Northwestern State junior Olivia Draguicevich added to her award haul as she was voted the 2021 All-Louisiana Player of the Year on Thursday by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

Draguiceivch led a trio of Lady Demons on the all-state team, joined by senior goalkeeper Acelya Aydogmus and defender Nicole Henry. NSU’s three selections on the 11-member team is a state best as LSU, Louisiana Christian and ULM each placed a pair.

Draguicevich, the Southland Conference Player and Forward of the Year, earned the highest annual superlative the LSWA awards student athletes following a record-breaking campaign which lifted the Lady Demons to their first Southland Conference Tournament title since 2005 and just their second regular season crown in program history. She is also NSU’s first-ever Louisiana Player of the Year in soccer.

Draguicevich netted 13 goals, including seven game-winning goals which tied the nation’s top mark in the category. Her 29 points topped the SLC and was good for 30th nationally.

Draguicevich scored at least one goal in eight of 12 regular season conference matches, including a career-high four-goal outing at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi which tied the program record for most goals scored in a single match. Draguicevich also played a critical role in the Lady Demons’ postseason success, scoring the game winner in the SLC Tournament semifinal and assisting on the game winner in the title match against Incarnate Word.

“All-Louisiana Player of the Year is a huge honor,” Draguicevich said. “Thank you to my coaches, family and teammates for the part they’ve played in helping me get this far in my playing career. It wouldn’t have been done without all of them.”

Back-to-back Southland Conference Goalkeeper of the Year and conference Student Athlete of the Year Aydogmus earned her second consecutive All-Louisiana selection following another historic season for the Lady Demons’ prized keeper.

Aydogmus posted new career (27) and single-season (12) program shutout records, ranking her second nationally in the category. Aydogmus allowed just three goals through league play and recorded two clean sheets on 11 saves in the Southland Conference Tournament en route to NSU’s first postseason title since 2005. A goals-allowed average of .66 is good for 20th nationally and second in program history — second only to a record which she set just six months prior during the spring 2020 season (0.41).

Henry, the three-time reigning Southland Defender of the Year, earned her second-straight All-Louisiana selection playing a leading role on an NSU back line which accrued the nation’s third-highest shutout percentage (.632) through the end of the Southland Tournament and pitched a record 12 shutouts.

Henry scored one goal this season which occurred at home against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and logged two assists – one of which came against Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, resulting in the program’s first-ever goal in an NCAA Tournament.

2021 LSWA All-Louisiana Soccer Team

Individual Awards
Player of the Year: Olivia Draguicevich, Northwestern State

Freshman of the Year: Martina Terra Garcia, Louisiana Christian

Newcomer of the Year: Alesia Garcia, LSU

Coach of the Year: Carla Tejas, Louisiana Christian

First Team
Tinaya Alexander, LSU – Forward, RS Senior, Reading, Berkshire, England

Karleen Bedre, Louisiana – MF, Jr., Norco, Calif.

Stephanie Doran – Louisiana Christian, MF/D, Sr., Colton, Calif.
Olivia Draguicevich, Northwestern State – Forward, Junior, Pflugerville, Texas
Alesia Garcia, LSU – Forward, Senior, Aurora, Colorado
Nicole Henry, Northwestern State – Defender, Senior, Tomball, Texas
Courtney Marten, ULM – F, Jr., Collinsville, Illinois
Kailey Pena, Grambling State – Senior, Albuquerque, N.M.
Martina Terra Garcia – Louisiana Christian, F/MF, Fr., San Jacinto, Canelones, Uruguay
Theoni Zerva, ULM – MF, Sr., Kalamata, Messinia, Greece
Acelya Aydogmus, Northwestern State – Goalkeeper, Senior, Cape Coral, Florida

Honorable Mention: Megan Gordon, Southeastern; Mya Guillory, Southeastern; Josie Studer, Louisiana Tech; Kristel Chaves Bello, Louisiana Christian; Chelsea Brown, LSU; Mara Grutkamp, ULM, Anna Watson, McNeese; Isabella Campos Paniagua, Louisiana Christian, Lindsey Jacobs, Louisiana Christian; Molly Thompson, LSU; Keeley Morrow, McNeese; Rachel Young, McNeese; Mollee Swift, LSU.

So, you think you want to be a professional bass angler? Well, let’s look at what it takes to be a pro in a sport that just might be the most difficult way to make a living. There are certain times in our lives where our jobs take precedence over all other things. Now the Bible tells us that we should put God first, family second and job third. But we don’t always follow these in that order. We tend to reverse these….job first, family second and God third. Now, this does not condemn you to burn in Hades, but you may have to answer to the Big Man one day.

Professional anglers make major sacrifices and spend a tremendous amount of time away from the home due to tournament schedules and other commitments. Tournaments start in the month of January and will run until the end of October. Most anglers will leave home for weeks at a time. Their travels will take them from the East Coast (Florida) to the Southwest (Texas region), up to the New York area (Lake Champlain) and usually finishes up in the northern part of the country close to the Great Lakes. Now understand, these guys are not flying from one event to another, they are driving and pulling a twenty-one-foot bass boat. It’s probably the worst part about being a professional angler…long 10-to-15-hour trips that make for a lot of alone time. Now for those anglers that do not have kids yet, some are blessed to have their wives travel with them. In most cases, their wives are their business managers and handle everything from accommodations for each event, to scheduling the angler’s promotional and speaking engagements.

Let’s now look at the definition of sacrifice. It means to surrender or give up for the sake of something else. For a professional bass fisherman, it means giving up family things and events like birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. For the wife, it means sacrificing her career by keeping the home running in an efficient manner, taking care of the kids, and making sure all their needs are met while Dad is on the road trying to make a living. Kids today tend to be very active in things like scouts, school events, church programs, athletic practices, and games, and it can be a logistic nightmare for mothers who have multiple kids. They are basically a single parent for many weeks out of the year. This is not only difficult to handle but can also create stress and frustration in the marriage. It takes a special lady to take on this role and keep the household stable. Wives also must pay the bills, shop for groceries, handle the banking and cut the grass. They must get the car serviced, do homework, and fix bobo’s and, hopefully at some point at the end of her busy day, she gets to take a bath and get a little sleep. Oh, and I forgot to mention how she must be the phone cheerleader for her husband when he has a bad tournament and questions his ability to succeed.

Today, we salute the wives/mothers who make their own sacrifices in order to allow their husbands to go out and pursue their dreams of making it as professional bass fishermen. The next time you see a professional angler with his wife, ask her for an autograph because she is the real hero. She is the one making the biggest sacrifice. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

To hear everything going in the outdoors world, tune into the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show heard every Wednesday at 11:00 and Saturday mornings at 6:00 on AM 1130 The Tiger.

Steve Graf

Megan Lowe has been named director of University Libraries at Northwestern State University. Her appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Lowe will manage Watson Library and Prince Library on NSU’s Natchitoches campus and libraries on the university’s Shreveport and Leesville-Fort Polk campuses.

Lowe has been a member of the library faculty at the University of Louisiana at Monroe since 2003. She has been director of the library since 2018, serving as academic and administrative head of the library. Lowe joined ULM’s faculty as a reference librarian in 2003 and was coordinator of public services from 2012 – 2016. From 2016 to 2018, she was interim assistant dean of the library and coordinator of public services.

“The University Libraries of Northwestern contain a lot of potential. I want to tap into and realize that potential,” said Lowe. “There’s a lot of great talent, energy, and enthusiasm among the faculty and staff of the University Libraries, and they are raring to go. I’m here to help them do all the wonderful things they want to do to make the University Libraries the very best they can be.”

Lowe wants to emphasize the important role the University Libraries can play in supporting Northwestern State’s academic programs. She will be looking for ways the libraries can better serve students, faculty, staff and the community at large.

“We want to move forward and try new things, make changes that are meaningful and responsive to the needs of our campus communities, and – above else – be a space where students feel like they can find support for academic and personal growth, achievement and success,” said Lowe.

Lowe has been active in statewide organizations including LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network where she has chaired the LOUIS Executive Board. She is founder and editor of Codex, the Journal of the Louisiana Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries.

Lowe has co-authored articles in professional publications on library research and emotions in the library workplace. An upcoming publication will cover burnout among library deans and directors.

For more information of Northwestern State University Libraries, go to library.nsula.edu.

Joe Collins, Sr.
August 26, 1942 – December 07, 2021
Service: Friday, December 10 at 11 am at Big Creek Cemetery of Pollock

Para Lea Thaxton
December 6, 1926 – December 8, 2021
Service: Sunday, December 12 at 2 pm at Cenchrea Church of the Nazarene

Davy Jones Garrett
April 2, 1940 – December 7, 2021
Service: Friday, December 10 at 10:30 am at Mt. Zion Cemetery

Theresa Monette Vallien
March 4, 1942 – December 5, 2021
Visitation: 10am December 10 at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Rosary: 11am December 10
Services: 12pm December 10 at Holy Cross Catholic Church
Burial: St. Paul Cemetery in Abbeville, La.

Ronnie Quick
Service: Friday, December 10 at 2 pm at Ashland Baptist Church

John Masson
Service: Friday, December 10 at 10 am in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

James Adam Basco
May 20, 1963 – December 1, 2021
Visitation: 1 pm – 7 pm on Sunday, December 12th; Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Services: Noon Monday, December 13, 2021; St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Gorum
Burial: will follow at Gorum Cemetery. in Natchitoches, LA.

Toy Lee Haynes Melton
June 14, 1933 – December 06, 2021
Friday, December 10 at 1 pm at Southern Funeral Home

Tiger fans, family, and friends! The Sabine Parish Journal is proud to spotlight the players of the winning Many High School Tiger Football Team. We gave every player, manager, and coach the chance to be interviewed and have their moment in the spotlight as they head to the dome for the Championship Title! We hope you enjoy these next few articles showcasing the incredible drive, heart, talent, and dedication that is part of each and every player on this winning team. To the players, from the Sabine Parish Journal, we wish you the very best of luck and we are proud of your amazing game-play so far! 

Without further ado, The Sabine Parish Journal brings you the Tiger Football Player Spotlight: Round 1! 

Christopher Williams #73: Sponsored by parents, Scotty and Cheyenne Williams, Aunt Shannon and Uncle Nic, Papaw Jerry, and Aunt Jen and Uncle Lemoine 

“An excellent football player is someone who works hard and has drive and determination. ”

– C. Williams

Christopher Williams has been playing football for Many High School for two years. Prior to his time on the Tiger High School team, he played two years for Many Junior High. According to Christopher, he’s been playing for quite some time. “I played in various youth leagues, starting when I was six years old!”

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?

“Going in on offense and protecting the ball! Practicing tackles so I can become better.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?

“An excellent football player is someone who works hard and has drive and determination.”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?

“Shelton Eaves #73, My Uncle-C.J. Remedies #73, Pete Gentry #64″

4.What is your favorite part of the game? 

“My favorite part of the game is running down the hill to the fans cheering. Hitting someone and knowing I am helping build my team. Winning! “

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player 

“Shelton Eaves #73, My Uncle-C.J. Remedies #73, Pete Gentry #64″

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?

“You form a brother and protect your teammates. It’s fun and challenging.”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

“It inspires me to do better because little kids look up to us on the field.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?

“It drives me to be a better student by making me push myself to get good grades and always try my best.”

Demario “Deuce” Woods #27: Sponsored by Melissa Willams

“My favorite part of the game is the hard work you have to put in to win.”

-D. Woods

Demario “Deuce” Woods is a dedicated player on the Many High School Football Team. He believes In hard work and enjoys the successes that come with it. He looks up to family members who have paved the way before him in football and looks forward to setting an example for younger kids to play later on. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?

“Running down the hill and getting ready to run out.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?

“When your team score is something that makes a football player happy.”

3. What player do you or did you look up to?

“A player I look up to is London because he is my older cousin and is very good.”

4. What is your favorite part of the game? 

“My favorite part of the game is the hard work you have to put in to win.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player?

“My most favorite player is Keelan Williams because we play the same.”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?

“Help in real life, everybody on the field is friends and the friendship we have.”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

“It teaches me to work hard.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?

“Help you do right in class.”

Rustin Morales #64: Sponsored by Carolyn Williams and Roy Morales 

“Football It makes me want to do good because I’m representing something I care about.”

-R. Morales

Rustin Morales is a sophomore on the Many High School Football Team. He has been playing for Many High School for two year, but has been playing the game overall since the young age of years old. Rustin enjoys the training that goes into making a player great and is no stranger to hard work himself as seen in his impressive stats. According to Rustin, this 5’8, 170 lb Tiger can “deadlift 340, bench 160, and squat 285.” 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?

“Getting better and the contact.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?

“Drive, physicality and being able to be coached.”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?

“Demarcus Lawrence”

4. What is your favorite part of the game? 

“Contact”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player 

“Darnell Williams”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?

“Teamwork, Fun, Getting better together”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

“It makes me want to do good because I’m representing something I care about.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?

“Drives me to keep good grades so I can keep playing.”

Caleb Johnston #67: Sponsored by Travis and Liz Johnston

“Being part of a team helps develop trust with others, develop team skills, and has shown me that hard work pays off.”

C. Johnston

Caleb Johnston has been an important part on the Many High School Football Team for two years. Prior to his start on the high school team, he played for Many Junior High for two years. This dedicated young athlete believes that being a part of a team can makes you a better leader in the classroom. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?

“Going to state.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?

“Practice working out.”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?

“My Brother”

4. What is your favorite part of the game? 

“Winning”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player 

“Chase Johnston”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?

“Develop trust with others, Develop team skills, And that hard work pays off.”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

“It pushes you to higher skill levels.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?

“Makes you a leader in the classroom.”

Cole Pickett #53: Sponsored by parents Brad and Andrea Pickett

“I love the hype before the game. It feels good, gets me fired up to do my best.”

-C. Pickett

Cole Pickett is an integral part of the Many High School Football Team. He has been starting as the center for one year now. Cole believes that the most important things to come from playing football in high school are the “lifetime memories, brotherhood, and life lessons.”

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?

“The hype before the game. It feels good, gets me fired up to do my best. Also, pushing myself when I’m tired in the game to keep doing my very best, endurance.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?

“Dedication, preparation and talent! You have to be committed.”

3. What is your favorite part of the game? 

“Getting to walk down that hill and play with my friends on Friday Night. Making memories that will last a lifetime.”

4. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?

“Brotherhood, Lifetime memories, Life Lessons”

5. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

“Being an athlete you know others who are younge are looking up to you and watching you.”

6. How does being an athlete make you a better student?

“You have to be smart and dedicated to play and you have to be smart and dedicated to be a successful student.”

On Friday, December 3, 2021, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) released
“simulated” state and school test scores from the 2020-2021 school year. While there
are bright spots in the results, Sabine, like other districts across the state, experienced a
decrease in scores which is to be expected following two tumultuous years in education
caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

There are positive outcomes from the results. Sabine’s C-19 district performance score
is an 82.4 placing them in the top 20 in the state and fourth in the Central Region. Many
K-8 students made growth, ranking Sabine Parish 4th in the Central Region. High school
students’ progress ranks Sabine third in Louisiana and first in the Central Region.
Sabine’s high school assessment index ranks in the top 20 in the state and second in
the Central Region. Also ranking in the state’s top 20 were Sabine’s Strength of
Diploma Index and the ACT index, ranking third and fourth in the Central Region
respectfully. Sabine’s Cohort Graduation Index ranks fourth in the state and first in the
Central Region. Sabine’s graduation rate is among the top 20 in Louisiana at 97.7%.

Ebarb, Many High, and Zwolle Elementary increased their overall school performance
score despite the pandemic. Converse, Many Elementary, Many High, Negreet,
Pleasant Hill, Zwolle Elementary and Zwolle High were named “Top Gains Honorees”
during the simulation. Both Many High and Zwolle High were recognized as “Equity
Honorees”.

While reflecting on the results, it is important to consider several variables:

• SY 2019-2020 was a year of early closure and no assessment. Any break in the
  continuity of assessment can affect a student’s overall success.
• Many students were on an A/B schedule or virtual for the majority of last year
  with educators juggling teaching students in class and at home.
• Students and staff experienced numerous disruptions both from Covid and from
  historic weather events.
• Students were out sick with Covid, in quarantine, or were adversely affected by
  family members with the virus, which hampered their ability to adequately prepare
  for the tests.

By Brad Dison

Following World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union were embroiled in a bitter Cold War. On June 25, 1950, some 75,000 soldiers from Soviet-backed North Korea crossed the 38th parallel and invaded pro-western South Korea. Within a month, American troops joined the fighting on behalf of South Korea to halt the spread of international communism. Among those troops was the Third Combat Engineering Battalion to which 23-year-old Pfc. Chester Ray “Chet” Whisamore belonged.

The war was a deadly game of tug-of-war as soldiers fought back and forth across the 38th parallel. The number of casualties ultimately mounted to around five million, but neither side gained much ground. The war was in a stalemate for a year, then a second. Compared to both world wars, which received widespread press coverage, the Korean War garnered much less press coverage and became known as the “Forgotten War”.

In the middle of the forgotten war, during the 1952 Christmas season, the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce created the “Gift Lift” project to provide every serviceman in South Korea with a Christmas gift. Among the items most desirable were “flashlights with batteries, long candles for reading, fruit cakes, candy, cookies, books, stationery kits, canned meats and woolen socks.” Donors filled packages with Christmas presents for the soldiers and included nice Christmas cards to reassure the soldiers that they were certainly not forgotten, especially during the holiday season. The gifts were shipped to Korea and distributed at random to the servicemen.

Mrs. Julia Pearson’s son was fighting in Korea, so she wanted to participated in the program. In early November of 1952, Mrs. Pearson filled two big Christmas packages to send to Korea, one to her son and one to an unknown soldier. She addressed the first package of goodies to her son, whom she dearly missed. She addressed the “Gift Lift” package to “A Lonely Soldier in Korea.” She included a note inside the package with the message that she hoped the soldier who received it would enjoy it and signed her name.

Several days later, the “Gift Lift” presents were delivered to the servicemen in Chet’s outfit in Korea. Chet, who, like most of the other soldiers, longed to be home for the holidays, received two packages, one of which was a “Gift Lift” package. He opened the first package and found an array of items his mother had sent to brighten his holiday. He opened the “Gift Lift” package and read the note addressed to “A Lonely Soldier in Korea.”

Chet took out a piece of paper and began writing a thank you note for the Christmas packages. Chet wrote, “I got your package, mom, but what a shock I got when I opened one of the “Gift Lift” packages distributed to our outfit. It was from you.” In what was considered a one-in-a-million coincidence, both packages Chet received on that day were from Mrs. Julia Pearson …his mother.

Sources
1. The Los Angeles Times, November 23, 1951, p56.
2. Tulare Advance-Register (Tulare, California) January 29, 1952, p.7.
3. The Manila Times, January 1952.
4. Stars and Stripes Newspaper, Pacific Editions, 1945-1963, March 2, 1952.

Northwestern State softball has set its annual Demon Softball Auction for Dec. 10, announced head coach Donald Pickett.

The auction will take place at the Knights of Columbus (1105 E. 5th Natchitoches Street), beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $50 with an eight-person VIP table available for $350. The ticket price includes dinner and beverages as well as a chance to bid on fantastic auction items.

To reserve a spot, contact NSU pitching coach Lexi Smith at smithale@nsula.edu

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals or companies.

At the Single Level for $500, donors will receive a signed softball, a T-Shirt, and two tickets to the auction.

At the Double Level for $750, donors will receive two season tickets for the upcoming season, a meet and greet with the team, a signed ball and two auction tickets.

At the Triple Level for $1,000, donors will receive two season tickets, dinner with the team in the Outfield Club, a meet and greet, a signed ball, a T-Shirt and two auction tickets.

Sponsors have the opportunity for naming rights to the auction with a Grand Slam at $2,500. In addition to naming rights, the donor will receive two Outfield Club season tickets, a VIP table at the auction, a signed team picture, a meet and greet, a signed ball and two T-Shirts.

All proceeds benefit NSU softball to assist the team with scholarships, travel costs, facility upgrades among other needs.

PHOTO: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

BOM is a title sponsor of the Sabine Motor Speedway in Many. Pictured left to right:  BOM’s LeeAnn Edwards, Charles Jones – SMS Owner, BOM’s Katrice Below, Daniel Jones – SMS Owner, and BOM’s Emily Breedlove.

Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington hosted district attorneys from throughout the state last week in Natchitoches for the meeting of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association.

The group met to discuss and address current criminal justice issues including violent crimes, opioid misuse, juvenile justice, sexual assaults, victim resources, and traffic safety.

Additionally, the district attorneys and staff participated in continued professional legal education on topics including identifying human trafficking and victims assistance coordination.

“This meeting was great opportunity for district attorneys to share information and strategies in addressing criminal justice issues in their jurisdictions. By working together and communicating, we are able to continue to effectively prosecute our cases, support our victims, and serve the citizens our parishes,” said District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington.

District Attorney Warren Montgomery, of St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, said “it is great to visit Natchitoches during this time of the year to visit this beautiful city and enjoy your warm hospitality.”

“Our meeting was very productive in addressing strategies in the operations of our offices. We all have similar challenges including the increase of violent crimes which has been apparent in every state in our country. We will continue to work with our law enforcement agencies, parish government officials, and our citizens to work diligently to pursue justice for those impacted by crime,” said District Attorney Montgomery.

The Louisiana District Attorney’s Association is composed of the 42 elected district attorneys in the state. Their motto is “to improve Louisiana’s justice system and the office of District Attorney by enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of Louisiana’s District Attorneys and their staffs through education, legislative involvement, liaison, and information sharing.”

In September 2021, the association initiated the effort “Operation DA Strong” which provided food, clothing, and materials to citizens in parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida.

Theresa Monette Vallien
March 4, 1942 – December 5, 2021
Visitation:  10am December 10 at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Rosary: 11am December 10
Services: 12pm December 10 at Holy Cross Catholic Church
Burial:  St. Paul Cemetery in Abbeville, La.

James Adolf Conant, Sr.
September 15, 1932 – November 24, 2021
Service: Saturday, December 11 at 10 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle

James Adam Basco
May 20, 1963 – December 1, 2021
Visitation: 1 pm until 7 pm on Sunday, December 12th at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Services:  Noon Monday, December 13, 2021 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Gorum, LA.
Burial:   will follow at Gorum Cemetery.  in Natchitoches, LA.

Eletha Ann “June” Blanchard Koppie
Services: 11am Wednesday, December 8 at Union Hall Baptist
Interment: Following at the Bethany Cemetery

The old saying that matchups never live up to expectations was once again proven wrong by the state Class 2A football semifinal playoff game at Many High School’s John W. Curtis Stadium Friday night between district rivals Many and Avoyelles.

It was billed as a heavyweight fight and turned out to be exactly that, all the way down to the last play of the game. After a contest with eight lead changes, the Many Tigers escaped with a 40-38 win to punch their ticket to the state finals in the Caesars Superdome.

That championship contest is next Friday afternoon in New Orleans at 3:30 against Amite, who the Tigers edged on the road in the semifinals 34-30 last year before winning the 2020 state championship.

After tailgating all over the Many High campus and an exciting, extended fireworks show, fans settled in for what will go down in history as one of the most physical and intense games ever played here. If you’re faint-hearted and can’t handle pressure, then this one wasn’t for you. Many’s two victories this season over Avoyelles have been by a combined total of 6 points.

After a rare four-down stop of Avoyelles to open the game, the Tigers took over at the Mustangs 33-yard line and scored on their first play when London Williams broke clear just 1:56 into the first quarter. Many led 6-0 after a failed two-point attempt.

Avoyelles rallied with a methodical 4:01-long drive of 71 yards, capped off by a 20-yard touchdown run from Travon Prator. Jervez Wright added the two-point conversion to put the Mustangs up 8-6 with 5:49 to go in the first quarter.

Behind Williams and Jeremiah James, the Tigers moved the ball down to the Mustangs; 21 yard line. With 57 seconds left in the first, Jack Deville managed to get wide open over the middle and Tackett Curtis hit him with a 21-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers back in front 12-8 after the conversion was missed.

The Mustangs’ next possession also ended up in the end zone. The drive featured a 39-yard run by Joshua Williams and a 23-yard Wright run. Prator again scored, this time from 2 yards out and another Wright conversion made the score 16-12 in favor of the Mustangs.

The Tigers needed only two plays on the ensuing possession. After the routinely unsuccessful onside kick off from Avoyelles, Many started at the 50 yard line. Williams lost yardage on the first play, but scampered 52 yards for a touchdown on the next one. James added a two-pointer, pushing the Tigers in front 20-16 with 10:09 still left in the second quarter.

Avoyelles responded with a series that consisted of 10 plays winding 5:13 off the clock. Another methodical drive ended with Prator scoring his third touchdown of the first half, this one from 5 yards out. The conversion failed, but the Tigers trailed 22-20.

Many’s reply covered 65 yards. The drive started on the Tigers’ 35 and behind four carries from James and two from Williams, the last one a 34-yard touchdown run by Williams, the Tigers were back in front. The conversion failed but the Tigers led 26-22 going into the half.

By then, Williams had already accounted for 132 yards on 7 carries and three touchdowns while James had 8 carries for 51 yards. Avoyelles had 175 rushing yards in the first half.

Just 36 seconds into the second half, the Tigers roared again. Williams scored his fourth touchdown with 11:24 left in the third from 5 yards out after the Tigers received great field position thanks two two different penalties on the second-half kickoff. Curtis added the conversion, making the Many advantage 34-22.

Avoyelles answered with a 7-play drive covering 80 yards. Wright scored from 31 yards away on a run and with Joshua Williams adding the conversion, the margin tightened to 34-30 with 7:45 left in the third. That was the final score of the first meeting between the two teams Oct. 15.

Many was forced into the game’s only punt on the ensuing series. Avoyelles then did what Avoyelles does. The Mustangs took 8:29 off the clock on a 16-play drive that was capped by a Nick Casugay 23-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Smith. With a two-point conversion, the Mustangs led 38-34 with 9:35 left in the game.

Many wasted little time in getting the lead back, starting on its own 39-yard line,

On the second play, Williams exploded on a 58-yard scoring run around the left end. Although the conversion failed, the Tigers went up 40-38. The touchdown for Williams was his fifth of the game.

The defending state champs needed to come up with a defensive stop and after 11 plays they did just that. A fourth-down incomplete pass turned the ball back over to the Tigers with 3:19 left in the game.

A brief Tiger series ended on downs at the Mustangs’ 2-yard line, giving the visitors one last chance with only 1:43 left on the clock. After a couple of running plays and a pair of incompletions, the game ended on a Jamarlyn Garner interception to seal the victory for the Tigers and earn their third straight appearance in a state championship game.

Avoyelles ran 72 plays for 396 yards, while Many ran less than half that total (31) but had a much better per-play average, posting 350 yards (11.3 per snap).

The Tigers (13-1) will hit the road next week for New Orleans for the rematch against Amite (a 35-26 winner over Jonesboro-Hodge) in the Superdome.

“We’re going to New Orleans. We’re not going just to eat beignets and gumbo,” said head coach Jess Curtis. “We’re going to win a state championship.”

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

10:04 M  – London Williams 33-yard run, conversion missed, Many 6-0

5:49 A – Travon Prator 20-yard run, Jervez Wright two-point conversion good, Avoyelles 8-6

0:57 M -Tackett Curtis 21-yard pass to Jack Deville, conversion no good, Many 12-8

Second Quarter

11:04  A – Prator 2-yard run, conversion good, Avoyelles 16-12

10:09 M – Williams 52-yard run, Jeremiah James conversion, Many 20-16

4:48 A – Prator 5-yard run, conversion failed, Avoyelles 22-20

1:57 M – Williams 34-yard run, conversion failed, Many 26-22

Third Quarter

11:24 M – Williams 5-yard run, Curtis conversion, Many 34-22

7:45 A – Wright 31-yard run, Joshua Williams conversion, Many 34-30

Fourth Quarter

9:35 A – Nick Casugay 23 yard pass to Jalen Smith, conversion good, Avoyelles 38-34

9:07 M – Williams 58-yard run, conversion missed, Many 40-38

INDIVIDUAL STATS

Rushing

M – Williams 12-205, 5 TDs; James 13-127, McLendon 1-minus 3

A – Williams 24-133, Wright, 23-127, Prator, 13-68, 3 TD’s, Sampson 1-0

Passing

M – Curtis 1-3, 21 yards, 1 TD

A – Casugay 3-7, 58 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception

Receiving

M – Deville 1-21, 1 TD

A – Smith 1-23, 1 TD, Wright 1-30, Prator 1-5

Tackles

M – Curtis 13, Montgomery 8, Carheel 8

Over the weekend the students of Sabine Parish showed just how valuable funding the arts can be with their fun-filled production of “A Good Old Fashioned Big Family Christmas.” 

Audience members were treated to a touching and hilarious story of a family trying to get together for the holidays in a way that was reminiscent to when they were kids. Starting with a monologue that had the audience in stitches, Hayden Steward, played by Kadyn Dees, set the scene for hilarity with family-friendly jokes about his propensity to be somewhat of a “screw-up” in the eyes of his wife, played by Harlie Cruse. Once the jokes started rolling from Dees, they didn’t stop. The audience was a roar with laughter with the introduction of each new family member added to the mix. 

As the play progressed, the viewers got to see the plans of Harlie and her sisters, played by Bethany  Giddings and Isabella Berry, become more and more over the top, with “credit” going to Hayden as he unintentionally placed Holiday cheer ideas in the mind of his thoughtful wife. 

As the plans grow, so does the involvement of the family, though somewhat against their will. Perhaps some of the funniest scenes came from the side scenes of the husbands of the sisters, played by Shawn Williams and Patrick (Mick) O’Neal, as they tried to plan their way out of the holiday scheme only to be bribed into putting on a show of fake holiday cheer and support by Hayden’s hilarious fishing boat swap idea. 

As the “adults” of the family were scheming to make everyone get along, even if they had to fake it, the kids, played by Marilyn May, Georgia Luster, and Gabriella (Gabby) Rainey, added to the family chaos in the best way. 

Once the sister, husbands, and kids were all on the same page with the plan, it was time for the audience to be introduced to the reason for a plan being needed in the first place, the lovable and theatrically argumentative patriarch and matriarch of the crazy clan. Jack and Arlene, played by Jeffrey (J.D.) Etheridge and Mallyah McCullough, entered the stage with with grey wigs, glasses, pillow-stuffed pot-bellies, and a funny argument about the correct directions to get to the house throwing a nod to the original scene in the play proving Hayden’s point that “men are good at making women mad” and that they never ask for directions. 

Just when the it seemed as though the whole family was there and ready for the party, this cast of funny and talented students threw another crazy couple into the mix. With the addition of Hayden’s parents came a string of jokes and jabs from Hayden’s father Tom, played by the talented Caleb Corley. Throwing new characters into a play late in the show can be tricky, but the way this cast pulled it off was seamless and only added to the belly laughs coming from the audience as the original generation of husbands and wives argued and picked at one another. 

Once everyone was forced together in the living room decorated in traditional Christmas cheer, with the added touch of a freshly cut tree that resulted in another funny monologue from leading man Kaydn Dees, the family was guided to the realization that they had created a domino affect of Christmas cheer spreading through the neighborhood. As well-meaning neighbor Mildred, played by Isabel Etheridge, explained to them just how much their traditional family Christmas plans had touched the once quiet neighborhood, Hayden’s wise mother Marjorie, played by Madeline Berry, delivered the final moral of the story…Christmas is about doing for others and making those you love happy. 

This heartwarming and hilarious play was a must-see. From laughable start to touching finish, “A Good Old Fashioned Big Family Christmas” was one for the books! The extremely talented students of the Sabine Drama Club earned a well-deserved 5 star review from the Sabine Parish Journal! 

The Willie Stewart Family and Friends Christmas Show on Dec. 11 has become an annual  tradition at the Many Community Center.

There’s one big change to this year’s show.  It will start an hour earlier – at 6 P.M, instead of 7.  Willie thought it was a good idea to move the time up by an hour, “since it gets dark so early, and folks like to get home by 9 o’clock”.

Even though some posters and fliers had already been distributed that show the starting time at 7,  Willie wants to get the word out that the show will now begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11.

The Stewart Family features Willie, his wife Debbie, his son Bo, his grandson Kelly, and his granddaughter- in- law Clancey.  Their friends, the talented father and son team, Steve and Mark Birdwell  from Marthaville, and the Stewarts’  talented friend Laurie Gentry will also entertain and join the Stewarts in putting on a Christmas show that will long be remembered.

Willie said the band has already been practicing this fall, and he’s confident that this year’s Christmas show will be the best one of all.  This will be the third Christmas show  presented at the Community Center. The  Stewarts presented their first Christmas show in 2018.  Then came the second in 2019.  2020 was cancelled because of the COVID virus.   This year the Stewarts and their friends are delighted to return with “the best show of all” according to Willie.

Once again, admission is free, a Christmas gift from Mayor Robert Hable, the Many City Council and the Many Cultural District Committee.

Concessions are available and donations to the Community Center are greatly appreciated. 

A GREAT BIG SHOUT OUT to those who participated in Operation Christmas Child this year and made West Central La team a huge success. The team packed 15,257 shoeboxes in 990 cartons and loaded three 18 wheelers. From buying items, packing shoeboxes, paying for shipping and praying for the child who will receive it, the Gospel will be spread to over 150 countries. Sabine Parish had a very busy week with two drop off locations.

Calvary Baptist Church collected 2,764 shoeboxes and packed 181 cartons with 16 volunteers working during collection week.  Churches participating were 22 and three groups. Mitchell Baptist in Converse collected 710 shoeboxes and packed 48 cartons with 6 volunteers. There were seven Churches who participated. The shoeboxes were delivered to Atlanta, Georgia to be processed before shipping. It is never too early to start packing for 2022.

The Santa Claus house opened on Sunday for the first night of the season.

The first visitors for the opening night were the Carioca Family from Shreveport. Pictured from left are Christmas Belle Anna Catherine Coleman, Mrs. Carioca and her daughter Mya, Santa Claus, Max Miner and Belle Tinley Durr.

Also visiting Santa this year was our first visitor from last year Madelyn Flemings from Gonzales. She wasn’t the first one in line this year, but she was the second. Madelyn shared with Santa her wish list for this year and reminded him of her visit from last year. Santa also had visitors all the way from Haiti.

Come see Santa, Miss Merry Christmas and the Belles at the beautiful Santa Claus house on the riverbank. The Santa House will be open from Dec. 5 – 23 from 6-8:30 pm Sunday-Friday and 5-8:30 pm on Saturdays.

After a post was made on Facebook claiming that 12 cars were broken into on Nov. 27 during the Christmas festival fireworks show in the downtown Natchitoches area.

The NPJ decided to confirm this information with the Natchitoches Police Department. It was confirmed that a total of 10 vehicle burglaries were reported on Saturday evening. The vehicle burglaries were a combination of unlocked doors and glass being shattered to gain entry. In several of the burglaries the property was in plain view and the suspects were able to see inside of the vehicles to steal the items.

The NPD would like to share a few tips with the holiday season approaching. During this special time of year we can all become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. Below are a few tips on how to stay safe while enjoying the 95th Natchitoches Christmas Festival.

• Avoid driving alone or at night.
• If you must shop at night try to park in a well-lit area.
• Try to park as close as you can to your destination.
• Never leave your vehicle unoccupied with the motor running or with children and pets inside.
• Notify your credit card issuer or bank immediately if your card is lost or stolen to prevent any unwanted charges.
• Never leave packages or valuables in the seat of your vehicle.  If you must leave any items in your vehicle try to lock them in the trunk or put them out of sight to prevent a potential burglary.
• If you pay to park in a private lot make sure they are providing security.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your vehicle.
• Let your child know prior to attending the Natchitoches Christmas Festival that if they get lost to locate the nearest police officer so they can be returned to you safely.
• Do not approach your vehicle alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbags or items.  You can also use this technique to secure your purse or handbag to a shopping basket.

The Natchitoches Police Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Photos: Theresa McLaren

Chris Grant, a dynamic leader whose broad experience as a college athletics executive runs the spectrum from small conferences to running tournaments for a Power Five conference, has been named the new Commissioner of the Southland Conference.

Grant, who is currently the Conference’s deputy commissioner, will fully take on his new responsibilities when Commissioner Tom Burnett – who is also currently serving as chair of the NCAA’s Division I Men’s Basketball Committee – will move into a role as full-time senior consultant to the commissioner and the Board of Directors after the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament concludes.

“As we look ahead, we are truly excited that Chris will be leading us at a time of unprecedented change, and opportunity, in college athletics,” said Jay Clune, president of Nichols State University and the chair of the conference’s governing board. “A former student-athlete who has served at nearly every level of college sports and succeeded everywhere he’s gone, he has the right mix of innovative spirit, determination, and openness to collaborate that a strong commissioner needs.”

Clune continued, “I particularly want to thank Tom Burnett for his many years of devoted service and extraordinary accomplishments. I know that he and Chris will effect a smooth transition, and we will all continue to benefit from Tom’s wisdom in his new role.”

Broad Experience

Grant, who came to the Southland Conference as deputy commissioner in August, will become the conference’s first African-American commissioner. Before coming to Southland, he served as Associate Commissioner of Sports Management and Championships at the Pac-12 Conference, where among his many accomplishments he played a key role in successfully establishing the women’s basketball championship in Las Vegas and spearheading negotiations for the inaugural 2022 conference baseball tournament in Scottsdale.

Prior to that, he was Director of Sports Services at Conference USA, and Assistant Athletics Director at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

As a student-athlete, Grant was a four-year football letter winner at Kentucky State University, from which he graduated cum laude and on the AD’s honor roll.

“Chris has the perfect mix of experience as a leader – both as a student-athlete and as a conference administrator – that will make him a superb commissioner,” said Steve Moniaci, athletic director at Houston Baptist University. “When you put that together with his personal commitment to innovation and his ability to work with others, it really is a recipe for success. I know all of the Athletic Directors are looking forward to working with Chris as we continue striving to make this one of the premier athletic conferences in the country.”

Grant expressed his appreciation for the opportunity and also his admiration for Burnett, “Tom has been an exceptional leader and the face of this conference for 20 years. I am so appreciative that Tom will remain on staff in a full-time senior consulting role as we address the ever-changing developments in college athletics.

“I am humbled by the responsibility being entrusted to me by our conference presidents, and I am determined to live up to their expectations,” Grant added. “This is a time of great upheaval in college sports, but also one that, if we work together and navigate it successfully, is a time of great opportunity for our schools and, most importantly, for our student athletes.”

Burnett, who will remain as commissioner during a transition period until the spring, said, “I couldn’t be more pleased than to be leaving the conference in Chris’s hands. He brings a student-athlete’s competitiveness and dynamism, along with an infectious innovative spirit that I’ve had the privilege to experience first-hand. I think the conference will have an exciting future, and I look forward to working with him in our new roles.”

Grant and his wife, Marie-Therese, a former standout volleyball student-athlete at the University of Texas at El Paso and currently the Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Thrive Global, reside in Plano, Texas, with their goldendoodle, Bash.

Commissioner Tom Burnett, who is also the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Chair, will become a senior consultant to Grant and the Board of Directors.

Grant, a former student-athlete, brings broad conference leadership experience and a commitment to innovation at a time of widespread change; will take over in spring 2022.

About the Southland Conference

Founded in Dallas in 1963 and now in its 59th competitive season, the Southland Conference celebrates the academic and competitive achievements of its member institutions and their student-athletes. Based in Frisco, Texas, the league now includes eight members in Louisiana and Texas and sponsors 19 NCAA Division I sports, with NCAA Championships automatic berths in 12 applicable team sports. The Southland Conference has won numerous national championships, including the 2021 NCAA Division I FCS title, and wins regularly in other sports in NCAA postseason play, including the 2021 Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The Conference also features a newly-expanded agreement with ESPN Networks, broadcasting hundreds of competitions each year, and is represented in the national corporate sales marketplace by Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment. The Southland has also served as the host conference for the successful NCAA Division I FCS Championship Game in Frisco since 2011.

James Adam Basco
May 20, 1963 – December 01, 2021
Service: Monday, December 13 at 12 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Gorum Cemetery

James Melvin LeBaron
November 30, 1954 – December 03, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 7 at 10 am at Mars Hill Baptist Church in Verda

It’s Round 2, this time, for keeps. After a down-to-the-last minute regular season battle between the teams, the No. 1-ranked Many Tigers will host the No. 4 Avoyelles Mustangs in a high school football state semifinal matchup at John W. Curtis Stadium in Many tonight at 7 o’clock.

The winner will play next Friday for the Class 2A state championship in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. 

It’s the Mustangs first trip to a semifinal game. The Tigers, defending state champions, return to the semifinals where they’ve been eight times over the previous nine years and look to return to the championship game for the third season in a row. 

This contest will be like a heavyweight fight — Ali-Foreman, Tyson-Holifield, and in this matchup, Andy Boone-Jess Curtis.

Those are the opposing head coaches. They won’t trade punches, literally. They’re good friends who have enjoyed good-natured banter in the media and social media back-and-forth since the end of last Friday night’s quarterfinal playoff wins.

Avoyelles (11-2) faced familiar foes in its first two playoff games, beating parish rival Bunkie 42-7 and dispatching district opponent Winnfield 30-21. Last Friday, the Mustangs went on the road north of Shreveport to topple North Caddo 46-28.

Many (12-1) scored 30 points in the first seven minutes last Friday and blasted Rosepine 50-12. A week earlier, East Feliciana battled the visiting Tigers down to the last seven minutes, but then another scoring blitz broke open a one-score game in a 51-22 Many victory. The playoff opener for the Tigers was a 49-0 romp past Independence.

It’s a matchup of district rivals who played a very physical contest Oct. 15 in Many. The Tigers won 34-30, coming from behind late in the game, scoring the game-winning touchdown with under a minute left on the way to winning District 3-2A. 

The Mustangs have since been banged up with their big running back and linebacker Carlos Bazert out with an ACL (knee) injury. Decareyn Sampson has had a high ankle sprain but is back playing. Sampson scored three touchdowns in the first meeting, two on offense and one on defense with a scoop and score. There is some speculation in the news media that Bazert may try to play despite the injury. 

The Tigers want to continue the offensive express they’ve been on in the playoffs. Averaging 50 points in three playoff games, Many has not had a close one yet. The Tiger defense has given up an average of just over 11 points per game in the playoffs.

Many will again be missing linebacker Marquis Maxie, out with an ACL knee injury. Explosive running back Jeremiah James did not play in the first meeting but now he is back at full force in the Tiger backfield.

The Mustangs come into the contest with their very unorthodox style of play. Avoyelles uses a run-heavy offense and a never-punt philosophy that gives many teams a real problem since no one else plays the style they do. They also onside kick every kick off. The Tiger hands team on kickoffs will be very important as well as the defensive game plan to stop the Mustangs.  

Last week’s award winners after the 50-12 quarterfinal victory against Rosepine were Jack Deville with the Foy’s Game Ball. Keaton Montgomery won the Sledgehammer Award and Ja’Korey Jones was the recipient of the Hard Hat Award. 

This looks to be a hard-fought, very physical, old school game in the trenches, just like the first meeting.

There’s been a lot of talk during the week on social media, the news stations, and in newspapers. It’s time to see who will walk the walk after all the talking. This one will be a classic with the winner set to face the survivor of the Jonesboro-Hodge at Amite semifinal in the Dome next Friday at 3:30 for all the 2A marbles.