The 15th edition of the Bayou Jamb continues one tradition while also starting a pair of new ones. The event that features 14 tradition rich schools competing in seven contests over a two day period once again earns top billing of all prep football Jamborees in north Louisiana.
One thing that is new is the location. This year, the two games that will be played on Friday, August 25th and the five contests slated for Saturday, August 26th, will be at Rebel Stadium, home of West Monroe High School, instead of the normal college venue.
“We are excited to kick-off the football season by hosting this area’s top football talent at West Monroe High School in Rebel Stadium for 2023,” said Patti Thurmon, Owner of Bayou Jamb, LLC.
Malone Stadium, on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM), was the site of the Bayou Jamb for the first 13 years. Last year the event moved to Ruston, but with Louisiana Tech playing FIU at home on Saturday, Aug. 26, it prevented Joe Aillet Stadium from being a host site in 2023.
”While we maintain the right to host the Bayou Jamb on a collegiate campus again in the future, the City of West Monroe and West Monroe High School has all the ideal qualities in terms of facilities, location, environment and amenities for the Bayou Jamb to be a success.“
Another change is with the lineup of games. In the past, the largest schools closed out action on Saturday night. This year Evangel in Shreveport will play Ouachita High at 6:00 pm on Friday night followed by the feature matchup of Division 1 “non-select” state runner-up Ruston taking on host West Monroe.
The Saturday lineup opens with Jonesboro-Hodge playing St. Frederick High of Monroe at 11:00 AM. D’arbonne Woods and Red River is next followed by Cedar Creek taking on Mangham. The 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm matchups features three state champions of a year ago with Division IV “select” state champion, Ouachita Christian playing Jena and Division III “non-select” champ Many High lining up against Division IV “select” winner Oak Grove.
We have changed the game day lineup and added a couple of new school matchups to the jamboree that we are excited about,” said Patti Thurmon, Owner of Bayou Jamb, LLC.
For Jonesboro-Hodge, the 2023 Bayou Jamb carries extra special significance according to head coach Terrance Blankenship, who entering his 11th season at the helm, is now the longest tenured coach in Tiger history.
“This will be the first time that we get to play on the field named after one of the best coaches (Don Shows) ever to come from Jonesboro-Hodge,” said Blankenship. “We are also excited to be lining up against St. Frederick once again as we have a long history of playing them in the Bayou Jamb and it usually is a great matchup.”
2023 Bayou Jamb Schedule
