Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on September 19 at approximately 1:20 p.m., on U.S. 171 south of Noble. The crash claimed the life of 68-year-old Edwin G. Procell.

The initial investigation revealed that a Kubota tractor, driven by Procell, was northbound on U.S. 171. For reasons still under investigation, Procell maneuvered from the outside travel lane into the inside travel lane, as a 2021 Peterbilt was attempting to pass the tractor in the northbound inside travel lane. This action placed the tractor in the direct travel path of the Peterbilt, which resulted in a collision. 

As a result of the crash, Procell sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The Peterbilt driver, who was restrained, sustained no injuries. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

In 2022, Troop E Troopers have investigated 36 fatal crashes, resulting in 38 fatalities.  

The global phenomenon that is the “love languages,” an idea introduced in 1992 by pastor and counselor Gary Chapman in his bestselling book, The 5 Love Languages, has turned 30. 

Back in the turbulent, free love, Jackson 5 vs. Osmond Brothers, psychedelic, protest-filled, the-Baltimore-Orioles-were-really-good, “Were you at Woodstock?” 1960s, the saying from lots of young people was, “Never trust anyone over 30.” 

Seemed a good idea at the time. 

Then those people turned 30 and learned how much it costs to get a roof replaced and a new transmission and they moved on to other causes, like “Never trust a roofer” or “Never trust a mechanic” and other idiotic trivialities, like “Never trust anyone who claims they’ve been to Woodstock.”  

Then a bunch of those teens from the ’60s turned into roofers and mechanics, so what are you gonna do? 

Funny how life experiences change your way of thinking. 

But human nature never changes. It’s why you can read a poem by Blake or Yeats (a fave) or Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I love thee?, let me count the cornbreads…” and it means the same — and feels the same — to the reader today as it did all those years ago. 

So from what I’ve heard and learned from experience is that you can trust some people over 30 — my mother comes to mind — and you can trust the 5 Love Languages, which are “Hot Water Cornbread, Sweet Cornbread, White Cornbread, Yellow Cornbread, and Cornbread-Inclusive.” 

I am just joshing. Those are someone’s love languages, I’m sure. I’ll fair catch at least two of them. 

But the real love languages as proposed by Chapman are these: 

• quality time 
• words of affirmation 
• acts of service 
• gifts 
• physical touch (not like football tackling or boxing but intimate stuff like holding hands; I shouldn’t even have to write this but I know how some of you think so work with me here). 
  
  Those are good languages. 
  
  The thought of a love language might seem silly to the great unwashed, but if you study the love languages, you might find that Chapman was onto something. We all want to be loved in a significant and specific way. I might not need you to touch me often but I might need you to affirm me. You might not need a gift from me; the gift might instead be quality time with you. 
  
  I might not need you to love the New Orleans Saints; but I might feel loved, genuinely, if you say, “I’m sorry the Saints didn’t win”). If you bet on them, a nice follow-up might be, “I’m more sorry they didn’t cover.”  
  
  Some hard liners will say it’s stupid — until they discover that what they craved and needed wasn’t a mansion on the hill and sweet cornbread after all. Instead, it was a person who listened and affirmed them and gifted them with the cornbread of their choice. 
  
  
  Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

 BY MATT VINES, Journal Sports 

MANY – Make room on the couches, layaway beds and even the floor. 

Plenty of extended families who have roots in Many are reporting back to their home bases this weekend as the Tigers host Isidore Newman and a member of Louisiana’s unofficial First Family of Football – quarterback Arch Manning. 

The grounds in and around John W. Curtis are expected to be swamped with tailgaters and spectators of all kinds for this top-10 matchup in Class 2A as the No. 1 Tigers (3-0) rumble with the No. 2 Greenies (3-0). 

“There is a lot of excitement in town about this game,” said Many coach Jess Curtis. “Tickets went on sale, and the line was around the school.” 

While there’ll be plenty of position battles to determine a winner, none will be more flashy than the 2023 No. 1 overall prospect Manning taking on an incredibly athletic and talented Many secondary. 

The Tigers secondary, which features Tackett Curtis and Tylen Singleton among others, will face off against the nephew of Super Bowl champion quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. 

“Arch is a special talent,” Curtis said. “You can tell that he is a student of the game. He can make every throw, so we will need to be sharp in the secondary.” 

Arch Manning and the Greenies are averaging more than 43 points per game through three games this season to begin another impressive chapter in Manning’s high school career, which includes 6,000 passing yards and 100 total touchdowns (81 passing, 19 rushing) for this dual-threat quarterback entering the season. 

Manning outdueled Class 5A Benton in a 54-52 shootout in which the Greenies rallied from an 18-point halftime deficit, including a rollout touchdown pass on fourth-and-13. 

“Our secondary is a good group,” said a modest Curtis, who boasts one of the premier secondaries in the state regardless of class. “We’ve got a couple of four-star talents back there along with some very underrated guys. They are excited about the matchup. It’s always fun to go against the best.” 

Drama is one of the few things missing from Many’s season so far as the Tigers have poleaxed their competition by a combined score of 123-13. Two of Many’s three wins have come against Class 5A opponents Sam Houston and Haughton as the Tigers defense kept both opponents out of the end zone.  

It’s the first time Many has a pair of wins against Class 5A competition in the same season. 

The Tigers are coming off a program-defining win when Haughton visited last week in a 35-3 demolition in which Many rushed for a mind-blowing 519 yards without needing to attempt a pass. 

That power ground game will be relied upon to control the clock and keep the ball away from the high-powered Greenies. 

Newman halted Hahnville’s power running game in a 35-14 win while the Tigers smothered spread attacks in Sam Houston and Haughton. 

“We want to play our style of football,” Curtis said. “We want to do the things that have made us very successful.” 

The Week 4 matchup will serve as an important measuring stick for Many, who has a Week 5 bye before entering an improving but likely overmatched District 3-2A schedule. 

PHOTO: Darrin Dyess/Journal Sports

It’s Official! TappedTober is back for 2022 presented by the Cane River Waterway Commission! Clear your calendars for Saturday, October 15^th as we once again rock the Natchitoches Riverfront Stage. This annual event is known for its family-friendly environment, top-notch entertainment, and ever-expanding beer and wine tasting selections, without missing a second of everyone’s favorite fall activity, football, on the gigantic riverfront screen. Headlining this year’s musical lineup is country legend, Tracy Lawrence, brought to you by Cunningham Insurance and Ameriprise! Visit our website at www.thetappedtober.com or find us on Facebook @Tappedtober for the latest information. 

Proceeds from this event will support the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation & the NRMC Cancer Center in their efforts to improve access to healthcare in our community! 

Ticket link: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tappedtober-craft-beer-wine-festival-2022-featuring-tracy-lawrence-tickets-353999160017?aff=erelexpmlt 

Congratulations to the Many Tigers on a big 35-3 win against the Haughton Bucs! Trent Williams is the Foy Chevrolet Player of the Game, and his 75 yard TD run really set the tone early for a dominating win! Your Tigers are steamrolling to a 3-0 start. Next up, Newman High at John W. Curtis Stadium!

By DARRIN DYESS, Journal Sports 

MANY – Smash-mouth and smother. 

Many treated Class 5A Haughton like Waffle House hash browns Friday as they smothered, covered and scattered the Bucs across John Curtis Field in a 35-3 win. 

The Class 2A No. 1 Tigers didn’t need to attempt a pass as the offensive line blew open large holes and Many ball carriers racked up an astonishing 519 yards. 

Two different Tigers had 100-yard rushers – Jeremiah James had 196 yards and Trent Williams 149 yards – with two additional 70-yard rushers in quarterback Tackett Curtis (76 yards) and Sylvonte Aldredge (73 yards) 

On the flip side, Many (3-0) smothered Haughton’s spread attack, holding the Bucs (2-1) to under 150 yards. 

Many coach Jess Curtis admitted that hosting Haughton on their home turf wasn’t just another regular-season game, but the Tigers took a business-like approach to the task. 

“To have an undefeated Haughton team from that 5A Shreveport district come into our place, and for us to get the win, is big for our program,” Curtis said. “We were really looking forward to playing their program. 

“We had a great week of practice, and we believe that the preparation is the separation.” 

Many set the tone immediately in the first possession as a sack by Keaton Montgomery doomed the Buccaneers with Haughton making sure not to punt or kick to returner Tackett Curtis. 

Haughton made an initial defensive stand by stopping the Tigers on fourth down inside the 5-yard line, but it’s one of the few times the Bucs could put the brakes on Many. 

Many defensive Jayvion Smart intercepted Haughton quarterback Colin Rains, which turned into a Williams 75-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 lead. 

The Tigers then marched 91 yards in 11 plays capped by a James 8-yard touchdown for the 13-0 lead. 

A sack by Many’s Swayze Carheel and Blake Matkin helped keep Haughton off the scoreboard in the final drive of the first half. 

The Many front seven harassed Rains all night while the secondary blanketed Haughton receivers. Rains finished 6-21 passing for 107 yards. The Bucs gained just 26 yards on 26 attempts. 

“We’re blessed to have a great group on that side,” Curtis said. “We have some very good defensive backs in the secondary, and we were able to smother their routes. 

“Defensive coordinator Coach Hassell had a great plan.” 

Many accelerated in the second half as a 34-yard James touchdown run and a Curtis 47-yard scamper pushed the Tigers’ gap to 28-0 midway through the third quarter. 

After a goaline fumble prevented Many from adding more points, Haughton drove the length of the field that ended in a 37-yard field goal from kicker Carter Ebarb. 

James tacked on his third touchdown of the night with a 21-yard gallop to put the Tigers up 35-3. 

Many will get another stiff test when Isidore Newman visits next week with No. 1 national prospect Arch Manning under center. Newman won a 54-52 shootout with Benton this past week. 

Scoring Summary 

Second Quarter 

10:22 M — Trent Williams 75 run. (Deacon Lafollette kick) 
 3:00 M — Jeremiah James 8 run. (kick failed) 

Third Quarter 

10:52 M — James 34 run. (James run).  
 4:17 M — Tackett Curtis 47 run. (Lafollette kick) 

Fourth Quarter 

 5:25 H – Carter Ebarb 36 field goal  
 2:00 M — James 21 run. (Lafollette kick) 

Stats 

First Downs M – 24, H – 11 

Plays  

M – 54, H -56 

Passing 

H – 6-21-107                   

Rushing  

M – 54-519; H – 26-26 

M — James 21-196-3, Williams 8-149-1, Curtis 3-76-1,  

Aldredge 11-73, Maxie 5-15, Booker 1-10 

Tackles  

M – Curtis 8 (4 solo), Gosey 4 

FOY MOTOR’S CRATE LATE MODELS

By Brad Dison

This past week or so, we have all been overwhelmed by information on the royal family due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. This brought up the memory of the mostly forgotten Emperor Norton I whose full name was Joshua Abraham Norton I.

The emperor’s reign began in September 1859 and lasted just over two decades. Emperor Norton issued his own currency and proclamations and collected taxes from his subjects. “The emperor would have been a noteworthy figure anywhere,” one newspaper reported. He was described as being “modestly pretentious,” “sensible and intelligent upon most subjects, and a gentleman always.” He was a large-sized man, “whom the cares of the government had rendered round-shouldered. On the top of a royal head of hair… he wore an old-style high hat from which waved a plume, stolen against its will from some stray white rooster. His eyebrows were heavy, and overhung small, piercing eyes. The emperor was always dressed in a dark blue uniform, closely buttoned to the three upper buttons, which were left loose to show the rich linen he wore. A broad piping of red ran down the seam of his trousers.” When the emperor needed a new tailored uniform, he personally collected the amount required from his willing subjects. Even his personal tailor paid a share.

While most of us grumble about paying even the slightest tax, his subjects were willing, even happy, to pay the emperor’s taxes. Emperor Norton never took more than he needed, and he only collected monthly taxes from those that he graced with his presence. In exchange for paying the monthly taxes, some restaurant owners in his capital city provided him with free meals. Having the emperor dine with them was good for business and they, the businesses, received bragging rights. Emperor Norton was most interested in the events which occurred in his realm. When a political or financial dispute arose, Emperor Norton personally acted as mediator, never taking sides, until both parties were satisfied. The emperor formalized the agreement between the parties with an official decree or proclamation which he signed, “Norton I.”

On State occasions, Emperor Norton wore a ceremonial sword. Even on these occasions, the emperor always had his trusty cane in hand. His cane was such an individuality that “every resident and visitor of his [capital] city knew it by heart.” A carved serpent was coiled around the cane’s central stick. The serpent’s head and neck formed the cane’s crook. Some of his subjects claimed that they could tell the emperor was approaching by the unique sound the cane made as it tapped on the sidewalk with each step he took. Rather than taking a royal carriage, Emperor Norton happily walked the streets of his capital city among his subjects. “No person ever passed him on the streets … without noticing him. If they did not know him at first sight they always asked, and invariably found out.”

All good things must come to an end. On January 8, 1880, the 61-year-old emperor was walking unmolested among his loyal, loving subjects when he suddenly collapsed. People immediately rushed to the emperor, but before anyone could render aid the emperor slipped from this world into the next. Newspapers reported that he died of apoplexy, which most often refers to stroke symptoms that occur suddenly. Emperor Norton’s subjects were immensely saddened by his death. Businesses moved the emperor’s photograph from its place of distinction to their front windows. Unfortunately, Emperor Norton left no heir. He had one true love. On numerous occasions, Emperor Norton proposed marriage to Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, but she married Prince Albert instead. With no proper heir, the title and position of emperor of his realm died with Norton.

Emperor Norton’s obituary said, “There never lived a more eccentric character …than that very Norton. He was a patron of the arts, sciences, operas, free lunches, and, in fact, anything that was good and noble, not excepting the synagogue nor the feasts of all creeds and nationalities, since he was the embodiment of a free pass, and never paid a cent for anything except his lodging, the coin for which he received from his loyal subjects, on whom he levied for contributions monthly.” As not to overtax his subjects, the emperor had not set aside funds for his own funeral. The citizens of his capital city so loved the emperor that they collected one final tax in his name, which his subjects happily paid, for an elaborate funeral and casket for the emperor.

Emperor Norton’s subjects “humored his whim by paying the royal assessments he levied for the support of his imperial person.” The emperor’s realm existed … only in his mind. His capital city was San Francisco, California. Emperor Norton I was the first, and only, albeit self-proclaimed, “Emperor of the United States.”

Sources:
1. The Petaluma Courier, January 14, 1880, p.2.
2. The Evansville Journal (Evansville, Indiana), January 21, 1880, p.4.
3. The American Israelite (Cincinnati, Ohio) February 13, 1880, p.p2.

NATCHITOCHES:
Sis. Virgie Johnson-Turner-Burton
Service: October 8 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, located at 108 church St. in Natchez

Ruby Jo Rachal
August 8, 1943 -August 6, 2022
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Lela Gail Greer
October 28, 1956 – September 16, 2022
Service: Wednesday, September 21 at 10 am at Pendleton Assembly of God

Austin, TX, September 1, 2022 – In recognition of his 20 years of service, Lesh Nettles Brown has been named a Senior NYLIC of New York Life.

Nettles joined New York Life on February 1, 2001. He began his career and continues to work out of the Shreveport General Office of New York Life.

Nettles was raised in Coushatta, LA, and attended Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA where he received a BS degree in Accounting and his MBA. Additionally, he has earned the CLU, ChFC, and LTCP designation from the American College.

Nettles is a Registered Representative with NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC) a Licensed Insurance Agency and a New York Life company and a Life Member of MDRT (Million Dollar Roundtable). He and his wife reside in Natchitoches, LA.

Clean livin’, that’s what it is. 

What I thought was an email joke from the wealthy Amazon.com founder’s ex-wife was followed by a person wanting to give me a baby grand piano, followed by a couple of Powerball winners wanting to give me money and an elderly gentleman with maybe a bad conscious has turned into a miraculous reality for yours truly. 

Your writer buddy here is about to be rich, is the long and short of it.  

Years ago, a Nigerian prince emailed me to say he was “desperately” trying to smuggle his wealth out of his country. Bad guys were out to get it and all. 

He just needed my bank account number so he could send the dough to me, and I would hold it if I didn’t mind, and he’d show up and get it back and give me a nice gift for my troubles. A “nice gift” being some side-striped jackals, as many African elephants as I could stand, a herd of red river hogs and, don’t let me forget to mention, a couple million in United States dollars, which he could afford because two million Benjamins is couch change for your modern Nigerian prince. 

Figured it had to be a hoax. Moved on.  

But …  

A few months ago, I got another email explaining that a couple had “donated” $600,000 to me since they had just won the Powerball ticket of $316.3 million — that’s million with an ‘M’ — and all I had to do was reply to the mail. 

 Please, I was born at night, but not last night. 

 Hoax City. Moved on. 

 But y’all, things kept happening. Like a few weeks ago when my email box contained a “Yamaha baby grand” in the Subject Line and I discovered this, punctuation errors and all:  

 “How are you doing today? I am looking to give away my late husband’s Yamaha baby grand piano to a passionate instrument lover, Please let me know if you will take it or have someone who will care for it. 

“Regards, 

“Kate” 

Kate. One of my favorite female names. Plus, she’d started with wondering how I was doing, which was, I don’t know, kind. These are hard times. It was — what’s the word? — sweet. Thoughtful. 

I didn’t let the comma that was supposed to be a period confuse me; she’d lost her husband, for goodness sakes, was burdened by the baby grand that he used to play, probably singing Cole Porter to her, and she just needed help. And what could I get on today’s market for a baby grand? Probably a half-dozen car payments. 

I loved her immediately. 

But then Jerry wrote me. He was interested in “monthly donations.” While I appreciated Kate’s sentiment, the lure of a monthly stipend was hard to pass up. 

“I realize it takes money to run and operate the University and it costs money to help people every day. I get $1,060.21 in disability benefits direct deposit to my checking account on the third every month unless the third during the weekend deposit Friday. Please contact me if you feel my benefits would be useful. And thank you for your time.” 

I thought back to the email from MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire ex-wife of Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos. She’d given, at the time, $4.2 billion — that’s billion with a ‘B’ — of her fortune to more than 300 organizations. Food banks. Rescue shelters. Needy folk. Me, maybe… 

And that’s when it hit me. The rich Nigerian prince and MacKenzie and the Powerball winners and even the piano widow were just other people posing as them and trying to milk me for money I didn’t have. But ….  

I still wrote the Nigerian prince. I know … I know … But what if? 

The joke is that one day, a Nigerian prince is going to die and in his room they will find a bucketful of diamonds and jewels and money and a note that reads: “I tried to give most of this away by email but …” 

If it’s true, great. The next rounds on me. If it’s a hoax?, fine.  But just know …  

I folded up like a one-egg pudding and sent him my bank account number Monday. If he wants the 346 dollars and change, I have in there, hope he has at it. The best Nigerian buffet in Port Harcourt is on me, along with a car wash and a night at the Maiduguri Inn & Suites.  

If the rest of you need money, just come to me. Don’t fall for this stuff. If you do, there’s a price to pay. 

Contact Teddy for loans and personal gifts at teddy@latech.edu 

By Brad Dison

Carmel-by-the-Sea was, and remains, a picturesque oceanside one-square-mile town 120 miles south of San Francisco. At the time of the 1986 mayoral election, the town consisted of 4,825 residents. Carmel had “rigid preservation and development rules,” which frustrated many of the residents, including Junior. For example, the town council refused to grant a permit for an ice cream shop because of their concerns over water usage, parking issues, and litter problems that were certain to come along with the new business. The town had strict rules concerning signs, awnings, paint colors, and fences around homes.

Junior, then 55 years old, had lived in Carmel for two decades, was a divorced father of two teenagers, and owned a restaurant in town. “I had the experience a lot of people had in this community of going before the city council, and I watched a mighty closed-minded group of people who were not particularly courteous or friendly to the community,” he said during an interview. “I felt if they could do it to me, there certainly must be other people out there that had even more of their life invested in what they were discussing. There’s no reason to make jokes about it or be treated rudely.” He argued that Carmel officials could enforce building codes “in a friendly manner” rather than with “threats and intimidation.”

After careful consideration, Junior decided to run for mayor, a position which only paid a salary of $200 per month. This was no small feat. He challenged 61-year-old two-term mayor Charlotte Townsend and two other candidates for the position. Incumbent Mayor Townsend favored the tight restrictions which had been put into place to retain the community’s character. Junior was not in favor of over-development nor was he in favor of mass tourism. Junior saw the need for change.

By most accounts, Junior was a reserved and quiet man. Until February 21, 1986, Junior had never made a campaign speech in his life, yet he drew the loudest applause during the first electoral debate in the small town. Whereas previous electoral debates in Carmel usually drew a crowd of between 10 to 20 people, this debate drew about 200 people. The focus of Junior’s campaign was to replace the negative relations between the city and its citizens with “positive camaraderie.” Incumbent Mayor Townsend argued, “If you want more tourism … more intrusion of the business community … more traffic and erosion of community character, you should vote for any of my opponents here.”

And they did. Voters went to the polls on April 8, 1986. When the votes were tallied, Junior received 2,166 votes, Townsend – 799, Tim Grady – 31 votes, and Paul Laub – 6 votes. 72 percent of voters chose Junior. The voters had made Junior’s day. Thrilled at the overwhelming show of support, Junior visited local taverns and celebrated by having drinks with well-wishers, a celebration which lasted well into the early hours of the following morning.

Work as the town’s mayor got off to a rocky start. In one meeting, after four planning commissioners opposed his policies for change, Junior fired them and replaced them with what naysayers referred to as Junior’s “Clones.” Under Junior’s leadership, Carmel installed more public restrooms for the town’s tourists, the library got a new annex, which Junior personally funded, and Junior purchased for preservation the historic Mission Ranch which was in danger of being torn down and replaced with condominiums. Carmel finally got its ice cream parlor.

Junior served his full two-year term as Carmel’s mayor and did not seek reelection. Despite what his opponent in the election claimed, Carmel’s character remained intact. Some people tried to convince Junior to run for higher office, but he was simply not interested.

Today, Junior owns several properties in Carmel including a restaurant and a hotel. Although in his 90s, Junior still works creating entertaining products that many of us enjoy. Since his stint as mayor, Junior has won four Academy Awards and other accolades too numerous to list here. For many, Junior will always be associated with a character he played called Dirty Harry, but we all know Clinton Eastwood, Jr. as Clint Eastwood.

Sources:
1. The San Francisco Examiner, February 22, 1986, p.27.
2. Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 23, 1986, p.10.
3. Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 21, 1986, p.11.
4. The Napa Valley Register, March 27, 1986, p.16.
5. The San Bernadino County Sun, April 9, 1986, p.75.
6. The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, California), April 11, 1987, p.31.

MANY – The calendar may say it’s just September, but Many coach Jess Curtis is expecting a ‘playoff feel’ Friday when Class 5A Haughton comes a-callin’ to John W. Curtis Tiger Stadium at 7 p.m. 

And it’s not just because Haughton (2-0) is Class 5A – the Tigers (2-0) easily dispatched of fellow 5A Sam Houston 38-3 to open the season. 

It’s because both teams are playing at a seemingly high level, the latest edition of proud programs with rich playoff tradition. 

“That’s why (Haughton) is on the schedule – to give us that playoff feel,” Curtis said. “Playing a successful Class 5A challenges us in every area. 

“It’s important to be playing well when your run into a team like Haughton. You know you have to play well or you’re going home.” 

Haughton missed the playoffs for the first time in at least 20 years this past season, including each season since they’ve reclassified to 5A in 2011. 

Many developed its championship pedigree over the last decade, which includes two Class 2A state titles in five championship game appearances since 2013. 

The Bucs, whose 2019 squad advanced all the way to the semifinals, have taken out any 2021 frustration on their first two opponents – beating fellow District 3-2A member Red River 35-0 in one half of football (lightning) before dismantling LaGrange 44-14. 

Quarterback Colin Rains directs a versatile spread offense in which four different Bucs scored touchdowns just in the first quarter against LaGrange. 

Many has faced a few different spread offenses this season, including dominating Sam Houston’s spread with just 103 yards allowed. 

“Playing some spread teams earlier this season definitely helps us prepare and showed us things we need to clean up,” Curtis said. “Third down on defense is a down we want to win. 

“And then we want to control the time of possession on offense because Haughton likes to go up-tempo. We want to hang on to the ball.” 

The Tigers defensive strength is their sideline-to-sideline speed as 10 starters return from a year ago, making up arguably one of the best units in the state, not just Class 2A. 

Many’s rushing attack, led by running back Jeremiah James who has topped the 100-yard mark in each of the first two games this season, has rolled up at least 280 rushing yards in its two wins. 

The Tigers steamrolled a Class 4A playoff program in DeRidder to the tune of 300 rushing yards in a 50-7 demolition. 

The special teams need to continue to be special, especially if returner Tackett Curtis can repeat a two-touchdown punt return performance from Week 1. 

Before its Sam Houston win in Week 1, Many hadn’t logged a Class 5A win since beating Southwood in 2011. 

Now the Tigers will attempt to pick up two in the first three weeks of the season. 

DERIDDER – Many’s trip south to face DeRidder took just more than an hour, but the Tigers didn’t need that long to leave any doubt about the outcome of Friday’s contest against the Dragons. 

Many jumped out to a three-touchdown lead in the first half as they trounced DeRidder 50-7. 

The top-ranked Class 2A squad piled up more than 300 rushing yards led by 100-yard rushers Jeremiah James and Tackett Curtis. 

Many (2-0) scratched the scoreboard first in the opening quarter on a Jamarlyn Garner 3-yard touchdown run and a Curtis 38-yard run to cap off drives of 53 and 65 yards. 

DeRidder (1-1) showed life at the end of the first quarter with a touchdown drive of their own to slice Many’s lead to 14-7, but the Tigers’ defense made sure the Dragons didn’t have any more smoke. 

DeRidder’s scoring drive was helped by multiple Many defensive penalties. 

Many held DeRidder, a Class 4A program who is a regular playoff participant, to 73 total yards, including just 48 rushing yards on 30 attempts. 

“We played a complete game (Friday) … and I’m really happy where we are at right now,” said Many head coach Jess Curtis. “The defense was flying to the ball, and we controlled the game on offense.” 

Many, which attempted just one pass (incomplete), gave the Dragons a heavy dose of its ground game. 

James scored his first of three touchdowns with a 1-yard plunge before Curtis tacked on a 64-yard touchdown scamper as Many led 28-7 at halftime. 

Curtis rushed for 110 yards and two touchdown on just three carries – all in the first half. 

The Tigers wasted little time in the second half as a 40-yard kickoff return from Jayvion Smart set up a touchdown drive that culminated in a 3-yard James touchdown run. A Sean Mitcham conversion run put Many up 36-7. 

Younger running backs Kentavious Maxie and Sylvonte Aldredge handled the load late as Aldredge found the end zone from two yards out. Trevor McLendon supplied a 20-yard run to aid the drive. 

James added his third touchdown run in the final score of the night, a 3-yard score. 

Defensively, big plays from Keaton Montgomery, Adam Miller, Swayze Carheel and Tylen Singleton destroyed upended any offense DeRidder attempted to put together. 

Many will face their toughest test to date this coming week when Class 5A Haughton (2-0) comes to town. 

Scoring Summary 

First Quarter 

5:56 M — Jamarlyn Garner 3-yd TD run. Deacon Lafollete kick, 7-0. 

1:35 M —  Tackett Curtis 38-yd TD run. Lafollette kick, 14-0. 

0:03 D — 1 yd TD run, kick good 14-7. 

Second Quarter 

9:18 M — Jeremiah James 1-yd TD run. Kick blocked 20-7. 

5:50 M — Curtis 64 yd TD run. James 2-pt conversion. 28-7. 

Third Quarter 

8:49 M — James 38 yd TD run. Mitcham 2-pt conversion 36-7. 

5:35 M — Sylvonte Aldredge 2 yd TD run. Lafollette kick. 43-7. 

Fourth Quarter 

4:09 M — James 7 yd TD run. Lafollette kick. 50-7. 

Individual Leaders 

Passing 

M – L.Booker 0-1 

D – 1-5, 25 

Rushing 

M – James 17-117-3, Curtis 3-110-2, Garner 6-81-1, Adredge 10-42-1, McLendon 2-27, Maxie 5-4, Williams 2-3, Booker 2-(-6) 

D – 30-48-1 

Tackles 

M – Carheel 5, Singleton 4, Curtis 3, Williams 3