has gone our way,” said Cumbie.
Regardless of who gets the nod at QB, the Bulldogs will have the challenge of winning on the road and snapping a 12-game winless streak away from Joe Aillet Stadium. Tech last road win came at North Texas in December of 2020.
And the Bulldogs will have to do it with a depleted roster that has seen more than its share of injuries on the two-deep over the past few weeks. Tech was minus five defensive starters last week. The hope is a few of those will be back in the lineup tonight.
However, injuries not an excuse that Cumbie will accept for not playing well.
“Our standard and our expectation is to go out and play really well and be productive, regardless of player and position,” said Cumbie. “We have to have guys amplify their game by doing the fundamentals of their position really well.”
FIU (3-4, 1-2) is coming off a 34-15 road win at Charlotte last Saturday as the Golden Panthers seem to have found their identity over the past few weeks. The win snapped a 14-game Conference USA losing streak for FIU.
“I see a team that is emerging,” said Cumbie on watching film on FIU this week. “I have seen a team that is getting better. This team has found its identity on offense with quarterback Grayson James who threw for over 300 yards against Charlotte. Tyrese Chambers is one of the top receivers in this conference. He is a very good football player who missed some games this year due to injury.
“I think this is why you are seeing an emergence of FIU on offense. I think they have found a quarterback, and Tyrese Chambers is back.”
Tech (2-5, 1-2 C-USA) has played some really good football in all three phases of the game in flashes this year. However, the Bulldogs are still looking for the consistency that is usually the difference in a win and a loss.
“FIU is very athletic on defense,” said Cumbie. “These guys run well. They rush the passer well. They forced five turnovers last week. It will be a tough challenge. We have to protect the ball and establish a run game. We have to hit explosive plays. And defensively for four quarters we have to tackle well and force some turnovers of our own.”
Tech defeated FIU 43-31 in Ruston in 2019 in the last meeting between the two programs.
For the first time in Grambling State University history, Founder’s Day and Homecoming Celebration will occur in the same week. Dr. Kizuwanda Gayden Grant, Chief Administrative Officer for Paul Quinn College (PQC), located in Dallas, will serve as keynote speaker during Grambling State University’s annual Founder’s Day Convocation. Set for Nov. 1, the official opening of Founder’s Day will begin with a ceremony at 8:00 a.m. at the bust of Grambling State’s founder, Charles P. Adams, which is located on the east side of Lee Hall. Founder’s Day Convocation will be held at 10 a.m. in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
In January 2010, Grant began working as the Chair and associate professor of the Teacher Education Program, the only federally approved Urban Work College and HBCU.Grant was asked to assume the Vice President of Academic Affairs role in December of 2010, becoming one of the youngest Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs in the country at the age of 34.
In 2016, the Academic Affairs role at Paul Quinn was split into two, with Grant retaining the functions of accreditation, compliance, university partnerships, and student affairs, including student conduct and Title IX responsibilities.Currently, as the Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Grant is also responsible for the Work Program, Financial Aid, Athletics, Human Resources and most recently coordinated PQC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to joining PQC, she served as Executive Dean for Communication and Teacher Education at Mountain View College in Dallas, TX, and the Associate Dean of Instruction and Assistant to the Provost at North Central Texas College, in Corinth, TX.
Grant said she is proud of her work to assist in the implementation of mental health support services for PQC students, especially the expansion to a Mental Health and Wellness Clinic, which opened on campus in 2016.
The clinic is staffed by two licensed counselors, and psychiatry services are available to students through a partnership with the School of Psychiatry at the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Grant successfully secured two sizable grants from the Texas Governor’s Office and the Trellis Foundation, to support students’ access to mental health services, and the basic needs of grant-eligible students, such as housing, transportation, and meals.
Over the past two years Grant led the successful completion of PDC’s Fifth Year Reaffirmation Process with the college’s accreditor, the Transnational Association for Christian College and Schools (TRACS), and obtained approval from TRACS, and the required state and federal approvals, for PQC’s first graduate program, the T.D. Jakes Executive MBA. The new master’s degree is jointly offered with the Jakes Divinity School, also located in Dallas. Applications are now being accepted for the first cohort. The mission of the new MBA program is to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders for the global marketplace.
For the past five years, Grant has also served as a Commissioner for TRACS and was elected Vice Chair of the TRACS Commission in 2021. She is the first African American female to serve on the Executive Committee. Grant also serves as a member of the Board of Governors for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and is a member of Friendship West Baptist Church.
Grant has served as a college administrator in different institutions for twenty years. While continuing to serve the students of PQC, she said she is looking forward to returning to the classroom to inspire future higher education professionals.
She is also exploring research and consulting opportunities in the areas of accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and the compliance processes of higher education institutions, especially HBCUs.Grant earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas (2005), a M.S. in Mathematics Education, from Columbia University Teachers College (2001), and a B.S. in Secondary Education – Mathematics, from Grambling State University (1998), finishing number two in her December 1998 graduating class.
While a student at Grambling, she was a Presidential Scholar, inducted into the Earl Lester Cole Honors College, under the leadership of the late Dr. Helen Richards Smith, and worked as a research assistant for Dr. Parashu Sharma, in the math and computer science department.
She said that as a student at Grambling, she quietly observed the work of both former Interim President Dr. Neari Warner and the current Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Connie Walton, not knowing at that time she would draw on their leadership models in her own future work in higher education.
Grant is the youngest daughter of Curtis and Wilma Gayden, and is originally from Seattle, WA. She signed up for a career in education while a sophomore in the Teaching Academy, then in place at Rainier Beach High School. She currently resides with her family in Arlington, TX. Her greatest and most rewarding role as Mom allows her to experience the world through the excited eyes of Lauryn Jai (8) and Jamie DeSean (11).
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring a blanket drive in an effort to to help keep our senior citizens warm this winter.
The department is asking people to donate new blankets. Every winter there are local senior citizen residents who need additional help in staying warm during the colder temperatures. This is a wonderful way for the community to support those in need.
Individuals can drop off new blankets at the Community Service Department at the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office at 161 Road Camp Road in Ruston from 8;30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Sgt. Iris Winston at 318-251-6440.
You are at home entertaining a group of people. During the conversation your wife asks you to find something that is in her purse. What do you do? The question is for guys only.
There is an unwritten guy rule concerning the purse. “Thou shalt not go into the purse of thine wife under any circumstance, lest thou be tossed outside the man-cave.” I am not sure who first stated this rule. It is a standing guy rule. It is more a male instinct than a rule that is taught. There are many reasons for not digging in a purse.
First reason, some other guy may witness you digging in a purse. This purse watcher might not know you are married to the owner of the purse. He might see you pull make-up out of the purse and wonder if the purse and the make-up are yours. In some circles purse and make-up possession will cut down on the number of invitations for you to share another guy’s deer stand, duck blind, bass boat or man-cave.
Second reason, you might reach in the purse and pull out something you don’t understand. There are things in the purse of which a male has no knowledge. We don’t know what they are or what they are for. You don’t want to pull something out of the purse and not understand what you are holding. The consequences are like those stated above.
Third reason, there are dangerous items in a purse. She might have been to the hardware store and purchased a mousetrap. Rather than carry the mousetrap around, she stuffed it into her purse. You don’t want to set off a mouse trap or stab yourself with the many sharp implements hiding in the purse. There are trimming and cutting devices in a purse. Males know this only because we have witnessed a purse being dumped out on the kitchen table when something is “lost” in the purse.
Fourth reason, as stated above, there is much stuff in the purse. If in front of witnesses she asks you to find a widget and you can’t and must confess that before the same witnesses; that will do great damage to the male ego. It is especially injurious when she reaches in the purse and finds the widget immediately.
Last reason, it is not your purse. It is not your business, is it? Even when given permission, the male should never peruse the purse.
There is a corollary to this rule. “Thou shalt not wander through the cell phone of thine wife, lest thou be expelled from the man-cave.” If the purse is off limits, so is the cell phone.
Now talk among yourselves about this. If you are thinking, “She is my wife and everything she has is mine” then we need to talk about boundaries. If you are curious about what you might find, we really need to talk about something very important for healthy happy relationships.
The central issue is trust. When we refuse to look in or place our hands inside the purse, we are displaying trust. We are not being lazy, cute or even a curmudgeon. We are showing respect for and trust in the spousal owner of the purse. Haven’t thought about it like that have you?
Who do you trust?
Trust is the soil in which love grows. When trust is broken it is almost impossible for the relationship to be restored, right? How many times have you said, “I don’t trust ________.” The blank can be filled with the name of a person, a vocation, or an institution. Maybe rather than conversation we need to confess where we have broken the trust of another.
Are you a trusting and trustworthy person? If not, you can be transformed.
LA Tech will host the 2023 C-USA Soccer Championships next year.
Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech officials announced earlier today that the 2023 Conference USA Women’s Soccer Championship will be hosted by Louisiana Tech in Ruston, La. at Robert Mack Caruthers Field, running from Nov. 1-5 next Fall.
The Mack opened for the 2021 season and will serve as the host site for the 2023 championships in the new-look Conference USA.
“This is a great opportunity for our program, athletic department, and the city of Ruston to showcase our new facility,” said head coach Steve Voltz. T”he Mack is a testament to all the hard work and planning that went into making it a reality and speaks to our ability as a community to overcome the adversity we faced from the tornado.
We look forward to putting on a first-class operation and welcoming our fellow Conference USA programs to Ruston next Fall. We are also extremely grateful to our administration for advocating for our student athletes and giving the program this platform to represent our university.”
Times, broadcast schedule, and seeding will be announced a later date.
“We are excited for the opportunity to host the 2023 Conference USA Soccer Championships,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Eric Wood. “Our coaches and student-athletes have done a great job representing our program and university and we look forward to showcasing them and our beautiful new facility next Fall.”
This will be the second time LA Tech Soccer has hosted a conference tournament.
The Techsters hosted the 2010 Western Athletic Conference tournament in Ruston at the Lady Techsters Soccer Complex.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Friday, October 28 6 p.m.: Downtown Ruston Wine Walk 7 p.m.: Halloween double feature (Dixie Theatre)
Saturday, Oct. 29 8 a.m.: Grambling High School Day – HBCU College Tour 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market 2 p.m.: GSU v. Alcorn State 3:30-6:30: “Boo”yond the Walls Halloween Festival (Beyond the Walls Foundation, Dubach) 4-6 p.m.: 4Paws Fall Fest (4Paws Dog Park) 5-8 p.m.: MedCamps of Louisiana’s Fall Bash (Camp Alabama, 2090 Hwy 145, Choudrant)
Sunday, Oct. 30 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Trunk or Treat (The Springs, 1601 S. Barnett Springs Ave.) 5-6:30 p.m.: Trunk or Treat (Trinity United Methodist Church)
Monday, Oct. 31 Halloween 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5-8 p.m.: Fall Family Fun Fest (Cook Baptist Church) 5:30-7 p.m.: Trunk or treat (Grace United Methodist Church) 5:45 p.m.: Movie Night at Lincoln Parish Library 6-8 p.m.: Trunk or Treat by La Tech Student Athlete Advisory Committee (Thomas Assembly Center)
The Louisiana Tech University men’s and women’s track and field teams announced their 2023 indoor and outdoor schedules today.
“Our 2023 Track and Field schedule is amazing schedule this year,” said Director of Track & Field Brian Johnson. “We are getting the opportunity to compete against some of the best Track and Field programs in the country. I know if we bring our A-game we can definitely make some noise this year.”
Tech’s track and field team will commence their indoor season with the Arkansas Invitational hosted by the University of Arkansas on Jan. 13 in Fayetteville, Ark.
Tech will then compete at the KMS Invitational in Birmingham, Ala., hosted by UAB on Sunday, Jan. 22, followed by a multi-day event at the Texas Tech Open in Lubbock, Texas on Jan. 26-28.
The indoor regular-season finale will be held in Mobile, Ala., hosted by South Alabama on Sunday, Feb. 5, before the teams compete in the Conference USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Birmingham, Ala. from Feb. 18-19.
The indoor NCAA Championships are slated for Albuquerque, N.M., from Mar 10-11.
The Bulldogs and Lady Techsters will open their outdoor season at home with the Jim Mize Invitational on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 17-18.
Tech will then travel to Waco, Texas for a meet at Baylor University on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 24-25, followed by the Texas Relays in Austin, Texas running Mar. 29-Apr. 1.
LA Tech will compete in two in-state meets beginning with Southern University in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Apr. 8, followed by another trip to Baton Rouge to LSU on Saturday, Apr. 22.
The final meet of the regular season will be hosted by Mississippi State, Apr. 28-29, in Starkville, Miss.
The C-USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships will be held in Denton, Texas May 11-14, before the NCAA Regionals begin May 24-27 in Jacksonville, Fla., followed by Nationals in Austin, Texas on Jun 7-10.
On Saturday, October 29, 2022, the Louisiana Book Festival returns to downtown Baton Rouge for this first time since 2019. The 18th annual free, family-friendly festival celebrates readers, writers, and their books. Events and programs will be held in the State Library of Louisiana, Capitol Park Museum, and in tents on neighboring streets. More than 200 authors and presenters will discuss their books at over 100 programs throughout the day, followed by book signings. All featured titles will be available for purchase.
New for 2022 is the release of The Louisiana Book Festival app for IOS and Android. Available now for download, the app offers festivalgoers access to information such as the schedule of events, information on featured authors and exhibitors, and a map of the festival area. You can download your Louisiana Book Festival app in the Apple Store or Google Play.
The 2022 Louisiana Book Festival will begin with the presentation of the 23rd Louisiana Writer Award to David Armand inside the Capitol Park Museum on Saturday, October 29, at 9 a.m.
In addition to scores of programs for adult readers, offerings returning this year include the Young Readers Pavilion where children and parents can enjoy children’s authors, storytelling performances, book-related crafts, face painting, and balloon animals; and, the Teen HQ featuring bestselling and award-winning young adult authors and activities. There will also be cooking demonstrations and a wide variety of book-related activities.
Seven weeks. Seven winners of the Karl Malone Toyota NFL Pickem contest presented by 511 and Black Rifle Coffee Company.
All winners of $150 of cash and prizes.
How would you like to join them in the winners circle?
It’s easy. Each week pick the 10 NFL games that we list and have a chance to win cash and gift cards.
One lucky (or smart) pick’em guru will walk away with $150 worth of cash and prizes. The weekly deadline is Saturday at 10 a.m. (prior to Sunday’s NFL games).
Anyone is eligible to participate (only one entry per contestant). Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected NFL games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).
There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Lincoln Parish Journal.
It takes 20-30 seconds to sign up and not much longer than that to make your picks.
All contest decisions by LPJ management are final. Weekly winners will be notified Monday and are will be requested to take a photo that will run in the following week’s LPJ.
Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the Journal, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. daily e-mail.
Ruthie Jean Johnson Amos Monday 11/22/1948 — Monday 10/24/2022 Visitation: Friday 10/28/2022 3:00pm to 5:00pm at King’s Funeral Home Celebration of Life: Saturday 10/29/2022 11:00am, Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church Ruston, 107 Love Avenue, Ruston Interment: Saturday 10/29/2022 Following Service, Bonner Cemetery, Ruston
Bernadette Bennett September 10, 1930 – October 25, 2022 Services pending
The date was Friday, Oct. 2, 2020; a slightly rainy and windy night in Bossier City, La.
By halftime, the Ruston Bearcats held a very comfortable lead over the Airline Vikings, going into the locker room up 35-7. The game was one that was, for all intents and purposes, over by this point.
But the overarching story from that particular ballgame came after what looked like a normal play: then-senior Bearcat running back Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove, ranked as a 4-star recruit by Rivals and eventual signee with Mississippi State University, was injured and did not return to the ballgame.
On that night, Dyson Fields was a sophomore running back for the Ruston Bearcats, and he was the “next man up” on the depth chart. From there, Fields spent the remainder of 2020’s COVID season and then his junior year establishing himself as one of the top rushers in the state amassing 1,659 yards with 24 touchdowns, which earned him the 2021 District 2-5A Offensive MVP.
Fast-forward two years away from that Airline game to the final non-district matchup of 2022. This time, Ruston was holding on to a one-score lead in the fourth quarter, desperately hoping to convert first downs and keep the clock moving to ensure victory over rival Neville at James Field at “Hoss” Garrett Stadium.
Another normal play; a simple hand-off to now-senior Fields ended with a hard hit that forced the tailback to the sideline for the remainder of the ballgame. The injury kept Fields out of play for the following three contests to recoup his leg. But during this process, he recognized how similar the circumstances were compared to that fateful night at Airline: a senior leader who now had the chance to pour into a younger and incredibly skilled running back in sophomore Jordan Hayes.
And so, for the last three weeks, Fields has been active and integral to the offense in the huddle and on the bench, using his voice and knowledge of the game as a vehicle to meaningfully contribute during the healing process.
“It was hard at first, but it brought back to memory how other guys had mentored me when I was a sophomore,” Fields said. “I really wanted to return the favor.”
That mindset from Fields has paid dividends for the Bearcats during the three-week District 2-5A stretch that he’s been on the sideline. In that time, Hayes has racked up 528 yards rushing for an average of 176 yards per game with five touchdowns, and some incredible, highlight-reel-worthy runs.
Hayes, certainly an explosive talent in his own right, still credits Fields for his support during these few weeks.
“It’s been good for me,” Hayes said. “To have an older player mentor me has helped me learn from my mistakes and be better. He always tells me the right things to do. He tells me when I need to drop my shoulders a bit and get lower; I thank him for all the advice he’s given me.”
Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh added his praise for the way Fields has handled this misfortune and thus turned into an opportunity to lift up his younger teammate.
“It’s unfortunate that Dyson has been in this position,” Baugh said. “But he’s well aware of what it feels like to be on the flip-side after Bull was hurt two years ago. Dyson understands what the younger guys need, and he has been very good in practice and in games by being supportive of his teammates. It goes a long way and gives the younger guys confidence in the fact that (Dyson’s) out there pulling for them. That’s what you like to see out of teammates. It’s a tough situation to be injured and having to adjust to being on the sideline, and finding another way to be involved in the ballgame is hard sometimes, but he has done a really good job.”
Now, after sitting out the appropriate amount of time and receiving the proper clearance, Fields is expected to return to the turf for the next contest: against a Ouachita Lions team that sports a talented running back of their own, and a road game to the Lion’s Den, less.
For a coaching staff, it’s a great problem to have with multiple talented skill position players ready to contribute. Ruston running backs’ coach Broderick Fobbs spoke of his plan to provide the optimal setting for both backs to be successful for the remainder of the year.
“There is a lot of communication on my end,” Fobbs said. “There’s a lot of talking with both of those young men and making sure Dyson understands expectations but also, too, that we don’t lose Jordan and that he understands that he is still going to get touches. The most important thing they both understand is that both guys will play and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure they’ll be successful.”
Fields recognizes that with his injury he’ll likely not put up the same regular season numbers as last year, but his perspective is in the right place, allowing his good character to shine through the adversity.
“It’s been a different season for sure, because I went from last season having a lot of yards and scores,” Fields said. “This year, my mindset has been about getting the win. Anything I can do to help get the win, that’s what I’ll do. We just have to grind it out.”
Making things better for the Ruston run game, Fields and Hayes are both uniquely talented: Fields gets his yards through sheer will and force, while Hayes has an upper-gear with his speed that creates major problems for defenses if they allow any kind of space for him to find.
“They’re really good and exceptional kids,” Fobbs added. “They want to do well and what you tell them to do. They ask questions. Dyson is a lot more experienced and very, very tough young man and very driven. He wants to be the best and really plays with his heart on his sleeve. Jordan is very confident, too, and really studies running backs. I give him a name of a great player, and he’ll go research him and watch video and try to put a couple of things they do in his game. It’s been a real pleasure to work with them and give them another perspective than what they’ve seen before. That’s what you have with those guys; one is like thunder, and the other is like lightning. They really are good at complementing each other.”
And as the Bearcats sit at 7-1 on the season (with only an overtime loss in the first game of the year standing in the way of an undefeated year), the last two weeks will be critical as Ruston controls its destiny for a district title and a possibility to seed itself for a title run in the postseason.
“It means a lot to play for Ruston,” Fields concluded. “We haven’t won a state championship since 1990, so every time I touch the field, I’m going to give it all I’ve got so we can hopefully have a chance to play for a title.”
Students in Lincoln Parish showed out earlier this month as many of them competed in the parish-wide 4-H Talent Show at Howard Auditorium and placed in multiple categories.
All of these students are qualified to compete in the State 4-H Talent Show, which will be held this Saturday in conjunction with the State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport.
Those who placed are as follows:
Junior Division Class 1 (Dance) 1st place–Carley Carter (Cedar Creek)
Class 2 (Vocal) 1st place–Kaejha Steward (AEP) 2nd place–Ramona Bishop and Dove Kilpatrick (RES) 3rd place–Isaiah Clinton (IAL)
