“To all good things must come to an end!” – Geoffrey Chaucer
The meaning behind the phrase of the 14th-century poet was that enjoyable experiences are temporary and eventually must end. It’s often used to appreciate good times while they last and reminds us to be grateful for time we get to experience them.
On Friday, one of the more enjoyable football seasons Jonesboro-Hodge High School has experienced in recent memory came to an end when #1 seed Haynesville defeated the 9th-seeded Tigers 48-12 in the Quarterfinals of the LHSAA Division IV playoffs.
With the defeat, JHHS concludes a fine 9-4 campaign that saw the Tigers finish in second place in District 1-1A behind Haynesville, who continues to the Division IV semifinals with a 12-0 record, where they will host #4 Jeanerette (11-1), who advanced by beating Logansport by a 36-8 margin.
While being disappointed that the season ended, it did nothing to take away the pride JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship felt about his team and the appreciation he had for the seven seniors who helped lead the Tigers back into prominence on the gridiron.
“It didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but I’m proud of these 39 kids and our seven seniors. From the first day of practice back in August, they gave us everything they had and were great representatives of our athletic program, school, and community, said Blankenship. “Anytime you are playing during the Thanksgiving holidays, it means you have had a successful season, and I told the guys after the game, they had nothing to hang their heads about and to always take pride in the fact that they were responsible for bringing back the tradition of JHHS being recognized as a good football program.”
Seven seniors: Dakota Knox, Landon Boston, Malik Nichols, Marquise Baker, John LeBlance, Kyron Atkins, and Sadaar Stevens, played their last game at JHHS, having left an indelible impression on Blankenship and the Tiger coaching staff.
“The Class of 2026 left their mark on the JHHS football program,” reflected Blankenship. “They are a class group of young men with great character that we enjoyed coaching and being around daily, and have left a great legacy for all of our younger guys.”
In a final reflection of the season, Blankenship also made sure to express his appreciation and thanks to the many backers of the Tiger football program, who gave support the entire season and sent a message to the parents of team members.
“I appreciate my WIFE, administrators, coaches, school board, teachers, parents, booster club, touchdown club, concession workers, Bethany Baptist Church (MY CHURCH), JHHS Alumni and fans far and near, homecoming tailgaters, radio broadcasters, chain crew, the Jonesboro Police Department and Jackson Parish Sheriff Department, and sponsors. THANK YOU from my coaching staff, players, and trainers,” said Blankenship in an effort to name everyone he could recall who helped make the 2025 season a successful one.
The Tiger head coach also had a message to the parents, families, and friends of the players on the team.
“I know I’m hard on the kids, but I want the best for them, and I’m trying to push them beyond their limits on and off the field and keep them out of these Jonesboro streets,” stated Blankenship. “Thank you for all of your support, and we’ll start getting ready for next season.”
Thank You, Coach Blankenship! Jonesboro-Hodge High School and the community are fortunate to have you and your coaching staff leading our young men into the future.