As an added bonus this year, fans can submit pictures of players, and a select few will be published each week along with the scores.
To submit pics, please email lpjscoreboard@gmail.com with your pictures by Sunday nights at 8 p.m.
The scoreboard will run every Tuesday and have the previous week’s scores and highlights.
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.
Louisiana Tech’s game against Arkansas is set for a 3:00 p.m. CT kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 23, as announced by the SEC. The contest will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
The trip to Fayetteville will mark the Bulldogs’ final road game of the season. LA Tech is coming off its first road win of the year, after a 12-7 upset win over Western Kentucky in Bowling Green.
This will be the first meeting between the Bulldogs and the Razorbacks since 2016, when LA Tech fell 21-20. LA Tech is 0-4 all-time against Arkansas, with three of the four losses coming in Fayetteville.
The contest can be heard on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler and Teddy Allen providing a call of the action.
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Junior kicker Buck Buchanan was named the Conference CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time this season, following his four-field goal game against WKU, announced by the league office on Monday.
Buchanan accounted for all 12 of LA Tech’s points, helping the Bulldogs earn a 12-7 upset win over league-leading WKU. The Texas native finished the afternoon 4-of-5 on field goal attempts, connecting from 35, 42, 28, and 24 yards.
Buchanan’s four-field goal day marked his third multi-made field goal game of the season. He has connected on six field goals from 35+ yards, and three from 40+ yards. The third-year Bulldog is tied for the CUSA lead with 12 makes, while his 57-yarder at NC State is tied for the longest in the CUSA this season. He leads the team in scoring with 59 points.
Buchanan and the Bulldogs will travel to Fayetteville to face Arkansas Saturday.
Funeral services for Robert Case “Rob” Lary, Jr, age 72, of Ruston will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Trinity Methodist Church Sanctuary in Ruston, LA. Officiating the service will be Rev. Brian Mercer, assisted by Rev. Doug de Graffenried. Interment will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston.
A visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel, 209 N. Bonner, Ruston, LA.
Rob was born February 15, 1952, in Minden, LA and passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, in Ruston, LA. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston; he and Deb were traversed in North Louisiana gathering projects for Weekend of the Cross for many years; and overseeing Dixie Baseball for many years also. His favorite pastime over the years was maintaining and spending many hours at the “Farm”. Rob was a great cook and loved cooking and feeding for his family, church activities, business meetings, tailgating, or just whatever anybody needed Rob was available to be the cook! Rob was currently employed at Industrial Service Solutions in West Monroe, LA as the Purchasing Manager for many years.
Rob is preceded in death by the love of his life, Deborah “Deb” Grigsby Lary; his parents, Robert Case and Jeanne Dennis Lary; and brothers-in-law Jerry Grigsby and Jim Grigsby.
He is survived by his three sons; Case Lary and wife Jennifer and children, Easton, Taylor, step-sons, Wade and Clayton Watson of Downsville, LA; Luke Lary and wife Allie and children, Colt, Parson, and Andie of Ruston, LA; Ben Lary and wife Rachael and children, Jake and Emma of Ruston, LA; brother, Scot Lary and wife Heather of Portland, OR and children, Katie, Meg, and John; dear friend, Nancy Williams, “Someone I am very thankful for” along with other family and a host of friends.
Pallbearers will be Bill Carter, Benny Denny, Stacey Jones, Don McGehee, Dr Tommy Smith, and Scott Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be James and Donna White.
Memorials may be made to the Wesley Chapel Church, 4330 Hwy 818, Ruston, LA 71270; Trinity Methodist Church for Weekend of the Cross, 1000 Woodward Avenue, Ruston, LA 71270; or Charity of the donor’s choice.
Betty Catherine Wiltcher November 15, 1933 – November 14, 2024 Visitation: First Baptist Church Bernice, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Service: First Baptist Church Bernice, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 2:00 pm Cemetery: Shiloh Cemetery, Saturday, November 23, 2024
Courtesy of Louisiana Tech University Communications
The Louisiana Tech University Fall 2024 graduating class—299 students in total—gathered with faculty, friends, family, and beloved bulldog Tech XXII in the Thomas Assembly Center on Saturday to celebrate their success at commencement. The worldwide count of Louisiana Tech alumni now stands at 115,433.
The keynote address was delivered by Class of 1989 accounting alumna Sharilyn Smith Gasaway. She served as executive vice president and CFO of Alltel Corporation from 2006 – 2009. Today, she serves on the Boards of Directors for HanesBrands, J.B. Hunt, and Genesis Energy, LP. She was Tech’s College of Business Distinguished Alumna of the Year in 2008 and is also a member of Tech’s College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and the Louisiana Tech Foundation Board. Notably, Gasaway shares ownership of the 2024 Kentucky Derby-winning horse Mystik Dan.
Gasaway gave the audience some insight into her career pathway, emphasizing that many of the most fruit-bearing decisions made at crossroads in her life had been unexpected or improbable.
“Opportunities can come in many different forms,” Gasaway said during her address. “I want you to look beyond the salary and past the title … You can add value wherever you go in whatever you do if you give 120 percent and you don’t underestimate an opportunity.”
Portions of this graduating class also served to mark two distinct firsts in the University’s 130-year history:
Eleven students earned their bachelor’s degree in nursing, the first graduating cohort of Tech’s RN to BSN program. Prior to 2024, the University only offered an associate’s degree in nursing; the RN to BSN program fast-tracks students to an advanced degree.
Dr. Lindsay Kristina Gouedy, now a four-time graduate of the University, received her Doctor of Engineering & Technology Management (DETM) degree. The DETM was announced as a new doctoral program in July 2024, and Gouedy is the first-ever graduate of the program at Louisiana Tech.
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On Sunday, November 17, 2024, shortly after 1:00 a.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Jackson Street near US 165. The crash claimed the life of 26-year-old Bobby Bass of Monroe.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2024 Honda Pilot was traveling north on Jackson Street. At the same time, Bass, who was wearing dark clothing, was walking north in the northbound lane of Jackson Street. For reasons still under investigation, the Honda struck Bass.
Bass suffered severe injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, where he later died. The driver of the Honda was properly restrained and uninjured. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Pedestrian safety is of paramount importance when walking near and crossing roadways. To stay safe, pedestrians should always walk while facing oncoming traffic. Doing this, allows pedestrians to see oncoming vehicle and react appropriately. Additionally, when walking at night, wear brightly colored clothing or reflective gear to make it easier for drivers to see them. These simple yet vital precautions can help keep pedestrians safe and reduce the likelihood of crashes on the road.
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Louisiana native Lainey Wilson attending the unveiling of a marker on the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail dedicated to her success and start in her hometown of Baskin, Louisiana. (Photo credit: Office of Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser)
Courtesy of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism
Country Music Association Award Winner and Louisiana Music Ambassador Lainey Wilson picked up another honor this weekend in her hometown of Baskin, Louisiana. The rising country music star was on hand for the unveiling of Northeast Louisiana Music Trail markers dedicated to her beginnings in music.
Additionally, a portion of Louisiana Highway 15 through the Village of Baskin, from LA Highway 577 north to the parish line at Big Creek, was declared the “Lainey Wilson Highway.” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who named Lainey Wilson a Louisiana Music Ambassador in 2022, helped mark the occasion with the country megastar.
In 2022, Lainey Wilson became just the fourth artists to garner six nominations in her first year at the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards. She would take home awards for New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the year. Last year, Wilson was honored with the Entertainer of the Year Award at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards.
“The first time I saw Lainey, I knew she was going to be a star. We signed her early in 2022 to represent Louisiana during the mid-parade performance at the 134th Rose Parade on January 2, 2023, and we hit the jackpot,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “When she performed on our Celebration Riverboat float for millions of viewers nationally and internationally, she stole the show. I could not have witnessed a better representation of our state and our musical heritage that will Feed Your Soul.”
Lainey’s performance aboard the Celebration Riverboat during the 2023 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, helped Explore Louisiana win their second consecutive award – the 2023 Showmanship Award – recognizing the float for the most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment.
The Northeast Louisiana Music Trail honors the rich musical heritage of that area of the state by recognizing and celebrating the musicians, music, places, stories, and people who make up the area.
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Three Louisiana men were arrested in Grambling last Monday after police found marijuana and a stolen pistol in their vehicle during a traffic stop.
Jason J. Bush, Jr., 21, of Gretna; Jorryn Harris, 18, of Bastrop; and Ke’Michael T. Wells, 18, of Gonzales, were charged with possession of marijuana and illegal possession of a stolen firearm after Grambling Police stopped the car Bush was driving for weaving over the center line and almost off the roadway about 11:30 p.m. Monday night.
After stopping the Toyota Camry near the Grambling State campus, a GPD officer saw a burning marijuana “blunt” in plain view and large cloud of smoke coming from the vehicle. During a search, a backpack was found containing a plastic baggie of suspected marijuana and a Glock 19 9mm pistol.
A check of the pistol’s serial number revealed it had been stolen in Rapides Parish.
Bail was set at $25,000 for each man.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ruston Police arrested a local man last week after a complaint he shoplifted at a local store and was found to be wanted on other charges.
Adrian B. Jackson, 57, was arrested Nov. 9 at the Walmart Super Center in Ruston after asset protection staff said he attempted to walk past the final point of sale with a $99 vehicle charger hidden in the back of his jacket.
Officers knew Jackson from previous incidents at Walmart and knew he had been banned from the property.
A records check showed Jackson was wanted on warrants for stalking and criminal trespass from Third Judicial District Court.
Jackson was booked at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center for theft by shoplifting, criminal trespass, and the two warrants.
Bail for the charges from the Walmart incident was set at $5,000.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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After a long trip to New York, Louisiana Tech is back home tonight to take on Mississippi College inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game can be heard on 107.5 FM with Malcolm Butler and Jack Thigpen providing a call of the action.
LA Tech (3-0) led from start to finish as the Bulldogs took care of UMass, 76-66, this past Wednesday in the inaugural Icons of the Game event. The ‘Dogs built as much as a 19-point lead in the second half in route to staying undefeated this early season.
The team was successful again from long range, draining 10 three-pointers (have made at least nine in each of their first three games). They also shared the rock to the tune of 20 assists, marking the first time since 2017 they have had back-to-back games of at least 20 dimes.
Sean Newman Jr. did most of the distributing, recording a season-high 14 points and a career-high 12 assists as the redshirt junior was named MVP of the LA Tech-UMass game. The point guard currently ranks first in the country in assists per game (10.3) with his 31 total assists ranking sixth. All the while, he has committed only four turnovers, giving him a 7.75 assist/turnover ratio.
Coming off a 23-point performance at UT Arlington, Amaree Abram had another great game scoring a game-high 19 points while also contributing a career-high six rebounds and three steals. He is averaging 17.3 points per game, having scored in double figures in all three games, while shooting a team-best 47.6 percent from three-point range (10-of-21). He also anchors the Bulldogs in steals with eight.
Despite playing only 12 minutes due to foul trouble against the Minutemen, Batcho still registered 10 points, four boards, and three blocks. The reigning CUSA Player of the Year continues to pace LA Tech in scoring at 17.7 points per game while shooting 86.4 percent from the field (19-of-23), which ranks fifth in the nation.
Mississippi College (3-1) opened the season with three straight victories, defeating Central State (73- 65), Albany State (58-56), and Millsaps (64-60). That winning streak ended on Saturday with a 72-58 loss against East Central.
The Choctaws are averaging 63.3 points per game while shooting 40.3 percent from the field, 28.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 70.8 percent from the free throw line.
Mississippi College, an NCAA Division II team, was picked to finish seventh in the Gulf South Conference preseason poll. The Choctaws went 13-16 a season ago while going 12-12 in GSC Action.
The Choctaws have been led in scoring this season by JJ Harris who is averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Harris has registered back-to-back double-doubles, including a 21-point, 12-rebound performance against Millsaps.
Tyshun Briscoe and Tremaine Dixon are the other two Choctaws averaging double-digit points at 14.3 and 10.5 points per game, respectively. Dixon has made a team-best 10 three-pointers and also anchors the team with 12 assists.
One Choctaw who has not played this season is Rashad Bolden who was a First Team All-GSC selection last season, ranking second in the nation in scoring at 24.4 points per game. He racked up seven games of scoring 30+ points while also leading the team with 133 assists. He was one of five players named to the GSC Preseason All-Conference team.
LA Tech leads the all-time series against Mississippi College, 21-12, according to records with the Bulldogs winning the last eight meetings.
The two programs played 23 times prior to World War II, followed by eight meetings from 1945-51. The previous two matchups though have come in season openers for the Bulldogs in 2011 and again in 2022, which was the head coaching debut of Talvin Hester.
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DeSoto Parish – In July 2024, the Mansfield Police Department contacted the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations/Bossier Field Office to investigate a stolen credit card belonging to the Mansfield Fire Department (MFD).
The preliminary investigation revealed that the MFD credit card was used in over 180 unauthorized transactions, resulting in illegal purchases totaling more than $14,000.00 for gas. These transactions occurred between February 2024 through July 2024 at gas stations in Louisiana and Texas.
Investigators learned that 22-year-old former MFD Fireman Donald Anthony Jr. of Mansfield stole the MFD credit card following his termination from MFD in February 2024. Thereafter, he engaged in numerous unauthorized transactions using the stolen credit card.
As a result of the investigation and information obtained, an arrest warrant was obtained through the 42nd JDC, charging Anthony with felony access device fraud and felony identity theft. Anthony turned himself in to authorities this morning and was booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center on the above charges. This investigation remains active and ongoing.
To report suspicious or criminal activity in your community, the Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through a convenient, anonymous, and secure reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be accessed by visiting lsp.org and clicking the Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity.
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NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Louisiana Tech would go over six minutes without a basket to start the fourth quarter in a 70-56 loss to Stephen F. Austin on Saturday night in William R. Johnson Coliseum.
“We learned some tough lessons on the road tonight against an experienced team that if used correctly can be very valuable for our group,” Lady Techster head coach Brooke Stoehr said. “I thought we had a number of concentration and toughness lapses in transition that led to some easy scores for them. They took advantage of our mistakes at critical times and converted them into points. We can’t have those wasted possessions on the road. We stressed not allowing them to control tempo and let their zone impact our rhythm and flow regardless of the score.
“I thought they were tough at some critical times, and we couldn’t find a way to score to stop their runs in the middle of the third and throughout the fourth quarters. We have to teach from the film and continue to help this group learn and grow. We have two opportunities at home this week to respond and get better.”
Louisiana Tech (3-1) came out cold from the field and shot just 26.7 percent in the first quarter. Paris Bradley got the Lady Techsters on the board a minute and a half into the contest. The Tech defense kept them in the game and forced SFA (3-0) into seven turnovers and just 33.3 percent from the field as the Ladyjacks held an 11-9 lead after one.
Things quickly changed in the Techsters’ favor after Robyn Lee tied it up to start the second. That ignited a 9-0 run where Tech would shoot 4-5 to grab an 18-11 lead at the 7:39 mark.
The Ladyjacks, who averaged over 10 made 3-pointers coming into the game, continued to shoot the long ball after going 1-6 in the first. They would knock down three to pull within one at the media timeout.
With the game tied at 24, Bradly and Jordan Marshall would give Tech six straight to regain the lead with two minutes remaining before the half. SFA would cut into the lead, but a layup by Marshall with seven seconds remaining gave the Lady Techsters a 32-27 into the locker room.
Marshall opened the second half with six points to help LA Tech extend the lead to seven at the media timeout. That is when the Techster’s offense went cold for over 11 minutes, missing their next eight shots before jumpers by Bradley and Taylor Rietveld gave Tech a 47-46 lead heading into the fourth.
SFA extended their run to 24-4 in the first six minutes of the fourth, with LA Tech missing their first six shots of the quarter. An and-one by Marshall cut the deficit to 10, but the Lady Techsters wouldn’t get any closer for the remainder of the game.
The Lady Techsters shot 38.2 percent (21-55) from the field but were just 2-17 from long range. Marshal led the way with 16 points and 14 rebounds for her first double-double in a Tech uniform. Bradley was the only other Techster in double figures with 13.
SFA finished shooting 49.1 percent (26-53) from the field and 42.1 from deep. The Ladyjacks had four players in double figures, led by Faith Blackstone with 17 points and seven rebounds. Haramaine Dominguez finished with 13 and was 3-5 from three before fouling out. Trinity Moore and Ashlyn Traylor-Walker finished with 12 apiece.
Each Monday and Friday, the Lincoln Parish Journal will post a list of non-for-profit upcoming events happening in the parish. If you would like to add your event to this list or advertise your for-profit events, please email us at lpjnewsla@gmail.com.
Monday, Nov. 18 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 5:30 p.m.: Ruston Planning and Zoning meeting (Ruston City Hall) 6 p.m.: Toastmasters International meeting (Louisiana Center for the Blind, 101 South Trenton Street) 6 p.m.: Creative Meetups (301 N. Trenton St.)
Tuesday, Nov. 19 2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting for The Avenue (207 N. Service Rd.) 6-8 p.m.: Ruston Farmers Market Healthy Holidays free class (Ruston Farmers Market)
Wednesday, Nov. 20 7-8 a.m.: Veterans Coffee Club (PJ’s Coffee) 11:30 a.m.: Lunch on Us (Presbyterian Church, 212 North Bonner Street., Ruston) — everyone welcome 6 p.m.: To Ruston With Love: Free community Thanksgiving meal (Ruston Civic Center, provided by First Baptist Church, Ruston)
Thursday, Nov. 21 10 a.m.: Ribbon cutting for American South Mortgage (2111 N. Trenton St.) 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Ruston Kiwanis Club lunch and program (Trinity Methodist Church fellowship hall) 6-8 p.m.: Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas (Downtown Ruston) 5-6 p.m.: Free jambalaya meal at Choudrant Origin Bank (3921 Elm Street, Choudrant) from 5 Loaves 2 Fish Ministry and Origin Bank
Friday, Nov. 22 7 p.m.: Friday Night Jazz at the Dixie (Dixie Theatre) 7 p.m.: Ruston High playoff game
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Kolbe Fields led the Bulldogs defense, holding WKU to one touchdown in a win in Bowling Green. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
by Malcolm Butler
BOWLING GREEN — Road wins have not come easy for Louisiana Tech over the past five years.
Nothing has come easy.
However, on a day where the Bulldogs never found the black-painted end zone at Hutchins-Smith Stadium, Tech still found a way to claim a victory over C-USA leader WKU spoiling the Hilltoppers Homecoming.
Buck Buchanan connected on four field goals, the Bulldog offense found a rushing attack and controlled the clock, and the Tech defense stone-walled the high-powered WKU offense in a 12-7 win Saturday.
As has been the case all season, the game wasn’t decided until the waning moments. After Buchanan’s 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked with less than two minutes to play, WKU took over on Tech’s 47 yard line with 1:55 to play and two timeouts.
However, as they did all day long, the Bulldogs defense stood tall. On fourth down and 15 from the Tech 35, WKU completed a pass to Dalvin Smith but Cedric Woods tackled Smith one-yard shy of the line to gain, forcing the turnover on downs.
Tech was able to kneel and run out the clock, picking up just its second road win in the last four years.
“We talked about all week was being uncommon,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “People are drawn to uncommon things. It is very common in a season that we have to blame, to shut it down and exit stage left. I talked to our team about being uncommon. They have an uncommon fight and grit.
“The ball has not bounced their way this season. You see the belief they have in each other, that is the most important thing. I think we dominated the line of scrimmage. Really proud of our football team for how hard they played.”
One week after its most gut-wrenching loss of the year thanks to a Hail Mary pass that sent the contest into overtime against Jacksonville State, Tech (4-6, 3-4) never flinched against the Hilltoppers (7-3, 5-1).
The Bulldogs discovered a rushing attack, mounting more than 200 yards on the ground and dominating the time of possession with 40 minutes. Amani Givens recorded the first 100-yard rushing performance by a Bulldogs since Tyre Shelton’s effort in last year’s loss to WKU, totaling 103 yards on 17 carries. Omiri Wiggins added 70 yards on nine totes.
“Coach Young and the offensive staff put together a great plan of running the football,” said Cumbie. “We were able to get Tru Edwards open a little bit, but they were daring us to try to win the game with our run game. Really proud of our offense to be able to control the game and we won the game.”
The Bulldogs, who threw for just 66 yards including just 17 in the final two quarters, were able to move the football between the 20-yard lines once again. However, Tech couldn’t find paydirt, thus relying on Buchanan’s field goals.
Buchanan connected from 35, 42, 24 and 28 yards with his only miss being the blocked attempt late in the fourth quarter.
WKU entered the game averaging 30 points and 280 yards passing per game, but the Hilltoppers had no answer for the physical, swarming Bulldog defense.
The biggest stop came late in the third quarter. With Tech leading 9-7, WKU faced a fourth down and one from the Bulldogs five-yard line. Instead of attempting a chip shot field goal to take the lead, WKU elected to go for it.
WKU quarterback Caden Veltkamp tried to run for it out of the shotgun on a designed run, but he was stopped for a two-yard loss, giving the ball back over to Tech.
“We were trying to figure out what personnel grouping they were going to come out in (following the timeout),” said Cumbie. “Our defense executed better. They won the line of scrimmage. That was the story of the game. It was a great job by our secondary as well against a really good quarterback, receivers, and scheme. Our guys did a phenomenal job of shutting them down.”
Veltkamp completed 18-of-26 passes for just 152 yards while WKU totaled just 215 yards of total offense in the game.
Tech recorded seven tackles for loss, including three sacks, and didn’t allow a pass play of 20 yards or more in the contest.
“Tough one,” said WKU head coach Tyson Helton. “Didn’t get it done. Had a lot of opportunities. Defense responded when they needed to and got a big field goal block at the end to give us an opportunity. Really struggled offensively. Going into it we knew they were a really good defense.”
Nine of Tech’s 10 games have now been decided by one score, including eight straight contests.
Tech will travel to face Arkansas Saturday at 3 p.m. in Fayetteville.
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Martha Sue Ingram Price (Marty) was born on November 10, 1944, in St. Mary’s, West Virginia, a small town on the Ohio River. She spent her early childhood on the family farm, which had no running water or electricity at that time.
She graduated from St. Mary’s High School where she played the clarinet in the Blue Devil Marching Band. That band marched in the inauguration of President John Kennedy. She was voted “Most Dependable” by her classmates in her senior year.
Marty was the first in her family to attend college. She went to Marshall University where she majored in education and graduated in 1965. While she was in college she worked for the summer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she met her husband in June of 1961. She married John Price on June 4, 1966. After marriage they moved to Evansville, Indiana, where she taught and also earned a M.S. in education from Evansville University.
She and John moved to Austin, Texas, where he attended graduate school and she taught for four years. They made their way to Ruston, Louisiana, in 1972, where she eventually found a teaching position at Cypress Springs Elementary School. She taught there until June of 2000 when she retired. They moved to McAllen, Texas, where she renewed her career and taught for eight more years at John H. Shary Elementary School. Even after she retired from that, she could not leave teaching entirely as she volunteered at a nearby school. There she worked with first graders for the first time. She found them very enjoyable.
After John retired, they once again, found a new place to live, a retirement community outside of San Antonio, Texas.
Marty passed away after a battle with vascular dementia on August 11, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Mary Ingram. She is survived by her husband, John K. Price, her son, Jeffrey John Price, two grandchildren, John Q. Price and Leah Maria Price, and her daughter-in-law, Gabriella Price. In addition, she is survived by her brother Mike Ingram and nephews and nieces.
Marty was a kind and gentle woman, a doting mother, and a loving wife. She was a dedicated and hardworking teacher who brought school work home every school day and went to her school on the weekends many times. She loved the boys and girls she taught and wanted them to have the tools they needed to be happy and successful in life. She loved sports and was especially devoted to the Atlanta Braves and the San Antonio Spurs.
Marty will be missed by all who knew her. She was a ray of soft sunlight shining into the lives of those who knew her. We will not find another like her.
There will be a memorial service for Marty in Ruston on Monday, November 25 at 11 a.m. at the Norton Building located at 207 West Mississippi.
Funeral services for Betty Catherine Wiltcher, 90 years of age, will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Bernice, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Reagan Colvin. Interment will follow in Shiloh Cemetery near Bernice under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA. A visitation with family and friends will be 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church.
Betty (known lovingly by her family as PamPaw) was born on November 15, 1933, to William Newton and Hazel Catherine Long Smith in Calhoun, LA. Betty ended her journey at Sunny Breeze Harbor near Arcadia, FL on November 14, 2024.
Betty was a Registered Nurse in Bernice, Louisiana at the Bernice Nursing home for many years. She was also an active Church member in Bernice LA, Fort Worth TX, Sunny Breeze Florida, and Fort Ogden First Baptist Church, Arcadia, Florida. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 64 and a half years George W. Wiltcher, son George Wiltcher Jr., parents, four brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by daughter Gerry Davis and son-in-law Timothy Davis; sons, James Wiltcher, Richard Wiltcher; grandchildren, David Davis, George Davis, Richard Wiltcher Jr, Aubry Wiltcher, Daniel Wiltcher; and Eleven Great Grand Children and One Great Great Grand Daughter.
Betty Catherine Wiltcher November 15, 1933 – November 14, 2024 Visitation: First Baptist Church Bernice, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Service: First Baptist Church Bernice, Saturday, November 23, 2024, 2:00 pm Cemetery: Shiloh Cemetery, Saturday, November 23, 2024
Kolbe Fields led the Bulldogs defense, holding WKU to one touchdown in a win in Bowling Green. (Photo by Josh McDaniel)
by Malcolm Butler
BOWLING GREEN — Road wins have not come easy for Louisiana Tech over the past five years.
Nothing has come easy.
However, on a day where the Bulldogs never found the black-painted end zone at Hutchins-Smith Stadium, Tech still found a way to claim a victory over C-USA leader WKU spoiling the Hilltoppers Homecoming.
Buck Buchanan connected on four field goals, the Bulldog offense found a rushing attack and controlled the clock, and the Tech defense stone-walled the high-powered WKU offense in a 12-7 win Saturday.
As has been the case all season, the game wasn’t decided until the waning moments. After Buchanan’s 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked with less than two minutes to play, WKU took over on Tech’s 47 yard line with 1:55 to play and two timeouts.
However, as they did all day long, the Bulldogs defense stood tall. On fourth down and 15 from the Tech 35, WKU completed a pass to Dalvin Smith but Cedric Woods tackled Smith one-yard shy of the line to gain, forcing the turnover on downs.
Tech was able to kneel and run out the clock, picking up just its second road win in the last four years.
“We talked about all week was being uncommon,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie. “People are drawn to uncommon things. It is very common in a season that we have to blame, to shut it down and exit stage left. I talked to our team about being uncommon. They have an uncommon fight and grit.
“The ball has not bounced their way this season. You see the belief they have in each other, that is the most important thing. I think we dominated the line of scrimmage. Really proud of our football team for how hard they played.”
One week after its most gut-wrenching loss of the year thanks to a Hail Mary pass that sent the contest into overtime against Jacksonville State, Tech (4-6, 3-4) never flinched against the Hilltoppers (7-3, 5-1).
The Bulldogs discovered a rushing attack, mounting more than 200 yards on the ground and dominating the time of possession with 40 minutes. Amani Givens recorded the first 100-yard rushing performance by a Bulldogs since Tyre Shelton’s effort in last year’s loss to WKU, totaling 103 yards on 17 carries. Omiri Wiggins added 70 yards on nine totes.
“Coach Young and the offensive staff put together a great plan of running the football,” said Cumbie. “We were able to get Tru Edwards open a little bit, but they were daring us to try to win the game with our run game. Really proud of our offense to be able to control the game and we won the game.”
The Bulldogs, who threw for just 66 yards including just 17 in the final two quarters, were able to move the football between the 20-yard lines once again. However, Tech couldn’t find paydirt, thus relying on Buchanan’s field goals.
Buchanan connected from 35, 42, 24 and 28 yards with his only miss being the blocked attempt late in the fourth quarter.
WKU entered the game averaging 30 points and 280 yards passing per game, but the Hilltoppers had no answer for the physical, swarming Bulldog defense.
The biggest stop came late in the third quarter. With Tech leading 9-7, WKU faced a fourth down and one from the Bulldogs five-yard line. Instead of attempting a chip shot field goal to take the lead, WKU elected to go for it.
WKU quarterback Caden Veltkamp tried to run for it out of the shotgun on a designed run, but he was stopped for a two-yard loss, giving the ball back over to Tech.
“We were trying to figure out what personnel grouping they were going to come out in (following the timeout),” said Cumbie. “Our defense executed better. They won the line of scrimmage. That was the story of the game. It was a great job by our secondary as well against a really good quarterback, receivers, and scheme. Our guys did a phenomenal job of shutting them down.”
Veltkamp completed 18-of-26 passes for just 152 yards while WKU totaled just 215 yards of total offense in the game.
Tech recorded seven tackles for loss, including three sacks, and didn’t allow a pass play of 20 yards or more in the contest.
“Tough one,” said WKU head coach Tyson Helton. “Didn’t get it done. Had a lot of opportunities. Defense responded when they needed to and got a big field goal block at the end to give us an opportunity. Really struggled offensively. Going into it we knew they were a really good defense.”
Nine of Tech’s 10 games have now been decided by one score, including eight straight contests.
Tech will travel to face Arkansas Saturday at 3 p.m. in Fayetteville.
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MORGAN CITY — Lincoln Preparatory School Glen Hall his team had a chance as long as they avoided mental miscues.
Unfortunately for his Panthers, Hall was right in what was a wrong way for his team.
A plethora of turnovers and penalties plagued the Panthers Friday night as 14th-seeded Central Catholic defeated 19th-seeded Lincoln Prep 14-0 in a Division IV Select School playoff game at Morgan City Stadium.
It was a tight game, and Lincoln Prep stayed in the contest all the way until the final minute.
Central Catholic’s final touchdown came off a long interception return with 32 seconds remaining in the contest, sealing Lincoln Prep’s fate.
The Panthers turned the ball over eight times on the night while also committing a number of untimely penalties, including more than a few personal fouls as the clock was winding down, and it all proved to be too much for Lincoln Prep to overcome.
“I told them this was nothing but the game of life,” Hall said of his postgame talk with his team. “You play that game every day when you play football. It’s the game of life. You’re going to have ups and downs. It’s about how you come back after you have those ups and downs.
“It’s just a mirror of ‘real life.’ You just have to jump right back up and start fighting again, every day.”
Lincoln Prep turned the ball over on its first three offensive possessions, but the Panthers’ held the Eagles in check on all three ensuing Central Catholic drives.
The game’s lone score came after Lincoln Prep’s first punt of the game, which was shanked off to the right, giving Central Catholic the ball on the Panthers’ 29-yard line.
On the next play, Tate Fontenot scurried right for 27 yards to set up Cash Baker’s two-yard scoring scamper that put the Eagles on top 7-0 at the 8:52 mark of the second stanza.
Lincoln Prep had multiple chances to score afterwards, including on the following drive, when it took over at its own 47-yard line after what looked to be a long onsides kick attempt by the Eagles was pounced on by a Panthers upback.
An 18-yard aerial connection between quarterback Jordan Brown and receiver Tray Spann then helped Lincoln Prep drive as deep as the Eagles’ 24-yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
Lincoln Prep had another chance in the final minute of the first half when Jordan connected with Spann again deep in Central Catholic territory.
But Spann lost the ball on the play and the Eagles recovered and knelt on the ball to take their 7-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.
While Lincoln Prep’s offense struggled to hold onto the ball, Central Catholic had similar problems against the Panthers’ defense.
The Eagles received the opening kickoff of the second half and drove to the Lincoln Prep 48-yard line before D’Tavion Wright picked off a pass and returned it to the Central Catholic 43.
Wright then powered his way for 12 yards on first down before being stopped at the line of scrimmage on second down.
On third down he hauled in a screen pass from Brown and gained seven yards before fumbling the ball away for the Panthers’ fifth turnover of the contest.
Central Catholic then mounted a nine-play drive to the Lincoln Prep 6-yard line before Tyler Wimberly recovered a fumble to turn over possession to the Panthers.
On the ensuing drive, Lincoln Prep drove to the Eagles’ 33 before turning the ball over on downs.
“My defense did everything they were supposed to do,” Hall said. “But when you’re in the red zone four or five times and come up empty because of mistakes and turnovers, it hurts. It was just a lack of concentration. It was tough.
“And in the end we had to throw the ball, and that’s not really our game. Jordan played a pretty good game tonight. But you can’t make all of those turnovers and win.”
After forcing a Central Catholic punt, Lincoln Prep drove the ball down inside the Central Catholic 20-yard line before Brown was intercepted with 3:36 remaining in the contest.
But again the Panthers’ defense came through, forcing the Eagles to punt with Lincoln Prep taking over the ball on the Central Catholic 40-yard line with 1:19 left on the clock.
Two plays later Brown was intercepted by Central Catholic’s Landon Ramagos, who returned it for the final score of the game.
“I told the team they never lose, it’s just me,” Hall said. “There had to have been something I should have done more of or prepared them better, but I didn’t do the job I was supposed to do.
“It was a good year and I’m proud of my team. It happened. Now we just have to learn from it and move on to the future. But I’m proud of my team.”
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RUSTON, La. — Ruston High School head coach Jerrod Baugh has known for weeks how important it would be for his Bearcats to secure a first-round bye in the 2024 LHSAA playoffs.
After beating West Monroe last week 36-0 on the Rebels’ Senior Night, the top-three seed was locked down for the Bearcats, giving Baugh’s squad time to heal and work on some situational drills all week in anticipation for the winner between No. 14 Zachary and No. 19 Sam Houston.
“Practice has been good this week,” Baugh said. “I think it served the purpose for what it is we intended it to be. Tuesday and Wednesday, we went over a bunch of situational things — two-minute situations, four-minute situations, third downs, goal lines, two-point plays — just a lot of different things that we needed to review going into the playoffs.”
Now, the Bearcats will square off against Zachary on Friday, Nov. 22, in the friendly confines of Hoss Garrett Stadium after the Broncos knocked Sam Houston off 54-35 at home. This will be the third straight postseason Ruston has faced the Broncos, including last year’s state championship game when the Bearcats came out on top 31-17.
“Zachary has a history of making long runs in the playoffs, so while we didn’t want to assume Zachary would win, we went ahead and got to work on them Thursday and Friday,” Baugh said. “We know what kind of football team they bring to the table. We’re going to have to get ready to play and hopefully we’ll have some good practices next week.
“We haven’t had a lot of video on them. We’re really gauging things off of past experience on what things they’ve done. We’ll get a better sense when we swap video later (Friday night) or early Saturday morning.”
Baugh said the bye has been good to help the team get as healthy as they can heading into the postseason.
“I don’t think we have any excuse not to be as healthy as we can be,” Baugh said in conclusion. “The week we played Pineville, we took that as a week when we did not have a lot of contact during the week. Then last week, we added it back to it during the West Monroe week. This week, we have limited the contact, so we don’t have any excuse not to play well next Friday.”
Ruston and Zachary will kickoff at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. The game will be broadcast on Q94.1 FM and streamed on BearcatNationNetwork.com.
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