The long-anticipated beginning of the 2026 LHSAA football season will finally arrive this Friday night, with Jonesboro-Hodge hosting Lakeside High School at 7:00 pm at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium on the JHHS campus.
The Tigers, who finished with a fine 9-4 overall record last year and earned a Class A state quarterfinal playoff appearance, will be a member of District 1-3A this year. Last week, JHHS played Class 2A Beekman Charter to a 14-14 tie in the annual Bayou Jamb. District 3-2A member Lakeside enters after compiling a 4-6 record last year and falling to Homer16-0 and Minden 19-0 in preseason jamboree action at Minden, LA.
In hopes of winning the season opener for the first time since 2023, the Tigers look to continue their dominance in the series over the Warriors. JHHS holds a 6-1 all-time lead, with the first win coming in 2000 and the last victory a 46-0 rout in 2021. Lakeside’s only win in the series was a 48-43 shootout in 2019.
Entering his school-record 14th season at the helm, Terrance Blankenship will once again lead the Tigers’ charge, looking to improve on his 67-77 overall record, the second-most wins in Tiger history. Included is a school record of 13 straight playoff appearances, highlighted by reaching the Class AA state semifinals in 2021 and two Class A quarterfinal round berths in 2017 and 2025. Additional coaches on the 2026 staff are Anthony Anderson, Nate Belton, Carlos Hicks, and Andre Leonard.
Radio Broadcast Information
For those unable to attend the game, the contest will be broadcast on ROUX102 at 102.3 FM. The broadcast will begin with the Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m., with game action brought to you by play-by-play announcer Ben Ledbetter and color analyst Clay Williams at 7:00 pm. Fans can also view the contest on the Hudl App.
“Meet and Greet” Scheduled for Thursday
