This week in Lincoln Parish Schools

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

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High Schools

Cedar Creek

After six weeks of reading and study, AP English Literature students staged a two-day Socratic seminar to discuss Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” along with Percival Everett’s 2024 retelling, “James.”

“The release of Everett’s award-winning novel this spring offered a rare opportunity to explore two important texts side-by-side,” Leeanne Bordelon, English instructor and assistant principal, said. “Socratic discussion was the final piece in a unit which required literary analysis, critical thinking, and civil discourse. These students did a fantastic job.”

The class will begin Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in January.

Ruston High School

It’s a busy week in Bearcat Nation! Tomorrow (12/14), the Ruston High Bearcats will take on the Central High Wildcats for the playoff finals at Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans; kickoff is at 3:30 pm!

Monday (12/16), the girls soccer team and boys’ varsity soccer team will play St. Fredrick at home; girls at 5:30, and boys at 7:15!

Tuesday (12/17) the girls and boys varsity basketball team will take on Airline at home at 7:00 pm! Also on Tuesday, the girls’ soccer team will play Northwood at home at 5:30!

On Wednesday (12/18), the freshman and JV boys’ basketball teams will play Ouachita at home at 5:30, while the varsity girls will travel to Rayville for a tournament!

On Thursday (12/19), the boys soccer team will travel to Airline; JV will play at 6, and varsity at 7:15! The girls’ soccer team will travel to Haughton and play at 5:30 pm!

The teacher of the week is Mr. Grafton! Mr. Grafton has been teaching for 20 years, this being his 2nd year at RHS. He teaches principles of business and personal finance. Thank you for all you do, Mr. Grafton!

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Elementary Schools

A.E. Phillips

7th Grade Science Fair Winners:

Mrs. Blount’s seventh graders participated in a school level science fair last week.  Our students produced some wonderful projects!  We are grateful to our judges from Origin Bank and the College of Education at Louisiana Tech who took time out of their busy schedules to graciously score each project.

1st in Animal Science: John Henry Nugent with Paw Preferences

2nd in Animal Science: Hayden Horvath with Which Bait is the Best Bait to Catch Bass?

3rd in Animal Science: Andrew King with Science, Cats, Mazes, Oh My!

1st in Chemistry: Hallie Hogan with Big or Small? Muffins for All!

2nd in Chemistry: Lydia Nankya with Homemade Soap vs Dove Soap

3rd in Chemistry: Ella Morse with Stay Clean and Stay Green

1st in Environmental Science: Imena Ighade with Backyard Biodiversity Bingo

2nd in Environmental Science: Zoey Want with Trash Cleans Water

1st in Health Science: Gabby Genov with The Battle of the Cleaners

2nd in Health Science: Gavin Mollette with Wash Your Germs Away

3rd in Health Science: Joshua Weiss with To Stretch or Not to Stretch

1st in Human Behaviors: Caleb Moore with Does Practice Make Perfect in Chess

2nd in Human Behaviors: Eli Denton with Music Theory

3rd in Human Behaviors: Aubrey Summersgill with Reaction Satisfaction

1st in Physics: Willie Williams with 3 Pointers vs Layups

2nd in Physics: Joseph Rivera with Produce Power

3rd in Physics: Jude Falting with Don’t Just Kick It

1st in Plant Science: Dallas Gouedy with A Hydroponics Experiment; Nutrient vs Regular Water

2nd in Plant Science: Matthew Jackson with Fertilizer Frequency

3rd in Plant Science: William Sanders with Grow Plants! Grow!

Basketball and Cheerleading Season Comes to and End

Thursday night our Bullpups took the court for the final game of the season against Woodlawn.  The eighth graders were recognized in between games that evening.  Our fans have enjoyed cheering on both teams this year, watching each team grow and improve with every game.  The cheerleaders also ended their season this week by putting on a terrific Christmas pep rally for the school and basketball teams and by cheering at their last game as well.  We are proud of these student athletes for their hard work and dedication!

PE Classes

On Tuesday, Nov 19, Keaton Tennison (Coach KT) and his team came to AEP and worked with our K-4th grade and sixth grade students during their PE classes. Coach KT is the owner of Ten-10 sports and D-Bat in Ruston. His goal on this day at school was to expose our students to different types of sports-related activities. The students were placed into 5 groups and rotated to each station during the duration of PE. These students were also awarded a free class session at Ten-10 (coupons were handed to the students).

This is the second time Coach KT has come to AE Phillips to work with our students. He has a lot of knowledge about exercises and activities that can help our youth and their development. Plus, he makes it fun! We are hopeful he will come back in the spring and work with our afternoon classes (5th, 7th, & 8th grades).

Ruston Parks and Recreation (RPAR) also came and worked with our K-4th grade students during their PE time.  During their session they introduced fun basketball activities for the students and distributed flyers for exciting activities sponsored by RPAR.  We are grateful to these organizations for taking the time to invest in our students!

Canned Food Drive

Our school participated in the annual Canned Food Drive again this year.  Each morning our Student Council visited homerooms to collect cans brought by students and teachers.  As the number of cans grew so did our need for boxes!  The Louisiana Tech Bookstore graciously donated boxes for us to use in collecting our donations.  We are proud to say that our Bullpups collected 681 cans!  We are thankful for each donation that will go to families in need this winter!

Choudrant

Deck the Halls! During Thanksgiving Break the teachers and PTO decorated the halls and hung Christmas lights in the courtyard. When the children returned from break on Monday, they were surprised and excited for the holiday.  At the end of the day all the children sat in the hallways as we counted down to the lighting of the school. Cheers and excitement could be heard and seen! Our school has never looked so festive.

Mrs. Martin was asked to be the Grand Marshall of the Choudrant Christmas Parade this past weekend. What an honor! The Strive Club also participated in the parade. What a great way for our students and principal to show support and give back to our community that continuously supports us!

FCA members took a field trip to LA Tech’s Lambright where LA TECH football player, Zach Zimos, shared about his faith and spent time engaging with students. FCA Members also served at The Well by helping them prepare for their Community Christmas event.

We also kicked off our elementary basketball season with a scrimmage in Jonesboro. Way to Go Little Aggies!

Next week we will continue spreading cheer with student Dress Up Days.

Monday – Christmas Shirt

Tuesday – Candy Cane Day – Wear red and white

Wednesday – Grinch Day – wear anything Grinchy!

Thursday – Ugly Sweater Day

Special Events

• 17 Student of the Month lunch
• 17 1st grade Stem Project
• 18 K Christmas program
• 19 Christmas lunch Prek & 3rd
• 19 Christmas parties
• 20- Virtual Day for students, Staff PD

Glen View

Upcoming events:

Friday, December 13 – Grinch Day “wear green”

Monday, December 16 – Polar Express Day “wear PJs”

Tuesday, December 17th – Kindergarten Christmas Program at 8:30am, Second Grade Christmas Program at 10:00am

Wednesday, December 18 – First Grade Christmas Program at 1:00pm

Thursday, December 19th – First Grade parents come eat Christmas Lunch

Our students also collected over 1,200 cans last week in our canned food drive!

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By Wesley Harris

The numbers say the Litter Patrol operated by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office is a huge success. Since August 1, the litter crew has devoted 812 hours to collecting 26,020 pounds of trash off our roadways. That’s 13 tons!

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Kudos to the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development for installing a left turn arrow for motorists westbound on Alabama Avenue at Tech Drive. A long needed aid for those turning south on Tech Drive, DOTD granted the request from Tech Police which has worked many a crash at that intersection.

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Thefts from parked vehicles is still a problem in our community. Especially during this solid holiday season, it is important not to leave valuables in your vehicle. Lock your doors. Take your keys.

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The first phase of work on the new Ruston Skatepark is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The park will be built at the site of the former municipal pool. More funds are needed for the project.

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The sudden trend of violators attempting to elude local police is disturbing. In recent days, a number of motorists have sped away from attempted traffic stops rather than pull over. In every case we’ve examined, the motorists were caught and faced considerably more charges in addition to their initial violation. Not only will they face harsher punishments, they place lives in danger. As they say, “you can’t outrun Motorola,” the most common police radio.

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Roadwork for the new Buc-ee’s is slated to begin early spring and last ten months. We are unsure if actual work on the megastore can begin before road work is completed.

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So many Christmas activities in the area, you need a calendar. And here’s one just for you: rustonlincoln.com/events/holidays/.

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

When the Ruston Bearcats walked off the field after losing 40-36 at Alexandria Senior High on October 25, there were plenty of questions surrounding the direction that the defending state champions may take with back-to-back losses.

However, since that loss, head coach Jerrod Baugh and Co. have played a dominating style of football in route to five straight wins by a combined score of 220-35.

There are plenty of reasons to point to for Ruston’s late season run and postseason success, but one of the biggest is the improved play of the Bearcats defensive line.

“We talked as a staff in the middle of the season around the Neville and ASH games where we were as a team,” said defensive line coach David Taylor. “We made some adjustments to how we practiced, and I think most people have seen the results from that.”

The results? Simply one-sided in favor of the Firmly Founded.

Since surrendering 40 points to ASH, 26 to Neville and 21 to Ouachita in a three-game stretch midway through the season, the Ruston defense has allowed a grand total of 35 points in its last five games, four of those coming against playoff opponents.

“At the mid-season mark we suffered two losses,” said senior defensive lineman Payton Bell. “We refocused in the week leading up to Pineville and ever since then its been all upwards. And now we are back in the state championship. I would give us an A for effort.”

How about an A+?

Although Baugh and defensive coordinator Kyle Williams credit the entirety of the defense for the late season run, the Bearcats front four are the key to this success.

“In football everything starts up front, whether we are talking about the offensive or defensive line,” said Williams. “I think we are in a good position where we have some playmakers on the back end from Zheric (Hill) to Aidan (Anding). A lot of those guys have made some great plays for us down the stretch.

“But if you are not able to reset the line of scrimmage, if you are not able to affect the quarterback … not necessarily sack the quarterback but affect him … you are going to have a tough time. I tell these guys all the time that the back ends best friend is the d-line and vice versa. We aren’t going to do all of these things every time on either end so it’s kind of a yin and yang thing.”

Ruston entered 2024 having lost Ahmad Breaux (LSU) and Geordan Guidry (Tulane) to graduation, leaving plenty of question marks surrounding its defensive line. And although returning starters Payton Bell and Ka’Varion Key had plenty of experience, there was still some growing pains that the Bearcats were going to face early in the year with a few younger guys.

“We felt like we had a chance to be really good on the defensive line,” said Baugh. “They just didn’t have a lot of experience early in the year. Payton (Bell) was a big part of helping stick all of that back together again after Ahmad and Geordan graduated.

“The way the schedule was set up we had to grow up pretty quick or we were going to take it on the chin. I think we put a lot of pressure on them to execute and do things the right way. I think they had to continue to grow or we were going to get beat.”

“We lost a lot of good football players from the defensive line from that state championship team,” said Taylor. “We had two returning starters to start our rebuilding process. We had a couple of kids who we thought would be able to replace (Breaux and Guidry). Maybe not quite as talented as what they were, but they had the work ethic and they knew what we expected from them.”

Despite a tough non-district schedule, the Bearcats were able to reel off five straight wins over the likes of Acadiana, Longview (Texas) and Stephensville (Texas). However, at times, Ruston was winning a little with smoke and mirrors and not in the same dominating defensive fashion of 2023.

“One of the things we talked about as a defensive staff in the summer and early in the year was trying to impart on them the growth mindset,” said Williams. “Continuing to improve throughout the year.

“We were shuffling guys in positions whether it was guys up front or on the back end. We stayed consistent with them about our effort every day. Our individual (drill) time every day. Our technique. With the message of let’s just get a little bit better today, a little bit better today, a little bit better today.

Ruston entered District 2-5A play by escaping Ouachita with a 22-21 victory thanks to a missed extra point by the Lions in the closing seconds. The next week saw the Bearcats fall at home to arch rival Neville 26-21. And then a 40-34 loss on the road at ASH.

Things weren’t clicking on all cylinders. In fact this Ruston ride needed a tune-up in a bad way.

After Baugh and his staff changed some things the following week at practice leading up to a whitewash of Pineville, the Bearcats began to purr once again. In the 49-0 win over Pineville, Ruston’s defense held the Rebels to just 93 total yards and seven first downs as the Ruston front four began to make things much more difficult in the trenches.

But that was Pineville. What would happen in the regular season finale at rival West Monroe? The answer was more of the same.

Ruston won 36-0 on a rainy night and held the Rebels — who would go on to advance to the state quarterfinals — to just 109 yards and five first downs.

Youngsters like Ra’keem Potts and Kaleb Williams began teaming up with Bell and Key to win the line of scrimmage on snap after snap.

“They have been disruptive lately,” said Kyle Williams. “We knew coming into the year that maybe we needed to do a few different things just because of what the good Lord gave them. They are skilled in a different way then the guys that have been here in the past. You saw the guys who (graduated) last year … good grief. They were big strapping kids.

“These guys are gifted in that they are fast and athletic and can move and attack and are competitive. When you have those things going on, you can make some things happen. We just needed to reconfigure things in a way that accentuated what they do well. I think they know what their strengths are so they have really bought into doing what we are doing.”

After a bye week in the opening week of the playoffs, the Bearcats have faced three straight teams that were putting up impressive offensive numbers coming into the match-ups with Ruston.

Against a Zachary team that had scored 40 or more points in five of their previous six games, Ruston held the Broncos in check in a 42-21 victory. Zachary tailback Da’Vekia Ruffin had rushed for over 600 yards and 12 TDs in his previous TWO games, but Ruston limited him to 164 yards on 25 carries in the win while forcing three turnovers.

The following week saw the Bearcats destroy a Southside team that had beaten Live Oak 42-10 and Walker 47-0 in its first two playoff wins. Ruston held Southside to 115 total yards and seven first downs and kept their star running back Ramon Singleton to 28 yards and 10 carries.

“To play as well as we are now, I just think they have continuously grown between coaches pushing them to do things right and their willingness to accept the coaching and get out there and work,” said Baugh. “We thought they had it in them before the season and I think they have just grown and have figured it out.”

However, Ruston may have saved its best defensive performance for last week. In its 44-7 win over Destrehan, the Bearcats stonewalled a talented Wildcat offense that possessed both the ability to beat teams on the ground and through the air.

Ruston allowed just 245 total yards and held tailback Malachi Dabney (who had 600 yards and 11 TDs in three playoff wins) to just 44 yards and 12 carries.

“The results come because they work hard during the week,” said Kyle Williams. “They have done a really good job over the last five or six weeks of showing up on Monday, diving into game plans, and going out there and getting after the other team.”

If you ask the Ruston defensive linemen what the biggest improvement has been from Week 1 to entering this playoff run, they point to their togetherness.

“The biggest improvement from the beginning (of the year) is we have become closer,” said Bell. “We stand on the brotherhood that we have. As long as I have been here, the one thing that we have always stood on is brotherhood, brotherhood, brotherhood. As the season has gone one, we have tried to become closer as a team and I think it shows out on the field.”

And now these Bearcats are one win shy of making school history.

“We have put in a lot of work this season to get here,” said Potts.

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By Kyle Roberts

RUSTON, La. — Caroling, community, and comfy socks were the story Thursday afternoon at Princeton Place of Ruston as members from the Lincoln Parish Retired Educators group came out to sing and bring gifts to the facility’s residents in a program titled “Carols, Comfort, and Joyful Socks.”

The group sang multiple Christmas carols together, and LPRE President Dr. Liz White recited the entirety of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas from memory.

“We come to the nursing home every year,” White said. “We feel it’s important to rally the community to help them and not forget these residents. Sometimes, that’s a group that can be forgotten, so it’s just a routine for us now. It’s good for them to see people from the community caring for them. My preacher said that if someone can’t get to church, then you’re going to have to take church to them.”

Princeton Place Director of Activities Lisa Gipson shared her appreciation for the group coming out to visit the residents.

“I really appreciate (the LPRE) coming out,” Gipson said. “I told some of the residents that this group has come out for as many years as I can remember. We really, really just appreciate it.”

Following the caroling and the program, the residents were given socks that were collected by the LPRE from donation sites at the Boys and Girls Club and at the Council on Aging.

White said the original goal for the socks was 50 pairs back the the sites were set up in mid-November. And on Thursday, the response had been so overwhelmingly positive that 140 pairs were given out to the residents.

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Special to the LPJ

 Wow! What an amazing season by my beloved Bearcats.

Keith and I would like to personally thank you, the listeners, sponsors, and all of Bearcat Nation for your overwhelming support of our inaugural broadcast of Ruston High School Football here on the Big Q 94.1.

Thanks are also in order to Superintendent Ricky Durrett, Principal Dan Gressett, and Head Coach Jerrod Baugh. The educational administration of RHS and parish-wide, for that matter, is second to none.

To Kyle Roberts and Nick Brown, what a treasure to have the best in the business on the call. My close friends Toby Nations and Matthew Carswell, great work on half-time and side-line reporting. My youngest son Luke Forester for the live stats, Dad is so proud of you. Everyone at our studio, Tootsie, Rob, Seth, and too many more to list made our programming seamless. Thanks also to all of our great Bearcat halftime guests including Chauncey, Termite, Michael Parker, and Hunter Smith.

As a reminder, tomorrow’s live championship broadcast starts at 3:00 PM with a 3:30 kickoff.

Unfortunately, the Bearcat Nation Network cannot broadcast live video from this event. However, Q94.1 will still have the home call. Tune into the Q, download the Q941 App on your mobile and Ipad device or live stream from our website, KRLQFM.com.

Listen to the best in the biz! Join Kyle, Nick, and the rest of the crew as the Bearcats look to become the first back-to-back champs in school history!

GO BEARCATS!

Brandon Forester and Keith Lapeze

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Union Parish man booked on juvenile pornography charges

Agents with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Bureau of Investigation arrested a Union Parish man on juvenile pornography charges earlier this week.

Calvin Pardue, 47, of Lillie, was charged with four counts of pornography Involving Juveniles Under the Age of 13 and one count of sexual abuse of animals.

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BOI agents initially received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Pardue was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center. His bail amount was not available at publication time.

Attorney General Murrill said the investigation is ongoing.

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.

How are your Christmas preparations progressing?

I have reached the age and station of life, where Christmas decorations should be guided by minimalist philosophy. There should be a small tree on the mantle and maybe one elf on one shelf. At this stage, Christmas should fit into one oversized shoe box. I have been told that I have a Grinch-like view of Christmas decorations.

Speaking of the Grinch, I have been type-cast. I will be in two Christmas parades this year. If you are at the Gibsland parade, I’ll be on the Gibsland Bank float as the Grinch. In Ruston, I’ll be on the Trinity Methodist Church as the Grinch. I will be the happy Grinch with the heart enlarged three times!

Did I tell you that I danced eighteen shows with the Lake Charles Ballet as Santa Claus. I have played that role at least three times. I’m picking up on a theme, people keep putting me in costumes that require extensive make up.

Back to our subject of Christmas decorations.

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Do you have items that are always present in your Christmas decorations? Do these items have stories attached to them? In some households Christmas decorating takes a while because the decorator narrates the story of each ornament or decoration. I think I appreciate those stories more now than I once did.

One of the items in our household are the baby gates. For years we have used those gates in the doorway of the room that holds the tree. We have no babies in our family. Our grandchildren are older now. We use the baby gates because we have curious and helpful dogs. The dogs have often seen the Christmas tree and the presents under it as a source of entertainment. The two now living in the house are proficient at Christmas curiosity and have a history of undecorating and unwrapping presents.

The baby gates minimize the canine caused chaos.

Those gates remind me of an important truth. Christmas is not about order and perfection, it is about mess and chaos. Think about the story.

The orderly life of the engage couple was thrown into chaos. The emperor issued travel mandates. The child was born in a most rustic place. Mom and baby were disturbed by shepherds and their nocturnal visit. Trust me, the sheep were in tow! Herod got involved in the story in a horrible way. Joseph and Mary became immigrants and for a time outcasts.

Christmas is for people who are not perfect, who do not have it together, who are stymied in their planning.

Christmas is a time that reminds us that God can bring order out of chaos. He can bring life and love in surprising ways. He can see a path for you when you can’t claim it for yourself. He meets sin and failure with his love and grace.

That love and grace is often his way of throwing a baby gate around your heart.

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

Simsboro used a 12-2 run to end the game as the Tigers defeated Cedar Creek Thursday night in an electric atmosphere in the first day of the Neill Killgore Memorial Tournament at the Brickhouse.

Both teams talked about the playoff-type atmosphere which saw the two teams trade blow after blow tough four quarters.

“It was a great environment,” said Simsboro head coach Adam Wodach. “We went to Choudrant last year, and the moment was too big for us. Tonight it wasn’t. Tonight we were ready for the moment. We attacked the moment. We started strong. We had a couple of bad runs, but that is basketball. We answered every one of their punches with bigger punches.”

The game came down to the final three minutes. With Creek (5-2) leading 59-57 on a Jake Terry three-pointer with 3:45 to play, Simsboro recorded the game-deciding run down the stretch.

Simsboro scored six straight points over the next two minutes, including a pair of buckets by Ahmad Smith who ended the game with 14 points. After two free throws by Terry trimmed the deficit to 63-61 with 1:07 to play, Jakaleb Modest came down with the biggest play of the night.

Modest pulled down an offensive rebound of the second of two missed free throws by Smith with 39 seconds to play and scored on a putback to push the Simsboro lead back to four at 65-61.

“I thought every time they had a run … it’s the first time in my career at Simsboro that we executed,” said Wodach. “That’s a tribute to their buy-in and their want and their willingness to win. We want to play fast. We are scoring in the 80s and flying around and scoring a lot of points.

“They took away our transition today, but we executed our offense. Every time (after time outs), you know execute. Layup. The right person shooting at the right moment. We missed two free throws and then big rebound and we make two free throws. We talk about winning plays. You have to go knock the shot down. You have to run it right. It takes five people to do it. And then you have to play defense after.”

The Tigers added a pair of free throws and a layup in the closing seconds to put the game away.

“I am really proud of how we executed,” said Wodach. “We earned this win tonight.”

Simsboro (6-6) jumped out early behind the strong play of guard Jakaleb Modest, who led all scorers with 26 points. Modest scored 11 points in the opening quarter to help the Tigers build as much as a 15 points lead (26-11) in the opening eight minutes.

“We have to learn from this,” said Cedar Creek head coach Lance Waldron. “I thought the crowd was great on both sides. It was a good friendly game. I was proud of both sides. It was a good (atmosphere).”

Creek senior Jack Bell kept the Cougars within striking distance early, scoring the first nine points of the game for his team. After going scoreless in the opening frame, Cougar senior Cannon Robbins netted 12 of his 17 points in the second quarter to help Creek pull to within 39-32 at the break.

“Early in the game we were really nervous,” said Waldron. “We got off to a slow start and got behind early. But the guys clawed back and made it a game. I was proud of that. I think going forward this will really prepare us. The next five games including this one our team will really grow because of the (caliber of) opponents that we play. I think the team is headed in the right direction.”

Cedar Creek came out strong in the third quarter. Trailing 45-37 with 5:57 to play after a pair of free throws by Modest, who finished 8-of-8 from the charity stripe, the Cougars used a 9-0 run to take their first lead of the game on a transition layup by Cameron Temple with 2:54 to play in the third quarter.

Simsboro regained the lead at 47-46 on a Jeremiah Levingston bucket but then Temple drained a corner three-pointer and Terry added a layup as Creek took its biggest lead of the night at 51-47 with just under two minutes to play in the third quarter.

A Levingston bucket in the lane followed by a Smith bucket tied the score at 51-51 entering the fourth and final quarter.

“This is what we were looking for when we made our schedule,” said Waldron. “We need to get ready for district and for the playoffs. Simsboro plays the way a lot of teams in our district play. I feel it was really beneficial for us moving forward. We need to face this and compete.”

In addition to Modest’s 26 points, Smith added 14 and Justin Terrell scored 10 for Simsboro.

Creek was led by Terry with 25, Robbins with 17 and Jack Bell with 12.

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Creek Scoring: FG(3FG)-FT-TP

Cameron Temple 2(1)-0-5; Cannon Robbins 7(3)-0-17; Brett Bell 1-0-2; Jack Bell 5(2)-0-12; Jake Terry 6(2)-11-25. Totals: 21(8)-11-61

Simsboro Scoring: FG(3FG)-FT-TP

Ahmad Smith 7-0-14; Justin Pndhomme 1-2-4; Jakaleb Modest 7(4)-8-26; Jalen Outley 5-1-11; Justin Terrell 3(2)-2-10; Jeremiah Levingston 2-0-4. Totals: 25(6)-13-69

Score by Quarter

Simsboro 26-13-12-18=69

Cedar Creek 13-19-19-10=61

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Police puncture tires to stop fleeing motorist

State troopers arrested an Alabama woman after a pursuit across Lincoln Parish Monday, one of several attempts by motorists to elude area police in recent weeks.

Tammy Carol Turner, 55, of Needham, Alabama, was stopped using a tire deflation device about 4:30 p.m. on December 9 after another motorist reported her erratic driving.

Louisiana State Police Troop F in Monroe was notified of a reckless driver in a silver Chrysler PT Cruiser traveling westbound on Interstate 20 entering Lincoln Parish. Three troopers spotted the vehicle at milepost 91 and observed it weaving all over the roadway.

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Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Turner continued at about 50 miles per hour. After the vehicle refused to stop, one trooper set up a tire deflation device near milepost 85 in Ruston.

The Chrysler struck the device and stopped, and Turner was taken into custody.

A trooper noted in Turner’s arrest affidavit that field sobriety tests could not be administered safely due to her level of impairment. A breath test showed Turner’s blood alcohol concentration to be .14g%, well above the Louisiana legal limit.

Turner was booked for flight from an officer, first offense DWI, improper lane usage, and open container. Bail was set at $5,000.

The incident was one of five cases of violators attempting to elude local law enforcement in the past two weeks. In each case, the fleeing driver was successfully apprehended.

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.

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.”

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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.