For the most part, the three-team, round robin scrimmage, Jonesboro-Hodge, D’Arbonne Woods, and Mangham High School that was played at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium on the JHHS campus this past Friday evening went as expected.

The controlled scrimmage saw the first team offense from all three teams have the opportunity to run 15 plays each against the first team defense of their opponent, beginning at their own 20-yard line. There were no kick-offs or punting. After that sequence, all three teams had the opportunity to work on their goal-line offense and defense. 

While no score was kept and no clock was run, in the end, JHHS played Class 3A D’Arbonne Woods to a standstill in the 15-play portion of the scrimmage, and the Tigers took an advantage while running plays from the goal line. Against Mangham, the sledding was a little tougher as the visiting Dragons, who return almost all of their starting lineup from a year ago, showed why they are expected to be one of the top Class 2A teams in north Louisiana.

As is almost always the case when a team takes to the field for the first time in a season, some things are done well, and other areas show the need for improvement. In summary, some results were expected and others were a surprise.  

“Overall, I thought we executed pretty good to be lining up for the first time this year,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship, now entering a school record 14th year at the helm. “We were missing a couple of our expected starters on the line, but still moved the ball pretty well against both teams, and our defense played respectfully.”

Blankenship further stated that what he took away as the best part of the exhibition was the play from several young players who are getting their first opportunity to play varsity ball. 

“I was very pleased with the way some of our young guys looked, especially on offense,” recalled Blankenship. “Several of our younger guys made plays that opened our eyes and made us think that they may be more ready than is normal for a player with no experience, which would be a great thing for us.” 

NEXT UP! The Tigers now turn their focus to the 19th annual Bayou Jamb that will be played at Malone Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Monroe at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 29th, where they will square off against Delhi Charter in the first game of the two-day event that will showcase 16 teams from north Louisiana.

“The guys are looking forward to playing in the first game of the jamboree and setting a good tone for the season,” commented Blankenship. “While the game doesn’t count on the season record, it is important for us to give a good showing as we play this team again later in the season when it will count.” 

Buy Your Tickets at JHHS: Tiger fans who intend to show their support by attending the Bayou Jamb are encouraged to purchase tickets to the event at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, as it not only benefits the team but also will be cheaper than purchasing a ticket at the gate on game day.

The entire revenue gained by tickets purchased in advance goes to Jonesboro-Hodge, whereas revenue from tickets bought at the gate is split among the participants. Each ticket is good for all three games on tap that Friday evening, which will include a matchup between Richwood and Mangham and a star-studded matchup of two of the top Class 5A teams in the state, Ruston and Neville.

As an added incentive for Tiger supporters, game tickets that are purchased at the school will cost only $12.00 per person, whereas those bought at the gate on game day will carry a $15.00 price tag.