From Staff Reports

Louisiana Tech scored 23 unanswered points, but a last second touchdown by Jacksonville State forced the game into overtime where the Bulldogs fell 44-37 on Saturday evening at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Tech led 37-31 with 4 seconds to play before a 49-yard Hail Mary pass was caught for a TD on the final play of the fourth quarter. The potential-game winning extra point was wide left, sending the game into overtime.

“The thing that I shared with our football team and our players down in the locker room is this is one that we all absorb,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “I think our guys played with a tremendous amount of toughness. They played a physical football game.

“The things that we talk about before this game is we were going to have to out hit, outlast and out execute this football team. Because they’re a really good team on both sides of the football ball and really on special teams.”

Jacksonville State (6-3, 5-0) took only three plays to go 25 yards in the overtime as Tre Stewart scored on an 11-yard scamper to put the Gamecocks up 44-37. With the Bulldogs needing to answer to send the game into a second OT, Evan Bullock was sacked on a fourth-down-and-1 to end the game.

It’s the third overtime loss of the year for the Bulldogs.

“There’s a lot of tears in our locker room,” said Cumbie. “A lot of guys that are hurting. A coaching staff that’s hurting put together a tremendous plan. We knew they were going to score points. They’ve been doing that all season long. We weren’t able to quite make that last play at the end. In overtime we didn’t give ourselves a chance as much as you’d like to.”

Jacksonville State took the opening kickoff and used nearly half of the first quarter to score on their first possession. One of the best rushing attacks in the country ran the ball 15 times on their opening possessions for 75 yards.

Louisiana Tech (3-6, 2-4) went three-and-out on their first possession, but the defense started to step up and forced a fumble on the Gamecocks’ next possession. With the ball on the Jax State 37-yard line, the Bulldogs couldn’t move the ball and would come away empty after a 54-yard field goal fell short.

Tech would get the ball back on their own 14-yard line with just under two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Evan Bullock would drop a pass off over the middle to Tru Edwards would reach back and make a one-handed catch before racing down the field for an 86-yard touchdown.

The offenses dominated the second stanza with both teams scoring on each possession except for the Bulldogs first drive. Tech would get touchdowns by Jimmy Holiday on a two-yard rush and Edwards would catch his second touchdown of the day with 23-seconds remaining to pull Tech with 28-21.

LA Tech would be in prime position to tie it up early in the second half after Blake Thompson forced the Gamecock running back into a fumble at the Jax State 23. However, a pass fade pass by Evan Bullock would go long for an interception to give the ball right back. Bullock would go back to the corner route later in the quarter, this time connecting with Jay Wilkerson with just over five minutes remaining in the stanza.

On the Gamecocks next possession, the Bulldogs would force them into fourth down. The snap would sail high and the Jax State punter would be forced to take a safety to get Tech their first lead of the game.

Late in the quarter with Jax driving into Bulldog territory, Jacob Fields intercepted a pass to get up the Dogs at midfield entering the final 15 minutes. Tech would drive down and take a nine-point lead behind a Mason Crosby touchdown.

After Jacksonville State pulled within six, Tech defense had them down to the final play of the game.

“I’ve never been a part of a group that has fought and has been so close,” said Cumbie. “And I really believe that tonight, I believe that we had an opportunity a few weeks ago on the road where you’re going to get the momentum going and, just for whatever reason it hadn’t happened.

“I think that the thing that we’ve got to continue to do is we have a tough road game next week against a really good team, that really is next best team in our league besides Jacksonville State and arguably could be the best team in our league in terms of Western Kentucky.”

Bullock finished the game with 266 yards on 16-23 passing and three touchdowns. Edwards led all receivers with 142 yards on six catches to go along with his two scores. Omiri Wiggins led the Bulldogs with 67 yards rushing.

Sifa Leota and Blake Thompson finished with nine tackles apiece. Thompson and Kolbe Fields each forced a fumble, while Jacob Fields had the interception for Tech.

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

GRAMBLING — As the Alabama State and Grambling State football game moved into its final minute Saturday afternoon, it appeared once again the ball would bounce the wrong way for the G-Men, who were playing their 2024 home finale at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium.

GSU entered the contest having lost four of their last five games by a combined total of 14 points, including a pair by only two points.

So as Alabama State lined up to kick a 28-yard goal in the waning seconds, there was a feeling of deja vu doom in the Tigers’ minds.

But instead of bouncing the wrong way toward a loss, this time the ball drifted outside of the right goalpost upright into a 24-23 win for the Tigers, snapping a two-game losing skid.

GSU coach Mickey Joseph attributed the win to his G-Men remaining focused throughout the contest and sticking with a run game that totaled 224 yards and three touchdowns.

“We asked them to take one quarter at a time,” Joseph said. “And in that one quarter at a time, to take one play at time. I take my hat off to this team and my coaches, because nobody’s quit this year. Nobody’s quit. They play until the end. We might not play our best football for 60 minutes, but they never quit.

“So we knew we weren’t going to quit and said let’s just keep chopping wood. Let’s keep chipping away at it, chipping away at it and finally we got our break and said OK, we can run the ball. The O-line did a great job of moving people and getting a hat on a hat.”

Joseph said getting that tight game monkey off his team’s back was admittedly a relief.

“The thing is, the crowd is always great here at home and we always get good support here, so it’s good to get back home and win a tight one,” Joseph said. “I stepped into this situation (of taking over the GSU football program) and said let’s get it done now. And then I had to have a reality check and say that a lot of things have to go bad for everything to get right.

“But it’s starting to turn around. We’ve still got to clean up some penalties. But we’re going to be aggressive. We’re going to get some of those penalties. But we got some of the stupid ones, and those are the ones we’ve got to stop. But we can’t do nothing but grow from this game.”

Getting that tight game monkey off their backs didn’t come easy for the Tigers, who moved on top 10-3 at the 11:14 mark of the second quarter on a nine-yard scoring scamper by graduate running back Keilon Elder, found itself trailing 23-10 heading into the final stanza.

GSU’s comeback started with a six-yard touchdown run by senior Tre Bradford that cut the Hornets’ lead to 23-17 with 13:47 remaining in the contest.

Then the Tigers’ took advantage of a strip sack of ASU quarterback Kareem Keye by GSU freshman linebacker Jamal Jordan that gave Grambling possession on the Hornets’ 43-yard line with 8:45 left on the clock.

From there came three consecutive runs by Elder for four, seven and then four yards again before graduate running back Dedrick Talbert broke off a 14-yard scamper before powering his way for another 14 yards to paydirt that put the Tigers on top 24-23 with 6:19 remaining following Reed Harradine’s PAT kick.

Elder led the Tigers against Alabama State with 104 rushing yards on 17 attempts while Bradford added 42 yards on eight carries and Talbert added another 42 yards on nine totes with Hargrove contributing four touches for 15 yards.

While Hargrove and Bradford were the Tigers’ bellcow rushers early on, Joseph admitted seeing Elder and Talbert giving GSU a loaded and deep running back corps at this point of the season.

“You take your hat off to both of those kids, because both of those kids, when our backfield got full with ‘Bull’ and Bradford being a two-headed monster, those kids kept busting their tail on special teams,” Joseph said of Elder and Talbert. “They’re team guys, and that’s what you win with. Whatever we need those two kids to do, that’s what they’re going to do. They show great leadership. 

“I want some of my young kids to model their careers off of those two, because it’s not always going to go your way. But you gotta keep fighting. And those two kept fighting and at the end of the game, Elder had over 100 yards rushing. And he’s been around here a while and loves Grambling. But you take your hat off to those two kids, because they stayed the course.”

Freshman quarterback Deljay Bailey, who made only his second start of the season in replacing injured Myles Crawley, the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Preseason Offensive Player of Year, did a solid job of controlling the game, completing six-of-12 passes for 76 yards.

“The kid is 19 years old,” Joseph said of Bailey. “I tell the team all the time, when I was 19, I was a senior in high school. Deljay is a tough cookie. He’s a strong-minded kid and that was his second start, so we’ve got to do the things that he can do. I don’t think he’s much of a dropback (quarterback). He’s more a RPO, quick game guy who can bootleg out of the pocket.

“But he showed good leadership skills. He didn’t flinch. He didn’t bat an eye when the game got close. And he ran the offense to perfection with the run game and putting us in the right plays, so we take our hat off to (offensive coordinator Eric Dooley) and getting (Bailey) caught up, because he hadn’t had a lot of reps this year. I think last week was the first time he played over 40 reps in his college career. So Deljay is going to be a good quarterback.”

Alabama State began its final drive at its own 20-yard line and marched down to the GSU 6 to set up a 28-yard field goal attempt by Brandon Gilliam with 53 seconds remaining.

Joseph admitted that the thought of losing another close game in the closing seconds was flowing through his mind as he watched that field goal attempt.

“I was saying drive, drive, drive to the interior guys and I was saying (GSU defensive back) David (Jones) , you’ve got to get there,” Joseph said. “We work on that every week — extra point or field goal block. So yes, we found ourselves in that situation again (of playing in a tight game going down to the wire). 

“But I think by being in these tight games we didn’t panic, because we’ve been there before. The thought is this really going to happen again was going through our heads, but I was also thinking that, hey, we’ve got to pull this out. I’m happy they pulled it out, because there’ve been some tight games, and you get tired of going into the locker thinking, OK, we lost another tight game. And nobody gets a trophy for that. So we finally pulled one out and I’m tired of my players and my coaches for working so hard and not quitting.”

And as Gilliam’s kick sailed wide right, GSU’s seniors knew they were going to celebrate a win in their final game at Robinson Stadium.

“I give them a hard time and tell them that Senior Day doesn’t count — Senior Day only counts in high school,” Joseph said. “But you’re happy for those kids because those kids had to get into a new system, a new coaching. I’m their third head coach. So when you see those kids stick with the team and graduate from college and do things the right way — you’ve got to understand, it’s like being married three times. They’re thinking they adjust to one and now they’ve got to adjust to this new one, and then Mickey Joseph, who’s a firecracker, comes in, and there’s nothing laid back about him. 

“So you take your hat off to them. I enjoy them, I love those kids and they’re always going to be part of my family, always going to be part of the Grambling family and they’re going to be very successful in life.”

Grambling, now 5-5 overall and 2-4 in the SWAC, will next play a road game kicking off at Alabama A&M at 7 p.m. Thursday.

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Courtesy of GSU Athletic Communications

Lady Tigers 69, Xavier (La.) 55

The Grambling State Lady Tigers put on a strong performance against Xavier (La.) on Saturday night, securing a 69-55 victory at the XULA Convocation Center.

Despite shooting struggles, the Lady Tigers defense and rebounding were the key factors in the win, as they overpowered Xavier throughout the game.

Zayla Tinner led the way for Grambling State with 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Alyssa Phillip added a monster 18 rebounds, alongside 11 points and 5 assists. Sharonica Hartsfield contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds, and Kahia Warmsley chipped in with 10 points and 5 rebounds. The Lady Tigers defense was stifling, forcing turnovers and turning them into easy points, while their rebounding advantage (61 total rebounds compared to Xavier’s 54) gave them the upper hand.

The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm offensively, but it didn’t take long for Grambling State to assert control. Strong defense from Sharonica Hartsfield and Douthshine Prien led to several fast-break opportunities. Xavier tried to stay within reach, but their shooting woes (just 27.4% from the field) kept them from keeping up with the Lady Tigers defensive intensity.

Grambling State took a 17-point lead into the second half, and their defense continued to suffocate Xavier, limiting them to just 10 points in the third quarter. Alyssa Phillip was a standout in the period, hauling in multiple rebounds and scoring key baskets. By the time the third quarter ended, Grambling State had stretched its lead to 55-41.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Tigers cruised to a comfortable 69-55 win, with their defense and rebounding maintaining control of the game. Tinner finished with 15 points, while Phillip’s 18 rebounds were a game-high and helped to keep Xavier from generating any second-chance opportunities.

The win was a complete team effort for Grambling State, with several players contributing in multiple areas. Their defense, combined with a solid rebounding performance, was the difference-maker as the Lady Tigers improved to 2-0.

Grambling State will continue its road trip on Tuesday, November 12, as they head to Thibodaux, La., to face Nicholls. The game is set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. at the David R. Stopher Gymnasium.

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No. 24 Ole Miss 66, Tigers 64

The Grambling State University men’s basketball team took 24^th ranked Ole Miss to the wire, but couldn’t pull the upset, falling 66-64 on Friday night The Sandy and John Black Pavilion.

GSU (1-1) led 33-25 at halftime, but a furious rally midway through the second half gave Ole Miss (2-0) a lead that it wouldn’t relinquish. 

Grambling State had four players score in double-figures. Mikale Stevenson led the Tigers with 16 points paired with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kintavius Dozier added 15 points while newcomers Ernest Ross and James Flippin contributed 14 and 12 points respectively. 

On a night where Grambling State shot nearly 50 percent from the floor (46.7%) and outrebounded the Rebels 39-33, the one glaring negative for the Tigers was the turnover column. While Ole Miss committed just six turnovers, GSU committed 22. 

Grambling State got off to a fast start, knocking down its first five shots to open a 13-6 lead with 16:06 on the clock. GSU pushed its lead to 17-8 on a layup by Ernest Ross. 

The Rebels used a 10-0 run to scoot in front of the Tigers 18-17 with 12:26 to go until the half. 

Trailing 20-18, GSU embarked on an 11-0 run of its own to grab an 31-20 advantage with 4:27 to go in the opening period. It was a driving layup by Dozier that put a bow on that scoring spurt. 

In the second half, GSU took its largest lead of the game, 39-27, on a deep 3-pointer by Stevenson with 17:25 left. 

Ole Miss erased that deficit over the next six minutes, embarking on a 20-0 run to snag a 47-39 lead with 11:11 to go in the contest. 

Flippin halted the Rebel’s with a 3-pointer. After a mid-range jumper by Ole Miss’ Matthew Murrell, Flippin knocked down another three to keep the Tigers within striking distance, 51-45, with 9:04 remaining.

The Rebels pushed their advantage to 56-45 with 6:39 left, but Grambling State continued to battle back. Trailing 58-54 3:39 to play, Ross drained a triple to make it a one-point game.

GSU couldn’t regain the lead down the stretch, falling to Ole Miss 66-64. 

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Bulldogs 92, UT-Arlington 77

Daniel Batcho scored a career-high 28 points while Amaree Abram poured in 23 as Louisiana Tech downed UT Arlington, 92-77, on Saturday night inside College Park Center.

Batcho was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 20 of his points. Meanwhile, the second half belonged to Abram who tallied 20 of his points. Dishing out the rock to both was Sean Newman Jr. who had a career-high 11 assists on zero turnovers, plus 10 points for a double-double.

“I was proud of how our guys fought,” said head coach Talvin Hester. “You can’t get ready for a road game until you have actually feel it for the first two or three minutes. UT Arlington came out very intense. We had to match their intensity. We talk about attitude and effort. I felt like our attitude was right but our effort was not quite where it needed to be. We got that together, we were a pretty good basketball team tonight.”

Crashing the glass was William Jeffress who had a double-double with 10 points and a career-high 12 boards. And locking things down on defense was Kaden Cooper who had a career-high five steals.

With all these individual performances by LA Tech (2-0), it was UTA (1-1) that came out with a lot of intensity, burying a pair of threes to take an early 6-point lead.

The Bulldogs started to settle in though, going punch for punch with the Mavericks. After eight ties and seven lead changes, LA Tech held a slim 26-25 lead with 9:36 to play in the first half.

That was when they started to pull away, and it was the Newman Jr.-Batcho connection that started it. The duo connected on three straight buckets and then the ‘Dogs went on a 11-2 run, capped off by Abram’s first basket (three-pointer) to head into halftime with a 51-37 advantage.

Abram carried that offensive mojo over, making seven of his eight field goal attempts in the second stanza including a driving layup to give the road team a 68-45 lead with 14:17 to play. The Port Arthur, Texas native refused to let the Mavericks back into the game, scoring 13 of LA Tech’s last 17 points.

“I think we got one under our belt against LSUA,” said Hester. “We had to get a game, really feel it with fans in the stands. This was a step up in a major way. Coach KT Turner does an amazing job. UTA plays so hard. I hope that we can start setting the tempo in some of these games. We did not defend like we really wanted to defend, but we played a good basketball team. We can grow there.”

The Bulldogs shot 50.8 percent from the field (31-61) and 40.0 percent from downtown (10-25). They also knocked down 20 of their 26 free throw attempts.

UTA managed to shoot 41.8 percent from the field, led by Jaden Wells who had a team-high 17 points.

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Lady Techsters 71, UT Arlington 60

RUSTON — Four Lady Techsters scored double figures as Louisiana Tech outscored UT Arlington by 14 in the second half to pull away in a 71-60 win Sunday night in the Thomas Assembly Center.

Freshmen Jordan Marshall and Isla Airey combined for 36 points and 21 rebounds to lead the way. Marshall nearly had a double-double with a game-high 22 points with nine rebounds. Airey did record one with 14 and 12. Robyn Lee (18) and Jianna Morris (11) were the other Lady Techsters in double figures.

Louisiana Tech (3-0) started by missing their first five shots but only fell behind 6-2 in the first three minutes. After a Paris Bradly layup, the Techsters fell into a rhythm and connected on their next three to grab the lead. Tech would push the run to 14-0 over the next five and a half minutes. Four turnovers on consecutive trips would aid UT Arlington (1-2) in cutting the lead down to 16-12 at the end of the first.

The lead would stay around four for the first half of the second before a Mavericks three started a 16-5 run to give them their second lead of the game. Airey would take over the last minute of the half to pull Tech back to within three with a buzzer-beater.

“Proud of this group’s toughness tonight,” Lady Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “We challenged them at halftime to give more defensively, and I thought they responded well. Our defensive stops led to some transition offense and allowed us to answer each of their runs. That can be hard for a young team to handle in the course of a game. We got big minutes off the bench and had solid production when we needed it down the stretch. We rebounded, and that gave us a chance to stretch it on them in that 3rd quarter.

“We have to value the ball and eliminate some of the turnovers, but this group is continuing to fight through mistakes and responding to those moments of adversity. We beat a quality team tonight that has a solid group of experienced players. Shereka does a great job with them, and they’re well-coached. Tonight was a quality win for this young group.”

Marshall and Lee came out of halftime and took over the offense for the Lady Techsters. Lee started the scoring with back-to-back layups to pull within one.

After UTA scored on their next possession, Marshall continued to put on a performance. The Arkansas native got the ball at the high post, drove to her left, and laid it in to start a seven-point run. The final points of the run would be another magnificent play by the freshman, in which she got the UTA defender off her feet and dropped in a floater from just outside the paint. She would end the quarter with a pull-up just inside the 3-point line off the Lee assists just as time expired.

Lee would finish with nine points, while Marshall had six of the Techster’s 18 points in the third quarter. The defense held UTA to 10 as Tech had a 50-45 lead going into the final stanza.

Only up three with six minutes remaining, Lee hit a three that would help Tech extend their lead to 11 and force the Mavericks to use a timeout. UTA could only get as close as seven for the rest of the game.

Tech finished shooting 44.6 percent from the field and hit 19 free throws. UT Arlington shot 36.2 percent for the game and was 1-17 from long range. Koi Love led the way with 14 points and nine rebounds.RUSTON — Four Lady Techsters scored double figures as Louisiana Tech outscored UT Arlington by 14 in the second half to pull away in a 71-60 win Sunday night in the Thomas Assembly Center.

Freshmen Jordan Marshall and Isla Airey combined for 36 points and 21 rebounds to lead the way. Marshall nearly had a double-double with a game-high 22 points with nine rebounds. Airey did record one with 14 and 12. Robyn Lee (18) and Jianna Morris (11) were the other Lady Techsters in double figures.

Louisiana Tech (3-0) started by missing their first five shots but only fell behind 6-2 in the first three minutes. After a Paris Bradly layup, the Techsters fell into a rhythm and connected on their next three to grab the lead. Tech would push the run to 14-0 over the next five and a half minutes. Four turnovers on consecutive trips would aid UT Arlington (1-2) in cutting the lead down to 16-12 at the end of the first.

The lead would stay around four for the first half of the second before a Mavericks three started a 16-5 run to give them their second lead of the game. Airey would take over the last minute of the half to pull Tech back to within three with a buzzer-beater.

Marshall and Lee came out of halftime and took over the offense for the Lady Techsters. Lee started the scoring with back-to-back layups to pull within one.

After UTA scored on their next possession, Marshall continued to put on a performance. The Arkansas native got the ball at the high post, drove to her left, and laid it in to start a seven-point run. The final points of the run would be another magnificent play by the freshman, in which she got the UTA defender off her feet and dropped in a floater from just outside the paint. She would end the quarter with a pull-up just inside the 3-point line off the Lee assists just as time expired.

Lee would finish with nine points, while Marshall had six of the Techster’s 18 points in the third quarter. The defense held UTA to 10 as Tech had a 50-45 lead going into the final stanza.

Only up three with six minutes remaining, Lee hit a three that would help Tech extend their lead to 11 and force the Mavericks to use a timeout. UTA could only get as close as seven for the rest of the game.

Tech finished shooting 44.6 percent from the field and hit 19 free throws.
UT Arlington shot 36.2 percent for the game and was 1-17 from long range. Koi Love led the way with 14 points and nine rebounds.

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Mary Ann Thomas of Ruston, passed away on November 5, 2024 at the age of 67, surrounded by loved ones.

Mary was born on August 16, 1957 to Frank Balster and Norma Balster in Kansas City, MO. After Mary graduated from Poteau High School in 1975, she attended Carl Albert Junior College in Poteau before moving to Ruston in the late 1970’s. After having children, she went on to finish her degree at Louisiana Tech, where she later worked and eventually retired from the Comptroller’s Office.

Anyone who knew Mary knew that she was the most kind and loving wife, mother, sibling, and daughter a family could ask for. She was also a great listener and friend. She enjoyed reading, cooking, and traveling in the RV, but her true joy in life was spending time with her family and being a Nana.

Mary was predeceased by her father Frank Balster,  mother Norma Balster, and sister Penni Welch.

Mary is survived by her husband of 42 years, Gordon Thomas and their children:   David Thomas, Sarah Dickerson (Brandon), and Mark Thomas (Amber); grandchildren:  Teagan Thomas, Nolan Thomas, Emmett Thomas, and Silas Thomas; siblings:  Cindy Fredrick (Bill), Becky Scott, Lisa Heavener (Tom), Steven Balster (Donna), Cleve Carter, Scott Carter (Stan Orrick) and Frank Balster (Christie); mother-in-law Elizabeth Thomas; stepmother Billie Ann Percy; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A private celebration of life and graveside service will be held at a later date.

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Mary Ann Thomas 
August 16, 1957 – November 5, 2024 
Private service held at later date 

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This story has been updated to include the official brackets at the bottom.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Despite the ongoing litigation between University Lab (U-High) and the Louisiana High School Athletics Association regarding forfeits for playing ineligible players, the 2024 postseason power rankings have been revealed.

Ruston High (8-2, 3-2 District 2-5A) has secured a needed first-round bye with the No. 3 seed overall. Right now, the Bearcats would host the winner of No. 14 Zachary (6-3) and No. 19 Sam Houston (No. 19) in the second round of the playoffs.

Lincoln Prep (7-3, 4-2 District 1-1A)  has secured the No. 19 seed overall and will travel to No. 14 Central Catholic out of Morgan City, La. The Panthers would then have to travel to play Covenant Christian if they advance.

The current brackets reflect U-High with an 8-2 record while the litigation moves forward.

There is a dispute period that will run until noon today.

More will be updated as information is received.

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

GRAMBLING — As the Alabama State and Grambling State football game moved into its final minute Saturday afternoon, it appeared once again the ball would bounce the wrong way for the G-Men, who were playing their 2024 home finale at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium.

GSU entered the contest having lost four of their last five games by a combined total of 14 points, including a pair by only two points.

So as Alabama State lined up to kick a 28-yard goal in the waning seconds, there was a feeling of deja vu doom in the Tigers’ minds.

But instead of bouncing the wrong way toward a loss, this time the ball drifted outside of the right goalpost upright into a 24-23 win for the Tigers, snapping a two-game losing skid.

GSU coach Mickey Joseph attributed the win to his G-Men remaining focused throughout the contest and sticking with a run game that totaled 224 yards and three touchdowns.

“We asked them to take one quarter at a time,” Joseph said. “And in that one quarter at a time, to take one play at time. I take my hat off to this team and my coaches, because nobody’s quit this year. Nobody’s quit. They play until the end. We might not play our best football for 60 minutes, but they never quit.

“So we knew we weren’t going to quit and said let’s just keep chopping wood. Let’s keep chipping away at it, chipping away at it and finally we got our break and said OK, we can run the ball. The O-line did a great job of moving people and getting a hat on a hat.”

Joseph said getting that tight game monkey off his team’s back was admittedly a relief.

“The thing is, the crowd is always great here at home and we always get good support here, so it’s good to get back home and win a tight one,” Joseph said. “I stepped into this situation (of taking over the GSU football program) and said let’s get it done now. And then I had to have a reality check and say that a lot of things have to go bad for everything to get right.

“But it’s starting to turn around. We’ve still got to clean up some penalties. But we’re going to be aggressive. We’re going to get some of those penalties. But we got some of the stupid ones, and those are the ones we’ve got to stop. But we can’t do nothing but grow from this game.”

Getting that tight game monkey off their backs didn’t come easy for the Tigers, who moved on top 10-3 at the 11:14 mark of the second quarter on a nine-yard scoring scamper by graduate running back Keilon Elder, found itself trailing 23-10 heading into the final stanza.

GSU’s comeback started with a six-yard touchdown run by senior Tre Bradford that cut the Hornets’ lead to 23-17 with 13:47 remaining in the contest.

Then the Tigers’ took advantage of a strip sack of ASU quarterback Kareem Keye by GSU freshman linebacker Jamal Jordan that gave Grambling possession on the Hornets’ 43-yard line with 8:45 left on the clock.

From there came three consecutive runs by Elder for four, seven and then four yards again before graduate running back Dedrick Talbert broke off a 14-yard scamper before powering his way for another 14 yards to paydirt that put the Tigers on top 24-23 with 6:19 remaining following Reed Harradine’s PAT kick.

Elder led the Tigers against Alabama State with 104 rushing yards on 17 attempts while Bradford added 42 yards on eight carries and Talbert added another 42 yards on nine totes with Hargrove contributing four touches for 15 yards.

While Hargrove and Bradford were the Tigers’ bellcow rushers early on, Joseph admitted seeing Elder and Talbert giving GSU a loaded and deep running back corps at this point of the season.

“You take your hat off to both of those kids, because both of those kids, when our backfield got full with ‘Bull’ and Bradford being a two-headed monster, those kids kept busting their tail on special teams,” Joseph said of Elder and Talbert. “They’re team guys, and that’s what you win with. Whatever we need those two kids to do, that’s what they’re going to do. They show great leadership. 

“I want some of my young kids to model their careers off of those two, because it’s not always going to go your way. But you gotta keep fighting. And those two kept fighting and at the end of the game, Elder had over 100 yards rushing. And he’s been around here a while and loves Grambling. But you take your hat off to those two kids, because they stayed the course.”

Freshman quarterback Deljay Bailey, who made only his second start of the season in replacing injured Myles Crawley, the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Preseason Offensive Player of Year, did a solid job of controlling the game, completing six-of-12 passes for 76 yards.

“The kid is 19 years old,” Joseph said of Bailey. “I tell the team all the time, when I was 19, I was a senior in high school. Deljay is a tough cookie. He’s a strong-minded kid and that was his second start, so we’ve got to do the things that he can do. I don’t think he’s much of a dropback (quarterback). He’s more a RPO, quick game guy who can bootleg out of the pocket.

“But he showed good leadership skills. He didn’t flinch. He didn’t bat an eye when the game got close. And he ran the offense to perfection with the run game and putting us in the right plays, so we take our hat off to (offensive coordinator Eric Dooley) and getting (Bailey) caught up, because he hadn’t had a lot of reps this year. I think last week was the first time he played over 40 reps in his college career. So Deljay is going to be a good quarterback.”

Alabama State began its final drive at its own 20-yard line and marched down to the GSU 6 to set up a 28-yard field goal attempt by Brandon Gilliam with 53 seconds remaining.

Joseph admitted that the thought of losing another close game in the closing seconds was flowing through his mind as he watched that field goal attempt.

“I was saying drive, drive, drive to the interior guys and I was saying (GSU defensive back) David (Jones) , you’ve got to get there,” Joseph said. “We work on that every week — extra point or field goal block. So yes, we found ourselves in that situation again (of playing in a tight game going down to the wire). 

“But I think by being in these tight games we didn’t panic, because we’ve been there before. The thought is this really going to happen again was going through our heads, but I was also thinking that, hey, we’ve got to pull this out. I’m happy they pulled it out, because there’ve been some tight games, and you get tired of going into the locker thinking, OK, we lost another tight game. And nobody gets a trophy for that. So we finally pulled one out and I’m tired of my players and my coaches for working so hard and not quitting.”

And as Gilliam’s kick sailed wide right, GSU’s seniors knew they were going to celebrate a win in their final game at Robinson Stadium.

“I give them a hard time and tell them that Senior Day doesn’t count — Senior Day only counts in high school,” Joseph said. “But you’re happy for those kids because those kids had to get into a new system, a new coaching. I’m their third head coach. So when you see those kids stick with the team and graduate from college and do things the right way — you’ve got to understand, it’s like being married three times. They’re thinking they adjust to one and now they’ve got to adjust to this new one, and then Mickey Joseph, who’s a firecracker, comes in, and there’s nothing laid back about him. 

“So you take your hat off to them. I enjoy them, I love those kids and they’re always going to be part of my family, always going to be part of the Grambling family and they’re going to be very successful in life.”

Grambling, now 5-5 overall and 2-4 in the SWAC, will next play a road game kicking off at Alabama A&M at 7 p.m. Thursday.

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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From Staff Reports

Louisiana Tech scored 23 unanswered points, but a last second touchdown by Jacksonville State forced the game into overtime where the Bulldogs fell 44-37 on Saturday evening at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Tech led 37-31 with 4 seconds to play before a 49-yard Hail Mary pass was caught for a TD on the final play of the fourth quarter. The potential-game winning extra point was wide left, sending the game into overtime.

“The thing that I shared with our football team and our players down in the locker room is this is one that we all absorb,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “I think our guys played with a tremendous amount of toughness. They played a physical football game.

“The things that we talk about before this game is we were going to have to out hit, outlast and out execute this football team. Because they’re a really good team on both sides of the football ball and really on special teams.”

Jacksonville State (6-3, 5-0) took only three plays to go 25 yards in the overtime as Tre Stewart scored on an 11-yard scamper to put the Gamecocks up 44-37. With the Bulldogs needing to answer to send the game into a second OT, Evan Bullock was sacked on a fourth-down-and-1 to end the game.

It’s the third overtime loss of the year for the Bulldogs.

“There’s a lot of tears in our locker room,” said Cumbie. “A lot of guys that are hurting. A coaching staff that’s hurting put together a tremendous plan. We knew they were going to score points. They’ve been doing that all season long. We weren’t able to quite make that last play at the end. In overtime we didn’t give ourselves a chance as much as you’d like to.”

Jacksonville State took the opening kickoff and used nearly half of the first quarter to score on their first possession. One of the best rushing attacks in the country ran the ball 15 times on their opening possessions for 75 yards.

Louisiana Tech (3-6, 2-4) went three-and-out on their first possession, but the defense started to step up and forced a fumble on the Gamecocks’ next possession. With the ball on the Jax State 37-yard line, the Bulldogs couldn’t move the ball and would come away empty after a 54-yard field goal fell short.

Tech would get the ball back on their own 14-yard line with just under two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Evan Bullock would drop a pass off over the middle to Tru Edwards would reach back and make a one-handed catch before racing down the field for an 86-yard touchdown.

The offenses dominated the second stanza with both teams scoring on each possession except for the Bulldogs first drive. Tech would get touchdowns by Jimmy Holiday on a two-yard rush and Edwards would catch his second touchdown of the day with 23-seconds remaining to pull Tech with 28-21.

LA Tech would be in prime position to tie it up early in the second half after Blake Thompson forced the Gamecock running back into a fumble at the Jax State 23. However, a pass fade pass by Evan Bullock would go long for an interception to give the ball right back. Bullock would go back to the corner route later in the quarter, this time connecting with Jay Wilkerson with just over five minutes remaining in the stanza.

On the Gamecocks next possession, the Bulldogs would force them into fourth down. The snap would sail high and the Jax State punter would be forced to take a safety to get Tech their first lead of the game.

Late in the quarter with Jax driving into Bulldog territory, Jacob Fields intercepted a pass to get up the Dogs at midfield entering the final 15 minutes. Tech would drive down and take a nine-point lead behind a Mason Crosby touchdown.

After Jacksonville State pulled within six, Tech defense had them down to the final play of the game.

“I’ve never been a part of a group that has fought and has been so close,” said Cumbie. “And I really believe that tonight, I believe that we had an opportunity a few weeks ago on the road where you’re going to get the momentum going and, just for whatever reason it hadn’t happened.

“I think that the thing that we’ve got to continue to do is we have a tough road game next week against a really good team, that really is next best team in our league besides Jacksonville State and arguably could be the best team in our league in terms of Western Kentucky.”

Bullock finished the game with 266 yards on 16-23 passing and three touchdowns. Edwards led all receivers with 142 yards on six catches to go along with his two scores. Omiri Wiggins led the Bulldogs with 67 yards rushing.

Sifa Leota and Blake Thompson finished with nine tackles apiece. Thompson and Kolbe Fields each forced a fumble, while Jacob Fields had the interception for Tech.

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By Kyle Roberts

WEST MONROE, La. — Clear skies made way for two hours of solid rain at Rebel Stadium Friday night for West Monroe’s Senior Night.

It had no effect whatsoever on the Ruston Bearcats, who would go on to shut the Rebels out 36-0 with a dominating performance on all sides of the ball. And Ruston’s domination was easily seen on the stat sheet, amassing 424 yards of total offense compared to just 109 yards for West Monroe.

“That was a really good football team,” Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “And you know, I think that’s an indication of how tough our district is, and I think all our teams will end up making a run in the playoffs. Our defensive coaches put a good plan together and the kids went out and executed. I was really afraid of those big offensive linemen and running backs — they concerned me with the weather. I thought they were fixing to line up and try to run the ball at us. And they just could never get anything going. I thought our guys held up in there against those linemen and that’s really good for us to see going into the playoffs.

“Our guys ran the ball hard. I think we got a little more out of our offensive line. And the thing is, the consistency part of it that I’ve been talking about all year. We had some consistent practices this week, and I think you line up out here and look a little more consistent in the ball game — hopefully we’ll carry that over.”

After electing to kickoff in the first half, Ruston would stop West Monroe on fourth down with 9:38 to go in the first quarter on the Bearcat 35-yard line. The Rebels picked up one of their two first downs in the first half on the first play of their opening drive.

On the following drive, Bearcat senior running back Dylone Brooks scored from 36 yards out with 8:00 to play in the first quarter, capping a 4-play, 65 yard drive. Ruston attempted a two-point conversion with a jet sweep to senior running back Jordan Hayes after an offside penalty by the Rebels but were tackled short. Ruston would have a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

The Rebels and the Bearcats traded punts over the next seven possessions before the Bearcats finally scored again on a 65-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Josh Brantley to senior wide receiver Joran Parker with 2:10 left to play in the first half. Senior kicker Jack Elliott tacked on another extra point to give Ruston the 13-0 lead.

Ruston High sophomore Jayden Anding would then intercept Rebel quarterback Ryder DeJean with 1:13 to go in the first half at the Bearcat 34-yard line. Ruston would then drive back down the field to set Elliott up for a 27-yard field goal try with :01 to play in the half. Elliott connected to give Ruston a 16-0 lead going into the halftime locker room.

Ruston would put up two more touchdowns in the third quarter with Brantley scampering in from the six yard line with 5:34 to go in the third, which followed a 64-yard gain by Brooks for his longest run of the night to extend the drive.

Hayes would get his first touchdown of the night with :36 to go in the third quarter on a 4-yard touchdown run that capped off a 35-yard drive. Hayes got his second and final touchdown of the night with 7:02 left to play from 16-yards out to give Ruston the final 36-0 lead.

The Rebels were also penalized eight times for 67 yards, while Ruston was only penalized twice for 10 yards.

“That’s a big deal to me,” Baugh said. “West Monroe is a hard place to come win a football game, particularly down on their end with their student section. There’s been years in the past where we have the ball on the 15-yard line on that end and get multiple false starts in a row. Last year, the penalties were an issue at the time. To me, it ends up being strictly a focus thing. I think our kids did a good job because their kids got frustrated and had some penalties after that. We could have played into that, but we didn’t. Our kids did a good job.”

The Bearcats have now bested the Rebels in three straight seasons following a three-decades long streak that favored West Monroe.

“We needed to win this ball game for a lot of different reasons. I felt like if we won, we’d get a bye in the first round, which we desperately need to get some kids healed up,” Baugh said. “It also gives us an opportunity to do like we did last year: work a lot of different situational things going into the playoff run. And to me, that’s the biggest thing. But I don’t want to act like this isn’t a big deal for our football program and the community. It’s an indication of where we are as a football program. Anytime you can shut a football team out, and it doesn’t make a difference to me who they are if we can keep them out of the end zone. It’s a big deal.”

Brooks led all rushers with his 143 yards, but Hayes wasn’t far behind with 132 yards on 20 attempts. Parker had 76 yards receiving on two receptions, while sophomore Ahmad Hudson made a few drive-sustaining catching for 23 yards total.

The shut out marks the first time the Bearcats have held the Rebels scoreless since 1989.

Ruston (and over 300 other schools in Louisiana) will now await the results of a hearing between the LHSAA and University High in Baton Rouge regarding an ineligible player. The postseason brackets would have been released this Sunday, but as of right now, they are postponed indefinitely.

“We just don’t know what’s going to happen,” Baugh said in conclusion. “I’m not totally familiar with the situation, so we’ll just deal with it. But the main thing that’s fair about it is all of us have to deal with it. Once they set the date of what it looks like, then we’ll get a plan together and deal with it as best we can. It’s a great opportunity to regroup and work on a lot of situational things. Hopefully, (the LHSAA) will come up with what’s right and do the right thing with it. We’ll see.”

Ruston will await from here to see who and when they’ll play once the brackets are officially released.

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By T. Scott Boatright

GRAMBLING — Saving the best for last.

That’s how the Lincoln Preparatory School football team closed out regular season play.

The Panthers took control early in the second stanza Friday night and roared to a 40-8 District 1-1A action at Panthers Field.

Lincoln Prep finished the regular season at 7-3 overall and 5-2 in 1-1A while Arcadia fell to 4-6 and 3-4 in district play.

Panthers coach Glen Hall said it was the perfect way to close our regular-season play.

“I have seen this team so focused,” Hall said. “All week. I didn’t have to give out any punishment work this week. Everybody was locked in. Tonight, you could hear a mouse during warm-ups. They’ve never done that. Ryan (Randolph, a junior lineman) came to me before the game and told me, ‘We got this, Coach.’

“They blocked, they ran, and they played Lincoln Prep football, and I’m proud of them. We played. It’s the best all-together game we’ve played. We played together in every aspect — special teams, passing, running, blocking, and we tackled like crazy. So it was the best all-around effort we’ve had.”

After driving down to the Arcadia 24-yard line before turning the ball over on downs on their opening possession, the Panthers got the ball back on an interception run back to the Hornets’ 8-yard line.

Three plays later Lincoln Prep quarterback Jordan Brown connected with receiver Cenario Wilson on a 11-yard touchdown pass that put the Panthers up 6-0 with 3:03 left in the opening quarter after failing to convert the two-point conversion run.

Arcadia drove as far as the Lincoln Prep 42 on the ensuing before turning the ball over on downs, and on the next play the Panthers’ D’Tavion Wright slashed left on a 59-yard scoring scamper that upped the lead to 12-0 only 27 seconds into the second quarter.

After forcing a Hornets’ punt, the Panthers scored again on their next possession as a 37-pass from Brown to Verslanski Glosson set up a 9-yard end around TD run by Wilson to push Lincoln Prep’s lead to 18-0 at the 9:23 mark of the second stanza.

“He throws some of his better passes when he’s not thinking,” Hall said of Brown’s effort on the night. “So what we try to get him to do is throw screens and quick, short passes so he doesn’t have to think so much. It’s on the job training. He’s still learning on the job.”

Arcadia got its lone score with 7:05 remaining in the first half as quarterback Rodtravious Jackson lofted an 8-yard touchdown pass to Kristofer Jackson, who used his 6-3 frame to jump up and reach over a pair of Lincoln Prep defenders.

Jackson appeared to be stopped on the two-point conversion run but kept fighting, using extra effort to reach the ball across the goal line to cut the Panthers’ advantage to 18-8.

Lincoln Prep pushed its lead to 26-9 as Wright took the direct snap in the Wildcat offensive set and scored on an 8-yard scamper before tacking on the 2-point conversion run to put the Panthers’ on top 26-8 with 1:27 remaining in the first half.

The Panthers upped their lead to 24-8 at the 9:18 mark of the third quarter as a Trey Spann interception set up a 28-yard off tackle scoring scamper by Jaylin Huntley.

“For the last three weeks, Huntley’s been focused,” Hall said. “If he gets the ball in his hands in the open field, they can’t catch him. In the beginning he was lackadaisical, but now when he gets that ball, he hits the hole and he’s up the field.

“And he’s running tough and knocking defenders back. He’s been in the weight room doing the things he’s supposed to do. I’m just glad he’s bought in.”

Lincoln Prep’s final score came as Wright spinned his way through an initial tackle attempt before racing 35 yards to paydirt with 6:56 left on the clock.

“D Wright is a beast,” Hall said. “I’m writing to every (college) coach trying to sell him. Somebody’s going to take him. He’s going to go somewhere, even if it’s a small school. He’s going to be a heckuva player for somebody on the next level. I’m just so proud of him.”

Now the Panthers wait to hear their Division IV Select School playoff fate.

“With this kind of win, we have a chance to end up at No. 16 (in the bracket) and get a (first round) home game,” Hall said. “We have momentum on our side. Tonight really helped that. It’s good to be playing your best football at this time of year.”

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by Malcolm Butler

Case Phillips and Nolan Martin combined for three interceptions and Blake Robinson set the school career sack record, but it wasn’t enough as the Cougars fell 28-0 to Jonesboro-Hodge at Origin Bank Stadium Friday night.

With the loss, Cedar Creek (1-9) closes out its season while the Tigers (4-6) will await their playoff fate this coming week.

Robinson recorded a sack in the contest to give him 14.5 for his career as the junior tied the school’s all-time sack record.

Phillips registered interceptions on the Tigers first possessions of both the first and second halves while Martin recorded his interception on Jonesboro-Hodge’s second possession of the second half.

However, the Tigers scored a TD in both the first and second quarters and two more in the fourth to pull away for the win.

Jonesboro-Hodge outgained the Cougars 269-106 in the game, including amassing 174 yards on the ground. All 106 of Cedar Creek’s yards came on the ground as the Cougars were led by Mason Wooden with 50 yards and Payton Harris with 36 yards.

Creek recorded just four first downs on the night while J-Hodge had 12.

In addition to setting the school career sack record, Robinson totaled 10 tackles in the game while Wooden and Eli Slocum each registered seven tackles.

J-Hodge scored in the first half on a 21- and a 13-yard TD pass and then added 27- and 19-yard scoring runs in the fourth quarter.

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

Snapping a two-game losing streak is the primary order of business for the Grambling State football team as the Tigers play host to Alabama State in a Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown kicking off at 2 p.m. Saturday at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium.

Losers of four of their last five contests, the Tigers stand at 4-5 overall and 1-4 in the SWAC while Alabama State will come into the game at 5-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play.

Mathematically eliminated for a shot at the SWAC West Division title after falling 24-21 last week at Bethune-Cookman, Grambling is looking to turn things around after four of the Tigers’ losses have come by a combined total of 14 points.

But that doesn’t mean GSU head coach Mickey Joseph is ready to lay down in the remaining three games in his Tigers’ season.

“My plan is to continue to build this program up and we’re having to deal with struggles,” Joseph said. “”But I do think that we have a good plan. Now we just have to get everybody on the same page and pull on the same side of the rope with that plan. In any athletics or anything in life, if everybody isn’t pulling on the same side of the rope you’re going to have letdowns.

“So we’ve got to figure out how to win those games. We’re going to continue to preach discipline around here. We’re going to continue to preach execution and play for each other and see if that starts sinking in and just try to get better every time we hit the field.”

Joseph knows that won’t be easy against the Hornets, who stand one game behind Jackson State in the SWAC East. A win over Grambling will keep the Hornets in contention for a berth in the SWAC title game, as Alabama State will play host to Jackson State on Nov. 16.

“They’re a big, physical football team,” Joseph said of the Hornets. “They like to run the ball at you. They’re led by the O-line and their D-line and they’re physical. We’ve got our hands full. We’ve got them coming in (to Grambling) and we’ve got to try and get back up again and see if we can put a better product on the field.”

Grambling will be facing the second-best defense in SWAC statistics so far this season.

The G-Men will counter with the second-ranked offense in the SWAC, but will be playing a second-straight game without quarterback Myles Crawley, who suffered an ankle injury early on during Grambling’s 24-17 loss at Texas Southern on Oct. 26.

“Myles has to (be able to) tell me that he can protect himself when he’s out there,” Joseph said. “When he tells me that, then he’s going to be ready to go. But we’re not going to try to rush him back.

“We’re going to try and make sure he comes back on his own terms and if he says that he’s ready and healthy to go (for the Alabama A&M game on Nov. 14), we’ll go with him. If he says three weeks (the Bayou Classic), then we’ll go with him then. But right now, he’s rehabbing, and hopefully we get him back soon.”

Starting at quarterback for a second straight game for the Tigers will be Deljay Bailey, a freshman transfer who originally signed with Ole Miss.

Bailey connected on 18-of-33 pass attempts last week against Bethune-Cookman and threw two interceptions.

But he did score a nine-yard rushing touchdown that gave the G-Men a 21-7 lead before the Wildcats roared back with 17 unanswered points to earn the win over Grambling.

Moving forward, Joseph said GSU will focus on the players who he said want to do it right.

“We’ve got to play the guys that want to study the game,” Joseph said. “We’ve got to play the guys who are not making mental mistakes. Sometimes you have to take the mental game over the athletic game.

“So we’ve got to figure out who’s not making mental mistakes and if we need them to be on the field, they need to know where their feet are. Sometimes body presence is better than somebody saying he can make the play because he has the ability. Our thing is, is he there? Everybody’s got to be held accountable, including me.”

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See below for 2024 District 2-I team. All award results were voted on by head coaches for each team.

Coach of the Year – Amanda Cauley, Ruston High
MVP – Harper Cauley, Ruston High
Offensive POY – Baylor Cauley, Ruston High
Defensive POY – Sarah Grace Buckles, Alexandria Senior High
Freshman of the Year – Calleigh Atkins, West Monroe

First Team
Princess Butler, Alexandria Senior High
Olivia Edwards, Pineville
Leilani Stoa, Pineville
Jacie Vestal, West Monroe
Addi Sullivan, West Monroe
Kaylee Frost, West Monroe
Ava Crowe, Ruston High
Rilee Atwood, Ruston High
Laia Canovas, Ruston High
Mariah White, Ruston High

Second Team
Madison Rocket, Alexandria Senior High
Mariah Jackson, Pineville
Eden Barber, Pineville
Katelyn Rollins, Ruston High
Maddie Johnston, West Monroe
Jane Ramsey, Ruston High
Suhani Patel, Alexandria Senior High
Kyndal Fobbs, Ruston High
Parker Burford, West Monroe
Emma Foreman, West Monroe

Honorable Mention:
Alaiyna Arnold, Alexandria Senior High
Lily Thompson, Alexandria Senior High
Emma Ivey, Pineville
Miyah Jackson, Pineville
Bella Castello, West Monroe
Mary Grace Baugh, West Monroe
MK Bremer, West Monroe
Ellie Koonce, Ruston High
Camille Smith, Ruston High

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Meet our buddy, Max!

This handsome little guy only weighs 17 pounds. He is two years old, up to date on vacs, and has a neuter appointment scheduled for this Wednesday. This boy loves other dogs and plays well.

He doesn’t mind cats and loves kids too!! Max is looking for his forever home! The next 5 Adoptions are only $60 for approved adopters after we received a $500 donation from a wonderful donor.

Come meet this stud at 4 Paws!

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Journal Sports

RUSTON – A confrontation between a stout Louisiana Tech defense and a high-speed, powerful run game from Jacksonville State will be the pivotal matchup Saturday – yes, Saturday – at Aillet Stadium.

After a month with four midweek games, Louisiana Tech returns to normally scheduled Saturday football as the Bulldogs will host the Conference USA-leading Gamecocks for homecoming at 3:30 p.m. at Aillet Stadium.

“I think with Homecoming there is an element of excitement that accompanies the game,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “You have so many people who come back for this game. The excitement starts to build earlier in the week because there are so many events on campus. I think there is always a little extra juice and vibrancy to this week.”

Tech enters the contest with a 3-5 (2-3 CUSA) record. On a five-game win streak, Jax State enters the matchup tied for first in the CUSA at a 5-3 (4-0 CUSA) mark.  The Gamecocks are averaging 464.9 yards offensively, 12^th nationally, and their 6.2 yards per rushing attempt is third in the country.

Jacksonville State, under former Michigan and West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez, has won five straight. The Gamecocks run fast – averaging a play on the road every 21.7 seconds, fifth-fastest nationally.

Tech must make its case with defense.

“This is going to be strength on strength,” said Cumbie. “I am excited and I know our players on defense are really excited. We haven’t played a team that can run the football as effectively as what Jacksonville State does and at that tempo.

“Trey Stewart, their running back, is the best running back we have played this year. He is a really good player. They have rushed for over 350 yards per game in conference. It will be a great challenge for us.”

The Bulldog defense climbed to 14th nationally in total defense after allowing just 268 yards to Sam Houston, marking the second consecutive game and third time this season they’ve held an opponent under 270 yards. The Bulldogs held the Bearkats to 105 yards on the ground, which is the 5th time they’ve held a team under 105 rushing yards. The Bulldogs now rank 28th in run defense (112.0 YPG), and 31st in pass defense (190.1 YPG).

Tech is the only team in the CUSA that hasn’t allowed 1,000 rushing yards and is one of 20 teams in the FBS to do so.

Tech finished its CUSA weekday schedule with a 2-2 record. The Bulldogs defeated Middle Tennessee and UTEP at home, while narrowly falling to New Mexico State and Sam Houston on the road. The two losses were decided by a combined nine points.

Tech will look to pick up its fourth win at home this season, which would be the most since the Bulldogs won six games at Joe Aillet Stadium in 2019. The Bulldogs enter Saturday’s contest with a 3-1 record at home with wins over Nicholls, Middle Tennessee, and UTEP. With two home games remaining, Tech could finish with a 5-1 mark at home.

Wide receiver Tru Edwards is just 150 yards away from reaching 1,000 career receiving yards as a Bulldog. The redshirt senior has racked up 850 in three seasons in Ruston, with a career-high 566 yards coming through eight games this season.

The game will be telecast nationally on CBS Sports Network, and broadcast locally on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler, Teddy Allen and Jerry Byrd describing the action. 

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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The 2024 Louisiana High School Athletic Association state football season is in full swing.

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

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BATON ROUGE — The LHSAA has announced that they will be delay releasing the postseason brackets in all Select and Non-Select Divisions, citing an unnamed school that has filed litigation against the association.

The question now is whether the playoffs will start on time, which is set for Friday, Nov. 15. The current court date is set for Monday, Nov. 18.

The brackets are normally sent out on the Sunday after the end of the regular season, which would have been Sunday, Nov. 10, this year.

The school in question is likely University High, which was forced to forfeit all wins this season due to an ineligible player.

This story will be updated as more information is made available.

Release from the Louisiana High School Athletics Association

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) will delay the release of the 2024 postseason football brackets due to ongoing litigation with one of our member schools. This situation could affect all 307 schools that participate in football across the state. Given the possible repercussions of the decision made, the LHSAA will withhold all eight postseason brackets until the legal process is concluded and the matter is fully resolved. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our member schools and fans as we work through this important issue.

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by Malcolm Butler

The Lincoln Parish School Board approved stipends for parish teachers and supports staff while also approving additional finances for some upcoming facility projects at Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting held in the teachers lounge at Ruston High School.

With Otha Anders the only school board member absent during the meeting, the board members unanimously approved one-time stipends in the amount of $2,000 for full-time certified staff and $1,000 for full-time support staff that will be paid no later than December 15.

They also approved $1,600 stipends for part-time hourly certified positions and $800 for part-time hourly support personnel with regular weekly work schedules of at least 20 hours. A prorated one-time stipend was also approved for part-time salaried certified positions and part-time hourly certified positions with regular work schedules between 10 and 20 hours.

The funding came from an allocation of $1,844,517 approved during the 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, an increase of $107,383 over the 2023-24 allocation.

An additional one-time stipend was also approved that will go only to parish teachers that received a rating of highly effective or effective efficient. No administrators or support staff receive this one-time stipend.

This will be a $455 stipend that will be paid to 286 eligible teachers with the regular payroll on January 24, 2025. This funding was also allocated during the 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature as Lincoln Parish received a total of $155,211.

“I think anything we can do to encourage teachers by putting more money in their pockets especially around the holidays is a positive,” said LPSB Superintendent Ricky Durrett. “Anything we can do to reward them for the job they are doing of teaching our kids is always a great thing for us to do.”

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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Louisiana Tech will celebrate its Homecoming this weekend, complete with various events, including its Homecoming parade, which will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

This year’s parade will be larger than in many years’ past with close to 40 groups and floats participating, according to university officials.

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The parade will start on Hergot Avenue, turn on Wisteria Street, then head down West Railroad Avenue. From there, the parade floats will turn left onto Everett Street, left again on West Alabama Avenue, and then it will finish on Wisteria Street.

Saturday’s activities also include Breakfast with Champ, the Alumni/LTAC Tailgate and a Conference USA matchup with the Bulldogs vs. Jacksonville State at 3:30 p.m. in Joe Aillet Stadium.

For a complete list of events and to register, visit LATech.edu/Homecoming.

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

The Lincoln Parish School Board voted to approve additional funding for upcoming facility projects in District 1 and District 6, projects that will be mostly funded through bond monies voted on by parish residents in April.

The projects in District 1 include a new Ruston High softball facility, baseball renovations, gym renovations, indoor pavilion, new roofing at RHS as well as Ruston Junior High School security features (parking lot and fencing).

After the initial round of quotes obtained by Clark Construction out of Little Rock showed the $17.5 million was not enough for the projects, the LPSB Building and Grounds Committee and Finance Committee met Monday to discuss how to value engineer some costs out of the projects in order to lower the total cost.

“They got the initial drawings from Mike Walpole that were about 30 percent finished,” said LPSB Superintendent Ricky Durrett. “They go to subcontractors to get bids for every aspect of each project. That simply got quotes from the original drawings, and that was the number they came back with.”

After Monday’s meeting, the committee’s agreed to add up to $3.8 million from the capital project fund.

“To complete all the capital improvement plans we’re requesting to commit $3.8 million of the district’s local capital project funds from insurance proceeds and parish wide CPFs (Capital Project Funds) for the project,” said school board member Danny Hancock following Monday’s committee meetings.

On Thursday, that additional $3.8 million was approved by the school board by a vote of 10-1 with only David Ferguson voting against it. Otha Anders was not present at the meeting.

“Towards the end of January we will get a second pricing from Clark Construction,” said Durrett. “Mr. Walpole will be further along with the drawings and a little more precise with the details of what it is going to entail. They will go back and get pricing again from the same groups, and it should be less because they know more of the details.

“In early March we will get a final bid with the actual costs. That’s when we will know the final definitive cost.”

Durrett said that the total $3.8 million may not be needed, but that it would be the absolute cap for the additional funding.

“We don’t necessarily have to use all of this additional funding,” said Durrett. “That’s the most we would use. So if we can get the price down, we won’t have to use as much of that from the capital projects fund.”

The school board also approved purchasing a 4.5-acre tract of land on South Farmerville Street at a price tag of $150,000 from the City of Ruston that once served as the home to the Ruston Girls Softball Association. This will be the site for the construction of the new Ruston High softball facility.

The Ruston City Council will vote for their final approval to sell it to the LPSB during their December meeting.

The LPSB also voted 10-1 (David Ferguson voting no) to approve an additional $500,000 out of the capital projects fund towards the District 6 (Choudrant) capital improvements. This is on top of the $2,195,384.50 received from the bond.

Again, this money would only be used if bids come in over the $2.2 million.

Below is an executive summary of the District 1 projects, estimated cost based on the initial quotes, and timelines.

Softball Field ($6,198,781) — Start April 22, 2025 and completed December 1, 2025

Baseball Renovations ($2,194,400) — Start April 22, 2025 and completed December 2, 2025

Gym Renovations ($2,003,321) — Start April 22, 2025 and completed September 23, 2025

RJHS Parking Lot and Fencing ($1,118,606) — Start April 22, 2025 and completed August 8, 2025

Ruston High Roof ($1,225,011) — TBD

Covered Pavilion ($6,058,001) — Start May 14, 2025 and completed Feb. 6, 2026

“A lot of these will start at the same time, but the pavilion will be the last one to be completed,” said Durrett. “It’s a pretty good timeline. They have some weather time built into this and the summer is a good time to be building because there won’t be as much rain.”

 

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This week in Lincoln Parish Schools

The Lincoln Parish Journal is providing our local schools with an opportunity to submit nuggets from what’s going on at their respective schools in order to get more information out on their students, faculty and staff. The information below comes directly from those schools.  Any school wishing to provide content each week can email to flynnhl@warhawks.ulm.edu

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High Schools

Lincoln Preparatory School

The faculty and staff of Lincoln Preparatory School in conjunction with the PTO celebrated National Principals Month with a pep rally honoring CEO/Executive Director Gordan Ford. Ford serves as both Superintendent and Principal of the Type 2 charter and has been a champion for diversity and equity in education. We celebrate him and appreciate his impact on students and families served by our school.

More than 400 students were rewarded with a trip to watch the Lady Techsters play for completing their Zearn lessons.  We believe that all students can learn to love math and will continue to reward students for their academic success.

Students of the week 10/21

1^st Grade- Ashton Wilson

2^nd Grade- Cameron Reddick

3^rd Grade- Michael Lewis

4^th Grade- Markel Gray

5^th Grade- Trevonte’ Livingston

6^th Grade- Corey Mixon

7^th Grade- Dextin Washington

8^th Grade- Kennadi Moore

9^th Grade- Corey Simms

10^th Grade- Kasidi Roberts

11^th Grade- Jamaica Goldsby

12^th Grade- Janancia Richard

 

Ruston High School

It’s another busy week in Bearcat Nation! Tonight (11/8), the Ruston High Bearcats are traveling to West Monroe to play the Rebels, kickoff is at 7:00!

Registration for Ruston Softball’s annual Co-ed Pitch Tournament (held on 12/7) is now open! Registration of your team can be done online, through a softball girl. There will be meals available for purchase at the tournament as well as a split the pot cash prize for the winning team.

Thursday (11/14), the Ruston High’s chapter of FFA will be hosting their annual Chili Cookoff! Doors will open at 5, winners will be announced at 6:30, and the live auction will be held at 7!

Our teacher of the week is Mrs. Jamie Gressett! Mrs. Gressett has been teaching for 23 years, and is teaching her 11th year at RHS! She teaches English I and co-sponsors Student Council! Thank you for all you do Mrs. Gressett!

 

Simsboro

Our FBLA students are partnering with WRLDINVSN this year. They came to our school and were a part of our first pep rally of the season!

Elementary Schools

A.E. Phillips

Elementary Cross Country

The Elementary Cross Country team participated in the Louisiana State Games at West Ouachita High School.  We are proud of how hard they worked and for their many achievements.

Team Awards:

1^st & 2^nd grade girls earned 5^th place.

1^st & 2^nd grade boys earned 3^rd place.

3^rd and 4^th grade girls earned 1st place.

3^rd and 4^th grade boys earned 3^rd place.

5^th & 6^th grade girls earned 5^th place.

5^th & 6^th grade boys earned 7^th place.

Individual Awards:

Ella Stone placed 6^th in the 1^st & 2^nd grade girls division.

James Cotton placed 2^nd & Liam Newsom placed 5^th in the 1^st &2^nd grade boys division.

Mae Goodwin placed 1^st, Elliott Martin placed 6^th, Charlotte Rust placed 12^th, & Butter McGhee placed 14^th in the 3^rd & 4^th grade girls division.

Jack McGhee placed 9^th & Same Stone placed 11^th in the 3^rd & 4^th grade boys division.

Basketball:

Our basketball season is underway and both teams are working hard throughout the week practicing and preparing for games.  Our boys are currently 3-0.  We look forward to the rest of the season as these players continue to work hard and improve their game.  Go Bullpups!

 

Choudrant

Lil’ Aggie News

Our Fall Carnival was a success! A HUGE thank you to all the amazing volunteers who helped make our Fall Festival a fantastic success! Your time, effort, and dedication truly brought our community together, creating a night of joy, laughter, and special memories.

Upcoming Events:

November 15 –Type 1 Diabetes Fundraiser – Wear any shoes for $1.00

November 19 – Field Day

November 21 – Thanksgiving Lunch for grades K, 2^nd and 5^th

November 25-29 – Thanksgiving Break

 Cross Country

Choudrant Elementary Cross-Country Team Results from the State Championship Races at The Gospel on Saturday, November 2nd, are as follows:

K-1st Girls were 1st place overall, which means they finished the season UNDEFEATED!

Top 10 Finishers were:

1st – Livvy Baker

2nd – Lainey Baker

7th- Sadie Hancock

9th – Elenna Rogers

K-1st Boys were 1st place Champions!

Top 10 Finishers:

1st – Nicholas Warrick

5th – Jayce Pyle

6th – Tucker Smith

7th – Toxey Taylor

8th – Elijah Juneau

9th – Jameson Pierce

Attitude and Effort Award: Daryl Collinsworth

2nd -3rd Girls were 3rd Place!

Top 10 Finishers:

8th – Annelise Waits

9th – Emma Smith

Attitude and Effort Awards: Parker Rollinson and Margot Ford

2nd -3rd Boys were 3rd Place!

Top 10 Finishers:

1st – William Bueso

9th – Tommy Warrick

4th – 5th Girls were 1st Place Champions!

Top 10 Finishers:

2nd – Lakynn Roberson

6th – Elouise Aycock

Attitude and Effort Award: Bella Gaines

4th – 5th Boys were 1st Place Champions!

Top 10 Finishers:

2nd – Briggs Holloway

This has been a remarkable season for our Lil Aggie Runners and we cannot wait to see what next year has in store for them! 

4-H Club

Our CES 4-H members participated in a Chili Cook-Off during our Fall Festival. The winners are as follows:

1st- Kenlyn Sherrill

2nd- Ethan Johnson

3rd- Julie Brown

Honorable Mention- Blakelyn Posey

Our 4-H members are also collecting socks for veterans during the month of November.

 

Glenview

Glen View Elementary participated in Red Ribbon Week last week. Each day had a different theme related to being drug—and bully-free. On Thursday, October 31st, our parents and students participated in the annual Fall Festival. They were engaged in a variety of Fall and STEM activities. Everyone had an amazing time, and we enjoyed having all of the guests on campus.

Our Kindergarten students celebrated the 50th day of school on Friday, November 1st. Students and teachers dressed in 50s attire participated in various activities and enjoyed an ice cream sundae on the playground.

 

Hillcrest

Hillcrest Happenings

The month of October was a busy one! We began the month by celebrating our amazing custodians.  Our PTC and other donors provided a wonderful lunch and basket of treats. We are so thankful for our custodians!

On October 16, students celebrated Unity Day by wearing orange. They focused on how to be kind and inclusive during SEL lessons.

Students also participated in a Storybook Pumpkin Contest. Students were invited to decorate a pumpkin to look like a book character. Pumpkins were judged based on neatness, creativity, and following directions. Winners were awarded a certificate in the following categories:

Funniest Pumpkin: Adrian Garcia and River Hunt

Scariest Pumpkin: Najarrian McCalister

Most Creative Pumpkin: Lulu Tamariz

Most Like the Book Character: Cotton Punchard

Best Overall Pumpkin: Ellis Bishop

Hillcrest Hall of Fame Students for October

Kindergarten: Drake Bell, Jane Green, Trent Cobb, Ace Goldsmith, Kash Joe, Makenna Sheldon, Noah Coburn, Kingston Jones, Austen Ross, Malakhi Carr

First Grade: Journi Carpenter, Caleb Allen, Jesse Pace, Karleigh Eagland, Marshae Phillips, Abraham Acosta, Carolyn Porter, Cash Spray, Amanda Tomas, Drew Smith

Second Grade: James Beard, Aleah Arenas, Casia Campbell, Maxtin Wagar, Beverly Handy, Harrison Howell, Zane Ryder, Natan Orellana-Reyes, Ryker Ingram, Avaleigh Worley, Leeland Dunn, River Hunt

Students who met the behavior goal for October earned an invitation to the Trunk or Treat reward. Our PTC set up themed booths and students visited each booth to receive a treat.  Thank you to our Adopt-A-School Partners and our PTC for helping us put together this reward!

 

I.A. Lewis

The IA Lewis Cross Country Team had an incredible season! During the regular season, the boys were undefeated, placing first in all of their meets.  Last Saturday they participated in the Junior High Championship meet and the team came in as runner up!   (I have attached pictures.)

Last Friday was a full day of celebrations for the end of the first nine weeks!  Students who met the first nine weeks behavior goal enjoyed a Silent Disco with Bayou Beats from West Monroe. Students making the honor roll were recognized for their academic achievements.  Rams with Rizz (those students with zero lunch detentions or behavior referrals) got to enjoy a free dress day, and our For All Ram Kind students hosted Trick or Treating with our Ram Pals! 

We also had our very first Rams Celebrity Breakfast sponsored by the Lincoln Parish Journal.  Students who earned all A’s or earned an academic achievement recognition from a teacher were selected to participate in this first nine week’s breakfast .  Students also enjoyed visiting with our special guests, Louisiana Tech’s Football Team and Champ!   (I’ve attached a picture.)

We want to encourage all of our Rams to keep working hard!  We are already looking forward to our rewards for the 2nd Nine Weeks!  Ramms with Rizz, Rams Celebrity Breakfast, Academic Awards, and our 2nd nine weeks behavior incentive (a bowling field trip) will be here before we know it!

Next week our For All Ram Kind student leaders will be going to Seeker Springs to participate in their high and low ropes course as the culmination of their Team UP Program!  We are so grateful to the Lincoln Health Foundation for making this opportunity available for our student leaders!

 

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