A Dubach couple remains in custody after being charged with 10 counts of rape against a single victim.

Timothy Dennis Burns, Jr., 44, and Victoria Elaine Munch, 25, both of Henry Road, Dubach, were arrested September 12 for five counts of first degree rape and five counts of third degree rape.

Lieutenant Matt Henderson of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office said an investigation was opened the previous week. A search warrant was executed at the suspects’ Henry Road residence and Burns and Munch were brought in and questioned.

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Henderson said all the charges pertain to a single juvenile victim.

“The investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible,” Henderson said. No other information is being released at this time.

Bail was set at $1.5 million for each suspect.

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. 

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 Class 5A

 

1. Ruston (2-0) beat Cabot (Ark.) 49-10

2. Karr (1-0) did not play

3. Catholic-BR (2-0) beat St. Thomas More 18-14

4. Acadiana (1-1) beat Zachary 43-28

5. Zachary (1-1)  lost to Acadiana 43-28

6. Destrehan (0-1) plays Bonnabel Saturday

7. Neville (2-0) beat Calvary Baptist 42-38

8. John Curtis (1-1) beat Northshore 27-7

9. St. Augustine (2-0) beat Cecilia 54-38

10. West Monroe (1-1) lost 67-47 to Pulaski (Ark.) Academy

(tie) Carencro (0-2) lost to Lafayette Christian 28-21

Others receiving votes: Alexandria (2-0) beat Union Parish 41-12; Airline (2-0) beat Benton 55-28; Brother Martin (2-0) beat St. Paul’s 31-28; Holy Cross (2-0) beat De La Salle 42-13; Mandeville (2-0) beat Madison Prep 52-43; Dutchtown (2-0) beat Ponchatoula 31-13; Central (2-0) beat Denham Springs 31-6; Archbishop Rummel (2-0) beat University 13-7; Barbe (1-1) beat Lake Charles College Prep 34-28, Evangel Christian (1-1) beat Natchitoches 45-7, Sam Houston (1-1) lost to Teurlings Catholic 48-21, Terrebonne (1-0) played Ellender; Walker (2-0) beat Woodlawn-BR 34-14.

 

Class 4A

1. North DeSoto (1-1) lost 35-28 to Center (Texas)

2. St. Thomas More (1-1) lost to Catholic-BR 18-14

3. Opelousas (0-1) did not play

4. Cecilia (1-1) lost to St. Augustine 54-38

5. E.D. White (1-1) lost to Jesuit 22-15

6. Westgate (1-0) did not play

7. Archbishop Shaw (1-1) beat West Jefferson 49-0

8. Teurlings Catholic (2-0) beat Sam Houston 48-21

9. Lutcher (1-0) did not play

10. St. Charles (0-1) did not play

Others receiving votes: Assumption (1-0) plays H.L. Bourgeois Sunday; Franklin Parish (2-0) beat St. Frederick 42-21; Wossman (0-2) lost to Ouachita 25-0; Leesville (1-1) beat Tioga 49-32; Franklinton (1-1) lost to Covington 32-21; Iowa (1-1) lost to Little Cypress, Texas, 45-26; McDonogh 35 (0-1) did not play.

 

Class 3A

1. University (1-1) lost to Rummel 13-7

2. St. James (1-0) did not play

3. Northwest (1-0) beat Rayne 50-14

4. Sterlington (2-0) beat Rayville 49-6

5. John F. Kennedy (1-0) beat Warren Easton 36-26

6. Bunkie (2-0) beat St. Louis Catholic 55-10

7. Jena (2-0) beat Menard 52-6

8. Madison Prep (0-2) lost to Mandeville 52-43

9. Amite (0-2) lost to Hammond 33-16

10. De La Salle (1-1) beat Holy Cross 42-13

Others receiving votes: Bastrop 28, Parkview Baptist (1-1) beat Prairieville 53-13; Lake Charles College Prep (0-2) lost to Barbe 34-28; Jennings (0-1) played Eunice; Donaldsonville (1-1) beat Port Allen 21-17; Marksville (1-1) lost to Church Point 22-20.

 

Class 2A

1. Calvary Baptist (1-1) lost to Neville 42-38

2. Newman (1-0) did not play

3. Oak Grove (1-1) beat Crossett, Ark., 57-18

4. Lafayette Christian (1-1) beat Carencro 28-21

5. Notre Dame (2-0) beat Ville Platte 51-0

6. Dunham (2-0) beat Live Oak 27-10 

7. Union Parish (0-2) lost to Alexandria 41-12 

8. Ouachita Christian (2-0) beat General Trass 49-0

9. Episcopal-BR (2-0) beat Northlake Christian 31-16

10. Catholic-New Iberia (0-1) did not play

Others receiving votes: Mangham (1-1) beat Richwood 28-0; Ferriday (2-0) beat Block 46-6; Homer (0-2) lost to Minden 39-20, Northlake Christian (1-1) lost to Episcopal-BR 31-16, South Plaquemines 5, Pope John Paul II (2-0) beat Varnado 46-8.

 

Class 1A

1. Southern Lab (1-0) did not play

2. Vermilion Catholic (2-0) beat Breaux Bridge 45-0

3. Haynesville (2-0) beat Harmony Grove, Ark., 58-24

4. Kentwood (1-1) lost to Jewel Sumner 20-14

5. Riverside (0-1) did not play

6. Logansport (1-1) lost to Loyola 28-6

7. St. Martin’s (2-0) beat Westminster Christian 36-17

8. Ascension Catholic (1-0) did not play

9. Opelousas Catholic (2-0) beat East Beauregard 55-8

10.Central Catholic (1-0) did not play

Others receiving votes: Catholic-Pointe Coupee (2-0) best Crowley 54-12; Covenant Christian (1-0) plays South Terrebonne Saturday; White Castle (0-2) lost to Liberty 72-26; Jeanerette (1-0) did not play; St. Frederick 4 (1-1) lost to Franklin Parish 42-21.

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A small child who went missing Wednesday was found quickly near his home, according to the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Matt Henderson of LPSO said a three-year-old child was playing outside the residence and wandered off. Authorities responded to the scene in the Houston Road-Garr Road area and the Wade Correctional Center Chase Team was requested to provide tracking dogs to help locate the child.

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“The child was recovered a very short time later in front of the residence,” Henderson said. “He was medically checked out and was in good health and spirits.”

The child was found before the Wade K-9 team reached the scene.

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No drugs were found in samples from the Crumbl Cookie bakery in West Monroe after a complaint cookies obtained there were tainted, according to law enforcement officials.

On September 11, Captain Doug Schmitz of the Metro Narcotics Team confirmed no controlled dangerous substances were found in the cookies at Crumbl Cookie.

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On August 28, Schmitz said Metro Narcotics received complaints about cookies from Crumbl Cookies on Constitution Drive in West Monroe. Some of the complaints included reports of cookies smelling of marijuana. Authorities obtained samples for crime lab analysis.

The bakery temporarily closed the next day and reopened on September 1. The bakery, which has not commented on the matter.

The initial allegations were posted on Facebook by a customer who later removed the post.

Jan Grigsby is one happy client.

The longtime Ruston native recently hired Custom Curbing to add a concrete landscape border along her flower beds in both her front and back yards.

And Grigsby is happy she did.

“I saw it from one of my neighbor’s house, and I loved it,” said Grigsby. “It has defined my yard. I can’t tell you how many people have come by and said ‘Your yard looks so good.’ It has really defined my yard. I also got him to do my backyard. It has really made all the difference.”

Custom Curbing is owned by Aaron Cash and is based out of West Monroe. The company has been around for almost three decades and is making a splash in Lincoln Parish recently.

“Basically, we put really nice borders around flower beds,” said Cash. “The business was established in 1996 so we have been serving northeast Louisiana for almost 30 years. It’s like adding a beautiful frame around your landscape. Our longtime slogan is ‘Frame Your Landscaping.'”

Cash said much of the business comes from neighbors seeing the finished product at other neighbors’ houses. And based on Grigsby’s satisfaction, it’s understandable.

“I am so pleased,” said Grigsby. “When I go outside, I look at it and just smile. They did such a super job. So many people have said, ‘Oh, Jan. Your yard looks so much better.’ And Aaron and his guys were so pleasant to work with during the process.”

Interested individuals can learn more at http://www.TheCustomCurbing.com. A step-by-step list of the process involved can be found at http://www.TheCustomCurbing.com/process.

Cash said that at the end of the day, it’s all about the client being happy with the finished product.

“We typically stick with earth tones; tans, and browns, and greys and charcoals,” said Cash. “We want to use colors that will be in style for years to come. Typically, that is earth tones. I see what their needs are and give them my advice on what would look better and how to alleviate some problems such as beds washing out or the grass encroaching in the beds.

“We also remove lots of dangerous metal edging that has become rusty and jagged and replace it with our concrete border system. We figure out the best designs and go from there.”

According to Cash, a “typical” job costs between $1,200 and $1,500, but the price can vary depending on style/color of curb, amount of ground prep, drainage work, root work, travel distance, number of areas, etc.

An average job can be completed within a day.

For more information, individuals can call 318-598-YARD or click on the CONTACT link on the website.

This is a paid advertorial

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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.

Monday, Sept. 16
11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome
5:30 p.m.: Ruston Zoning and Planning meeting (Ruston City Hall)
6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street)
6-9 p.m.: Creative Meetups (Creative Exchange)

Tuesday, Sept. 17
6-8 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market LSU Ag Free Class (Ruston Farmers Market)

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Wednesday, Sept. 18
7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee)

11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome

Thursday, Sept. 19
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall)
4 p.m.: Ribbon cutting for Simply Chic Boutique (1102 Cooktown Rd.)
6-8 p.m.: Wine tasting at Ruston Farmers Market (advanced registration required)
6:30-8:30 p.m.: Bulldog Auction (Dixie Center for the Arts)

Friday, Sept. 20
6-8 p.m.: Tech Pep Rally (Downtown Ruston)
7 p.m.: Cedar Creek football

Saturday, Sept. 21
USSSA Softball (Ruston Sports Complex)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
2-4 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Library Fall into a Book Festival (Lincoln Parish Library Events Center)
6 p.m.: LA Tech football
6 p.m.: GSU football

Sunday, Sept. 22
USSSA Softball (Ruston Sports Complex)

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

by Malcolm Butler

Louisiana Tech had the lead and the momentum heading into the halftime lockerroom Saturday afternoon at Carter Finley Stadium.

Buck Buchanan’s program record-tying 57-yard field goal with just 13 seconds left in the first half capped a 17-point outburst over the final three minutes of the second quarter, giving Tech (1-1) a 17-6 halftime advantage.

However, the momentum was short-lived.

NC State (2-1) used a 33-yard interception return for a TD by DK Kaufman on just the third play from scrimmage in the third quarter to put life back into the Wolfpack faithful and outscored Tech 24-3 over the final two quarters to defeat the Bulldogs 30-20.

“NC State is known for creating takeaways,” said Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie on the pick six. “We did not pick up the protection and Jack Turner was hit as he went to throw. That was the one thing we did not want to have happen.”

For the second straight game, the Bulldog defense played well, holding the Wolfpack in check for the vast majority of the game and knocking NC State starting quarterback Grayson McCall out of the game late in the second quarter.

However, the Bulldogs defensive unit was on the field for almost 37 of the 60 minute contest and began to wear down over the final 15 minutes with the game on the line.

“I thought our defense played well,” said Cumbie. “It was a long time for our defense to be out there. We had too many three and outs by the offense, and I think that weighed on them toward the end of the game.”

Part of the Bulldogs issue Saturday was the lack of a run game as Tech managed just 43 yards on 19 carries, thus putting pressure on Turner and the passing game.

Turner had a number of bright spots, completing 19-of-36 passes for 281 yards and one score with one interception. Tech’s O-line held up in pass protection, allowing Turner to find a number of chunk plays throughout the game.

With the Bulldogs trailing 6-0 late in the second quarter, Turner picked up a first down with a 10-yard scamper and then found Tru Edwards for a 41-yard gain down to the Wolfpack five-yard line. Donerio Davenport gave Tech its first lead on a 5-yard scamper one play later as the Bulldogs led 7-6.

Following a three-and-out by NC State, Edwards recorded the play of the game for Tech, snaring a slant pass, breaking two tackles and outracing the Wolfpack defenders 71 yards for a TD and a 14-6 lead. Edwards finished the game with four catches for a career-high 148 yards.

Wolfpack freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, thrust into action with the injury to McCall, was intercepted by Kolbe Fields on NC State’s next possession. It turned into three more points as Buchanan’s record-tying kick gave the Bulldogs an 11-point halftime lead.

“I was very proud of their effort,” said Cumbie. “They played with a physical style of football. We spent the first quarter on offense not executing. We answered the bell and executed plays though in the second quarter.

“Then the defense and special teams fed off each other. We did what we could not do on our first drive and that is give up six points. We did not execute at the level we needed to in the second half to win.”

After NC State took a 20-17 lead in the third quarter, Tech marched down the field thanks to a pair of connections between Turner and Jay Wilkerson. The Bulldogs had a second down and goal from the 1-yard line but a negative running play and an incomplete pass forced a second Buchanan field goal, tying the game at 20-20.

NC State would outscore the Bulldogs 10-0 over the final 15 minutes to pick up the win.

CJ Harris led Tech with 10 tackles, including three tackles for loss, while Zach Zimos and Demarcus Griffin-Taylor each added nine stops.

Tech will host Tulsa Saturday at 6 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

COMMERCE, Texas — Grambling State University saved its best for last Saturday as the Tigers rallied late to push the game into overtime before taking a 35-28 win at Texas A&M-Commerce.

The outcome marks the first time in seven years — since 2017 — that the Tigers have started the season at 2-1 after three games.

In a contest that stayed tight from start to finish, the Tigers had to storm back late in regulation to even have a chance at a win over TAMC. 

But GSU wide receiver Nicholas Howard’s 27-yard scoring strike from quarterback Myles Crawley tied the contest at 28-28 with 1:18 remaining in the fourth quarter, setting up the Tigers’ opportunity for their fantastic overtime finish.

Grambling took the first offensive possession of overtime and faced a third-and-seven at the TAMC 23 when Crawley lofted a pass to running back Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove, a former Ruston High School standout, who hauled in the over-the-shoulder catch to give the Tigers a first-and-goal at the Lions’ five-yard line.

The Tigers then turned to running back Tre Bradford, who ran for two yards before powering his way three yards to the end zone to put Grambling on top by seven points as TAMC prepared to take its possession in the first overtime period.

That possession only lasted one play as TAMC quarterback Ron Peace was intercepted by GSU’s Patrick Marshall on first down, sending the G-Men into celebration mode.

Grambling opened scoring with a 35-yard fumble return by Blake Davis that left Grambling on top 6-0 at the 6:43 mark of the first quarter after Ryan Harradine’s point after touchdown kick attempt was blocked.

Texas A&M took the lead less than a minute later as BK Jackson broke free on a 69-yard scoring scamper and Luke Jackson followed by making his PAT try to put the Lions on top 7-6 with 6:02 remaining in the opening stanza.

Grambling regained the lead at the 12:56 mark of the second quarter as Crawley connected with Jacoby Ballazar on a 10-yard touchdown before those two connected again for a two-point conversion that put the Tigers on top 14–7.

But Jackson was back at it two and a half minutes later as he hit paydirt on a nine-yard run to tie the contest at 14-14 with 7:27 left in the first half, and the Lions moved in front by a touchdown at the 4:41 mark of the second quarter as JaiSean McMillian scored on a five-yard scamper.

Grambling sent the teams into the locker rooms at halftime tied at 21-21 after Bradford broke loose for a 41-yard touchdown run with 4:17 left in the first half.

The Lions battled back in front midway through the third quarter on a three-yard run by Braxton Garmon to move on top 28-21. 

Grambling had a solid opportunity to tie the game again early in the fourth quarter, driving to the TAMC six-yard line before Hargrove fumbled the ball away to the Lions.

That had to have resulted in his key overtime reception being even sweeter after the Lincoln Parish product’s catch proved to be a source of redemption after the earlier fumble.

Grambling started its late fourth quarter scoring drive at its own 25-yard line with 3:41 remaining on the clock, with a 12-yard reception by Javon Robinson, a 13-yard run by Crawley, and a 22-yard pass from Crawley to Bradford setting up Howard’s late scoring catch that sent the game to overtime.

Crawley completed 14-of-30 pass attempts for 126 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Backup Deijay Bailey played one series early in the third quarter, completing one of two attempted passes for five yards.

Bradford topped the Tigers with 69 yards and his two scores on 14 carries while Hargrove carried the ball 11 times for 36 yards while adding three catches for 24 yards.

Covadis Knighten was Grambling’s top receiver, hauling in four passes for 29 yards.

Turnovers played a big role for the Tigers as they finished with six takeaways (four interceptions and two fumbles) compared to three for TAMC.

Penalties were once again at least somewhat of an issue for the Tigers, who were flagged 10 times for 66 yards.

Next up for Grambling will be a 6 p.m. home contest next Saturday against Jackson State, which stands at 2-1 after defeating Southern 33-15 on Saturday.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

 

 

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

The Louisiana Tech volleyball team used a total team effort to pick up two wins on the final day of the Battle for the Boot inside the Thomas Assembly Center Saturday.

Tech fell 3-1 to Southeastern Louisiana in Friday’s first game of the tournament.

In the morning, the Bulldogs (5-5) got kills from eight players, including four with five or more, in the 4-1 win over Northwestern State (5-4). They returned an hour and a half later to defeat Southern (1-9) 4-1, with six players reaching five or more kills and four with at least eight.

“I am so proud of the way our team responded today after the tough stretch we’ve had recently,” said head coach Amber McCray. “We showed a ton of grit we have been talking about needing to play with, proven by how many hustle plays we won today. This was the day we needed to get back on track, and I’m excited to carry this momentum into our final preseason test next weekend in New Orleans.”

Four quick points to start the first match forced Northwestern State to call a timeout soon after the match began. The lead would eventually grow to eight, and the Bulldogs would close out the set on a 5-0 run to take the set 25-13.

Tech would find themselves in a hole early in the second set, but back-to-back aces by Giulia Bonifacio tied it up at six. The Demons would take back the lead and hold it until a six-point run, highlighted by Jailen Hurley’s first two aces of her career, gave the Bulldogs a 17-13 advantage. Northwestern would get the following two points, but another 6-0 run put the set out of reach, and Tech would win 25-18.

NSU would take the lead in the third set and wouldn’t relinquish it. LA Tech would have their worst production on both sides of the net all weekend. The Bulldogs would only hit .049 while the Demons produced a .350 hitting clip to take the set 25-13.

Tech looked like they lost everything from the first two sets and fell behind 4-0 in the fourth. After the teams traded points a few times, the Bulldogs went to four different attackers to help orchestrate a four-point run to tie it up. Reaghan Thompson put the Demons back in front by four, but once again the Bulldogs stepped up and would take the lead for the first time at 15-14. Hurley’s third ace of the match gave Tech the lead they wouldn’t give up. They closed the match with three straight to take it 25-21.

LA Tech started strong against Southern with back-to-back aces to start the match. However, the Lady Jaguars wouldn’t give up and kept the score at 8-7 in favor of the Bulldogs. From there, Tech took control of the match with the defense, forcing Southern into five errors in a six-point run. A combination of the defense and offense for the Bulldogs helped close the set with five straight to roll to a 25-12 win.

Southern took the lead for the first time with the first point of the second set. Tech responded quickly and grabbed the 4-1 lead right after. The Bulldogs found themselves in another tightly contested set. Down 12-11, the Tech defense stepped up and forced SU into four errors to grab a five-point lead. Southern would close it back down to two, but four more errors followed by Bonifacio with her fourth set clincher of the day would give Tech the set 25-18.

The Bulldogs would fall in the third set again, keeping it close. Southern’s attackers worked their way around the Tech blockers and eventually got up 21-15. The Bulldogs would try to fight back but would find themselves down five set points before working their way back down to 24-23, aided by the play of middle blocker Charlize Williams with two kills. It wouldn’t be enough as the Lady Jaguars took the set 25-23.

That loss woke the Bulldogs up as they finished the match with their best offensive set of the weekend, with 18 kills and a .390 hitting clip. Megan Cooley, Rori Gray, Bonifacio, and Hurley all had three kills, while Izabelly Benjamin added four. Bonifacio ended the match with her fifth set-clinching kill of the day to give the Bulldogs a 25-18 set win.

Benjamin led the way for the Bulldogs with 19 kills and 29 digs, including 20 against Northwestern for her second straight double-double. Hurley finished with 18 kills, Bonifacio had 17, Williams at 15, and Cooley had 14. Williams added seven blocks, Riley Steubing had 29 digs, and Meghan Scharpenberg had 37 assists.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

Grambling State was defeated by Murray State 2-0 Sunday morning at the GSU Soccer Complex.

Both of Murray State’s goals came in the second half, with forward Mary Hardy netting both of them.

Despite a strong effort, Grambling couldn’t find the back of the net, leaving them with a tough loss.

With the loss, Grambling stands at 2-5-3. Murray State improved to 4-3-1 on the season with the win.

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Emily Jane Dring Moore passed away on September 13, 2024, after a lengthy illness.  Emily was born in Ruston, LA, on May 22, 1947.  She was a lifelong resident of Lincoln Parish, living in Ruston and Simsboro. 

A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Emily was a teacher who worked for Lincoln Parish Schools for 28 years, primarily at Cypress Springs Elementary School, where she was named Teacher of the Year for the 1997-98 school year.  Emily was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston for more than 50 years, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and chaperoned many trips with the youth and college students. 

Emily was preceded in death by her father, Lewis Allen “Dick” Dring, and her mother, Mary Lucille Fallin Dring.  Emily is survived by her husband of 55 years, Randy Moore; son Richard (Leigh) and his daughters Catherine and Laura of Indianapolis, IN; daughter Sara and her children EmmaLeigh and Caleb of Ruston, LA; sister Mary Ellen Dring Gamble (George) and their children and grandchildren, of Germantown, LA;  and a number of brothers- and sisters-in law, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Visitation for Emily will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, with a memorial service following at 2:00pm. Rev. Dale Oden and Rev. John Moore, Emily’s brother-in-law, will officiate at the service. Pallbearers will be John McIntyre, Kip Franklin, Greg Franklin, Jeff Funderburk, Benjamin Gamble and Rusty Mabry.  Interment will be at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens of Ruston.  The Moore family would like to express special thanks to Ruth Harrison, caregiver, and Amy Vance, hospice nurse.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Rick W. Byargeon Missions Memorial Fund at Temple Baptist Church.

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Lue Charles Napper 
February 13, 1948 – September 13, 2024 
Visitation: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer- Ruston, LA, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
Service: Episcopal Church of the Redeemer- Ruston, LA, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 10:00 am 

 

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

COMMERCE, Texas — Grambling State University saved its best for last Saturday as the Tigers rallied late to push the game into overtime before taking a 35-28 win at Texas A&M-Commerce.

The outcome marks the first time in seven years — since 2017 — that the Tigers have started the season at 2-1 after three games.

In a contest that stayed tight from start to finish, the Tigers had to storm back late in regulation to even have a chance at a win over TAMC. 

But GSU wide receiver Nicholas Howard’s 27-yard scoring strike from quarterback Myles Crawley tied the contest at 28-28 with 1:18 remaining in the fourth quarter, setting up the Tigers’ opportunity for their fantastic overtime finish.

Grambling took the first offensive possession of overtime and faced a third-and-seven at the TAMC 23 when Crawley lofted a pass to running back Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove, a former Ruston High School standout, who hauled in the over-the-shoulder catch to give the Tigers a first-and-goal at the Lions’ five-yard line.

The Tigers then turned to running back Tre Bradford, who ran for two yards before powering his way three yards to the end zone to put Grambling on top by seven points as TAMC prepared to take its possession in the first overtime period.

That possession only lasted one play as TAMC quarterback Ron Peace was intercepted by GSU’s Patrick Marshall on first down, sending the G-Men into celebration mode.

Grambling opened scoring with a 35-yard fumble return by Blake Davis that left Grambling on top 6-0 at the 6:43 mark of the first quarter after Ryan Harradine’s point after touchdown kick attempt was blocked.

Texas A&M took the lead less than a minute later as BK Jackson broke free on a 69-yard scoring scamper and Luke Jackson followed by making his PAT try to put the Lions on top 7-6 with 6:02 remaining in the opening stanza.

Grambling regained the lead at the 12:56 mark of the second quarter as Crawley connected with Jacoby Ballazar on a 10-yard touchdown before those two connected again for a two-point conversion that put the Tigers on top 14–7.

But Jackson was back at it two and a half minutes later as he hit paydirt on a nine-yard run to tie the contest at 14-14 with 7:27 left in the first half, and the Lions moved in front by a touchdown at the 4:41 mark of the second quarter as JaiSean McMillian scored on a five-yard scamper.

Grambling sent the teams into the locker rooms at halftime tied at 21-21 after Bradford broke loose for a 41-yard touchdown run with 4:17 left in the first half.

The Lions battled back in front midway through the third quarter on a three-yard run by Braxton Garmon to move on top 28-21. 

Grambling had a solid opportunity to tie the game again early in the fourth quarter, driving to the TAMC six-yard line before Hargrove fumbled the ball away to the Lions.

That had to have resulted in his key overtime reception being even sweeter after the Lincoln Parish product’s catch proved to be a source of redemption after the earlier fumble.

Grambling started its late fourth quarter scoring drive at its own 25-yard line with 3:41 remaining on the clock, with a 12-yard reception by Javon Robinson, a 13-yard run by Crawley, and a 22-yard pass from Crawley to Bradford setting up Howard’s late scoring catch that sent the game to overtime.

Crawley completed 14-of-30 pass attempts for 126 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Backup Deijay Bailey played one series early in the third quarter, completing one of two attempted passes for five yards.

Bradford topped the Tigers with 69 yards and his two scores on 14 carries while Hargrove carried the ball 11 times for 36 yards while adding three catches for 24 yards.

Covadis Knighten was Grambling’s top receiver, hauling in four passes for 29 yards.

Turnovers played a big role for the Tigers as they finished with six takeaways (four interceptions and two fumbles) compared to three for TAMC.

Penalties were once again at least somewhat of an issue for the Tigers, who were flagged 10 times for 66 yards.

Next up for Grambling will be a 6 p.m. home contest next Saturday against Jackson State, which stands at 2-1 after defeating Southern 33-15 on Saturday.

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by Malcolm Butler

Louisiana Tech had the lead and the momentum heading into the halftime lockerroom Saturday afternoon at Carter Finley Stadium.

Buck Buchanan’s program record-tying 57-yard field goal with just 13 seconds left in the first half capped a 17-point outburst over the final three minutes of the second quarter, giving Tech (1-1) a 17-6 halftime advantage.

However, the momentum was short-lived.

NC State (2-1) used a 33-yard interception return for a TD by DK Kaufman on just the third play from scrimmage in the third quarter to put life back into the Wolfpack faithful and outscored Tech 24-3 over the final two quarters to defeat the Bulldogs 30-20.

“NC State is known for creating takeaways,” said Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie on the pick six. “We did not pick up the protection and Jack Turner was hit as he went to throw. That was the one thing we did not want to have happen.”

For the second straight game, the Bulldog defense played well, holding the Wolfpack in check for the vast majority of the game and knocking NC State starting quarterback Grayson McCall out of the game late in the second quarter.

However, the Bulldogs defensive unit was on the field for almost 37 of the 60 minute contest and began to wear down over the final 15 minutes with the game on the line.

“I thought our defense played well,” said Cumbie. “It was a long time for our defense to be out there. We had too many three and outs by the offense, and I think that weighed on them toward the end of the game.”

Part of the Bulldogs issue Saturday was the lack of a run game as Tech managed just 43 yards on 19 carries, thus putting pressure on Turner and the passing game.

Turner had a number of bright spots, completing 19-of-36 passes for 281 yards and one score with one interception. Tech’s O-line held up in pass protection, allowing Turner to find a number of chunk plays throughout the game.

With the Bulldogs trailing 6-0 late in the second quarter, Turner picked up a first down with a 10-yard scamper and then found Tru Edwards for a 41-yard gain down to the Wolfpack five-yard line. Donerio Davenport gave Tech its first lead on a 5-yard scamper one play later as the Bulldogs led 7-6.

Following a three-and-out by NC State, Edwards recorded the play of the game for Tech, snaring a slant pass, breaking two tackles and outracing the Wolfpack defenders 71 yards for a TD and a 14-6 lead. Edwards finished the game with four catches for a career-high 148 yards.

Wolfpack freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, thrust into action with the injury to McCall, was intercepted by Kolbe Fields on NC State’s next possession. It turned into three more points as Buchanan’s record-tying kick gave the Bulldogs an 11-point halftime lead.

“I was very proud of their effort,” said Cumbie. “They played with a physical style of football. We spent the first quarter on offense not executing. We answered the bell and executed plays though in the second quarter.

“Then the defense and special teams fed off each other. We did what we could not do on our first drive and that is give up six points. We did not execute at the level we needed to in the second half to win.”

After NC State took a 20-17 lead in the third quarter, Tech marched down the field thanks to a pair of connections between Turner and Jay Wilkerson. The Bulldogs had a second down and goal from the 1-yard line but a negative running play and an incomplete pass forced a second Buchanan field goal, tying the game at 20-20.

NC State would outscore the Bulldogs 10-0 over the final 15 minutes to pick up the win.

CJ Harris led Tech with 10 tackles, including three tackles for loss, while Zach Zimos and Demarcus Griffin-Taylor each added nine stops.

Tech will host Tulsa Saturday at 6 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium.

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by Malcolm Butler

No Josh Brantley? No worries.

With its all-state caliber quarterback sidelined as a precaution with a nagging injury from last week’s win over Acadiana, No. 1 ranked Ruston High didn’t flinch.

The Bearcats used a strong run game, a solid performance by sophomore backup QB Sam Hartwell, and a stingy defense to dismantle No. 11 ranked Cabot (Ark.) High School 49-10 at Hoss Garrett Stadium at James Field.

“We evaluated Josh all week and felt it was in his best interest especially early in the year to get him healthy,” said head coach Jerrod Baugh on the decision not to play his senior signal caller.

The win by Ruston was its 16^th straight, now the longest active streak in the state following Catholic’s 18-14 win over St. Thomas More and Neville’s 42-38 win over Calvary Baptist both on Friday night. St. Thomas More saw its win streak snapped at 25 straight and Calvary Baptist saw its streak ended at 16 in a row.

But back to the Bearcats and their dominating performance. It was simply a game that showed glimpses of the future, but even more so, it showed the depth of the 2024 Bearcats squad.

And it was a game where Ruston (2-0) had to play from behind early. But once the Bearcats got things rolling, the Panthers (1-2) had no answers in any of the three phases of the game.

Following an interception of a deflected Hartwell pass early in the first quarter, Cabot took the early 7-0 lead on an 8-yard scoring toss to tight end Kaden Harmon.

However, it would be the last time the Panthers found the endzone.

And Ruston responded … quickly and in a state championship caliber way.

The Bearcats drove the length of the field on its ensuing possession as Hartwell found Ahmad Hudson for a long gain that took the ball into Cabot territory, Jordan Hayes scored the first TD of the night for Ruston on a 10-yard scamper with 6:29 to play in the opening quarter, tying the game at 7-7.

“I think we struggled emotionally at the beginning with it being senior night,” said Baugh. “Senior night is always tough. You do like to see how the guys respond. Being able to answer scores is always big.”

It was just a microcosm of the night as Ruston used a balanced offensive attack to move the ball up and down the field, almost at will.

The second quarter saw Ruston tally three touchdowns, including a 26-yard run by Dylone Brooks, a 19-yard scamper by Hartwell and a 7-yard hookup from Hartwell and Lander Smith as the Bearcats took a 28-7 lead into the halftime locker room.

Hayes and Brooks were once again a potent one-two punch on the ground. Hayes rushed 15 times for 124 yards and one score while Brooks added 13 carries for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

“We needed to do some things better than last week particularly along the offensive line,” said Baugh. “(Cabot) moves around a lot defensively, and I thought for the most part we handled that okay. We will have to watch video to make sure.”

Any chance of Cabot believing it could get back into the game was quickly erased in the third quarter as Ruston took the third quarter kickoff and marched down the field with Brooks capping the drive with a 21-yard TD run, his second score of the night.

“Talking to Coach (Kyle) Williams at halftime, he thought we were going through the motions in the first half,” said Baugh. “I told them at halftime to throw the score out and go out and play with emotion and fire. I thought we saw that (in the second half).”

The Bearcats defense impressed all night. After surrendering the early TD in the opening quarter on the short field, Ruston allowed just a 37-yard field goal late in the third quarter.

Aidan Anding, who had a punt return for a score negated by a penalty early in the ball game, recorded an interception with just under four minutes to play in the third quarter … one play after Hartwell saw a deflected pass picked off by the Panthers.

On the very next play from scrimmage following Anding’s interception, Hartwell found Joren Parker for a 56-yard touchdown, upping the Bearcats lead to 42-7 with 3:40 to play in the stanza.

Hartwell threw for 141 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions, both on deflected passes. He also rushed for 50 yards and one score.

“Sam knows our offense,” said Baugh. “Nothing really changed as far as the game plan. It’s always great to get the backup QB in. Sam did a great job running the offense tonight.

“He always does a good job making sure he is prepared each week on the game plan. Our coaches do a great job getting those guys prepared. It’s always good to see your backups get in and execute the offense like they did.”

Baugh emptied his bench at the start of the fourth quarter, and the Bearcats didn’t miss a beat. With Peyton Nations taking over at quarterback, Ruston marched down the field behind some strong runs from Nations and Nolan Parnell.

The drive was capped with a Sven Outley 5-yard touchdown run with 4:34 to play in the game, giving Ruston a 49-10 lead.

Ruston will travel to face Longview in Texas next Friday.

For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.

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By T. Scott Boatright

Tough beginnings can end up with disappointing finishes.

That was the tough lesson learned by the Cedar Creek football team Friday night.

Delhi scored all of its points in the opening minutes of both halves as the Bears held on to defeat the Cougars 16-14 at Origin Bank Stadium.

“I’m proud of how the kids played,” said Cedar Creek coach William Parkerson. “They laid their guts on the line. They played hard from the first snap until the end of the game. (Delhi) just made one more play than we did. They laid it on the line and just came up short.”

Delhi opened with a long kick return to begin its first possession at the Cedar Creek 44-yard line, and after a first down incompletion, the Bears’ Jay Wright raced around right end and rocketed all of those 44 yards for a touchdown that put Cedar Creek in a 8-0 hole only 25 seconds into the contest.

But after getting punched in the mouth to start things off, the Cougars responded by driving as deep as the Delhi four-yard line.

And Cedar Creek looked to have scored a potentially-tying touchdown when James Myers appeared trapped for a loss before somehow breaking loose and reversing direction to somehow run eight yards into the end zone.

But that play was called back due to a holding call and after a third-down sack and fourth down incompletion, the Cougars turned the ball over on downs.

Cedar Creek’s Micah Taylor stopped Delhi’s next drive with an interception inside the Creek 10. The Cougars marched the ball down inside the Bears’ 30-yard line before turning it over on downs after the chains showed that a Myers run was stopped a foot short of the first down marker, giving the ball back to the Bears at their own 25.

The Cougars’ defense came through on the next play as Hayden Durrett returned a Delhi fumble 38 yards for a touchdown with Trigger Woodard adding the two-point conversion run to tie things up at 8-8 at the 8:39 mark of the second quarter.

The score remained tied at halftime, but to start the second half the Bears again punched the Cougars in the mouth.

After being held to a three-and-out situation to start the third quarter, a bad snap resulted in Cedar Creek’s punter being tackled in the end zone for a safety that put Delhi on top 10-8 only 2:14 into the second half.

Then, adding insult to injury, the Bears’ Wright returned the ensuing kickoff for a score that pushed the Delhi lead to 16-8 at the 9:32 mark of the third quarter.

But a quarter later, the Cougars’ defense again gave their team a chance as they took advantage of a bad shotgun snap by the Bears, with Noah Martin stripping the ball after it was picked up by the Delhi quarterback.

The stripped ball rolled all the way to the end zone before Mason Wooden pounced on it for the second Cedar Creek fumble recovery for a score, cutting the Bears’ advantage to 16-14 with 11:04 remaining in the contest. Delhi would stop Cedar Creek’s attempt for a two-point conversion.

“When your defense scores two touchdowns, you’ve got to win the ballgame,” Parkerson said. “The defense played great. I was excited to see that.”

Creek held Delhi to just five first downs and 97 total yards in the ball game. The Bears were 0-7 on third downs and only 1 of 4 on fourth downs.

Myers led Creek with eight tackles while Wooden and Blake Robinson each registered six.

However, it was the inability to score offensively that was the difference.

“We just didn’t make it happen on offense even though we moved the ball,” said Parkerson. “We made it inside the 10-yard line and just couldn’t finish. We’ve got to scheme up better plays and do a better job down there when we have chances.”

The ball remained on Cedar Creek’s end of the field for most of the remainder of the game and all of the final 7:30 as Delhi escaped with the tight win to move to 1-1 on the season.

“When the field shrinks, you’ve got to execute,” Parkerson said. “We’ve got to execute better down there. We’ve got to call better plays and we’ve got to finish. The kids played as hard as they could. We’ve got to do better. We as a coaching staff have to be better. They gave us everything they’ve got.”

Wooden finished with 78 rushing yards on 13 carries while Myers added 30 yards on his seven totes.

Next up the Cougars will be a home game against Loyola Prep next Friday.

The Flyers are also 1-1 after defeating Logansport 28-6 Friday night.

Parkerson said he hopes he and  his staff can learn from the loss against Delhi and keep the Cougars pushing forward.

“We’ve definitely got to grow from it … got to grow from it,” Parkerson said. “We’ve got to coach better. Gotta get them ready to play. They’re giving us what they’ve got. We’ve just got to coach better.”

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by Malcolm Butler

Louisiana Tech returns to action this morning when the Bulldogs face North Carolina State at 11 a.m. (CT) at Carter-Findley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The contest can be heard on the LA Tech Sports Network on 107.5 FM with the pregame show starting at 9:30 a.m. Malcolm Butler and Teddy Allen will be providing a call of the action.

Tech (1-0) is coming off a bye week after defeating Nicholls State 25-17 in its season opener August 31 at Joe Aillet Stadium. North Carolina State (1-1) fell 51-10 to Tennessee last weekend after winning its opener 38-21 over Western Carolina.

“The loss to Tennessee was an anomaly of a performance,” said Cumbie. “It was night where everything went right for Tennessee and nothing went right for NC State. And Tennessee is really good, a top tier team. I know this will be a well-coached football game against a really good team.”

The game will mark the third time the two programs have met with the Wolfpack leading the series 2-0. NC State won 40-14 in 2013 and then 34-27 in 2021 with both games played in Raleigh.

The Wolfpack are one of just five P4 programs that have won eight or more games in each of its last four seasons under head coach Dave Doeren who enters his 12th year in Raleigh.

After holding Nicholls State in check, the Tech defense will be in for a tougher test against North Carolina State. Tech’s defense only allowed one TD and held Nicholls State to less than two years per rush and under 50 percent passing.

The Wolfpack are led by three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Grayson McCall at quarterback. McCall transfered from Coastal Carolina and entered 2024 ranked fourth among active collegiate quarterbacks in passing yards with 10,448.

“He is one of the most consistent, well-known quarterbacks in college football over the last five years,” said Cumbie. “He has made a lot of plays at Coastal Carolina. Later in his career you have seen his development as a passer and being able to handle progressions and different looks. He can create plays with his feet. He is just a talented, experienced quarterback.”

Tech is expected to see the return of quarterback Jack Turner today, after Turner left the opener in the first quarter with a knee injury. The redshirt junior completed 4-of-8 for 70 yards, one TD and one interception before leaving.

“He has been a full go in practice this week,” said Cumbie. “He will be wearing a knee brace although I don’t think it will limit him mobility wise. And we will need that in this game. We will need our quarterback to extend plays and to be able to take off and run. I think he has a good week of practice.”

North Carolina State has recorded more interceptions (53) over the last three-plus seasons than any other P4 team in the county.

“It’s not a ton of coverage variations,” said Cumbie. “I think its the pressure that they get on the quarterback. They get to quarterbacks and flush them out of the pocket and force them into making bad decisions.”

The Bulldogs will look to improve on the running game today after averaging under 3.0 yards per carry in the season opener. Marquis Crosby and Donerio Davenport for 19 carries for 71 yards.

“In the run game, we didn’t create a lot of space,” said Cumbie. “I think we were content on getting into positions of blocks, but we didn’t move people against their will. And that’s what you have to do to be able to run the football effectively.”

The Bulldogs are looking for their first 2-0 start since 2020 and for their first win in the state of North Carolina (0-7).

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

Grambling State will meet a football foe for the first time ever this weekend as Texas A&M-Commerce plays host to the Tigers.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Saturday at Ernest Hawkins Field. 

GSU stands at 1-1 after defeating Tuskeegee 37-20 last weekend in the 2024 home opener for the Tigers while the Lions at 0-2 fell at Cal-Davis, ranked No. 18 in the FCS, by the score of 36-22.

This will be Texas A&M-Commerce’s home opener. The Lions opened their season with a 45-14 loss at San Diego State.

After missing the entire 2023 season and missing the final 2.5 games of the 2022 season due to injury, Texas A&M-Commerce quarterback Eric Rodriguez is back this season and was the starting quarterback in the Lions season opener, when he went 14-of-20 passing with a touchdown and an interception.

Rodriguez, who is expected to start against Grambling, threw 16 touchdowns last season, leading the Lions to a record of 4-3 in their first season of Div. 1 football.

While Rodriguez missed last week’s game for the Lions with an injury, back-up Ron Peace played a solid game behind center, connecting on 29-of-56 pass attempts for 457 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions.

The Lions’ 457 passing yards against Cal-Davis were the sixth-most in a game in program history.

Texas A&M-Commerce is averaging 287 passing yards per game so far this season, tying the Lions for ninth in the FCS.

Defensively, Texas A&M-Commerce is led by redshirt senior defensive back Max Epps, a 2023 All-American and 2024 Preseason All-American who finished the last season tied for 10th in the country with four interceptions, while ranking second in the nation with 150 interception return yards.

Grambling quarterback Myles Crawley, the reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week, is coming off a career-game in which the redshirt senior connected on 16-of-26 pass attempts for 304 yards and four touchdowns in less than three quarters of action.

During the season Crawley has connected on 35-of-54 passes for 407 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. 

Redshirt senior running back Tre Bradford leads Grambling with 78 yards on 20 carries while Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove has added 72 yards and the Tigers’ lone rushing touchdown this season on 17 carries.

As a team, Grambling is averaging only 68.5 rushing yards per game this season, leaving coach Mickey Joseph looking for more output from his rushing corps heading into the Texas A&M-Commerce contest.

“We have to establish the line of scrimmage,” Joseph said. “We did not establish the line of scrimmage on the offensive side of the ball (last week), and I was disappointed in that because I thought we were going to be able to run the ball.”

Sophomore wideout Javon Robinson leads GSU receivers with six catches for 178 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively the Tigers are led by redshirt junior linebacker Andrew Jones, who has 14 tackles and half a sack on the season.

Joseph will be pushing his Tigers to clean up penalty problems against the Lions. Grambling has been penalized 191 on 22 flags through two games to start the season.

One of those flags extended a final-minute drive by Tuskegee last season that resulted in a touchdown.

“We have to clean that up,” Joseph said. “You can’t do that and expect to be a good football team.”

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By Kyle Roberts

It can’t be easy to try to replace senior quarterback Josh Brantley at anything.

But sophomore quarterback Sam Hartwell certainly did a bang up job Friday night for the Bearcats, starting for the injured Brantley and accounting for three of Ruston’s seven touchdowns, tossing for 141 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

Oh, and Hartwell got it done on the ground, too, with 50 yards rushing and an added touchdown with his legs, leading Ruston to a 49-10 win over the Cabot Panthers on senior night for the Bearcats.

For head coach Jerrod Baugh, it sure is a blessing to know that his back-up quarterback can come in and not have a hitch in the offense.

“Sam knows our offense,” said Baugh. “Nothing really changed as far as the game plan. It’s always great to get the backup QB in. Sam did a great job running the offense tonight.

“He always does a good job making sure he is prepared each week on the game plan. Our coaches do a great job getting those guys prepared. It’s always good to see your backups get in and execute the offense like they did.” 

Hartwell felt the same way about being empowered to run the offense in full — and not just be a “game manager” with the superstar Brantley on the sideline nursing an injury.

“It feels great and makes me play better,” Hartwell said about the support he received from the coaches Friday night. “They helped prepare me (to possibly start) all week and to get ready for this game. Everyone played their butts off, and we’ve got to give them the credit. It was a great game all around.”

The night started less than ideally for Hartwell on the first Bearcat drive of the night when the Panthers picked a tipped-pass off and scored just a few plays later.

But a calm and collected Hartwell, along with a solid o-line, led Ruston to six consecutive touchdowns before Cabot kicked a field goal in the last few minutes of the third quarter.

“We talk about it all the time,” Hartwell said. “We know that bad things are going to happen, it’s about how you respond. That’s a good part about our team — if something happens, we’re always jumping right back up. So we did a great job tonight.”

Perhaps the biggest play of the game for Hartwell came on a critical 3rd-and-12 with 8:15 to go in the second quarter. With the Bearcats ahead 14-7, Hartwell broke a tackle well in the backfield and sprinted forward for a 14-yard gain and a first down. The drive would continue for three more minutes and was capped off by a 19-yard touchdown run by none other than Hartwell.

“It was a designed-rollout,” Hartwell said of the third down conversion. “We needed to get that first down and we needed to score again and really put some pressure on them. I got out there, broke the tackle and was just green grass from there.”

Following his performance, there’s plenty of good reason for fans to be excited for Hartwell’s future. But for tonight, Hartwell will celebrate his team and the school he represents.

“Tonight was awesome,” Hartwell said. “I love it — Bearcat Fridays are the best.”

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A 32-year-old Chatham woman was arrested following a traffic stop near Ruston Tuesday after it was determined she was wanted on numerous warrants.

Jaslyn A. Lowe was arrested by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office about 8:30 p.m. on September 10 after a deputy saw her vehicle had no tail lights.

Once Lowe was stopped, the deputy determined she had never had a driver’s license. A records check showed she was wanted for five warrants for failure to appear in Ruston City Court and a warrant from Third District Court.

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Lowe was arrested and taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center and booked for no tail lights, no driver’s license, the Ruston warrants for three counts of no driver’s license, running a red light, and switched license plates, and the District Court warrant for improper supervision of a minor by a parent.

Lowe’s bail was set at $11,000.

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. 

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — The Ruston High Main Gym saw so many aces Thursday night that even Kenny Rogers would have been jealous.

Totaling 22 perfects serves on the night, the Lady Bearcats (5-3) swept West Ouachita by finals scores of 25-11, 25-8 and 25-7.

“(Consistency at the service line) is what we’ve been waiting on,” Ruston High head coach Mandy Cauley said. “I’ve been waiting to see that. I felt like we got our confidence — sometimes, you just need to get a couple of reps underneath you that go the way you want. Serving was fantastic and I thought we executed well tonight.

“Sometimes, you learn from a loss. And we lost some last weekend, including a tough match against C.E. Byrd. Hopefully, that lit a fire underneath them to repair things and focus more on the smaller details.”

Junior Laia Canovas led the team with nine aces — eight of which came in the third set — while sophomore Baylor Cauley finished the night with sevens aces. Senior Harper Cauley finished with four perfect serves.

Kills-wise, Harper Cauley led the way with 11 kills, while sophomore Ava Crowe had a nice night with five kills and three blocks.

With eight matches under the belt, Mandy Cauley was asked where she felt like her team is so far through the season.

“We have so much potential,” Cauley said. “It’s going to be about consistency with this group. Offensively, we’re getting better every day and every week. I feel like those that have watched from August to now can see an improvement offensively. We’ve just had to learn how to mesh what our strengths and weaknesses are, and then what we’re going to do about those. And how we’re going to respond in the tough situations.”

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The second week of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state football season is underway.

For all the scores for all five classifications, CLICK HERE.

 

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