We at Journal Services, LLC are pleased to welcome our newest publication, Vernon Parish Journal. This online publication joins 12 others across Louisiana. Join us in welcoming Rick & Mary Lou Barnickel, publishers of the new Vernon Parish Journal.
“We feel the people of Vernon Parish – Leesville, New Llano, Anacoco, North Fort Johnson and South Fort Johnson, and surrounding towns – deserve their own publication,” said Bill Vance. “At Journal Services LLC, we pride ourselves in covering local parishes with high-quality news and advertising to keep our readers up to date on what’s happening in their communities.”
All Journals cover local news, features, and sports. Subscriptions are – and always will be – free. Please visit www.vernonparishjournal.com and sign up today – CLICK HERE.
Robert Steve Arnouville June 22, 1953 – August 24, 2023 Service: Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11 am at Hixson Brothers, Marksville.
Charles Ray Rachal January 30, 1947 – August 27, 2023 Service: Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11 am at St. Peters Church Hall, Bordelonville.
Charles Gayle Norwood March 3, 1938 – August 26, 2023 Service: Thursday, August 31, 2023, 11 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Egidio John DiStefano February 8, 1943 – August 23, 2023 Service: Friday, September 1, 2023, 10 am at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church.
John Gallemore Alley December 10, 1934 – August 25, 2023 Service: Saturday, September 2, 2023, 10 am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com)
Joemarko James has posted bond and been released from what has become an annual stay at the Rapides Jail.
Those stays began in November 2016 and extend through Aug. 22 this year.
Most recently, James posted $12,500 bond the day after booking on charges of possession of firearm by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
A decade ago James, then of Leesville, was stopped on Interstate 10 in Lake Charles, allegedly in possession of 540 grams of cocaine.
But James, 37, now of Alexandria, is most widely recalled for events in the wake of a Levin Street shooting in October 2016.
He allegedly shot three men. A child present was injured by flying shattered glass. James fled the city with four attempted murder charges in his wake.
James was tracked down and arrested in Houston in November 2016, pleaded not guilty in early 2017 to attempted murder charges and got a trial date of May 2018.
In April 2017 one of the adults shot on Levin Street died, significantly changing the tenor of the case.
Prosecutors amended charges against James, and a murder indictment was returned in November 2017.
At a February 2018 arraignment James, not yet formally in custody, was a no show.
In March U.S. Marshals found and arrested him in Chicago and he was returned to Rapides.
His bail was set at $20 million – an acknowledgement of flight risk – and he was in jail until October, when James was re-charged, this time with murder 2nd degree or non-negligent manslaughter. He was released on Oct. 21, records show.
Seven months later, June 2020, he was charged in Chambers County, Texas (Anahuac) with possession of CDS more than four grams but less than 200 and possession of marijuana.
Then in January 2021 he was back in Rapides custody, charged with possessing or possessing with intent to distribute CDS II, two counts of firearm in possession of a convicted felon, two counts of illegal carrying a weapon, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, two counts of contempt of court and several traffic violations. He posted $64,000 bond three days later.
He was back in June 2022, charged with flight from an officer, possession of stolen things, criminal trespass, two counts of contempt of court and several traffic charges. He posted $25,700 the same day.
Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop E began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Aug. 26 around 5 am on Hwy. 121 just South of Hwy. 1200. This crash claimed the life of 61-year-old Jeffery Broadway.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2008 Nissan Frontier, driven by Broadway, was traveling south on LA Hwy 121. For reasons still under investigation, Broadway failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, crossed the centerline, and exited the roadway to the left before overturning several times.
As a result of this crash, Broadway, who was unrestrained, suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office. Although impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology samples were collected and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that properly wearing your seat belt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. Louisiana law requires that every person in a vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Properly wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save your life and reduce injuries in crashes.
In 2023, Troop E has investigated 36 fatal crashes, resulting in 41 deaths.
It’s always good to discover a hidden gem of a place to visit in one’s community, and a few friends and I found such a place last week in Pineville – the Louisiana Maneuvers and Military History Museum at Camp Beauregard. One of my friends arranged a private guided tour. Retired Army Captain Richard Moran, our tour guide, informed and entertained us for some 90 minutes through fascinating displays in the two-story museum at the camp, which is now officially called the Louisiana National Guard Training Center.
For the sake of brevity, I’ll still refer to it as Camp Beauregard.
Camp Beauregard, by the way, was initially named Camp Stafford in honor of a major general in 1905 when the state legislature decided the state needed a permanent camp for the Louisiana National Guard’s annual training exercises. By the time of World War I, when the War Department needed it for a training area, it was renamed for the Confederate general Pierre Gustav Toussaint Beauregard.
Back to our tour. Central Louisiana’s military history, Moran said, dates back to the colonial period, when Louisiana was not even part of the United States. It continues through the Revolutionary War and, of course the War of 1812 that ended with the famous Battle of New Orleans in 1814.
Then, the history carries through the Civil War, and one exclusive artifact at the museum is a Madison Artillery flag, representing the unit from Madison (La.) Parish, which fought for the Army of Northern Virginia under Gen. Robert E. Lee.
“The flag was supposedly found by a Union soldier after the flag bearer forgot it somewhere,” said Moran, noting the state of Illinois initially had possession of it but it has found its way “on permanent loan” to the museum in the last 10-15 years.
Another exclusive artifact at the museum is a torn, black and white Japanese battle flag, donated by a local veteran of World War II who got it off a Japanese ship. It was torn because half of it had reportedly been in a smokestack.
Moran, a graduate of Grant High School and Louisiana Tech, has for 13 years been the unofficial historian and curator for museum. He is working on his masters in military history at Southeastern Louisiana University. He is a veteran of Desert Storm and deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He has a knack for engaging a tour audience with wit and wisdom. Moran knows all about the military hats and helmets of the different eras, not to mention the swords and ammunition and guns used in the different wars. He can tell you much, too, about the massive scale of the Louisiana Maneuvers training exercises, with a vignette about a civilian woman who didn’t understand – and refused to heed — military talk about a road being off limits because it had been “destroyed.”
These tours are terrific field trip material for students, not to mention us “senior citizens.” For those interested in scheduling a tour – and they are free (but there is a much-deserved tip jar) – call 318-641-5733. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and there are also after-hours tour on weekends, guided or unguided.
Moran is also available to speak at schools and do presentations.
Bob Tompkins enjoyed a 43-year newspaper career as an award-winning writer and editor, serving the last 39 years at the Town Talk in Alexandria through most of 2015. He is a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as a past winner of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. An Alexandria resident, Tompkins is a contributing columnist sharing his talents with Rapides Parish Journal readers.
Rapides felony arrests. An arrest is an accusation, not a conviction.
August 27 Russell Hebert, 58, Forest Hill — Domestic abuse battery; Travion Profet Sr., 29, Baton Rouge — Aggravated battery of dating partner strangulation.
Rapides felony drug arrests. An arrest is an accusation, not a conviction.
August 27 Jason Chappelle, 47, Alexandria — Legend possession, sale or distribution without legal prescription five counts, possession CDS II < 2 grams, contempt of court three counts.
TAYLOR MADE: Last year, LSU true freshman tight end Mason Taylor didn’t score on this catch against Florida State. (Photo by GUS STARK, LSU Athletics)
By RON HIGGINS, Journal Sports
BATON ROUGE – There’s a logical explanation for LSU’s 24-23 season-opening loss a year ago to Florida State in the Louisiana Superdome.
It was the Tigers’ first game under new head coach Brian Kelly and his staff.
If there was ever a team that needed to play a game before facing FSU – the Seminoles had the benefit of a Week 0 47-7 opener over Duquesne – LSU could have used a shakedown cruise.
Instead, the Tigers’ shakiness was on display for the first 2½ quarters against the Seminoles.
Twenty-two players (including seven starters) saw their first action in an LSU uniform in the season-opener. The list included 14 transfers, six true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen. The remaining returning players were in their first game under a new system.
Despite two fumbled punts, two blocked kicks (a field goal and an extra point) and a new starting QB reluctant to throw the ball downfield, the Tigers still lost by a mere point. True freshman tight end Mason Taylor blew a blocking assignment and allowed FSU to block new LSU placekicker Damian Ramos’ potential game-tying extra point with no time left that would have sent the game to overtime.
Kelly expected the unexpected.
But with 17 returning starters, a handful of strategically placed transfers and an almost-intact coaching staff, Kelly foresees something drastically different in opening his second campaign Sunday vs. the Seminoles in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.
“We’re a smarter football team,” Kelly said during his first weekly presser of the regular season. “We understand the things necessary to become more consistent in everything that we do to be a championship football team right down to the smallest of details. Physically, we’re better. Mentally, we’re better. Now you got to go out and execute.”
Kelly noted his squad is relatively healthy entering the opener. Running backs Armani Goodwin and Josh Williams are doubtful and probable, respectively. Backup offensive tackle Kimo Makane’ole is questionable.
As announced previously, starting defensive tackle Maason Smith won’t play because of a one-game NCAA suspension for participating in a paid autograph show in the summer of 2021 a month before the NCAA approved players making money off their name, likeness and image.
Kelly said Smith is nursing an ankle injury, so it would have been questionable how much he would play vs. FSU if he was eligible.
“He’s still not practicing at the level that he needs to be practicing for us,” Kelly said.
While Kelly acknowledged the Tigers will miss Smith’s ability to wreck an offense, he’s comfortable with LSU’s remaining defensive tackle talent led by starters returning All-SEC first-team junior Mehki Wingo and junior Jacobian Guillory.
“We really are pleased with the growth and development of our defensive line,” Kelly said. (There are) guys that we haven’t talked a lot about. (West Virginia senior transfer Jordan) Jefferson has been outstanding. He’s physical, he plays really strong at the point of attack and he’s got a lot of experience. Guillory’s first step quickness, his ability to gain penetration. . . he’s going to be a handful. And (Florida junior transfer Jalen) Lee has been probably one of the surprises.”
KNOW THE ENEMY
No. 5 LSU vs. No. 8 Florida State, Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Sunday, 6:30 p.m. (ABC)
Series record and last LSU-FSU meeting: Florida State leads the series 8-2 after winning last season’s opener 24-23 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, FSU took a 17-3 lead late into the third quarter after LSU’s disjointed offense in its first game under new head coach Brian Kelly produced three points and 122 yards in its first five possessions. New starting QB Jayden Daniels caught fire, leading the Tigers to 256 yards and three TDs on their final three possessions. Daniels threw a 2-yard TD pass to Jaray Jenkins with no time left in the game, but the Tigers couldn’t force overtime when FSU blocked LSU’s extra point.
Florida State head coach: Mike Norvell (56-31 overall in 7 seasons, 18-16 in three years at FSU).
THIS AND THAT:
Appearance fee earned by each team: $5.1 million
Betting line: LSU is favored by 2½
Number of Louisiana natives on Florida State roster: 7
Number of Florida natives on LSU roster: 6
Number of transfers on FSU roster from 4-year schools: 27 from 23 schools including 19 players from 12 Power 5 Conference schools
FLORIDA STATE PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Jordan Travis (226 of 353 for 3,214 yards, 24 TDs, 5 interceptions, 417 yards rushing and 7 TDs), WR Johnny Wilson (43 catches for 897 and 5 TDs, DE Jared Verse (48 tackles, 17 TFL, 9 sacks), WLB Kalen DeLoach (65 tackles, 7½ TFL, 3 sacks), CB Akeem Dent (53 tackles, 4 PBU), PK Tyler Keltner (46 of 74 career field goals for East Tennessee State).
POP QUIZ
1. What LSU assistant coach under Paul Dietzel was hired as Florida State’s head coach in 1960?
A. Semme Nole B. Bill Peterson C. Bobby Bowden D. Joe Gibbs
2. What former Florida State star has an annual national college football award named in his honor
A. Deion Sanders B. Charlie Ward C. Lee Corso D.Fred Biletnikoff
3. What did LSU fans throw on the Tiger Stadium field celebrating the Tigers’ 42-14 win over FSU in 1982 that clinched a bowl berth?
A. Empty bourbon bottles B. Grapefruit C. Underwear and panties D. Oranges
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that 11 projects around the state received bids in August. Ten contractors presented apparent low bids totaling $70 million.
“In our second month of state fiscal year 2023-2024, we’re pleased to continue letting new projects to improve our state’s infrastructure,” said DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda. “Most notably this month, we’ve acceped a bid to rehabilitate a six-mile section of U.S. 90 in St. Mary Parish, which is a major project to improve the future I-49 south corridor.”
Projects awarded and their apparent low bids are as follows:
Bridge Replacement and Repair:
Replacement of Beamon Rd. bridge over Bayou Maringouin in Pointe Coupee Parish: $1,408,482.00 Replacement of LA 321 creek bridges in St. Martin Parish: $4,146,124.20 Pile protection on LA 3011 bridge over Sale Bayou in Terrebonne Parish: $137,240.00
Pavement/Overlay:
Grading, milling, patching, and overlay on U.S. 90 between LA 318 and LA 83 in St. Mary Parish: $51,690,839.11 Milling, patching, overlay, and drainage on LA 772 between U.S. 84/LA 8 and Routon in LaSalle Parish: $2,844,877.03 Milling and patching on LA 480 between LA 486 and Red River Parish line in Natchitoches Parish: $1,734,909.40 Milling, patching, and paving on LA 623 between U.S. 165 and Camp Livingston Rd. in Rapides Parish: $475,807.93 Milling, patching, and overlay on U.S. 425 between Baskin and Richland Parish line in Franklin Parish: $3,358,896.81 Milling, patching, overlay, and drainage on LA 135 between Antioch Rd. and U.S. 425 in Richland Parish: $2,862,865.85
Congestion Mitigation and Safety:
Turn lane addition on U.S. 61 at Alco Ave. in East Baton Rouge Parish: $626,436.75
Other:
Abita Springs town center sidewalk lighting in St. Tammany Parish: $667,800.00
When bids for projects are received, an “apparent low bidder” is identified, although the process of actually finalizing and awarding the contract takes about 30 days. Bid prices deemed outside of a certain range or exceeding the project budget typically trigger a more extensive evaluation. DOTD will continue to monitor increases in bid prices related to supply chain and workforce issues. After a review, DOTD may opt to have the project re-bid.
Construction projects are prioritized by road/bridge condition, urgency of improvements, type/volume of traffic, crash records, unforeseeable emergencies that caused damage, and several other factors.
There are days when I think I drive for a living. I commute from Gibsland to Ruston daily. There are days I do a couple of round trips.I drive a bland white Toyota hybrid. I established long ago that my car is smarter than I am. It certainly takes care of me.
The cruise control has two settings, politically correct and drive up on their bumper before changing lanes. I opt for the bumper drive setting. That setting keeps me at optimum driving attention.
There is another feature I’ve come to appreciate. The rearview mirror is not a mirror but a camera. It gives a wider field of vision. My vision is not blocked if I’m hauling something in the back of the car. It took a day or two to get used to the idea, but now I don’t think I could return to the old-fashioned rear-view mirror.
The car has warning lights galore. It reminds me to check the backseat before I exit the car to make sure there is not a child or perishable food sitting on the seat. I have learned that if any item over 40 pounds is in the back seat, it must be belted in. To fail in that safety requirement means the warning horn will blare the whole trip. It is nice for my car to warn me that I have a sack of bird seed on the backseat.
The warning light I have learned to loathe is the tire pressure light. The tire pressure light is always on. This morning it was on because all four tires claimed to have pressure problems. They were all at 34 psi, and I thought that was pretty good. I know that in the wintertime the pressure will fluctuate. I was not anticipating this issue in the dog days of August. Is my car overly sensitive? Do I have a bad sensor or two in the tires? Can I learn to ignore the warnings? After all I come from a time when we would get out of the car, look at the tire and then manually check the tire pressure.
What is the relationship between the driver and the warning lights? Especially if these warning lights were created by some dufus who thought it was a good idea to know your tire pressure all the time. I know what you are saying, ignore the warning lights at your own peril. I agree. However, I’m being warned about a non-problem. I don’t have a tire pressure problem; my car has a calibration issue.
That perpetual light on my dashboard is a spiritual reminder. There are a ton of things to worry, fret, and stew about. Some of these worries are life altering. Others are like the light on my dashboard, a mere distraction. Maturity brings the wisdom to differentiate between the two.
For large and small distractions, Jesus is the antidote.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled, believe in God believe also in me.”
In the early morning hours of Aug. 24, and throughout the day, multiple wildfires devastated the area near Union Hill in southwest Rapides Parish.
Investigators with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Forestry Enforcement Division were able to determine these wildfires were caused by arson. LDAF Investigators, Louisiana State Fire Marshal Deputies, and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Detectives are actively investigating this matter.
If you or anyone you know have any information regarding these fires, investigators are urging you to call law enforcement. To report an arsonist, call the LDAF 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-473-6700, or the State Fire Marshal Office at 1-844-954-1221.
All calls are anonymous, and the Louisiana Forestry Association is offering up to a $2,000 cash reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the crime.
Note: All persons accused of any crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Funeral services for Dr. Charles Norwood will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023 in Emmanuel Baptist Church, Alexandria, with Dr. Chris Thacker officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Roberts Cemetery, Grayson, Louisiana, under the direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Alexandria.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. until shortly before time of service in the church on Thursday.
Dr. Charles Norwood was born 3/3/1938 in Monroe, LA to Leo Earl Norwood and Sadie Elizabeth Yarborough Norwood. He passed away on 8/26/2023 at Rapides Regional Medical Center at the age of 85.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Aunt Irma Yarborough. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lillian Aline (Mayes) Norwood; daughter, Doris Duncan (Robert); sons Luke Norwood (April) and Charlie Norwood (Monica); Beatriz Valdez Martinez; brother, Jim Norwood; 6 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He graduated from LSU school of medicine in 1963. He completed his internship at Confederate Memorial Hospital in Shreveport and then was drafted into military service with 1st special forces for two years on Okinawa. He received the Distinguished Service Medal. He spent 14 years as a missionary physician. He completed additional training in tropical medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. After his missionary service, he continued his work in medicine as an emergency room physician for many years. He was a published author, having published articles in several national journals. He continued to make medical missions trips to numerous locations around the globe. He imparted his incredible wealth of medical experiences to numerous young physicians as a professor for the LSU family practice residency program in Alexandria, LA.
He was always happiest when he was able to be part of the growth and development of those he taught. He enjoyed creating LSU themed paintings for all of the medical residents he mentored. He was proud of his children and showed them all the importance of kindness and benevolence to others. His life of service to others is unparalleled and his humility, kindness, benevolence, and self-sacrifice will all serve as his legacy.
Pallbearers will be Jordan Salsbury, John Luke Oxner, Bennie Archie, Eric Kent, Gary Mayes, Jim Mayes, and Robert Duncan.
In lieu of flowers, we would encourage donations to Emmanuel Baptist Church, Springhill Baptist Church, or LSU Family Medicine Residency Program.
For Hunger Action Month this September, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana will join Feeding America and other member food banks to inspire conversation and drive passion for the issue of hunger. The month-long campaign will highlight the impact of food on people’s lives and show how a meal goes beyond solely nourishing our bodies. When people are fed, futures are nourished, and individuals go from just living to truly thriving.
September marks the 16th year Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a nationwide network of 200 food banks, including the Food Bank of Central Louisiana and 60,000 partner food pantries and meal programs, has organized the annual call to action. By joining the movement, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana believes our collective voices, actions and commitment will help ensure every community has the food it needs to flourish.
“Food has a tremendous impact on people’s lives. We have all experienced firsthand how a meal goes beyond solely nourishing our bodies,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Access to nutritious food is essential for each of us to reach our full potential and reminds us that we can all help to create positive change in our communities to ensure that no one goes hungry in America. Now is the time for us to come together to elevate the voices of people who experience food insecurity and inspire everyone to join the movement to end hunger.”
During the month of September, people across central Louisiana can get involved by listening, acting and inviting others to speak up about ways to end hunger.
Pay it forward – do a good deed for someone.
Collect nonperishable food items for your local food pantry.
Make a donation to the food bank.
Hunger Action Month is a time for everyone across the country to collectively act against hunger. You can choose to donate or advocate. You can choose to volunteer or raise awareness. You can choose to help end hunger. Learn more about how you can take action by visiting hungeractionmonth.org.
Robert Steve Arnouville June 22, 1953 – August 24, 2023 Service: Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11 am at Hixson Brothers, Marksville.
Charles Ray Rachal January 30, 1947 – August 27, 2023 Service: Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11 am at St. Peters Church Hall, Bordelonville.
Charles Gayle Norwood March 3, 1938 – August 26, 2023 Service: Thursday, August 31, 2023, 11 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Alexandria.
John Gallemore Alley December 10, 1934 – August 25, 2023 Service: Saturday, September 2, 2023, 10 am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or RPJNewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Death shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to RPJNewsla@gmail.com)
ASH junior tight end Tanner Townsend (85) blocks a Pineville defender to spring T.J. Lindsey for the Trojans’ first touchdown in a 31-0 victory over Pineville in jamboree action last week. (Photo by BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports)
By BRET H. MCCORMICK, Journal Sports
PINEVILLE – Alexandria Senior High showcased an explosive rushing attack and a suffocating defense as the Trojans defeated District 2-5A rival Pineville 31-0 at the Pineville Jamboree last Friday night.
Junior tailback J.T. Lindsey compiled a game-high 108 rushing yards on 12 carries, including a 51-yard touchdown on his third touch of the contest, as the Trojans scored on their first four possessions to race to a 24-0 lead in the first of two 15-minute halves under the lights at D.C. “Bill” Bates Stadium.
Senior receiver Jaylin Johnson scored on a 67-yard end-around to put the Trojans ahead 14-0, the first of two big plays for Johnson, who also had a 45-yard reception on ASH’s fourth possession to set up a 21-yard field goal by senior Bodie Van Dyke.
Senior quarterback Ty Feaster, who connected with Johnson on the deep ball inside the Pineville 5-yard line, also broke free for a 28-yard touchdown run on the Trojans’ third possession to give them a 21-0 lead.
Feaster, who went 2-for-5 passing for 48 yards, played almost all of the first half at quarterback before giving way to fellow senior Amyrion Mingo, who went 3-for-6 passing for 18 yards and scored ASH’s lone second-half touchdown on a 5-yard keeper with just over 2 minutes remaining.
The Trojans were dominant in the running game, averaging more than 12 yards per carry and finishing with 228 rushing yards.
ASH coach Thomas Bachman said he was proud of the end result for his team, but he felt the Trojans coasted to the win in the second half instead of finishing the game strong.
“Play to our standard. Let’s get better this second half. Don’t look at the scoreboard,” Bachman said of what he preached to his team. “That’s easy to say. Now we’ve got to learn how to do it.”
Pineville rushed for 111 yards on 35 carries in the game and was led by the power running of senior fullback Sebastian Molette, who churned up 45 rushing yards on 15 carries in the game.
The Rebels went three-and-out on their first three possessions and picked up just one first down in the first half, but they controlled the clock more successfully in the second half even if they were unable to find the end zone.
Pineville coach Bryant Bell said it was difficult for the Rebels to stay patient after getting behind so quickly, but he liked what he saw in the second half as his team refused to quit.
“We wanted a closer game. We wanted to keep it closer,” Bell said. “But three years ago we would have quit pretty early in the first two or three minutes of the game. Our kids hung in there. We fought. I challenged them at halftime to win the second half, which I think we lost by a touchdown the second half, but we fought to the end of the game.”
In other action at the Pineville Jamboree, junior Jimmie Duncan scored four touchdowns to lead the Trojans’ junior-varsity team to a dominating 42-8 victory while the ASH freshmen team rallied from behind to pull out a 22-18 win over the Rebel freshmen.
The freshmen game featured three kickoff-return TDs, including one each by Pineville’s Kelmarion Phillips and Jyren Pearson and one by ASH’s Jaytun Terry. Phillips also had a 62-yard rushing TD as the Rebels took a 12-0 lead, but ASH fought back to take a 16-12 lead with 4:28 to play on Max Gassiott’s 11-yard TD pass to Alex Fontenot.
The Rebels retook the lead on Pearson’s kickoff return on the next play, but ASH answered with a game-winning drive that ended when Tristan Brooks took a short pass from Karsen Sellers and raced 60 yards down the sideline for a score.
Tioga Jamboree
Ja’Corian Norris returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and caught a 41-yard pass to set up Tioga’s second touchdown, but the Indians lost a hard-fought battle to Class 4A power Westgate 20-13 Friday night in the second game of the Tioga Jamboree.
Leesville defeated Grant 13-0 in the first game of the night at The Reservation.
Norris was all over the field Friday night, forcing a fumble at the goal line to keep the Tigers out of the end zone on their first drive and making several explosive tackles in addition to being the Indians’ leading receiver with three catches for 47 yards.
Tioga sophomore quarterback Cace Malone completed 6 of 8 passes for 68 yards, including a 5-yard TD to Joshua Loyd late in the second half.
The Indians compiled 145 yards of offense in the jamboree, including 43 rushing yards on eight carries by senior Corbin Zeto, but they couldn’t get enough stops of Westgate junior quarterback Jaboree Antoine, who passed for two TDs and ran for another to lead the Tigers to victory.
Buckeye Jamboree
Senior Cooper Scott scored two rushing touchdowns and Ryan Hicks booted two field goals to lead Menard to a 26-7 victory over Buckeye on Friday.
Scott’s two TDs were aided by a third rushing touchdown by senior Carter Marcantel, while sophomore Aidyn Moran was the Eagles’ workhorse on the ground with over 100 rushing yards.
Defensively, the Eagles forced three three-and-outs and also made two red-zone stands after the Panthers put together solid drives. Buckeye’s lone touchdown came on their final drive on a short run by junior Jim Burlew.
“They did get to the red zone a couple of times, but we were able to overcome that and stop them on downs,” Menard coach David Perkins said. “That’s big. That’s been a point of emphasis for our team since I took over.”
Buckeye coach Ben McLaughlin said despite the final score he was pleased with the way his team played and believes Friday night prepared the Panthers for the start of the season.
“We really finished strong,” McLaughlin said. “I was proud of our kids. We were playing at the pace we want to play. I felt like we got stronger as we went on.”
Bolton Jamboree
Peabody got two explosive touchdowns, including a 58-yard punt return by TJ Hullaby that opened the scoring, in a 36-0 victory over Bolton Friday night.
Hullaby also caught a touchdown pass from Larry Roberts Jr. and had a second TD reception wiped out by penalty as the Warhorses dominated their former district and cross-city rival.
Roberts also connected with Malachi Goodley on a passing touchdown, and Peabody got rushing TDs from David Newton and Malik Lewis, who broke free for a 60-yard score.
Erin Laprairie Jr. knows the rules, no doubt. Abiding by them is what he allegedly has difficulty with.
Laprairie, 37, of Deville is a convicted Tier 1 sex offender. Among charges in his arrest Aug. 25 is contributing to delinquency of a minor.
Convicted in September 2015 for indecent behavior with a juvenile, Laprairie has been required to register as a sex offender since released from that sentence.
Records indicate a spotty approach to that requirement.
In his current case, Laprairie is also charged with five counts of contempt of court, flight from an officer and several traffic violations. His bail is set at $178,000. He remained incarcerated Sunday night.
At the time of his arrest Laprairie was out of jail on a $25,000 bond posted after his May 30 arrest on failure to register as a sex offender and, presumably, those same five counts of contempt.
Eight months previous, October 2022, Laprairie was booked with two counts of failure to register, two counts of resisting an officer, a contempt charge and several allegations related to driving a motorcycle, including allegedly having no driver’s license.
His alleged disdain for registering as a sex offender led to failure to register charges on October 2021. He was also charged with resisting an officer and simple assault.
That arrest came just 12 days after he posted $15,600 bond and was released from a Sept. 24 arrest.
Among the charges: failing to register, encouraging/contributing to child delinquency, negligent injury and several traffic charges.
Five other arrests occurred in 2019 and 2020. Contempt of court is a constant among them.
Erin Laprairie Jr., 37, Deville — Flight from officer, contributing to delinquency of minor, reckless operation, driving under suspension/revocation, no vehicle registration, no evidence of insurance, contempt of court five counts.
August 26 David Dorsey, 55, Alexandria — Battery aggravated, simple battery;
James Lewis Jr., 40, Pineville — Domestic abuse battery with child present four counts, domestic abuse battery strangulation, domestic abuse battery two counts, false imprisonment;
Rapides felony drug arrests. An arrest is an accusation, not a conviction.
August 22 Rhonda Neal, 59, Deville — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, contempt of court;
Ty Gibson, 32, Alexandria — Possession, manufacture, dispense, distribution possession with intent CDS II and IV, possession CDS I first 14;
Terineesha Nelson, 30, Alexandria — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, possession paraphernalia, remaining after forbidden, resisting officer, disturbing the peace loud/abusive language.
August 23 Jerome Hobbs, 39, Alexandria — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, possession CDS II 2-28 grams, resisting officer, bicycle lamps/reflectors required, contempt of court, six counts;
Terry Hobbs, 38, Alexandria — Possession CDS II 2-28 grams, two counts, resisting officer, lamps/reflectors required;
Jeremy Jackson, 36, Alexandria — Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense possession with intent fentanyl, carfentanil mixture or analogues, probation violation;
Shonnan Johnson, 47, Pineville — Possession CDS I < 28 grams analogues or counterfeit, resisting officer, probation violation, contempt of court three counts.
August 25 Calvin Celestine II, 40, Alexandria — Possession CDS I < 2 grams, possession CDS I 1st 14, possession paraphernalia, illegal window tint, speeding;
Deandre Johnson, 25, Alexandria — Possession CDS I 1st 14, possession CDS I < 2 grams two counts, possession CDS V, possession firearm by convicted felon, illegal carrying weapon, carrying more persons than bicycle equipped for;
Reginald Price, 49, Alexandria — Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense possession with intent CDS II 28 grams or more or analogues thereof, child desertion, cruelty to juveniles, illegal carrying firearm with drugs, resisting officer with force/violence.
August 26 James Boykins, 41, Alexandria — Possession CDS II < 2 grams, possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense CDS II < 28 grams two counts, CDS IV, Legend possession without prescription, illegal carrying firearm with drugs, illegal possession stolen firearm, possession firearm by convicted felon, obstruction of justice evidence tampering;
Jason Harper, 19, Pineville — Possession, manufacture, distribution, dispense CDS I > 28 grams or more two counts, possession paraphernalia, running stop sign;
Dustin Sweat, 42, Sulphur — Possession CDS II 2-28 grams, possession paraphernalia, parole violations, fugitive, contempt of court.
