After a successful debut in 2022, Rapides Cancer Center’s Tackle Stroke partnership with local high school football teams returns for the 2023 season.

Tackle Stroke provides the eight football-playing high schools in Rapides Parish the chance to earn money for their programs and for the American Cancer Society.

Schools will earn $20 for every field goal made during the regular season and postseason, and $10 for every successful PAT following touchdowns. Each school will receive a minimum $500 with a corresponding donation made to the American Cancer Society.

In 2022, Alexandria Senior High claimed the inaugural Golden Boot for raising $500 through 44 PATs and 3 field goals. In all, $4,500 was donated to the ACS on behalf of the schools after Pineville coach Bryant Bell donated his team’s share to the ACS.

“Partnering with our local high schools to raise awareness of the great work done by the American Cancer Society was a huge success last season,” said Charla H. Ducote, Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Business Development at Rapides Regional Medical Center.

The annual cancer death rate in Central Louisiana is 175.3 per 100,000, which is on par with the state’s death rate. However, the cancer death rate for the country is 155.6. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Cenla, followed by breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. All are higher than the national average.

“The need for cancer screenings is great in our area, and in Louisiana overall,” said Ducote. “Hopefully, Tackle Stroke can help bring attention to the importance of preventive screenings in our community.”

Schools partnering with the Rapides Cancer Center are Alexandria Senior High, Bolton, Buckeye, Holy Savior Menard, Northwood, Peabody, Pineville and Tioga. The regular season begins Thursday, Aug. 31 and concludes the first weekend in November, with the state high school football playoffs beginning the following weekend.