Former Jonesboro City Councilman, Lastevic D. Cottonham, has been jailed in Caddo Parish on charges of home invasion and battery of a dating partner. Bond has been set at $75,000.00. Cottonhan is remembered locally as being instrumental in the Jonesboro Police Department being defunded while serving on the Jonesboro City Council in 2010.
Lloyd Jeffries of Memphis, Tennessee, suffered from Cerebral Palsy (CP), a group of disorders which affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. In severe cases, a sufferer of CP might require specialized lifelong care. Lloyd’s case was severe. In 1968, when Lloyd was just sixteen years old, he suddenly lost the ability to speak. He could only produce a sort of crowing sound. Doctors gave Lloyd’s mother the grim prognosis that Lloyd had a paralyzed larynx and would never speak again. Lloyd eventually lost his ability to stand on his own and required a wheelchair to get around. When it became too difficult for his family to properly care for him, Lloyd became a resident of the Shelby County Home for Incurables.
One morning in 1980, Betty Dozier, Lloyd’s nurse, came into his room and greeted him with a “good morning” as she did every morning. She waited patiently to hear his normal crowing sound. Lloyd started to crow, but then something unexpected happened. His crowing sound merged into an intelligible reply. Lloyd said “good morning.” Lloyd had been unable to speak for 18 years.
At first, the nurse thought Lloyd was using some sort of electronic device to speak, but that wasn’t the case. Lloyd and his nurse both looked at each other in stunned silence. Lloyd tried another word, and then another. After a short conversation, Lloyd said he wanted to call his mother.
Lloyd’s mother was at home making a glass of tea when her telephone rang. She answered it and heard Lloyd greet her with just three words. At first, Mrs. Jeffries thought someone was playing a cruel joke. “It’s me,” Lloyd said. “I can talk again.” Mrs. Jeffries was in shock. Tears welled up in her eyes as that three-word greeting replayed over and over in her mind. Tears turned into laughter as their conversation continued.
Lloyd was thrilled. After his lengthy conversation with his mother, Lloyd wheeled himself around the nursing home and conversed with the other residents. Everyone wanted to hear him speak and they certainly got their chance.
Several doctors examined Lloyd but were never able to explain how he regained his ability to speak. To Lloyd and his mother, it was nothing short of a miracle. Mrs. Jeffries said, “I was always a believer in God – but now I’m really a true believer.” What were those three words, the first three words Mrs. Jeffries heard Lloyd speak in nearly two decades? Mrs. Jeffries answered the phone and heard Lloyd say, “Happy Thanksgiving, Mother.”
To have your business service or items you have for sale listed or list any Legal/Public Notices, Advertisements for Bid, Requests for Proposals and/or Quotes – send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com
Over 60 years of combined Licensed and Certified experience in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Control Panels, Electrical, HVAC and Inspections service. Located at 5039 Hwy 4 East, Jonesboro, LA. For free estimate contact: Billy Earl Wilhite: (318) 475-2403 or Richard Andrews: (318) 475-5136. www.qualityecs.com
“Call us when you want the job done right.”
Licensed and Insured! Any type of lawn care work done at reasonable prices. For quotes or to schedule service call Owner – David Hammock at 318-533-7133 or go by 209 Talbot Street, Jonesboro, LA.
“If you don’t look good, we don’t look good!”
House wash, Metal roof wash, gutter cleaning, concrete, deck, and brick/ patio cleaning. For free estimates call Trevor Hall at (318) 475-0347 or email Trevor.hall62@yahoo.com
No job to large or small. For complete lawncare and select landscaping services contact: Todd Lowe (318) 623-8532, TJ Wilkerson (318) 480-1328 or Josh Henry (318) 480-1596.
email: littleballgame93@yahoo.com
For all your lawn and landscaping needs contact Greg Harris at (318) 245-2349. Free estimates and professional service guaranteed. Based out of Chatham.
A year-by-year description of the first 100 years (1919-2019) of JHHS football. Included is summary of early beginnings, yearly results, rosters, updated team and individual records and a gallery of pictures. Perfect gift for that grandfather, father, uncle or cousin who would enjoy remembering their “glory days”. Cost is $25.00 per book plus $3.00 shipping and handling. To order call (318) 480-1206 or send email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com
The Village of Hodge will be accepting bids for the purchase of the old ball field containing 7.166 acres, more or less. The minimum bid for the property will be $40,000.00. All bids for the purchase of the Old Ball Field must be in writing, must state the name, address and telephone number of the bidder and must be in the hands of the Village of Hodge, Louisiana no later than Monday, December 6, 2021 at 12:01p.m. Bids may be delivered to the Village Hall or mailed to the Village of Hodge at P.O. Box 280, Hodge, LA 71247. No bid received after the deadline will be considered. Each bid must include a security deposit of five (5%) percent of the bid amount which shall be forfeited by the successful bidder if the successful bidder does not, within three (3) days of being notified of the bidder’s successful bid pay the remaining portion of the purchase price bid. Bid will be opened, in a public session at the Village of Hodge Town Hall at 2:30p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021. The bids will be read aloud. At its meeting held on Tuesday, December 7,2021, beginning at 5:00p.m. the Board of Aldermen will examine all of the submitted bids, evaluate those bids and decide whether to accept any bid. The VILLAGE OF HODGE reserves the right to reject any bid for any reason. The content of the full ordinance can be reviewed at the Town Hall during the hours of 8:00a.m – 3:30p.m. Monday thru Friday. If, you any question please feel free to the call the office at 318-259-4704 or 318-278-0188.
Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Paradise Point Water Supply is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the third quarter of 2021 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 87 ppb at sample location DBP01 – 119 Eden Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.
UIL continues to monitor and adjust the flush valve to assist with the reduction of TTHM and HAA5 concentrations. UIL has kept LDH informed of our progress.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.
Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana
1100 North Causeway Blvd.
Suite 104
Mandeville, LA 70471
Utilities, Inc. of Louisiana Spillway Water Supply is currently in violation of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as set forth by the State [Part XII of the Louisiana State Sanitary Code (LAC 51:Xll)] and the Federal Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141).
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (LDHH) set drinking water standards and requires the disinfection of drinking water. Where disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water, disinfectants combine with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water to form chemicals called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). EPA and LDHH set standards for controlling the levels of disinfectants and DBPs in drinking water, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acid (HAAs). Some people who drink water containing THMs in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Some people who drink water containing HAA5s in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
In December 1998, EPA set enforceable drinking water standards for TTHMs at 80 parts per billion (ppb) and for HAA5 at 60 parts per billion (ppb) to reduce the risk of cancer or other adverse health effects. Compliance with the TTHMs and HAA5 standards for public water systems servicing less than 10,000 individuals initially became effective and enforceable on January 1, 2004. Compliance with the TTHMs standard is determine by calculating a locational running annual average (LRRA) of quarterly TTHMs sample results. Compliance calculations performed for the third quarter of 2021 show that the system’s current TTHMs LRAAs are 93 ppb at sample location DBP02 – 133 Suanna Road and 100 ppb at DBP03- 211 Spruce Drive. Thus, the system is currently in violation of TTHMs standards.
Utilities Inc of Louisiana continues to monitor and adjust storage tank capacity. The engineering plans for the spray atomizer unit have been completed. The spray atomizer unit will assist in the reduction of TTHM concentration. UIL has kept LDH inform of our progress and anticipates completion by end of 2021.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. If you have any questions, contact the UIL Compliance Administrator, Vicki Spence at 985-893-6646 – Opt. 2.
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. EPA and LDH do not consider this violation to have any serious adverse health effects on human health as a result of short-term exposure; however, continued long-term exposure to TTHMs and HAA5 levels above the standard (e.g., 20 years of exposure) has the potential to have serious adverse effects on human health.
After the two teams battled to a scoreless first frame in the LHSAA first round playoff game at Caldwell-Peacock, Jonesboro-Hodge piled up 42 points in the final three quarters to blow past Oakdale 42-20. The game was really not as close as the score indicated as the Tigers had three TD’s called back and Oakdale got their final score basically as time ended.
With the victory the JHHS improved to 9-2 on the year while Oakdale dropped to 6-5 as their best season in a decade come to an end. The 7th seeded Tigers now turn their attention to #10 Mangham, who beat #23 Capitol 28-6 for a round two mathcup. Once again the Tigers will be playing at home for what is probably the last time this year as if they continue to advance through the playoffs as future contests have promise to be against higher ranked teams.
Class AA bracket almost “chalk”: In only two of the 16 first round games played did the higher ranked team fail to advance. That was #16 Pine who fell to #17 East Feliciana and #12 Port Allen who lost to #21 Dequincy. The JHHS vs Mangham matchup is the only one that pits two north Louisiana teams against each other but another interesting matchup of local flavor see Winnfield, coached by Jonesboro native and JHHS grad, Jay Watson, forced to square off against district foe Avoyelles for the seocnd time this year.
Like a locomotive: After the first eight minutes of play the two teams combined for nine possessions. Everyone of them started in the Oakdale end of the field but one, which JHHS started on their own 47 yard line.Despite the Tigers beginning drives on the Oakdale 19, 40, 32 and 29 yard line, JHHS couldn’t manage to put points on the board as the first quarter ended in a scoreless tie. One could tell though that JH’s ballyhooed offensive machine was beginning to get warmed up. Finally with 9:43 remaining in the second frame Tydre Malone connected witih Devontae Mozee for an 18 yard score. That started a blitz of 20 second quarter points that saw JHHS score on back to back plays of 39 and 62 yards on passes from Malone to Brantrel Thompson and Justin Calahan. In the second half the it was full steam ahead for the juggernaut offense as the Tigers scored five times. Unfortunately only the 25 and 47 yard pass reception’s for a score by Jay Lewis counted as three TD’s were called back due to penalty including two on the same drive.
Malone simple Magical: His grandfather was nicknamed the “Magician”. On Friday night, Tydre Malone was simply magical. While Michael Malone, who QB’d the Tigers to a state title game in 1977 concocted his magic with his legs, the younger extension of the family tree puts defenses in a spell with his golden right arm. For the second straight week, Malone passed for five touchdowns setting a new JHHS record. It is just one of several passing records that Malone broke during the game that includes most touchdowns in a season (28), most yards in a season (1889) and most completions in a season which now stands at 110 as Malone becomes the first quarterback in school history to complete over 100 passes in a single season. Already Malone has re-written the school’s career passing records. For the night Malone completed 13 of 22 passes for 266 yards which would have easily been over 300 yards if it weren’t for the three touchdowns being called back.
Sensational starts: The Tigers couldn’t have asked for a better way to open the game and the second half thanks to what had to be considered good ideas but was fraught with bad execution . Oakdale won the toss and decided to take the ball. It was understandable, as certainly a team who has seen JHHS play, wouldn’t want to give the Tigers any extra possession. The Tigers got the ball anyway when Justin Calahan perfectly placed his kickoff into a deadzone and Jarveion Allen outraced the Oakdale receiver to the ball, setting JH up on the Oakdale 19 yard line. As good a start as that was the open to the second half was even beter. Down 20-6 Oakdale tried to catch the Tigers napping by trying an onside kick. The ball bounced twice before Xavier Atkins scopped up the pigskin while in full stride, broke through the Oakdale kick coverage and sprinted the rest of the way for a 52 yard kickoff return that upped the Tigers lead to 28-6 with just seven second gone in the third period.
Peyton’s Place: Oakdale seemed to like to run the ball through the hole between the left tackle and left guard. That just happens to be where Peyton Smith lines up on defense. With his 12 tackle total, that included 7 solo stops and a tackle for a loss ,Smith would stymie the Warriors time and again.to be the first player other than Xavier Atkins to lead the team in tackles in a game. The effort upped Smith’s season total in tackles to 85, second on the team behind Atkin’s state leading 179 stops.
Jay came to play: For eight games this year Jammariyea “Jay” Lewis did a great job on both sides of the ball from his receiver/defensive back positions but remained rather anonymous. Not anymore. For the second straight week Lewis led the Tigers in receiving garnering 6 catches for a single game, team best 130 yards receiving ands two TD’s. That gives Lewis a team best 9 catches for 228 yards and five TD over the last two weeks and a team tying 28 receptions for 544 yards and the five TD’s for the year.
Deceiving stats: The game stats show that Oakdale rushed the ball 38 times for 229 yards. In the first half the Warriors tried the line 21 times for 101 yards. On twenty of those attempts they gained a total of 16 yards and on one Oakdale scored on an 86 yard run.For the game the Warriors had four runs that totalled 134 yards while the remining 34 rushes netted only 95, which is less than a two yard average.
| #7 JHHS (9-2) | 0 | 20 | 6 | 16 | 42 |
| #26 Oakdale (6-5) | 0 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 20 |
Scoring Summary:
2nd Quarter: JHHS – Devontae Mozee 18 yard pass from Malone (Leonard PAT)
2nd Quarter: OHS – 86 yard run (kick no good)
2nd Quarter: JHHS – Thompson 39 yd pass from Malone (Leonard PAT)
2nd Quarter: JHHS – Calahan 62 yd pass from Malone (kick failed)
3rd Quarter: JHHS – Atkins 50 yd kick return (kick failed)
3rd Quarter: OHS – 2 yd run (kick failed)
4th Quarter: JHHS – Lewis 25 yd pass from Malone (Malone pass to Calahan)
4th Quarter: JHHS – Lewis 47 yd pass from Malone (Calahan pass to Mozee)
4th Quarter: OHS – 1 yd run ( two point run)
| YARDSTICK | JHHS | OHS |
| First Downs | 12 | 13 |
| Rushes / Yards | 22/53 | 39/229 |
| Passing | 13/22 – 266 | 3/10 – 25 |
| Total Yards | 319 | 254 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 2 |
| Penalties /Yards | 11/90 | 5/34 |
| 3rd down conv. | 1/9 | 2/9 |
| 4th down conv | 3/8 | 0/1 |
JHHS ndividual statistics
Passing: Malone 13/22 – 266 yds, 5 TD’s, 1 Int.
Rushing: Thompson 12-30, Malone 9-20
Receiving: Lewis 6/130 – 2 TD’s, Thompson 2/42 – 1 TD, Mozee 2/25 – 1 TD, C. Leonard 2/7, Calahan 1/62, 1 TD
Tackles: Smith 12, Atkins 11, Lewis 10, Andrews 7, Drayton 6, Strickland 5, Jones 5
Photos courtesy of Jason Stickland
Quitman High School will honor two of it’s own on Monday and Tuesday but it is the countless of thousands that they represent who deserve the accolades as well. The two days of festivities will begin on Monday, November 15th with the annual Ginger Pullin Pink Out event. Students will be paying $1.00 to wear pink to school and all fans are asked to wear pink to the contest against Dodson. Ginger Pullin led the Wolverines golf team to multiple state championships before being stricken with breat cancer that eventually took her life. On Tuesday, 1984 QHS alum and second Circuit Court of Appeals Appellate Judge, Jeff Robinson, will be the keynote speaker at the Veteran’s Day Tribute to be held at the school.
Monday, November 15th: “Pink Out” at school and at ball game against Dodson.
Tuesday, November 16th: Veteran’s Day tribute by Judge Jeff Robinson
The message here is that no matter how skilled a driver is that accidents can happen. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained other than minor cuts and bruises to a seasoned driver of the Jackson Parish Police Jury when the 18-wheeled, trash truck and trailer he was driving left the road and flipped into the ditch this past Friday. The accident took place on Gladway Road while in transport to the Union Parish Landfill.
“Happy to report that no one was severely injured during the accident,” said Jackson Parish Director of Emergency Preparedness, Brad Roller. “Also very appreciative to the response given by the Road and Solid Waste Department and for their work in cleaing up the site.”
National averages show that in Louisiana an average of 12% of car owners have had an at-fault accident in their past, which is right around the national average. The state with the highest percentage of drivers with at-fault accidents is Maryland at 16.67% followed by Massachusetts with 16.29. Only one state in the south ranks in the top ten of states with at-fault accidents with South Carolina being at #5 in the nation with a percentage of 15.26%.
“As we are coming into the winter months, where road conditions are at their worst, drivers are reminded to take extra precautions,” said Roller. “No matter how seasoned a drive you are, an accident can happen at any time.”
Weston head coach Jacob Otwell felt coming in to the games this week that his guys were going to be facing a couple of north Louisiana’s strongest small school basketball teams in Doyline and Calvin. Both proved that they were what he thought they were. The Wolves gave a gutty effort against both but simply didn’t have the firepower to match the pair of stalwarts in the 84-60 and 83-57 losses.
“We gave it all we had,” said Otwell. “Both of those teams are really good this year and are going to win a lot of games.”
So far they have both won all their games played with Doyline boasting a 4-0 record after their win over Weston this past Monday and 20 point victory over Stanley on Tuesday. Calvin has been even better, now sporting a perfect 8-0 record after beating Dodson, Weston and Saline in consecutive nights over the weekend with no game being closer than a 14 point margin. The Wolves fall to 1-4 on the year with the losses.
Doyline 84 Weston 60: Jamerin Clark made seven 3-pointers and Jamare Markrey added four while going a perfect 8/8 from the foul line to combime to score eight more points by themselves than Weston could manage as a team. It was over early in front of the crowd bolstered by those attending the salute by the school to the local military members on hand in honor of the upcoming Veteran’s Day celebration. With Clark and Markrey both scoring 20 of their 35 and 33 respective total points in the first half, Weston went into the half down 44-20. A bright spot for the Wolves was the 15 points scored by Kaden Shirley on the strength of five 3-pointers. Eli McBride also reached double figures with 14.
| Weston | 11 | 9 | 15 | 25 | 60 |
| Doyline | 22 | 22 | 23 | 17 | 84 |
Game Scoring:
WHS: Shirley 15, E. McBride 14, Feirn 9, Peterson 8, Mathews 7, Otwell 3, R. McBride 2
DHS: J. Clark 35, Markrey 33, Smith 7, McClendon 4, Swain 2, Patterson 2, K. Clark
Calvin 83 Weston 57: With Eli McBride, Landon Roberts and Kaden Shirley scoring 4 each and Mitchell Mathews adding a basket the Wolves finished the first quarter trailing by only four points. It was a different story in the second frame though as two baskets by Ryan Feirn were the only field goals allowed by Calvin who outscored the Wolves 26-8 over the 12 minutes to take a commanding 44-22 advantage into the half. In the second half Feirn hit three from behind the arc and both Shirley and Davis Tolar added two to go along with a three pointer from McBride and Jacob Gill but the Wolves were limited to just three other field goals. Fiern ended the game with a season best 13 with both Shirley and Mathews ending in double figures with ten each.
| Weston | 14 | 8 | 18 | 17 | 57 |
| Calvin | 18 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 83 |
Game action from the “Salute to the Military” contest provided by Kristi Tolar and Sasse Lynn Shenanigans
Chatham Town Council members Toni Malone, Laverne Mixon, Marvin Davis and Sue Proffer voted to replace the streetlights in the town with LED lights, instead of installing more expensive streetlights that had been proposed. The decision was made at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting that took place on Tuesday, November 9th at the Chatham Town Hall. Mike Wilson was absent.
Chatham Mayor Gregory Harris witnessed the Council also approve to accept the bid of $16,150.00 from Sheri Flynn for the purchase of the property located at 6537 Hwy 34 and agree to purchase a new generator for the Town Hall. After the October meeting minutes were accepted and bills were approved to be paid the Board went into executive session where upon returning agreed to proceed with needed security measures.
The LHSAA recetnly announced the new district alignments for the 2022-24 seasons and even though Jonesboro-Hodge and Quitman High remained in the same district as the last two years, they both are appealing to go into a new district. Why the request for change?
At Jonesboro-Hodge, district 1-2A will once again contain holdovers North Caddo, Lakeside and D’Arbonne Woods but in 2022 the proposed alignmen includes three additional schools from Shreveport schools in Calvary Baptist (up from Class A), Green Oaks and Loyola Prep, both who have dropped in class after competing in district 1-3A for the past two years. The district that Jonesboro-Hodge has asked to be placed in is district 3-2A which is currently comprised of Winnfield, Red River (Coushatta), Many, Lakeview and Mansfield.
“We have filed an appeal in order that we might have the opportunity to play in district 3-2A instead of 1-2A,” explained JHHS athletic director Terrance Blankenship. “We feel that this district would be a better fit for us as it would greatly reduce travel time and expenses. As it is we would be forced to make four trips to the Shreveport area for district play. Another reason we want to move into 3-2A is that we have a more traditional history with the schools in this district.:
At Quitman, Principal Billy Carter is appealing to remain in District 2B where his Wolverines have resided over the last three seasons, including this one. Currently, the LHSAA has Quitman, Weston and Simsboro all moving to District 1B to join Doyline and Castor, which was all that was left in that district since Dodson and Saline dropped back to Class C. That leaves only Choudrant in district 2B along with newcomers Downsville Charter and Forest which therein is the rub.
“As it stands, Choudrant is the only school in that district that has a track program,” explained Carter. “That is not fair to the rest of the schools as it gives them a direct placing in the regionals, where as it currently stands you have four schools with state championships in boys and girls track having to slug it out just to get out of district. It would make much more sense and be much more fair to have at least two teams in district 2B have a track program. We have appealed to be that second team.”
If JHHS and Quitman win their appeals, it would be on one hand tremendously advantageous and at the same time devastating in regard to traditioinal rivalries. If JHHS moves that brings Winnfield back into the same district which would then most likely become the traditional season final as it has been many times over their 100 plus year history. If Quitman wins, then most likely the Wolverines and Weston will be in seperate districts for the first time in many years.
Veteran’s of military service from Jackson were honored this past Thursday morning by the Jackson Parish Police Jury (JPPJ). with a brunch and program at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center. Through the assistance of Quitman High School Beta Club members: Eliza Guin, Beth Maxwell, John Aaron Davis, Sebastian Guin, Cali Deal, Cam Hollis and Skylar Hall, along with members of the JPPJ, those in attendance were treated to a scrumptious brunch. This was followed by a stirring recitation of respect for our Veteran’s that was read and a medley of songs by the Jackson Parish Gifted and Talented Choral Group.
After reading the account of an area female deer hunter who had an encounter with a black bear after tracking down the buck she had shot only to find a bear had beat her to her buck, the wheels began turning as I recalled encounters I have had with a variety of critters that have scared the daylights out of me.
SNAKES
My most memorable snake experience I had took place when as a kid, I was swimming in the creek behind our home with my brother and two cousins. It was a typical warm summer day and our little pup accompanied us to the creek and was enjoying the cool water with us. As the pup and I were paddling along, I felt a sharp pain behind one of my knees. My first thought was that one of the three boys had sneaked up and pinched me. When I glanced toward the bank and saw all three over there, I reached down and grabbed what had me by the leg. It was a black snake as long as my arm. Flinging it aside and scooting up the bank with
blood streaming down my leg, we examined the bite and breathing a sigh of relief I saw a row of teeth marks, not fang punctures, indicating the snake was not venomous.
FERAL HOG
I had a hair-raising experience once when I was on a pre-season scouting excursion for wild turkeys on our hunting club in Jackson Parish. I found a seat on a log as I listened to see if I could hear a gobbler. Instead of hearing turkey sounds, I was puzzled at the increasing crescendo of crunching sounds coming from the oak grove just down the hill from me. Momentarily, I discovered the source of the sounds; a herd of wild hogs was foraging on acorns under the oaks. All I could do was watch as I was not hunting and only scouting and had no firearm with me. I noticed one particular big boar foraging with the group and as the wind changed and carried my scent to the hogs, they became suspicious and nervous, all except the big boar. He slowly made his way up the hill to my side and stopped 50 yards from me sniffing the air. The next thing I heard was what sounded like a throaty growl as the hog spotted me. Was I nervous? You bet I was because had he charged, I had nothing to defend myself. Fortunately, with a loud “WHUFF…WHUFF”, he turned and trotted back down the hill.
BOBCAT
My dad worked in predator control for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and during summers when I was out of school, it was exciting to accompany him to run his trap line. There was a serious drought one summer that made finding animal tracks difficult. Dad was after a particular big bobcat and when we got to where one of his traps had been set, it was gone; whatever he had caught had taken off dragging a chain and drag hook. Following where the hook had disturbed the ground, a trapped animal seldom went far before becoming entangled in brush. Dad told me search in one direction while he went the other way. As I walked along checking the ground, I noticed a rotten log that had been disturbed. I walked up for a closer look and something caught my eye about six feet away. A big bobcat perched in a small sapling next to the log was glaring at me. Two more steps and I’d have had a mad bobcat on my head. The majority of my outdoor excursions have been anything but traumatic but the
experiences I have had with angry snakes, hogs and bobcats keep me on guard every time I venture outdoors.
CANEY LAKE – The yellow bass are turning on and hitting spoons bounced off the bottom in deep water. Bass are on the deeper points and some are being caught on deep diving crank baits and oversized plastic worms. Crappie are on the move to deeper water with jigs and shiners picking up a few down deep. No report this week on bream or catfish. For information contact
Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323- 8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE –Crappie are scattered and fair. No report on bass, bream or catfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BLACK BAYOU – Fishing overall is rather slow. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.
OUACHITA RIVER – Crappie fishing has been best fishing around the deep tops in the river, fishing 20 feet deep in 30 foot water on shiners or jigs. Bass are fair in the cuts on soft plastics, crank baits and Rat-L-Traps. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Crappie have started their move to the deeper channels now that cooler temperatures are sending the shad down deep. Best bet is to fish shiners or a variety of jigs including the Indigo Sky, Penny Back or Popsicle patterns. Bass are also moving deep with best catches made on deep diving crank baits or jigs. Bream fishing is slow while catfish are still biting cold worms fished off the banks.. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368- 9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – No report this week on bass or stripers. Catfishing has been best on trotlines or stump hooks using small bream for bait. Crappie have started moving to deeper water with Monkey Milk jigs and shiners picking up a few. For latest information, call Misty at Kel’s Cove at 331-2730 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE POVERTY POINT – Catfishing has been good with mostly smaller fish being caught except a 30 pounder adding to the mix. Crappie are off and on using shiners or jigs. No report on bream or bass. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318/878-0101.
LAKE ST. JOHN – The lake is being lowered but the gates have now been closed. Fishing overall has been quite slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is rising fast but should start falling next week. No fishing to report this week. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.
The Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers won eight games this season on the playing field. You can now chalk up a victory for Tiger fans as well. Faithful supporters took the time to go online last week to vote in the weekly “Team of the Week” KNOE-TV poll. The Tigers earned the right to be considered among four schools after winning a share of the district 1-2A title.
Every single ballot cast was needed too, as JHHS won the competition with 51% of the vote. As result, the Tiger players were treated to pizza’s by sponsor Johnny’s Pizza and were part of a feature broadcast by KNOE-TV, Channel 8, out of Monroe. The effort by the fans to win the competition didn’t go unnoticed either by the JHHS coaching staff and players.
“I appreciate our fans for taking the time to show their support for us,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “It really means a lot to our staff and is motivational for our players to see everyone behind us.”
To see the feature clip click here: https://www.knoe.com/2021/11/11/jonesboro-hodge-eats-up-team-week-honors/
This past Thursday, a large and appreciative crowd came to Weston High School to honor the men and women from Jackson Parish who are currently serving or have served in the United States Military. Those in attendance were treated to a stirring patriotical musical by the Jackson Parish Gifted and Talented group as well as a flag display and tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives so that we may enjoy the freedom we have.
Lots of activity is taking place at Weston High School this week as students, faculty and supporters collaborate together for fundraising efforts that is designed to benefit the Yearbook and Prom Committee as well as both Weston fans and the Wolves basketball program.
On Tuesday, |November 16th, WHS will offer the opportunity for students, faculty and staff to participate in “Pictures with Pocahontas” which is being sponsered by the WHS Yearbook Committee.For the cost of only $10.00 each person will have a professional photographer take their photo and receive a 4×6 print as well as a digital image.
By Doug Ireland, Journal Sports
Thanks to a power play by people in Lake Charles, there’s been a big drop in blood pressure for plenty of folks in Natchitoches, Hammond, Thibodaux and a few on the Lakeshore in New Orleans.
A Tuesday afternoon announcement confirmed a swift turnaround toward status quo. McNeese revealed it was staying put in the Southland Conference, renewing longstanding cordial relations with Northwestern, Southeastern, Nicholls and UNO, much to the dismay of former friends in Texas.
It resuscitated the Southland from extinction, while creating at least a big wobble for the Western Athletic Conference, where former Southland members Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State, Lamar and Abilene Christian bolted earlier this year.
They tried to entice McNeese to join them. The Cowboys were receptive over the last several months, with McLeaders traveling to Denver a few weeks ago to make a membership presentation to current WAC gurus. The footsies and flirting seemed heading toward a likely engagement.
The Texas Traitors and the Cowboys have the same ultimate destination in mind: moving up from the Southland and Football Championship Subdivision membership (on-field playoffs for the top 24 teams nationally) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (and a chance to play in a low-level bowl game). The incentive$ were the lure of bowl revenue (not a lot for the bottom tier in the FBS), the chance to add another digit to low to mid-six figure paychecks from the biggest schools for football guarantee games (a trip to LSU or Texas might net an extra half-million), and the belief that playing more overly ambitious opponents at home might hike ticket revenues.
Let’s not get logic involved here and overcome ego. Anyone who has tracked attendance figures around the state has to admit the real path to hike home game ticket revenues would be to hire Marty McFly as commissioner, get Doc Brown’s flux capacitor going, and Go Back to The Gulf States Conference. Not exactly the future, but rebuilding a league with in-state schools would boost crowds in all sports, not just football, while cutting travel costs.
That’s not happening. Never mind the millions that would be produced in gate revenue and the millions in state money that would be reduced for travel. Ambition overrules everything.
Well, actually, in big league college sports, TV money does. It’s the lack of a local TV market of any consequence that left Louisiana Tech behind recently when much of Conference USA bolted for better deals and new territory. CUSA quickly went contraflow and a few days ago invited desolate-in-the-desert New Mexico State (stealing the Aggies from the WAC), deep pocketed and lonely Liberty, and two FCS stalwarts, Jacksonville State and Sam Houston (twice divorced, split from the Southland last year and now, the WAC; although there’s some chatter that the $2 million CUSA entry fee might sour Sam’s shift).
Where there are entry fees, there logically are exit fees. When the Texas schools bolted the Southland this spring, they each paid a relatively paltry $300,000 – as much as Sam Houston pays its baseball coach. Not exactly a tall hurdle to clear, so the remaining Southland membership agreed to hike their exit penalty rate.
Except in case McNeese makes a future move to FBS. The pile of concessions granted by the Southland Conference (with approval of its university presidents) was recited in a joint announcement Tuesday by the league and McNeese, with one exception. They didn’t mention McNeese staying is an engagement, not a remarriage. The door is left wide open for the Cowboys to climb up, at no cost. Nada. No toll booth to pass.
That’s a victory in Cowboy country, but a hollow plank elsewhere. McNeese going FBS is unlikely to occur any time soon. The only nearby FBS conferences, the Sun Belt and CUSA, aren’t interested or it would have already happened. For better (Sun Belt) and worse (CUSA), their membership shuffling is over for at least the next little bit, until the next seismic activity rolls downhill from the Power 5 leagues. When that happens, and it’s coming, it may very well knock the NCAA into oblivion.
In real time, McNeese recognized that losing New Mexico State and Sam Houston not only dashed the WACky dreams of upsizing to FBS status, but also suddenly greatly expanded an already frightful travel budget. The idea of a southern division was shot for a conference that stretches out to LA, up to Seattle, and into Arizona and Utah.
But keeping that option on the table presented a do-or-die decision to the Southland. Losing McNeese would have collapsed the league because it would have fallen below minimum membership requirements to maintain automatic NCAA postseason qualification for its championship teams in all sports, not just football. NSU, Nicholls, SLU and UNO were already hurriedly considering unappealing fallback affiliations with the Ohio Valley Conference or the Atlantic Sun, both requiring leapfrogging states to get to conference contests.
So the Cowboys got everything they asked for to stay put. From 2023-26, McNeese will host the conference basketball, baseball and softball tournaments, a decision that raised the ire of many coaches and fans around the Southland. The annual conference preseason football media event will be in Lake Charles. Don’t rule out the conference opening a satellite office there, hinting at moving its headquarters to SWLA.
My lunch bunch pals are wondering if we have to go to the Lake City for all future eatin’ meetin’s, or at least for four years.
Will the Southland sponsor a championship in duck calling and stage it in Cameron Parish?
Hmmmm, could be. The marsh people, who up until a couple of weeks felt like McLeast, too long taken for granted in the Texas-heavy Southland pecking order, are suddenly McAlmighty.
“A school that was desperate to get out of the league now becomes its biggest player,” wrote Lake Charles American Press columnist Jim Gazzolo.
The Southland sunshine dimmed a bit Friday when it lost the Alamo City’s Incarnate Word in a move that illustrates the desperation of the WAC. Stephen F. Austin 1) reluctantly accepted UIW into the Southland several years ago; 2) left the Southland citing substandard facilities and a lack of commitment to athletics by some league members, a clear diss aimed at UIW and Houston Baptist; and 3) now has kissed the pig and rolled out the WACky welcome mat.
But while amusing from that angle, UIW’s move does heighten the Southland’s urgency to recruit a couple more Division II football-playing members. Schools like Arkansas Tech, West Texas A&M, Central Oklahoma, even Delta State and West Florida could be receptive to an upgrade.
Some better be. You have to wonder, will Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (a non-football Southland member) look at a suddenly Louisiana-heavy league, and have a WAC-waiver? Will UL System czar Jim Henderson do what he didn’t earlier this fall regarding the McMove Mistake, and ensure that the inquiries by SLU and Nicholls toward possible ASUN affiliation are 86’d?
Time to update that #SouthlandStrong hashtag. It hasn’t fit all year. Truly, it was #SouthlandShaky, and for the time being, it’s #SouthlandSaved. For now.
The regular monthy session of the Jackson Parish Library (JPL) board that was to take place on Monday has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 18th. Board members Carol Massey (President), Judy Cooper, Paula Essmeier, Ann Standley, Carolyn Crawley, Lisa Nunn and Lewis Chatham, along with JPL Director Floyd Know will meet at the Jonesboro Branch beginning at 4:30 pm. Additonal events are slated for this Monday and Tuesday as well at both the Chatham and Jonesboro branches are:
Monday, November 15th
9:00 till close – Pick up Art supplie for children aged PreK4 – 3rd grade at Jonesboro Branch
9:00-10:00 am – Check Out Fitness Class (Chatham Branch)
4:00-5:00 pm – Children’s Art Class with Ms. Terrye (Chatham Branch)
Tuesday, November 16th
4:00pm – ” Nutcrackers with Sharon Dousay” Special painting workshop event for Teen and Tweens (4th-12th grade) at Chatham Branch (see below)
In an effort to assist Jackson Parish residents in being able to “go to church” when they are not actually able to take in a service at their favorite place of worship the Jackson Parish Journal (JPJ) is pleased to host “Sunday Morning Service.” The hope is soon Churches from all over the parish will partner with the JPJ so that their services shown will be able to be accessed each Sunday. To include your church for “Sunday Services” contact the JPJ at (318) 480-1206 or email to: jpjjacksonla@gmail.com
See below for the church services available for your enjoyment.
Click on link below and follow the steps outlined.
http://fbcjonesboro.net/livestream
1. press RESOURCES tab located on the tool bar at top of the page
2. press RECENT VIDEO icon
3. press arrow to play
Click on following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Pleasant-Grove-Missionary-Baptist-Church-444730749022201/
click on following link:
click on following link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/176598142384058/permalink/4571385606238601/?sfnsn=mo
May God’s blessings be granted unto you!
Henry Rodriguez (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment, Unauthorized use of a moveable
Frank J. Davis (Eros, LA) – DWI (3rd offense), Driving under Suspension from prior DWI, Reckless Operation, Simple Criminal Damage to Property
Consuelo Combs (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Ladecie D. Bryant (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace
Randall Sandifer (Homeless) – Theft of Goods, Monetary Instrument Abuse
Oscar D. Rodriguez (Saline, LA) – Bienville Parish Warrant for Failure to Appear on excessive noise charge
Chaz D Tate (Jonesboro, LA) – Domestic Abuse Battery
Joshua Henry (Jonesboro, LA) – Battery of a dating partner, Remaining after forbidden
Chad R. Odenbaugh (Jonesboro, LA) – DWI (3rd offense), Open Container
Darius T. White (Jonesboro, LA) – Bench Warrant on traffic offense
Shakka Tatum (Columbia, LA) – Bank Fraud
Alton A. Thomas, Jr. (Ruston, LA) Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms (4 counts)
William A. Barr (Quitman, LA) – DWI (1st offense), Headlight infraction
Tanya Runae (Wyatt) Staples
November 11, 1947 – November 06, 2021
Tanya Runae (Wyatt) Staples was peacefully called home to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, November 6, 2021 at her home Tanya was a loving, kind, trusting and gentle lady with a beautiful smile, a wonderful laugh and a wonderful sense of the greatness of life. She was a graduate of Weston High School and then furthered her education at Louisiana Tech University where she obtained her bachelors degree, masters degree and her +30 in education. Mrs. Staples, as her students called her, loved children and was a teacher in public schools for 30 years prior to her retirement..
Tanya was a very intelligent person who had great talents in many different areas. She was an accomplished artist who enjoyed painting and drawing. Sewing, growing flowers, and cooking for her family and friends were things that she did with great love. She was usually humming a gospel song while working around the house or traveling and God blessed her with a beautiful voice that she used for Him by singing in church or leading the church in praise and worship music services. God was first in her life and her family was a very close second. Tanya was a faithful member of Midway Baptist Church and she often sat at the kitchen table reading and studying her bible and Sunday School lesson as she learned more of God’s word. It cannot be emphasized enough to convey the great love that Tanya had for her family. She will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 54 years Mike Staples; her son Wyatt Hanks Staples & wife Haley; mother, Billie Jean Tullos; brother, Jimmy Wyatt & wife Sharon; nephew, Ethan Wyatt. She was preceded in death by her father, A.J. Wyatt.
Funeral services were held at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Bill Staples officiating. Interment followed at Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
Gary Wayne Anderson
October 03, 1949 – October 29, 2021
Gary Wayne Anderson passed away on October 31, 2021, at the age of 72. He was born October 3, 1949, in Hodge, La. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, and retired from General Motors in Monroe, La. Gary was a free spirit who enjoyed taking cross-country motorcycle trips with his buddies when he could. He will be greatly missed by his family, special neighbors, “breakfast club,” and motorcycle buddies.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Dora Anderson. He is survived by one son Syth Stephens; grandson Wyatt Stephens; and, granddaughter Emilie Stephens. He is also survived by his sister Belita Anderson Cernigliaro and husband Pete; niece Lori Cernigliaro Wilcox and husband Tim; nephew Trey Cernigliaro, wife Eunice, and children Weston and Mia; nephew Mark Cernigliaro, wife Jennifer, and their son Asher; great-niece, Chelsea Renfro Spinks, husband Thomas, and their daughter Gia; and great-nephew Andrew Renfro.
Funeral services were held in Jonesboro, Louisiana at Edmonds-Southern Funeral Home on November 5. Burial followed at the Mt. Olive West Cemetery near Quitman under the direciton of Edmonds-Southern Funeral Home. Pallbearers were his classmates from Jonesboro-Hodge High School.
Nell Stadtlander
September 09, 1940 – October 30, 2021
Mrs. Nell (Baxley) Stadtlander, age 81 of Jonesboro, Louisiana was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, October 30, 2021 following a period of declining health.
Mrs. Stadtlander was born in Winnfield, Louisiana September 20, 1940 to the union of Earl W. and Nellie Frances (Stalsby) Baxley. She was a graduate of Winnfield Sr. High School and attended Northwestern Louisiana University. She served as Sr. Vice-President of Loans at the former Jonesboro Federal Savings and Loan and then served as Executive Director of Jackson Parish Council on Aging for 25 years. Mrs. Stadtlander was married to her husband of 50 years, James Stadtlander, prior to his passing. She was a faithful member of the Beech Springs Baptist Church.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Stacey Stadtlander of Jonesboro and Marilyn Stadtlander of Encino, CA; special daughter, Elisha Treadway of Chatham; grandchildren, Trae Schneider of Houston, TX, Courtney Hoffacker of Kitimat, B.C., Andrew Hoffacker of Encino, CA, Kyle Hoffacker of Las Vegas, NV; great grandchild, Warren Hoffacker; several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Mrs. Stadtlander in death are her husband of 50 years, James Stadtlander; parents, Earl and Nellie Baxley; brothers, Earnest Baxley and Louis Baxley, nephew Jay Baxley.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 3rd at Beech Springs Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Lancaster officiating. Interment followed in the Beech Springs Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Malcolm Stadtlander, Donnie Horton, Johnny Ray Horton, Michael Buchans, Kenny Martin, Glenn Kirkland
As it turned out the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Jackson Parish Police Jury on Monday was much ado about nothing. The agenda showed that jury members: Todd Culpepper, Lewis Chatham, John McCarty, Amy Magee, Tarneshala “Niki” Cowans, Regina Rowe and Lynn Treadway was supposed to consider and act on the recommendation by the Operations Committee to have a public hearing on sixteen roads in the Parish Road system. They considered, but they didn’t act.
The idea to have a public hearing was so that comments could be heard before the Jury voted on how each road served the public or if the parish maintenance ending point should be adjusted. Each motion that was presented died from the lack of a second. As result, now nothing will be done in any form or fashion until at least after the next monthly meeting.
That wasn’t the only item that received any participative action by the panel. Whien it came time to vote on on the recommendation made to reject all bids in regard to the Jackson Parish Hospital (JPH) drainage project, once again, no action was taken. It was reported that the reason that the prior bids needed to be rejected was the time frame on the 8 million dollar project had expired and new bids now needed be considered. Also causing a problem was the request made by the Police Jury for the JPH to contribute $300,000.00 toward the project fell on deaf ears. As result all is now in limbo even as far as if the project will be completed at all.
One action that was taken involved the Jury agreeing to advertise for outside agencies to make bids on what they would charge to provide waste collection at the bin sites across the parish. This is designed to see if it is more cost efficient for an independent company to provide the service instead of the parish. Acceptance of the material bids for 2022 was also agreed upon and a general laborer was hired in the Solid Waste Department. The meeting ended following the announcement that a public hearing for the 2022 Consolidated Budget would be set and well as 2022 liquour applications would be considered.
As shown in the banner above the Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers enjoyed a grand meal prepared by Denise and Roy Barlow but as good as it was, they are still hungry! It isn’t food they are wanting though but a chance to compete for the Class AA state title in the Superdome. Fortunately, they won’t have to go far to play round one of the LHSAA playoffs.
As result of their 8-2 regular season record, that included being in a three way tie for the best record in district 1-2A, the “Road to the Dome” will begin right here in Jonesboro at Caldwell-Peacock stadium this Friday evening. By earning the #7 seed the Tigers will get to host #27 Oakdale at 7:00pm. Regardless of the lofty ranking and lower seeding, JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship isn’t looking any further than
“We had a really good regular season, accomplished some goals and now get to play a playoff game in front of our fans,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “All of that is good but none of that matters now as everybody is 0-0 once again and every game is a do or die situation and as anyone who knows football knows, anything can happen in the playoffs.”
Dangerous Opponent: After beginning the season with a 3-3 record, Oakdale comes to J-Hodge having won three of their last four games. Over those four game the Warriors are averaging just under 36 points per game. This is almost 10 points a game better than their season average of 27.7 ppg. Adding to the momentum is the fact that Oakdale is starting their playoff run sky high after enjoying somewhat of a renaissance year. This is the first time in over a decade that they have assured themselves of a winning season . After ending that slide the Warriors will also be looking to stop their streak of five straight first round playoff losses.
An Achilles Heel? What makes Oakdale most dangerous to derailing the Tigers is the fact that they like to run, run, run and run some more. So did Winnfield, Cedar Creek and D’Arbonne Woods. Two of those teams beat J-H this seasonnad Cedar Creek came close, each by punishing J-H with a time controlling ground attack.
Counter attack: It is a given that Oakdale likes to run the ball. Another given is that Xavier Atkins is very adept at tackling runners. So adept in fact, that the sensational sophmore led the state in tackles with a school record 167 stops. That computes to another school record average of 18.6 tackels per game. His 136 solo stops (another school record) is an amazing 44 better than the next closest competitor. Junior Peyton Smith has also had an incredible defensive season making 73 stops on the defensive line. That is just 10 more than another lineman, Javeon Andrews, who also has 13 tackles for a loss and 4 forced fumbles.
Aerial advantage: Oakdale has given up 24.2 points per game and most of it has come from teams passing the ball for scores. That plays right up the Tigers alley. Led by Tydre Malone, who is now the all time leader of virtually every passing statistic and nearing single season standards, the Tigers have proven to be very prolific through the airways. Nineteen of the twenty-nine touchdowns tha the Tigers have scored offensively this season have been passing touchdowns, including ten of the last twelve.
Three Amigos: One of the deepest receiving corps in Tiger history is also one of the best defensive backfields that has ever donned the red, white and blue. The scoring leader of the group is Devontea Mozee, who is a tremendously dynamic player that is a threat to score everytime he touches the ball whether on offense or defense. He has caught 23 passes for 588 yards and 6 passes for a TD. Twelve of those have come from Malone and the other four from opponent QB’s. He also has a punt return for a score to his credit. Justin Calahan leads the corp with 27 catches for 415 yards and six scores as well as a 71 yard INT for TD. Jay Lewis is just one behind Mozee in receptions and onebehind Calahan in yardage. Two of his three TD’s came last week. He also has an INT and two forced fumbles to go along with his 56 tackles on the year.
One at a time: Looking past any opponent is never a good idea in the playoffs, but if the Tigers win their first round game then Round Two will also be played at home against the winner of #10 Mangham or #23 Capital as shown below. For a full look at the Class 2A bracket go to LHSAA.com and click on Class 2A playoff.
A special meeting of the Jackson Parish School Board will take place at 9:00am on Wednesday, November 10th in the meeting room of the Central Office located at 315 Pershing Hwy in Jonesboro. Discussion of the reapportionment of School Board Districts that is required after each decennial census is the only one item on the agenda which will be followed by comments from Superintendent David Claxton.
The Tuesday evening contest turned out to be a night of “first’s” as Saline won their first of the year by storming past Quitman in the final quarter to saddle the Wolverines with their first loss of the season. With the 50-47 victory, Saline improved to 1-4 on the year while Quitman fell to 3-1. Two more games were played before the climatic final beginning with the Saline JV boys winning a thrilling 26-25 contest followed by the Quitman girls evening their record at 2-2 by doubling up Saline by a 56-28 score.
Stephen Brown led Saline with 14 points but it was his six in the fourth quarter, along with five each by Titus Jackson and Will Dison, who scored six and nine respectively, that lifted home standing Saline to a 21-12 advantage in the pivotal final frame that erased a 35-29 deficit after three. Shawn Staggs chipped in with nine and made several keys defensive stops and Ethan Roberts scored seven first half points before turning his ankle in the third quarter. Jacob Jones hit a big three pointer in the fourth quarter and Kenton Lee Crawford made a pair of free throws to round out the Saline scoring.
L.D. Manning, hit a pair of trey’s and John Pabaya added another to help Quitman to an 11-5 first quarter lead. Both would finish with three trey’s each to lead Quitman with 13 and 12 points on the night. Eli Walker would also can three bombs and Logan Ponder would add anotheras they scored nine apiece. Shane Rowe and Ty Simonelli scored two each on a night when Quitman would make twice as many three pointers (10) than two point field goals.
Lady Wolverines 56 Saline 28: Cali Deal scored 8 of her game high 16 points in the first quarter to help Quitman run away from the winless Lady Bobcats Bethany Leach added 15 and Brayli Stewart chipped in with seven. Summer Grillette scored five and both Emma Carter and Ansley Folks finished with four. A.J. Gray and Jaleigh Burns added two each as Quitman had eight in all score.
Saline 26 Quitman 25 (JV): Trent Ledbetter fired in 21 points including a pair of clutch free throws down the stretch to help Saline erase a 3 points deficit over the last 30 seconds. Only two other players scored for the Bobcats but they were both big baskets. TreyVon Colvin nailed a three to pull Saline within one late in the fourth period and Jacob Jones added a pair of free throws with one being the one that gave Saline the final advantage with just a few seconds to go in the very competitive game. Gavyn Caskey scored ten and Jamall Johnson added eight to pace Quitman. Eli Walker scored three and both Grant Williams and Brayden Smith added two to round out the Quitman scoring.
Weston scored just two points less in the final two quarters than Doyline did all game to take the 70-46 victory. After starting slowly and spotting Doyline to a 14-11 first quarter lead, the Lady Wolves started to catch fire. Fifteen points in the second was followed by 18 in the third and then with Emma Kate McBride, Mary Catherine Hay and Lainee Trosclair hitting threes to go with ten points by Briley Peterson Weston exploded for a season best 26 points in the final frame to win going away. Trosclair would make three trey’s on the night to lead Weston with 17 points followed closely by McBride’s 16 and 15 from Peterson. Hay and Jessica Newton finished with six with Lexie Millien making five.