Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com. 

Friday, Dec. 13
5:30-10 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up The Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
6 p.m.: Line Dancing (Lincoln Parish Library)
6:30 p.m.: LA Tech men’s basketball game

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Saturday, Dec. 14
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ice skating (Ruston Sports Complex)
8:30-11:30 a.m.: Hazardous Waste Material Collection and Recycling (2609 Farmerville St.)
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market
9 a.m.: Grambling Christmas Parade (New Rocky Valley Baptist Church, 2155 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Grambling)
Noon to 2 p.m.: Pictures with Santa (Lincoln Parish Library)
Noon to 2 p.m.: Community meeting for the animals (Lincoln Parish Library, Events Center)
5:30-10 p.m.: Lincoln Parish Light Up The Pines (Lincoln Parish Park)
5:30-8 p.m.: A Night in the Park (Grambling City Park)

Sunday, Dec. 15
1-4 p.m.: Downtown Ruston Cookie Crawl

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.

Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie announced Thursday the hiring of Tony Franklin as the team’s new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Franklin returns to Ruston for his second tenure as offensive coordinator, holding the same position at LA Tech for three seasons from 2010-12.

“We’re excited to welcome back to Louisiana Tech an experienced play caller that has been highly successful every place he’s been-including here,” said Cumbie. “Tony is going to build relationships with our players and staff, lead them well, while implementing an explosive and productive offense. I’m looking forward to welcoming him and Laura back to Ruston and Louisiana Tech.”

A longtime play caller, Franklin brings over 40 years of coaching experience, including 16 years as an FBS offensive coordinator. He most recently served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Army Sprint Football Team in 2022.

Franklin led Army Sprint football to a 6-2 record and to an appearance in the CSFL Championship game in 2022. Franklin’s offense averaged 42.50 points per game and 453.8 yards per contest.

Franklin is no stranger to Conference USA, having served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Middle Tennessee from 2016-20, marking his second stint with the Blue Raiders after serving in the same capacity in 2009. The 2019 season saw wide receiver Ty Lee become the school’s all-time leading receiver, while Asher O’Hara became the second quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards.

In 2018, quarterback Brent Stockstill earned C-USA MVP honors Under Franklin’s guidance. Stockstill became the school’s all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions, while WR Richie James ended his career as the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions.

MTSU’s 2016 offense set single-season records in total offense, total yards per game, yards per play, points scored, passing yards, pass attempts, pass completions, touchdown passes, total touchdowns, first downs and all-purpose yards. Franklin coordinated an offense that ranked second in C-USA and eighth in the FBS in total offense, averaging 517.7 yards per game. The 2016 season saw the Blue Raiders produce a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard receiver for the first time in program history. He coached two first team All-CUSA selections in receiver Richie James and running back I’Tavius Mathers, while receiver Ty Lee was a freshman All-American.

Prior to returning to MTSU, Franklin followed former LA Tech head coach Sonny Dykes to Cal where he spent three seasons as Golden Bears offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2013-15, while also coaching the running backs in his final season in 2015.

Franklin mentored future NFL No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff for three seasons at Cal. Goff set 26 program records during his three seasons with Cal and started all 37 games at quarterback from 2013-15, while setting career marks for passing yards (12,220), touchdown passes (96), total offense (12,086), and completions (977). He ranks third all-time in Pac-12 history in passing yardage and fourth for passing touchdowns. In 2015, Goff broke the Pac-12 single-season passing record with 4,719 yards and 43 touchdowns, leading Cal to an 8-5 record and its first bowl victory since 2008, while becoming the first Cal quarterback to earn All-Pac 12 honors since Aaron Rodgers in 2004.

Cal’s offense set numerous offensive records for the third straight season during their 8-5 run in 2015, including passing yardage (4,892), passing yards per game (376.3 ypg), passing touchdowns (44), total offense (6,879), total yards per game (529.2 ypg), total touchdowns (63), scoring offense (37.9 ppg, modern-era record), first downs (341) and first downs passing (201), with all the marks previously set in 2014 and 2013 under Franklin. The Golden Bears ranked third nationally in passing offense, eight in total offense, and 17^th in scoring offense, while ranking second in the Pac-12 in all three categories. Cal set single game records with 760 yards of total offense and 36 first downs against Oregon State. Cal was the only team in the country to have six receivers with 40+ receptions in 2015.

The Bears offense continued to succeed under Franklin, setting or matching nine single-season or modern-era program records. Cal set new marks for passing yards (4,152), passing touchdowns (37), total yards per game (495.2), and first downs via passing (188). Additionally, the team set modern-era school records for points (459), scoring average (38.2 points per game), and touchdowns (61), all of which were later surpassed in 2015.

Cal finished the 2014 season in the top 25 nationally in seven categories including passing offense (6th, 346.0 ypg), scoring offense (10th, 38.3 ppg), total offense (13th, 495.2 ypg), fourth-down conversion percentage (14th, 67.9%, 19-28), first downs offense (19th, 319), third-down conversions (23rd, 46.1%) and team passing efficiency (24th, 145.77).

Franklin’s first offensive unit at Cal in 2013 set single-season school records for passing yards (3977), pass completions (368) and total plays (1,046), with the passing yards mark being broken in 2014 and 2015 while the pass completions and total plays records still stand. The passing offense finished third in the Pac-12 and 10th in the nation with an average of 331.4 yards per game that was also the best in school history before being surpassed in 2014 and 2015. Cal’s 5,443 yards of total offense in 2013 is the fifth-highest total in school history, while its average of 453.6 yards per game ranks sixth.

Quarterback Jared Goff started in all 12 games and became the first true freshman to start a season opener during Franklin’s first season with the Bears. Goff set numerous records, which he would later break, in passing yards (3,508), total offense (3,446), completions (320), attempts (531) and total plays (590).

In his final campaign with LA Tech in 2013, the Bulldogs posted a 9-3 record and led the nation in scoring offense (51.50 ppg) and total offense (577.92 ypg). Franklin was a nominee for the Broyles Award given annually to the college football’s top assistant coach and one of four finalists for the FootballScoop.com Offensive Coordinator of the Year.

In addition to leading the nation in scoring and total offense with an offense that posted the fifth-highest per-game scoring average ever by a team in the FBS, LA Tech ranked among the NCAA’s top 20 in 2012 in passing offense (3rd, 350.75 ypg), fewest sacks allowed (7th, 0.83 spg), turnover margin (10th, +1.08 per game) and rushing offense (18th, 227.17 ypg). The Bulldogs scored more than 40 points in 11 of 12 games and over 50 points in eight games.

Quarterback Colby Cameron was named the 2012 Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and earned the Sammy Baugh Award presented to college football’s top passer by The Touchdown Club of Columbus. Cameron completed 359-of-522 passes (68.8%) for 4,147 yards and 31 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He ranked third nationally in total offense (360.33 ypg), while he was 22nd in the nation in passing efficiency (153.19). Cameron also set a new NCAA record for most consecutive passes without an interception over his first 428 attempts in 2012 and totaled 444 going back to the previous season.

Second-team AP All-American Quinton Patton, who went on to the NFL, was Cameron’s top receiver and a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in 2012 with 104 catches for 1,392 yards receiving and 13 touchdown receptions. Patton led the WAC in both receiving yards per game (116.00 ypg) and receptions (8.67 rpg), with those numbers ranking fourth and fifth nationally. Myles White added 56 catches for 718 yards receiving and six touchdowns, while ranking fourth and sixth in the WAC in per-game yards receiving (59.83 ypg) and receptions (4.67 rpg).

On the ground, running back Kenneth Dixon was tabbed the WAC Freshman of the Year and earned Freshman All-American honors after breaking Marshall Faulk’s NCAA freshman records for rushing touchdowns (27), total touchdowns (28) and points (168). Dixon led the country in scoring with an average of 14.00 points per game while totaling 1,194 yards on 200 carries. He was also second in the WAC and 33rd nationally in rushing with an average of 106.42 yards per game. Capital One Academic All-America first team selection Ray Holley, a graduate student pursing a degree in counseling with a 3.50 GPA, added 740 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground over 142 rushes.

During Franklin’s second season in Ruston in 2011 he orchestrated an offense that was fundamentally sound and continued to improve weekly on a Bulldog team that finished 8-5 overall and won the WAC title with a 6-1 league record before advancing to play TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl. Tech ranked third in the nation with five different scoring drives over 90 yards during the season. That precision guided Tech’s offensive explosion at Fresno State when the team scored 34 points and notched over 400 yards of offense in the first half alone. The offense produced more than 40 points on three occasions and averaged 31.71 points per contest during a seven-game win streak to end the regular season. Patton was among both the top receivers in the WAC and across the nation in per-game yards receiving (92.46 ypg, No. 2 WAC, No. 20 NCAA) and receptions (6.08 rpg, No. 4 WAC, No. T28 NCAA), finishing with totals of 79 receptions for 1,202 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns.

In Franklin’s first year on Tech’s staff, his spread offense exploded into a high-octane mechanism in the middle of the season resulting with the team scoring 34 points or more in four of the final six contests and 41 or more three times. Running back Lennon Creek was the team’s top threat, rushing for 1,181 yards and 10 scores on 212 carries. His average of 98.42 yards rushing per game ranked third in the WAC and 22nd nationally.

Franklin’s first stint at MTSU came in the 2009 season where his offense posted 421.69 total yards of offense and 32.00 points per game, the fourth and seventh highest totals in school history for a team that posted a 10-3 record that was its best since 1992. The Blue Raider offense, which produced three All-Sun Belt Conference players, scored 30 or more points in nine games, including each of the last five games, and topped the 400-yard mark in total offense eight times. Franklin’s unit set school records in total yards (5,482), passing yards (3,064) and total points (416), with per-game averages that were 23rd nationally in scoring, and 27th in total offense and rushing offense (186.00 ypg).

MTSU quarterback Dwight Dasher earned second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors and was the MVP of the 2009 New Orleans Bowl, where he broke Vince Young’s NCAA record for yards rushing in a bowl game by a quarterback with 201 (since broken by Johnny Manziel in the 2013 Cotton Bowl). Dasher ranked seventh in the nation in total offense (303.31 ypg), threw for a school-record 23 TD passes and was named the SBC Player of the Week three times that season. Dasher finished the season with totals of 2,789 yards passing and 1,154 yards rushing to become only the eighth player in NCAA history to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in the same season, and the first quarterback in Middle Tennessee history to rush for 1,000.

Franklin made his way to Middle Tennessee after a brief stint as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Auburn, where he coached the Tigers to an overtime victory over Clemson in the 2007 Chick-fil-A Bowl. He remained in the role six games into the 2008 season, with Auburn adding to his Chick-fil-A Bowl victory in 2007 by sporting a 4-2 record in 2008 before he was released from his duties. The Tigers were 0-5 against Division I teams the remainder of the 2008 campaign following his departure.

Franklin was in the same capacity the previous two seasons at Troy (2006-07) where the Trojans combined to go 16-9 overall and 12-2 in the Sun Belt Conference while collecting two league titles. During that span his offense scored 30 or more points 11 times and on eight occasions in his second season, including games against Florida, Georgia and Oklahoma State. In 2007, his squad led the Sun Belt in scoring offense (34.00 ppg) and total offense (452.83 ypg), with a No. 16 national ranking in the latter.

In addition to helping the Trojans to their first Sun Belt Conference title and a victory in the New Orleans Bowl in his first season at Troy, Franklin helped engineer the second-ranked offensive unit in the Sun Belt just one year after the team ranked last in the league in total offense. The Trojans ranked first in the league in passing offense, again one year after ranking last, despite facing three of the top 20 ranked passing defense teams in the country during the season, and more than doubled their offensive output in conference action to 25.23 points per game.

Franklin spent four campaigns on the football staff at Kentucky from 1997-2000 following 16 seasons as a high school football coach. During his tenure at Kentucky, the Wildcats enjoyed unprecedented success on the offensive side of the ball, setting several NCAA, SEC and school records. After coaching running backs for the first three seasons, Franklin was named offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the 2000 campaign and led the Wildcats to success as the nation’s second-best passing offense as well as the country’s 11th-best team in total offense.

Franklin’s two-back combinations at Kentucky outgained any two-back combinations in the SEC in total yards from scrimmage for three straight seasons. Quarterbacks Tim Couch, Dusty Bonner and Jared Lorenzen each led the SEC in passing during their time as Kentucky quarterbacks, and Couch was the first player selected in the 1999 NFL Draft. Several other UK players reached their goals of making NFL teams after their experience in the high-powered offense.

Franklin was also named one of the top 10 recruiters in the South during his four years at Kentucky as he helped lead the Wildcats to their first back-to-back bowl appearances in 15 seasons in 1998 and 1999, including their first New Year’s Day Bowl game appearance in 47 years against Penn State in the Outback Bowl following the end of the 1998 campaign.

Franklin also spent one season in 2003 as the general manager and head coach of the Lexington Horsemen of the National Indoor Football League, successfully leading the team to a first-round playoff game and a 9-5 regular-season record as an expansion franchise in its inaugural season. The team paced the Atlantic Division in scoring, averaging 53.1 points per game.

In addition to his coaching career, Franklin is the owner of The Tony Franklin Systems that conducts a series of football seminars for coaches emphasizing winning solutions. USA Today took notice of Franklin’s football coaching and teaching abilities in a feature story in 2005 which detailed his consulting successes as a nationally sought-after offensive football coach.

Franklin has also written a pair of books and received rave reviews for his second publication, Victor’s Victory, which chronicled the tragic death and spectacular life of 15-year-old Hoover High School football player Victor Dionte Hill, who died from sudden cardiac arrest on the football practice field during one of Franklin’s consulting sessions. The book has helped to continue the mission of Cheryl Hill, Victor’s mother, to make teachers, coaches, and parents aware of the need for automatic external defibrillators (AED) in every school and youth organization in Alabama.

Franklin received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Murray State in 1979 and 1989, where he was a two-year starter as a running back. He is married to Laura Franklin, and they have three daughters: Chelsea, Caroline and Caitlin.

COLLEGE COACHING EXPERIENCE
1997-99: Kentucky (running backs)
2000: Kentucky (offensive coordinator/wide receivers)
2006-07: Troy (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2008: Auburn (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2009: MTSU (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2010-12: LA Tech (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2013-15: Cal (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2016-20: MTSU (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)

BOWL HISTORY
1998: Kentucky – Outback Bowl
1999: Kentucky – Music City Bowl
2006: Troy – New Orleans Bowl
2007: Auburn – Chick-fil-A Bowl
2009: MTSU – New Orleans Bowl
2011: LA Tech – Poinsettia Bowl
2015: Cal – Armed Forces Bowl
2016: MTSU – Hawaii Bowl
2017: MTSU – Camellia Bowl
2018: MTSU – New Orleans Bowl

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

After back-to-back games on the road, Louisiana Tech opens a three-game home stand tonight as the Bulldogs host Georgia Southern inside the Thomas Assembly Center on Karl Malone Court.

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. with the game on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler and Jack Thigpen providing a call of all the action.

LA Tech (8-2) snapped its two-game losing skid this past Sunday with a 69-59 victory over rival UL-Lafayette.  The Bulldogs improved to 6-1 away from home this season (2-1 in true road games and 4-0 in neutral site games).  Those six wins away from home is tied for the most in the country.

The ‘Dogs were highly efficient on offense again, shooting 52.9 percent from the field versus the Ragin’ Cajuns.  It marked the fifth time this season shooting over 50 percent and the third time in the last four contests (shooting 50.5 percent during this span).  The team currently ranks 29th in the country in effective field goal percentage at 56.9 percent.

Daniel Batcho registered his first double-double of the season and 12th of his Bulldog career with 19 points and a season-high 11 rebounds against ULL.  He has scored 19+ points five times this season, which is right around his average of 19.2 points per game that ranks 32nd in the nation while shooting 72.8 percent from the field, third best in the country.

Bench production has been limited this season due to injuries and illness, but LA Tech got quality minutes against ULL.  Will Allen came in and recorded season highs in points (six) and rebounds (six) while freshman AJ Bates played a season-high 17 minutes and registered seven points and three boards.  Despite the off-scoring day, Al Green continues to be the primary sixth man averaging 9.5 points per game.

Sean Newman Jr. flirted with another double-double as the point guard posted 10 points as well as a game-high seven assists, giving him 88 dimes in the second which is the second most in the country.

Amaree Abram and Kaden Cooper were the other two Bulldogs to score in double figures in Lafayette with 12 and 11 points, respectively.  Abram is averaging 13.7 points and a team-best 2.4 steals per game while Cooper is averaging 11.6 points and a team-best 8.0 rebounds per game.

Georgia Southern (6-4) won five of its first seven games, including an 80-65 season-opening victory against Northern Illinois in the SBC/MAC challenge as well as close victories over North Carolina Central and Winthrop at the Rock Hill Classic in South Carolina.

Following road losses to Drake and VCU, the Eagles got back into the win column in their last outing versus North Florida, defeating the Ospreys in overtime by a final score of 93-91.

Bradley Douglas was a key part of that overtime win against UNF, recording the game-winning shot with 6.7 seconds left. He ended up scoring 21 points, his second 20+ scoring performance of the season.
While he is averaging 10.9 points per game, his running partner Nakavieon White is aver­aging 12.6 points and had an even bigger per­formance against the Ospreys with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.  He has scored in double figures in six of the last eight games, including a season-high 25 versus William & Mary.

The Eagles’ leading scorer this season is Adante’ Holiman who is averaging 15.9 points but has missed the last three games.

Georgia Southern ranks 44th in the country in three-point percentage defense, allowing teams to shoot just 28.6 from beyond the arc. Seven of their 10 opponents have not cracked 30 percent shooting from three this season with six of those making six or fewer threes in a game.

LA Tech leads the all-time series versus Georgia Southern, 3-1.  The Bulldogs and Eagles first squared off on Feb. 18, 1961 in Ruston with LA Tech prevailing, 56-54.  The two programs met again in 1969 and 1972 while the last matchup took place at the 1987 Champion Holiday Classic in Missoula, Montana where the Eagles won, 63-46.  

Friday’s meeting is part of a home-and-home series.  LA Tech will play at Georgia Southern in Statesboro next season.

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Funeral services for Fannie Faye Miller, age 83 of Dubach, LA, will be held at 2:00PM, Friday, December 13, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Barry Joyner officiating. Burial will follow in Fellowship Cemetery in Dubach under direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.  Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Friday, December 13, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel.

The beloved Fannie Faye Taylor Miller entered into God’s Kingdom on December 10, 2024, after a lengthy illness.  She passed peacefully at home in Homer, LA with her son, Thomas Wayne Miller, and daughter-in-law, Susan Amason Miller holding her hand.

Fannie was born to Phil Taylor Sr. and Ruby Lee Oliveaux Taylor on June 6, 1941, in Richland Parish. When Fannie was younger, her favorite activities were: basketball, where she was coached by Edna “Tiny” Tarbutton at Baskin High School, and helping her family on their cotton farm in Baskin alongside of her beloved siblings.

Fannie met Chester Junior Miller of Bernice, on a blind date.  They married on April 19, 1959, a match truly made in heaven. Fannie & Chester went on to have 3 sons, Glenn Edward, Thomas Wayne, and Paul David, and raised them in Dubach, LA. Fannie told many tales of her adventures working the cotton fields with her family, her work with Kilpatrick Insurance as an agent, and David Wade Correctional Center as a corrections officer where she retired. 

Fannie is joined in heaven with her parents, Phil and Ruby Taylor, her brother, Billy “Bilbo” Taylor, one son Glenn Edward Miller, one grandson Phillip Miller, and her husband of 48 years, Chester J. Miller.

She is survived by her siblings, Betty Laborde, Junita McMurray and husband Delmus “Poochy”, Robert Taylor and wife Marsha, Frances, wife of Billy Ray “Bilbo” Taylor, and Pete Taylor; her sons, Thomas “Tommy” W. Miller and wife Susan of Homer, LA, Elizabeth Miller, the wife of her son Glenn Miller of Arcadia, LA, and Paul D. Miller and wife Penny of Phenix City, AL.; grandchildren, Ida Houck, Jennifer “Jenny” Miller, Joe Ferguson and wife Georgia, Bonnie Nixon and husband Justin, Thomas H. Miller, Jessica Miller and fiancé Andrew Brittenham, Joshua Feller and wife Samantha and Rachel Kinslow and husband Dustin; great-grandchildren, Shelby, Justin, Aubrey, Adrian, Eli, Josh, Sara’Ann, Bradley, Landon, Jordan, Jackson, Kastner, and Rebecca; great-great-grandchildren, Mavis and Ellie and 1 on the way. And lastly, by many more family members and friends.

Fannie was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. She loved her faith and loved sharing the love and warmth of our savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible. She spent many years hand annotating over 20 bibles that she gave to her children, grandchildren, and loving friends so they could understand the words and meanings.

Pallbearers will be Joe Ferguson, Eli Ferguson, Justin Nixon, Adrian Nixon, Andrew Brittenham, and Thomas H. Miller

The family offers their sincere appreciation to Passages Hospice of Minden, LA, and staff: Rhonda, Brooke, Erica, and tech, Melba for their kind and compassionate care and for helping us give her the most comfort possible at home, as well as educating and supporting us in this difficult time. We would also like to thank Dr. Clifton Salmon of Homer Medical Clinic and Camille Wise APRN, FNPC-BC, at Claiborne Home Health. We especially thank Shelly Allen RN, and aide, Priscilla Pitts, as well as Claiborne Memorial Medical Center for taking such good care throughout all of this.

Mark 5:34 “He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

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Edward “Bay” Ates 
May 1, 1954 – December 10, 2024 
Visitation: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Thursday, December 12, 2024, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
Service: Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston, Friday, December 13, 2024, 2:00 pm 
Cemetery: Choudrant Memorial Cemetery, Friday, December 13, 2024 

Kenneth Ray Peterson 
Monday 09/12/1960 — Tuesday 12/10/2024  
Memorial Service: Saturday 12/14/2024 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home 

Fannie Faye Miller 
June 6, 1941 – December 10, 2024 
Visitation: Friday, December 13, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Funeral Service: Friday, December 13, 2024, 2:00 PM, Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 
Cemetery Committal: Friday, December 13, 2024, Fellowship Baptist Cemetery, HWY 167, Quitman 

Martha Jean Henry   
July 17, 1947 – December 8, 2024   
Visitation: Friday, December 13, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Salem Methodist Church, 11793 Hwy. 151, Dubach   
Funeral Service: Friday, December 13, 2024, 10:00 AM, Salem Methodist Church, 11793 Hwy. 151, Dubach   
Cemetery Committal: Friday, December 13, 2024, Salem Cemetery, 11793 Hwy. 151, Dubach  

Luther Ceasar Steverson     
Sunday 04/27/1941 — Thursday 11/28/2024     
Visitation: Friday 12/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home     
Funeral Service: Saturday 12/14/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home     
Interment: Saturday 12/14/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay    

Lisa Renee Archie     
Thursday 07/31/1969 — Sunday 12/01/2024      
Visitation: Friday 12/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home     
Celebration of Life: Saturday 12/14/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home     
Interment: Saturday 12/14/2024 Following Service, Hopewell Cemetery, Dubach 

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Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications

Louisiana Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie announced Thursday the hiring of Tony Franklin as the team’s new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Franklin returns to Ruston for his second tenure as offensive coordinator, holding the same position at LA Tech for three seasons from 2010-12.

“We’re excited to welcome back to Louisiana Tech an experienced play caller that has been highly successful every place he’s been-including here,” said Cumbie. “Tony is going to build relationships with our players and staff, lead them well, while implementing an explosive and productive offense. I’m looking forward to welcoming him and Laura back to Ruston and Louisiana Tech.”

A longtime play caller, Franklin brings over 40 years of coaching experience, including 16 years as an FBS offensive coordinator. He most recently served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Army Sprint Football Team in 2022.

Franklin led Army Sprint football to a 6-2 record and to an appearance in the CSFL Championship game in 2022. Franklin’s offense averaged 42.50 points per game and 453.8 yards per contest.

Franklin is no stranger to Conference USA, having served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Middle Tennessee from 2016-20, marking his second stint with the Blue Raiders after serving in the same capacity in 2009. The 2019 season saw wide receiver Ty Lee become the school’s all-time leading receiver, while Asher O’Hara became the second quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards.

In 2018, quarterback Brent Stockstill earned C-USA MVP honors Under Franklin’s guidance. Stockstill became the school’s all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions, while WR Richie James ended his career as the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions.

MTSU’s 2016 offense set single-season records in total offense, total yards per game, yards per play, points scored, passing yards, pass attempts, pass completions, touchdown passes, total touchdowns, first downs and all-purpose yards. Franklin coordinated an offense that ranked second in C-USA and eighth in the FBS in total offense, averaging 517.7 yards per game. The 2016 season saw the Blue Raiders produce a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard receiver for the first time in program history. He coached two first team All-CUSA selections in receiver Richie James and running back I’Tavius Mathers, while receiver Ty Lee was a freshman All-American.

Prior to returning to MTSU, Franklin followed former LA Tech head coach Sonny Dykes to Cal where he spent three seasons as Golden Bears offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2013-15, while also coaching the running backs in his final season in 2015.

Franklin mentored future NFL No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff for three seasons at Cal. Goff set 26 program records during his three seasons with Cal and started all 37 games at quarterback from 2013-15, while setting career marks for passing yards (12,220), touchdown passes (96), total offense (12,086), and completions (977). He ranks third all-time in Pac-12 history in passing yardage and fourth for passing touchdowns. In 2015, Goff broke the Pac-12 single-season passing record with 4,719 yards and 43 touchdowns, leading Cal to an 8-5 record and its first bowl victory since 2008, while becoming the first Cal quarterback to earn All-Pac 12 honors since Aaron Rodgers in 2004.

Cal’s offense set numerous offensive records for the third straight season during their 8-5 run in 2015, including passing yardage (4,892), passing yards per game (376.3 ypg), passing touchdowns (44), total offense (6,879), total yards per game (529.2 ypg), total touchdowns (63), scoring offense (37.9 ppg, modern-era record), first downs (341) and first downs passing (201), with all the marks previously set in 2014 and 2013 under Franklin. The Golden Bears ranked third nationally in passing offense, eight in total offense, and 17^th in scoring offense, while ranking second in the Pac-12 in all three categories. Cal set single game records with 760 yards of total offense and 36 first downs against Oregon State. Cal was the only team in the country to have six receivers with 40+ receptions in 2015.

The Bears offense continued to succeed under Franklin, setting or matching nine single-season or modern-era program records. Cal set new marks for passing yards (4,152), passing touchdowns (37), total yards per game (495.2), and first downs via passing (188). Additionally, the team set modern-era school records for points (459), scoring average (38.2 points per game), and touchdowns (61), all of which were later surpassed in 2015.

Cal finished the 2014 season in the top 25 nationally in seven categories including passing offense (6th, 346.0 ypg), scoring offense (10th, 38.3 ppg), total offense (13th, 495.2 ypg), fourth-down conversion percentage (14th, 67.9%, 19-28), first downs offense (19th, 319), third-down conversions (23rd, 46.1%) and team passing efficiency (24th, 145.77).

Franklin’s first offensive unit at Cal in 2013 set single-season school records for passing yards (3977), pass completions (368) and total plays (1,046), with the passing yards mark being broken in 2014 and 2015 while the pass completions and total plays records still stand. The passing offense finished third in the Pac-12 and 10th in the nation with an average of 331.4 yards per game that was also the best in school history before being surpassed in 2014 and 2015. Cal’s 5,443 yards of total offense in 2013 is the fifth-highest total in school history, while its average of 453.6 yards per game ranks sixth.

Quarterback Jared Goff started in all 12 games and became the first true freshman to start a season opener during Franklin’s first season with the Bears. Goff set numerous records, which he would later break, in passing yards (3,508), total offense (3,446), completions (320), attempts (531) and total plays (590).

In his final campaign with LA Tech in 2013, the Bulldogs posted a 9-3 record and led the nation in scoring offense (51.50 ppg) and total offense (577.92 ypg). Franklin was a nominee for the Broyles Award given annually to the college football’s top assistant coach and one of four finalists for the FootballScoop.com Offensive Coordinator of the Year.

In addition to leading the nation in scoring and total offense with an offense that posted the fifth-highest per-game scoring average ever by a team in the FBS, LA Tech ranked among the NCAA’s top 20 in 2012 in passing offense (3rd, 350.75 ypg), fewest sacks allowed (7th, 0.83 spg), turnover margin (10th, +1.08 per game) and rushing offense (18th, 227.17 ypg). The Bulldogs scored more than 40 points in 11 of 12 games and over 50 points in eight games.

Quarterback Colby Cameron was named the 2012 Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and earned the Sammy Baugh Award presented to college football’s top passer by The Touchdown Club of Columbus. Cameron completed 359-of-522 passes (68.8%) for 4,147 yards and 31 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He ranked third nationally in total offense (360.33 ypg), while he was 22nd in the nation in passing efficiency (153.19). Cameron also set a new NCAA record for most consecutive passes without an interception over his first 428 attempts in 2012 and totaled 444 going back to the previous season.

Second-team AP All-American Quinton Patton, who went on to the NFL, was Cameron’s top receiver and a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in 2012 with 104 catches for 1,392 yards receiving and 13 touchdown receptions. Patton led the WAC in both receiving yards per game (116.00 ypg) and receptions (8.67 rpg), with those numbers ranking fourth and fifth nationally. Myles White added 56 catches for 718 yards receiving and six touchdowns, while ranking fourth and sixth in the WAC in per-game yards receiving (59.83 ypg) and receptions (4.67 rpg).

On the ground, running back Kenneth Dixon was tabbed the WAC Freshman of the Year and earned Freshman All-American honors after breaking Marshall Faulk’s NCAA freshman records for rushing touchdowns (27), total touchdowns (28) and points (168). Dixon led the country in scoring with an average of 14.00 points per game while totaling 1,194 yards on 200 carries. He was also second in the WAC and 33rd nationally in rushing with an average of 106.42 yards per game. Capital One Academic All-America first team selection Ray Holley, a graduate student pursing a degree in counseling with a 3.50 GPA, added 740 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground over 142 rushes.

During Franklin’s second season in Ruston in 2011 he orchestrated an offense that was fundamentally sound and continued to improve weekly on a Bulldog team that finished 8-5 overall and won the WAC title with a 6-1 league record before advancing to play TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl. Tech ranked third in the nation with five different scoring drives over 90 yards during the season. That precision guided Tech’s offensive explosion at Fresno State when the team scored 34 points and notched over 400 yards of offense in the first half alone. The offense produced more than 40 points on three occasions and averaged 31.71 points per contest during a seven-game win streak to end the regular season. Patton was among both the top receivers in the WAC and across the nation in per-game yards receiving (92.46 ypg, No. 2 WAC, No. 20 NCAA) and receptions (6.08 rpg, No. 4 WAC, No. T28 NCAA), finishing with totals of 79 receptions for 1,202 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns.

In Franklin’s first year on Tech’s staff, his spread offense exploded into a high-octane mechanism in the middle of the season resulting with the team scoring 34 points or more in four of the final six contests and 41 or more three times. Running back Lennon Creek was the team’s top threat, rushing for 1,181 yards and 10 scores on 212 carries. His average of 98.42 yards rushing per game ranked third in the WAC and 22nd nationally.

Franklin’s first stint at MTSU came in the 2009 season where his offense posted 421.69 total yards of offense and 32.00 points per game, the fourth and seventh highest totals in school history for a team that posted a 10-3 record that was its best since 1992. The Blue Raider offense, which produced three All-Sun Belt Conference players, scored 30 or more points in nine games, including each of the last five games, and topped the 400-yard mark in total offense eight times. Franklin’s unit set school records in total yards (5,482), passing yards (3,064) and total points (416), with per-game averages that were 23rd nationally in scoring, and 27th in total offense and rushing offense (186.00 ypg).

MTSU quarterback Dwight Dasher earned second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors and was the MVP of the 2009 New Orleans Bowl, where he broke Vince Young’s NCAA record for yards rushing in a bowl game by a quarterback with 201 (since broken by Johnny Manziel in the 2013 Cotton Bowl). Dasher ranked seventh in the nation in total offense (303.31 ypg), threw for a school-record 23 TD passes and was named the SBC Player of the Week three times that season. Dasher finished the season with totals of 2,789 yards passing and 1,154 yards rushing to become only the eighth player in NCAA history to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 in the same season, and the first quarterback in Middle Tennessee history to rush for 1,000.

Franklin made his way to Middle Tennessee after a brief stint as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Auburn, where he coached the Tigers to an overtime victory over Clemson in the 2007 Chick-fil-A Bowl. He remained in the role six games into the 2008 season, with Auburn adding to his Chick-fil-A Bowl victory in 2007 by sporting a 4-2 record in 2008 before he was released from his duties. The Tigers were 0-5 against Division I teams the remainder of the 2008 campaign following his departure.

Franklin was in the same capacity the previous two seasons at Troy (2006-07) where the Trojans combined to go 16-9 overall and 12-2 in the Sun Belt Conference while collecting two league titles. During that span his offense scored 30 or more points 11 times and on eight occasions in his second season, including games against Florida, Georgia and Oklahoma State. In 2007, his squad led the Sun Belt in scoring offense (34.00 ppg) and total offense (452.83 ypg), with a No. 16 national ranking in the latter.

In addition to helping the Trojans to their first Sun Belt Conference title and a victory in the New Orleans Bowl in his first season at Troy, Franklin helped engineer the second-ranked offensive unit in the Sun Belt just one year after the team ranked last in the league in total offense. The Trojans ranked first in the league in passing offense, again one year after ranking last, despite facing three of the top 20 ranked passing defense teams in the country during the season, and more than doubled their offensive output in conference action to 25.23 points per game.

Franklin spent four campaigns on the football staff at Kentucky from 1997-2000 following 16 seasons as a high school football coach. During his tenure at Kentucky, the Wildcats enjoyed unprecedented success on the offensive side of the ball, setting several NCAA, SEC and school records. After coaching running backs for the first three seasons, Franklin was named offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the 2000 campaign and led the Wildcats to success as the nation’s second-best passing offense as well as the country’s 11th-best team in total offense.

Franklin’s two-back combinations at Kentucky outgained any two-back combinations in the SEC in total yards from scrimmage for three straight seasons. Quarterbacks Tim Couch, Dusty Bonner and Jared Lorenzen each led the SEC in passing during their time as Kentucky quarterbacks, and Couch was the first player selected in the 1999 NFL Draft. Several other UK players reached their goals of making NFL teams after their experience in the high-powered offense.

Franklin was also named one of the top 10 recruiters in the South during his four years at Kentucky as he helped lead the Wildcats to their first back-to-back bowl appearances in 15 seasons in 1998 and 1999, including their first New Year’s Day Bowl game appearance in 47 years against Penn State in the Outback Bowl following the end of the 1998 campaign.

Franklin also spent one season in 2003 as the general manager and head coach of the Lexington Horsemen of the National Indoor Football League, successfully leading the team to a first-round playoff game and a 9-5 regular-season record as an expansion franchise in its inaugural season. The team paced the Atlantic Division in scoring, averaging 53.1 points per game.

In addition to his coaching career, Franklin is the owner of The Tony Franklin Systems that conducts a series of football seminars for coaches emphasizing winning solutions. USA Today took notice of Franklin’s football coaching and teaching abilities in a feature story in 2005 which detailed his consulting successes as a nationally sought-after offensive football coach.

Franklin has also written a pair of books and received rave reviews for his second publication, Victor’s Victory, which chronicled the tragic death and spectacular life of 15-year-old Hoover High School football player Victor Dionte Hill, who died from sudden cardiac arrest on the football practice field during one of Franklin’s consulting sessions. The book has helped to continue the mission of Cheryl Hill, Victor’s mother, to make teachers, coaches, and parents aware of the need for automatic external defibrillators (AED) in every school and youth organization in Alabama.

Franklin received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Murray State in 1979 and 1989, where he was a two-year starter as a running back. He is married to Laura Franklin, and they have three daughters: Chelsea, Caroline and Caitlin.

COLLEGE COACHING EXPERIENCE
1997-99: Kentucky (running backs)
2000: Kentucky (offensive coordinator/wide receivers)
2006-07: Troy (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2008: Auburn (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2009: MTSU (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2010-12: LA Tech (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2013-15: Cal (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)
2016-20: MTSU (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks)

BOWL HISTORY
1998: Kentucky – Outback Bowl
1999: Kentucky – Music City Bowl
2006: Troy – New Orleans Bowl
2007: Auburn – Chick-fil-A Bowl
2009: MTSU – New Orleans Bowl
2011: LA Tech – Poinsettia Bowl
2015: Cal – Armed Forces Bowl
2016: MTSU – Hawaii Bowl
2017: MTSU – Camellia Bowl
2018: MTSU – New Orleans Bowl

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by Hanna Singh

It’s Christmastime in Lincoln Parish, and the small business owners of Ruston are ready to help you find unique gifts and tasty treats for everyone on your shopping list. From stylish clothing and home goods to delicious delights, Ruston has everything you need for last-minute shopping this December, especially during the Shop Late Evening this Thursday.

On Thursday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., participating downtown stores will stay open later than usual to give holiday shoppers a chance to explore. Stores open for the evening include Cotton Top, Goldie, The Fashion, Embellishments, Oliver and Grace, C Studio, Park Avenue Diner, Buie Photo Shoppe and Studio, The Collective, Fishy Stitches, Chartreuse Pear, The Front Shop by Chartreuse Pear, The Children’s Shoppe, Park Haus, and Peach Lemonade.

Crystal Stassen, owner of C Studio, is encouraging shoppers to stop by her store during the event with her catchy holiday slogan.

“All I want for Christmas is great hair and self-care,” Stassen said. “Come by and treat yourself or those you love with quality hair tools and products for Christmas. Or get them a gift card to pamper themselves in 2025. Merry Christmas and happy shopping.”

The event offers a chance to check off your shopping list while experiencing the charm of downtown Ruston. While some may be in a rush to check everything off of their holiday list, shopping locally offers a unique experience that you don’t get from the big box stores. The comforting charm of Downtown Ruston offers lasting holiday memories with caring hometown business owners who you can only meet while shopping in person. Shopping locally not only creates a meaningful connection between shoppers and local business owners, but it also boasts a positive impact for the community. The Mainstreet Director and Community Coordinator, Amy Stegall, highlighted why it benefits the community to shop local this season.

“Shopping small in Ruston, Louisiana, isn’t just about supporting local businesses,” Stegall said. “It’s about nurturing the heart of our community, where every purchase helps create jobs, build connections, and preserve the charm that makes this town unique.”

Shopping local doesn’t just support Ruston through spreading awareness for the local businesses, but it also keeps the tax dollars within the community, fostering growth where it’s needed most. Experience Ruston shared that for every $100 spent on internet purchases from out of state, only about $0.18 comes back to the community and for every $100 spent at a big box store, only $20 finds it’s way back into the community. When you shop locally, every $100 spent sends about $72 directly back into the local economy, allowing Ruston to grow developmentally and economically.

Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, shared how keeping those dollars in the community impacts the city’s development.

“When you shop local, not only do you support your neighbors and friends, but also your dollars are recirculated back into the community through infrastructure, our library and school system, the city’s amenities and recreational activities, as well as developmental projects” Davis said. “Being intentional to support small businesses this holiday season can make all the difference to those businesses, but also to our local economy.”

This holiday season, skip the online retailers and support the community that supports you. Discover unique treasures and delicious treats while contributing to Ruston’s thriving local economy. Make sure this Christmas to appreciate the winter wonderland that is Downtown Ruston.

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By Kyle Roberts

Philippians 2: 3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

The Apostle Paul may not have known it 2,000 years ago, but he wrote the perfect scripture for offensive linemen to the ancient church of Philippi. And when Bearcat Co-Offensive Line Coach Bryan Beck put together the game plan for what would be Ruston’s 36-0 victory over West Monroe, he attached that verse for his offensive linemen to remind them of why they do what they do.

“Coach Baugh comes up with a theme each year, and this year is ‘We Over Me,'” Beck said. “It’s important for us as a staff to implement what his plan for the year is (to our group). Obviously, there’s the standard of trying to get to the Dome. But it’s been a grind for three years, and most of these guys have been here the whole time.

“And in the three years we have gone to a state championships game, this has been the toughest.”

A grind, it certainly has been. And from what started as an uncertain summer followed by bouts of injury and illness has birthed a dominating offensive attack for the Bearcats — thanks to not just five, but seven guys that have made meaning contributions to the offensive line all season long in seniors Sam Nations, Ced Rhone, Jake Tyler, Cam Venzant, juniors Brooks Brown and Brock Singley, and sophomore Jakaylen Blackmon.

For Nations, who just signed to play college football at Northwestern State, nothing has been easy in 2024 for this group.

“This has definitely been a learning year,” Nations said. “We had to learn how to play with adversity. We had so many guys fill in each others’ spots. It was kind of like Lego pieces: we learned how to play with whoever’s beside us playing football.”

Venzant spoke after in agreement.

“This was year tough,” Venzant said. “We had to quickly learn how to play for each other.”

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Going into a season, an offensive-line position coach ideally will have his front-five circled and will trot those guys out with the “ones” full-time from camp all the way through the postseason. For the 2024 Bearcat season, it was a bit of “musical chairs” as Beck put it, all the way back to the summer.

“Typically, the five we’ll have is the five we’re going with,” Beck said. “We’re not trying to rotate guys in like wide receivers. We have tried to develop and coach these kids, wherever you are on the depth chart, that you’re one play away from being in the ball game. If you’re a back-up, you have to practice like that and play like that.”

The summer held key questions for this offensive line: who would replace the seniors from last year’s squad? What would become of Brown, who was exceeding expectations over the summer? And would Nations be better as a guard (as he was in 2022) or a center (as he was in 2023)?

The coaches worked with the unit all summer trying to answer the questions before opening week. Thus, the proverbial clarion call for Week 1 against Acadiana went to Blackmon, Venzant, Tyler, Nations and Brown, from left tackle to right tackle, respectively (See chart below for full list of Offensive Line starting line-up combinations). The Bearcats then made a slight shift in Week 2 put Nations back at center and Rhone as the starter at right guard for the Cabot game.

Running back the same starters as the previous week, things unfortunately took a turn when Blackmon went down with a knee injury in the second half of a tight game against Longview. Rhone was moved to left tackle, Tyler back to center and Nations to right guard again, who had the stomach flu that week. Thankfully, Ruston was still able to beat the Lobos 21-10 after scoring two unanswered touchdowns in the second half.

Blackmon spoke about this disappointment in going down to injury.

“It was tough,” Blackmon said. “It was hard for me. This was my first year starting — man, it was tough. I had to learn a lot of stuff.”

The following week, it would be Tyler that would come down with an illness, so Beck and Co-Offensive Lineman Coach Josh Mote then went to the drawing board for a nearly complete reshuffle for the following two Texas games against Midland and Stephenville: Venzant (Left Tackle), Singley (Left Guard), Nations (Center), Rhone (Right Guard) and Brown (Right Tackle).

Ruston won those handily, blowing out Midland and Stephenville in two neutral site games by scores of 38-6 and 63-17, respectively. The Bearcats looked unstoppable heading into district and fans started booking rooms on Poydras Street in New Orleans.

But something happened to Ruston High weeks six through eight. The Bearcats went from 63 points against one of the top teams in the Texas the week before to squeaking by Ouachita after only scoring 22. The week after, the Bearcats lost their first game in two years to rival Neville 26-21 at home and then again the following week at Alexandria Senior High 40-36.

While nobody can really point fingers at one specific reason for the back-to-back losses, the entire team was searching for answers, regardless of positions. And in the second half of the ASH game, Beck saw a way for his troops to make a change.

“We were sitting under the tent, and it was tied 14-14 at half time,” Beck said. “We came out of the half, and we didn’t play well on a couple of drives — then we’re down two scores. We were coming off bad performances against Ouachita and Neville. I said, ‘Guys, look. I don’t care what the score is. We are not going to quit. We are going lock arms and bow up together. You have a responsibility to your teammates, this program and the letters across your chest to not quit.

“I’m telling you: from that moment forward, they went out there and we got the lead back. And while we may not have won, we went on a 15-play drive that I don’t think people remember to have a chance to win that ballgame. That stood out to me.”

From there, the line began to solidify into what it is today: Blackmon (LT), Rhone (LG), Nations (C), Venzant (RG) and Brown (RT) — the starting five Ruston is slated to start Saturday in the Super Dome.

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The stars of the Ruston backfield have plenty of yards and touchdowns that illuminate just how solid this quarterback and tailbacks have been — certainly since Week 10 at West Monroe in the shutout win on the Rebels’ senior night.

Between seniors Josh Brantley (quarterback), Jordan Hayes (running back), Dylone Brooks (running back) and junior fullback Lander Smith, Ruston has amassed an incredible 2,883 yards rushing and 34 touchdowns on ground (Brantley has added 17 more touchdowns through the air). The average running play for the Bearcats this year has gone for 7.1 yards per carry through 13 games played.

Let that sink in: Seven-point-one yards per carry.

Brantley, the 2023 MVP from the state championship game, gives props to the major reason for the offense’s success.

“I love my O-line,” Brantley said. “They do the most work and get the least recognition. They never complain about it. They come to work every day, making sure to keep us protected so we can make those big plays. They’re not selfish whatsoever.”

Brooks, too, gets why he’s rushing for nearly 10-yards per carry heading into the championship game and has watched this line gel into what it is today.

“Without this line, it wouldn’t be possible for the offense to work,” Brooks said. “They’re very key — without them playing well, it all falls apart. At the beginning of the season, it was a little shaky in summer workouts no knowing who was going to start at which position. And it all has fallen into place.”

Factor in, too, that Brantley and Nations go way back — years of chemistry built for the foundation of trust the two share, wherever Nations has been on the line.

“Sam and I are close friends,” Brantley said. “We just never get tired of each other. That connection really shows on the field.”

And Brooks and Brantley could not pass up the opportunity to thank their offensive line directly.

“I have no success without them,” Brooks said. “So I just appreciate them working with me. Last season, I was struggling with fumbling the ball, but they kept working to create gaps for me. Now, they trust me and know I can get through those gaps. I’m very thankful for them.”

Brantley followed: “Pretty much what (Dylone) said. I’m really thankful for them to come out everyday and work. Practice isn’t always perfect, but they still find a way to make things happen for us. So yeah, I really appreciate them for the things they do.”

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While they’ll be the first to give all the credit to the kids, it’s impossible to highlight the students’ success without seeing how Beck and Mote both handled this year, as well. Mote joined the staff this year as a Louisiana Tech graduate and originally an Oak Grove, La., native, while Beck served as the veteran presence.

It’s rare in football for a specific position to share co-coaches. But in a year of uncertainty and turmoil, the kids did not have to look far to see how cooperation and teamwork can right a ship through a storm as they saw the tight bond form between their co-coaches. And what better example than Beck and Mote have set — leaning on each other’s strengths to bring out the best in their players.

“The biggest X-Factor in this room has been Coach Mote,” Beck said, heavy with emotion and appreciation. “What he’s meant to me and this room, there’s not enough time and words to write about him. It’s beyond football. He’s forgotten more about offensive line than most of us will ever know.

“The X’s and O’s of high school football to me is not what it’s all about. I’m tough on these guys, and I demand a lot. And he has brought a presence into this room for these kids that has been needed.”

Mote echoed Beck’s sentiments about the year.

“There’s a lot of emotion in that for me,” Mote said in response. “The individual adversity that we’ve all gone through combined us as a group and made us stronger. All of these kids can tell you something about this year about how it’s grown them. That’s what makes it so special. That opening scripture (Philippians 2:3-4) — the moment we started going by that weekly and really understanding what our mission, we moved forward.

“I think I love the position of offensive line more than I love football, because no one else outside of this room understands what we go through on a daily basis, with the pressure of the program and the expectations. And I think Coach Beck has done a really good job of holding them accountable to that standard of excellence.”

Now, with one more game remaining, Ruston High seems to be firing on all-cylinders heading into its third consecutive title game with a chance to repeat as champions for the first time in the hallowed history of the Firmly Founded football program. It’s something that Nation is still trying to fully process: a high school career flooded with state championship appearances — something truly special.

“It actually hit me Saturday night,” Nations said. “I was watching old football videos with my mom and dad on Youtube. And my mom said ‘You’ve had the storybook high school career.’ It hasn’t come easily. It takes a lot to do what we’ve done. All these guys up here, we’re good in school, we’re good men. If you had told me in sixth grade that I’d be going to the state championship three times in my high school career, I wouldn’t believe you. But I think once we realized our sophomore year that it could be done and it’s not as far-fetched as it seemed. We made it a goal to go get it every year, and I think we’ve honed in on that.”

Sure, MVP honors and press conferences will undoubtedly feature skill players for the winning side. But rest assured, no man is an island. And should Ruston hoist a trophy, this squad of seven special student-athletes and their co-coaches deserve just as much praise and honor as anybody else.

“We’ve seen what we can do when we work together,” Venzant said in conclusion. “When we’re not working together and get to arguing with each other, it’s all jumbled and mess up. But once we realized ‘Hey, we’re a team — we’ve got to do this together,’ that’s when it all comes together.”

And the result is a line and staff full of the truest hard-working, blocking and breathing embodiments of “We Over Me.”

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 T. Scott Boatright

The Ruston High School Bearcats will be looking for a first this weekend — they have the chance to win consecutive Louisiana High School Athletic Association football championships for the first time in school history.

And there’s no doubt the Bearcats’ first families of football will be cheering them on from start to finish.

L.J. “Hoss” Garrett and Jimmy “Chick” Childress are undoubtedly the two greatest football coaches in RHS history, and the families of both remain loyal Bearcat supporters to this day.

It doesn’t hurt that Garrett’s son Pat and Childress’ son Dan are both former Bearcats themselves.

Pat Garrett, who was a championship sprinter who used his speed to find success on the football field playing for his father, is thrilled to see the resurgence of Ruston football that harkens back to the 1980s, when Childress was producing perennial playoff teams on the gridiron, winning state championships in 1982, ’86, ’88 and ’90.

The younger Garrett, a 1957 RHS graduate who went on to earn his PhD and served as head of Louisiana Tech’s English Department for years, still loyally keeps up the Bearcats football team.

“A second straight championship is something we’ve never seen before and it’s just so great to see the team get a chance to make that happen,” Garrett said. “My father loved coaching and he loved Ruston High.

“This would be something very special for him to see, just as it is for me. Ruston High School will always be a big part of who I am.”

Garrett’s sister Loyce Miller was a RHS cheerleader and remains a vocal supporter of her Bearcats and is excited to see them make their third straight trip to the Superdome to battle for a state title and the way it’s pulled all of Ruston together to support the Bearcats.

“Just to see the community and the school and the fans get back into it like it was in the ’80s, that’s what I love,” Miller said. “That means more to me than anything. They’re painting the town, they’re painting cars, they’re putting stickers and license plates on, that to me is wonderful. I’m so proud.”

Miller admits she doesn’t make it to games very often anymore, but she still keeps up thanks to RHS students including her grandson.

“He works for Nick Brown and Bearcat Radio and loves it,” Miller said. “Old people like us, me and Pat, we can’t get to the stadium. But we can watch Bearcat Nation (Network) and see and hear the games.

“The whole community is so excited. I wear my Ruston shirts around and people will stop me and say, ‘How about those Bearcats!’ And I hadn’t heard that in years and it’s exciting to hear it and see people acting the way they are.”

Dan Childress, who quarterbacked his father’s 1982 Bearcats squad to a state championship, is another loyal supporter who has kept up with RHS football thanks to the Bearcat Nation Network.

Childress has battled long COVID and its aftereffects for years, but that hasn’t stopped him from keeping up with his beloved Bearcats.

“I retired from coaching football two years ago after long COVID set in,” Childress said. “I came back and taught part-time, but six weeks into this school year I had what the doctors called COVID reactivation, and this time it’s given me vertigo, which is a symptom of many COVID victims but hadn’t been for me until this fall.

 “So I’ve been back on medical leave since then. It’s gotten better the last two or three weeks, but I’m still just kind of homebound following the Bearcats. And it’s been very special this year.”

He also stays in touch with current Bearcats coach Jerrod Baugh.

“I usually text Coach Baugh every Friday morning just to wish them luck,” Childress

Childress said that he’s come to the realization that it’s time for him to retire and devote his energy to following the Bearcats.

“Maribel (Tuten Childress, his wife) still plans on working two or three more years, but we’re already looking forward to moving back home to Ruston in upcoming years,” Childress said.

“Chick would tell them just to go out and take care of business,” Childress said. “I think about Dad all the time and how excited he would be about the past few years and getting back to the Dome.

“He was always proud of the Bearcats like we all are regardless, but I can hear him saying that the Bearcats are back to where they belong, back in the Superdome fighting  for a state championship.”

Despite being away from town, Childress, like Miller, loves hearing what Ruston’s recent success has done for the community.

“Just hearing about the excitement involving Ruston High School and all of the positivity surrounding the school and team, that means so much to me,” Childress said. “I consider myself just a big Bearcat fan, but the thing about Dad, he was Bearcat Fan No. 1.

“I can hear right now Dad saying, after the end of the season and struggling against Ouachita and the losses to Neville and Alexandria, I know exactly what Dad would be saying — ‘Do not count the Bearcats out. Never count the Bearcats out.’ If Dad could be there he’d be right there. Mom watches every game and I watch every game and we talk about it every Saturday morning. Bearcat Nation Network is fantastic. The quality is as good as any game I watch online.”

And should the Bearcats win Saturday, Children said he knows how Coach Chick would handle it.

“Dad would enjoy the moment and then just say, let’s get back to business, reload and do it again,” Childress said. “The new group of seniors that will come in and the community deserve for it to happen again. Hopefully we’ll get to celebrate for a little bit and then start getting ready for next season and making it happen again.”

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Alleged shoplifters lead police on high-speed chase

Two Ruston women were arrested last week after they allegedly shoplifted over $1,000 in merchandise and then fled at high speed when spotted by a police.

I’Yana Nachasity Hart, 24, and D’Angela Bernadette Clark 23, were arrested for theft by shoplifting, aggravated flight from an officer, and other charges on December 7.

Ruston Police were notified of a shoplifting and given the description of a white 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The two allegedly shoplifted over $1,000 in merchandise in a Ruston business. However, the arrest affidavit did not identify the business.

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The vehicle was spotted traveling west on W. Barnett Springs Avenue and then turn north on Maple Street. When the officer turned on his lights and siren and attempted to pull the vehicle over, it reached speeds of 70 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone.

The driver reportedly ran a stop sign, ran a flashing red light, exceeded speeds of 100 mph, and passed vehicles on the shoulder as it fled west on Interstate 20. The suspects attempted to take the Grambling exit and passed an 18-wheeler on the grass before coming to a stop on the shoulder at the Grambling overpass.

Hart and Clark were taken in the custody and merchandise totaling over $2,000 was recovered.

Clark was charged with aggravated flight from an officer and felony theft. Her bail was set at $60,000.

Hart was booked for aggravated flight from an officer, felony theft, no liability insurance, expired vehicle registration, expired inspection sticker, and a warrant from Ruston City Court charging her with failure to appear on a no insurance violation. Hart’s bail was set at $63,800.

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.

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 Bevin Hicks

As the Ruston Bearcats prepare to take the field at the New Orleans Superdome for the third year in a row, all eyes are on the team looking to bring home the State Championship for the second consecutive time — a feat never before achieved in Ruston High history.

While the players on the field are our hometown heroes, there’s another group of dedicated athletes whose tireless efforts make every game day unforgettable: the Ruston High School Cheerleaders.

These spirited young women are the unsung heroes of Bearcat Nation, always bringing energy, enthusiasm, and support wherever the team goes. Last year alone, they traveled an astonishing 4,054 miles to cheer on the Bearcats, and that doesn’t even count trips to summer camps or cheer competitions. Rain or shine, win or lose, these girls wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than on the sidelines, championing their beloved Cats.

You’ve likely seen them leading cheers at football, volleyball, basketball, and even cross-country meets. But what you might not see is the hard work that happens behind the scenes. Ruston High cheerleaders put in just as much time and effort as any other athlete. Their practices are grueling, their workouts mirror those of the teams they cheer for, and their commitment is unmatched.

The program thrives under the leadership of their incredible coaching staff: Collin and Chandler McDonald, and Rebecca Daulton. These three are more than just coaches; they are true mentors who treat each cheerleader like their own daughter. Their love and loyalty are evident in everything they do, from pushing the girls to be their best to supporting them through every challenge.

“The cheer coaches are a true blessing to our girls,” said Erin Rabb, mother of two RHS cheerleaders. “They serve as exceptional role models, attentive listeners, dedicated teachers, and supportive friends. Every day, they invest in these young women in countless meaningful ways.

“Managing a team of over 40 girls is no small feat, yet they approach it with unwavering love and understanding. Thanks to the guidance and care of these three remarkable coaches, every girl who passes through the cheer program emerges as a stronger and better individual.”

This week, the cheerleaders have been busier than ever, rallying the community as the Bearcats gear up for their big game. They’ve painted the town, literally with signs, banners, and even painted cars making the trip to New Orleans. Their spirit is infectious, creating a wave of excitement that has spread throughout Ruston.

Tonight, they’ll take to the stage at the State Championship pep rally in the RHS gym at 6:00 PM. If you haven’t experienced the electricity of a Bearcat pep rally, come out and support the Bearcats. The cheerleaders, along with the Bearcat Bells and Pepettes, will light up the gym with their energy and passion, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.

It’s easy to forget the amount of work that goes into being a cheerleader. Beyond the miles traveled and the countless hours of practice, there’s a deep sense of pride and responsibility that drives these young women. They represent not only their school but the entire Ruston community. Through their cheers, they inspire athletes to push harder, fans to cheer louder, and everyone to believe in the magic of Bearcat football.

As the only championship team returning from last year’s state finals, the pressure on the Bearcats is immense. But if there’s one thing we know, it’s that the Ruston High cheerleaders will be there every step of the way, lifting spirits and igniting the crowd. Their passion is contagious, their dedication unwavering, and their love for Ruston High School is undeniable.

As the Bearcats make their way to the Superdome in pursuit of history, the cheerleaders have been there every step of the way, ensuring that the Bearcat spirit remains vibrant and strong. Here’s to the Ruston High School Cheerleaders — the spirit of Bearcat Nation. Together, let’s bring that championship home once again.

Go Bearcats!

 

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Repeated trespasser arrested at Ruston store

A woman warned on several occasions to stay away from a Ruston convenience store was arrested last week when she returned to the store again.

Angela C. Richards, 58, of Ruston, was arrested December 3 for criminal trespass when an officer called to the store about loiterers spotted her.

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Officers went to the ZZ Mart on South Farmerville Street about 2:00 p.m. in response to request to clear loiters from the parking lot. An officer who had banned Richards from the premises at the request of the business owner spotted her.

The officer noted in his report that since 2022 he first banned her, he has escorted her away from the property multiple times.

Richards was arrested and booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.

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.

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.

As the season wound down, attendance dropped, message boards grew in negativity, and overall support for the program continued to decline.  Even though the team improved on the record from the last four years, there was still a losing record and no bowl game. 

We can point to the lack of funding and inability to pay players and place the blame there.  We can point to the overall athletic budget being one of the lowest in FBS football and place the blame there.  We can point to the coaching staff and just blame them.  If we aren’t careful, we can just become victims, lose hope, lose interest, and just walk away.

Ryan Ivey and his staff did a fantastic job improving the game day experience!  The band and support groups do a terrific job at the games.  The new video board was awesome.  With that said, there was still just something missing.  That something is identity!  Not only is that the missing element, but it may also just be the key to winning too.

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Here’s are some facts to consider:

• The top players will go where they can make the most money.  Those teams will always be the best.  We can’t compete with them.

• There are other talented players that want to play that aren’t getting that chance today.  Regardless of the money, they want a chance to play.

• We can’t try to be like everyone else and experience sustainable success.  We must be unique to attract the right players and execute at a consistent level.

Five key steps that will be a giant step forward:

• Go all in on offensive identity: Offense generates excitement.  Forget about being balanced and doing what others do. Choose one:

o   Air raid – Throw it 60 times a game.  Quarterbacks and receivers will come to just get a chance at those stats!  You can find linemen that fit that scheme only.

o   Power Run – Run it 50 times a game.  You can find talented running backs that want 20+ carries a game and linemen that fit that scheme.  (ULM this year)

o   Option Football – Do what the military academies do and find those undersized guys and play to their strengths (Army is 10-1 with that approach).

• Positive mindset: Positivity throughout the program makes a difference.  Player confidence, team cohesion, fan excitement all gets better.  I followed Sonny Cumbie’s coach’s show this year.  My favorite show was the one with Coach Parr.  He had numerous players show up to support him, and his passion for those players and excitement about coaching was contagious.  You unleash more of that positive approach and people can’t help but catch it!
• Connect: We need to open things up and connect players and coaches to the fan base, to the campus, and to the community.  While we don’t need random people at every practice, we need key folks there reporting daily to help everyone stay connected.   
•  Mutual Accountability:  There is no room for transactional or conditional relationships in small market programs.  Administrators and coaches can’t just ask for money and do nothing to connect.  Fans, alumni, and supporters can’t just show up if the team wins.  There must be a mutual commitment on both sides that precedes winning. 

• Embrace It: The best players are going to get a chance to leave every year.  Embrace it.  Recruit to it.  Don’t play the victim card.  The more players we move forward to Power 4 programs the more talented players we should attract to keep the program moving forward.  Build a team each year but maintain a program through the systems operated!

There is hope and an approach to deliver sustainable success.  It doesn’t require millions of dollars, and it doesn’t require firing coaches!  It does, however, require a unique identity, a positive mindset, and self-awareness to embrace who we are rather than who we are not. It will require change!

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

Cedar Creek’s boys and girls varsity teams will play host to the annual Neill Kilgore Memorial Basketball Tournament starting today at The Brickhouse.

The tournament will run today through Saturday.

The girls side will feature seven teams and consist of a total of seven games while the boys event will feature seven teams and also consist of seven games.

On the girls side, the teams include Cedar Creek, Haughton, Quitman, Saline, Simsboro, Summerfield, West Monroe. On the boys side, the teams include Cedar Creek, Haughton, Quitman, Saline, Simsboro, Summerfield, and West Ouachita.

Below is the schedule for the tournament.

Thursday

4 p.m. (Boys) Quitman vs. Haughton

5:15 p.m. (Girls) Simsboro vs Saline

6:30 p.m. (Girls) West Monroe vs. Quitman

7:45 p.m. (Boys) Cedar Creek vs. Simsboro

Friday

4 p.m. (Girls) Haughton vs. Summerfield

5:15 p.m. (Boys) Saline vs. Summerfield

6:30 p.m. (Boys) West Ouachita vs. Quitman

7:45 p.m. (Girls) Cedar Creek vs. West Monroe

Saturday

1:30 p.m. (Girls) Saline vs. Summerfield

2:45 p.m. (Boys) Saline vs. Simsboro

4 p.m. (Girls) Haughton vs. Quitman

5:15 p.m. (Boys) Haughton vs. Summerfield

6:30 p.m. (Girls) Cedar Creek vs. Simsboro

7:45 p.m. (Boys) Cedar Creek vs. West Ouachita

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By T. Scott Boatright

 

The Lincoln Preparatory School basketball team has quietly gotten off to a strong 4-1 start with their lone loss coming in the season opener at Neville.

On Tuesday night the Panthers used a strong second half to pull away for a 64-46 home win over D’Arbonne Woods.

Panthers coach Antonio Hudson is pleased with the way his team has played so far while also stressing it is still very early in the season.

“I think we’ve shown some good signs, but I also think we’ve shown that we still have a long way to go,” Hudson said. “Through these first games I think we can see what we can possibly be, but I think that we’ve got a long way to go.

“We’ve got to settle some things internally just as far as holding each other accountable, not only on and off the court but doing what we’re supposed to do during games. Doing it the way we’re supposed to do it.”

Senior Trey Spann has been the leading scorer for the Panthers so far and poured in 28 points while adding six rebounds, five assists and four steals in the win over D’Arbonne Woods.

“Trey and the rest of the team are coming into new roles,” Hudson said. “This year Trey will be asked to do more scoring, so he’s got that on his shoulders. He’s off to a pretty good start but has to keep working hard and pushing himself.”

The Panthers’ Devin Burton also scored in double figures in the win over the Timberwolves, totaling 10 points, four rebounds, three blocked shots, two assists and a steal.

“Devin Burton has been playing well,” Hudson said. “Zion Hicks has been playing well. But everybody has to get accustomed to those new roles.

“With us, it’s not about who puts the ball in the basket. We’ve got to make sure we find the right chemistry defensively as well.”

Jabari Levingston turned in a double-double against D’Arbonne Woods, scoring 10 points and dishing off 11 assists while adding three rebounds and three steals.

Levingston, a true freshman, has shown early signs of making an impact this season despite his youth.

“It’s his first year playing, he didn’t really play JV,” Hudson said of Levingston. “He played junior high basketball last year, so he’s got to get accustomed to the speed and physicality of the game on the high school level.

“He can play and has a chance to be special,” Hudson said. “But the younger kids still have to learn how to play. They’ve got to learn the pace. They’ve got to learn to let the game slow down. Right now (Levingston) is a freshman and playing against kids two or three years older than he is. He’s going to be really good for us in the future, but right now he’s still just working to find his way.”

Frediron Payne is a senior who has returned to the basketball court for the Panthers with hopes that his basketball bloodline — father Rico Payne starred at Dubach before becoming an NAIA standout at LSU-Shreveport and brother Fred Payne was a solid player for Hudson a few years ago — will help him become a vital part of the Panthers’ hoops dreams this season.

Payne totaled six points, four boards, four streaks and an assist in the win over D’Arbonne Woods.

“He’s been around basketball since he was born,” Hudson said. “I’ve known and taught him his entire life. He was at our school and during COVID when he was in ninth grade moved to Farmerville to be with his mom, but he’s back now. 

“Once he gets in tune — he hasn’t played basketball for a couple of years — he can bring so much more to the table. He’s an older guy with a great IQ for the game because he’s been around the game for his entire life.”

Next up for the Panthers will be a game at Bastrop on Tuesday.

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In 1917, the world was in the midst of World War I.  Corporal J. Robert Conroy was among the soldiers of the 102nd infantry, 26^th division, known as the “Yankee Division,” camped at Yale Field in New Haven, Connecticut.  While enjoying his rations one day, he noticed that a homeless boy had wandered into camp.  Other soldiers turned to look then returned to their duty.  Corporal Conroy shared his meager rations and their friendship began.  Even though one was a soldier and the other was not, they were almost inseparable.  Pretty soon, most of the soldiers of the 102^nd infantry had befriended him.  Then, Corporal Conroy learned that his division would be shipping out soon to France.  Corporal Conroy was concerned about the wellbeing of his new friend and led a small conspiracy which was so secretive that most of the details of it remain a mystery.  What we know for certain is that when the USS Minnesota left for France, Corporal Conroy’s friend was a stowaway.

For some time, the conspirators kept the stowaway a secret.  Each saved small portions from their meals to give the stowaway, but the top brass learned about the scheme.  The conspirators and the stowaway could have been sent to the brig to await punishment, but the United States needed all the soldiers it could get.  They fitted the stowaway with a uniform and other necessary accoutrements, and the stowaway became a private.  As soon as they arrived in France, the 102^nd infantry left for the front.  No one knew what to expect from the private.  Unlike all of the other soldiers around him, the private had no training.  Would he fight or run?  The soldiers of the 102^nd infantry taught him what little they could along the way.  By the time they got to the trenches, the private had befriended just about every soldier in the whole division.  Remember, just a few weeks earlier, he was homeless and had to beg for food. 

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Like the other soldiers of the 102^nd infantry, the private was stunned by the explosions and endless gunfire, but he proved to be a brave soldier during each fight.  On April 20, 1918, the 102^nd infantry fought the Germans at the town of Seicheprey, France.  During the battle, the Germans captured the town, but the 102^nd infantry counter-attacked that night.  The Germans were forced to retreat, but at a terrible price.  During the counterattack, many soldiers were wounded or killed.  Among the wounded was the private who was struck in the chest by a piece of shrapnel from an enemy hand grenade.  Everyone, including the Army surgeons, thought the wound was fatal.  Morale in the 102^nd infantry hit rock bottom.  Six weeks later, their morale rebounded when the private returned to his outfit.  By the time the war ended, the private had served in 17 battles and had earned many medals for bravery including the Victory Medal with cross bars indicating his participation in major engagements and the Silver Victory Button for being wounded.  Back home, the private became a celebrity.  He was featured in parades across the country.  He met with Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren G. Harding.  In July 1921, General John J. Pershing, commander-in-chief of the American forces in Europe during the war, awarded the private with a solid gold medal with his name engraved on it.  The once homeless boy who unintentionally became a private and the “Hero of the Yankee Division,” was a bull terrier, a dog named “Stubby.”

Sources:

1.     The Indianapolis News, July 9, 1921, p.5.

2.     The World News (Roanoke, Virginia), July 12, 1921, p.4.

3.     The Chattanooga News, October 20, 1923, p.14.

4.     The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee), March 28, 1926, p.8. 

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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Ruston High alum and renowned artist Reggie McLeroy is selling his latest design as shirts in honor of the Bearcats making their march to the Superdome for the third season in a row.

As a professional artist with a decades-long portfolio, McLeroy has partnered once again with Tommy Cline of Tommy’s Tees in Ruston to sell shirts with the design seen below (without watermarks) titled “Back to the Dome Again”.

T-Shirts will be available for purchase at $20 for youth and adult small through XL, $22 for XXL, and $24 for XXXL.

Sweatshirts will be available for purchase for $30 for youth and adult small through XL, $32 for XXL, and $34 for XXXL. (LIMITED QUANTITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SWEATSHIRTS).

A Ruston graduate of 1980, McLeroy has designed multiple shirts, posters and other art media, including a 1990 National Championship poster for the Bearcats and the print “Season of Greatness” to commemorate the 2023 State Championship.

Shirts are available at Tommy’s Tees for purchase at 2305 S Service Rd West in Ruston. More information can be found at 318.255.2907.

A proceed of the profits will go to advance Ruston High School’s football program.

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Thursday, Dec. 12: 6 p.m. State Championship Pep Rally Ruston High Main Gym

Saturday, Dec. 14: 6 a.m. Dome Bound Send Off!

Bearcat fans traveling to New Orleans are invited to a pregame community tailgate Saturday, Dec. 14, from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. sponsored by Origin Bank to be held at the Opening Act at Champions Square by the Super Dome. Please see the flyer listed below for more information.

Ticket information can be found at this link.

The Super Dome has a clear bag policy. Please review it here.

Stay tuned to the Lincoln Parish Journal for more information throughout the week on more important information regarding Ruston High’s upcoming championship matchup with Central on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3:30 p.m.

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Funeral services for Edward “Bay” Ates, 70, of Bernice, LA will be 2:00 PM Friday, December 13, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA.  Officiating the service will be Rev. Michael Bradon. Interment will follow in Choudrant Memorial Cemetery in Choudrant, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.

A visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.

Edward was born May 1, 1954, in Gilbert, LA and passed away December 10, 2024, at his residence in Bernice, LA.  He married his soulmate, Donna “Ann”, of 51½ yrs, since August 4, 1973. Edward worked in construction since he was 15 years old and was an expert heavy equipment operator. He worked many years side by side his kids and nephews who he called his A-Team.  He taught his kids how to work hard for what they have.

Edward loved hunting, fishing, and working in his yard.  In his younger years he loved being at the drag races. Also, he loved working on cars, eating some fried chicken, and was always, just a phone call away if anyone needed help.

He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor which he passed along to his kids.  Daddy loved being a part of Mama’s with Christmas Hearts.  He got so much joy out of giving Christmas gifts to less fortunate kids.  Daddy was his kid’s friend and hero!!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Bud” Ates and Fannie Ates; brothers, John Oliver, Steven Randal, and James Calvin; sisters, Betty Primm, Carolyn Ates, Linda Dodge, Edith Akin; grandchildren, William Thomas and John Oliver Rodgers.

Edward is survived by his wife Donna “Ann” Ates; children, Edward Ates Jr. and wife Alicia; Donna Ates, Gloria Ates, Chastity Ates, Calvin “C.W.” Ates and wife Alice, Jonathan Ates, Rachel Ates, Heather Rodgers and husband Chad, and Charity “Bessie” Ates; grandchildren, Chelsea Giddings (James), Douglas Ates, Sabrina Ates, Stephanie Groan, Jessica Read (Logan), April Takewell (Terry), Courtney McCurry, Joshua McCurry, Summer McCurry, Alex Ates, James Ates, Destiny Ates, Stormie Moore, Jeramiah Moore, Charity Ates, Chad “C.J.” Rodgers, Jr., Olvia Rodgers, and Candace Rodgers; great grandchildren, Leslie Taylor, Annaleigh Read, Hutson Read, Meadow Groan, Leighlah Takewell, and Brantley McCurry;  sisters, Dorothy Mercer (Tommy), Darlene Smith (Mike), Charlene Evans ( Billy Joe); brothers, Charles Ates (Doris), Roy Ates, and Wayne Ates (Lisa); brother-in-law, Charles Ray Odom (Anna), sister-in-law, Jean Foster; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be Skid Adams, Jonathan Ates, Rachel Ates, Rusty Garner, Jonathan Guidry, Laderrick Jackson, Chad Rodgers, Josh Smith; Honorary pallbearers, Alan Ates, Steve Barmore, Brandon Cummings, and Roy Jenkins.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhonmes.com.

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Debra Lou Trevillion 
January 18, 1959 – December 9, 2024 
Visitation: Thursday, December 12, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Dubach Methodist Church, 144 Main St., Dubach 
Funeral Service: Thursday, December 12, 2024, 10:00 AM, Dubach Methodist Church, 144 Main St., Dubach 
Cemetery Committal: Thursday, December 12, 2024, St. Rest Cemetery, 13015 LA-146, Dubach 

Martha Jean Henry  
July 17, 1947 – December 8, 2024  
Visitation: Friday, December 13, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Salem Methodist Church, 11793 Hwy. 151, Dubach  
Funeral Service: Friday, December 13, 2024, 10:00 AM, Salem Methodist Church, 11793 Hwy. 151, Dubach  
Cemetery Committal: Friday, December 13, 2024, Salem Cemetery, 11793 Hwy. 151, Dubach 

Luther Ceasar Steverson    
Sunday 04/27/1941 — Thursday 11/28/2024    
Visitation: Friday 12/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home    
Funeral Service: Saturday 12/14/2024 11:00am at King’s Funeral Home    
Interment: Saturday 12/14/2024 Following Service, New Prosperity Cemetery, Clay   

Lisa Renee Archie    
Thursday 07/31/1969 — Sunday 12/01/2024     
Visitation: Friday 12/13/2024 3:00pm to 6:00pm at King’s Funeral Home    
Celebration of Life: Saturday 12/14/2024 2:00pm at King’s Funeral Home    
Interment: Saturday 12/14/2024 Following Service, Hopewell Cemetery, Dubach 

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Courtesy of GSU Communications

A pair of teams from Grambling State University (GSU) earned Top 3 finishes on Nov. 29 as they competed in the BizTech Challenge held annually in conjunction with Bayou Classic Festivities in New Orleans.

The BizTech Challenge was specifically designed to increase innovation and entrepreneurship in STEM-based fields among students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

This comprehensive hands-on learning and mentorship program aims to build innovative ecosystems between university administrators, faculty, and students, and the public and private sector.

The BizTech Challenge 2024, powered by Nexus Louisiana, invited teams from six Louisiana HBCUs — Grambling, Dillard, Southern University, Southern-New Orleans, Southern University Law Center and Xavier University of New Orleans — to present groundbreaking STEM-based business ideas in a high-energy pitch competition.

Grambling’s Team ISHARA earned $15,000 as first-place winners while GSU’s Amber Accessories won third place.

Earlier in November Team ISHARA earned $3,000 as first-place winners at the Golden Pitch Competition held at GSU.

Accounting and computer information systems major Christotes Nartey-Tettah and engineering technology major David Nintang make up GSU’s Team Ishara under the guidance of mentor Brandon Harris, CEO of Bloom Booking.

Team ISHARA presented a “gamified recycling solution” that integrates smart machines in high-traffic areas to encourage sustainability by rewarding individuals for recycling.

The team presented a “gamified recycling solution” that integrates smart machines in high-traffic areas to encourage sustainability by rewarding individuals for recycling.

“This is motivation to us,” Team ISHARA said in a statement. “It means that our idea is feasible, possible, and it solves a problem. This is a good opportunity for us to invest in our business and continue to scale. With this win, we are looking to further develop our product and expand our team.”

Earning third-place honors for GSU was Team Amber Accessories, which created an innovative safety solution that embeds panic buttons into jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces.

GSU students Emmanuel Nnanna, Eniola Irinoye, Tanyaradzwa Mangundhla, Stecy Chirinda, Flyness Namatama developed Amber Accessories under the guidance of mentor Christina Davis, senior business consultant from the Small Business Development Center at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

“Events like the BizTech Challenge allow our students to share their creativity, to brainstorm, learn and grow, both as student scholars as well as business professionals, so we’re really excited about it,” said Dean of GSU’s College of Business Dr. Derrick Warren.