September 30, 2025
Month: September 2025
Alexandria plans new Sports Court
By JIM BUTLER
A century after taking their place among Alexandria recreation sites and about a half-century after becoming an afterthought the city’s initial public tennis courts are about to become relevant again.
The four-court site on Hickory Street just off the Masonic Drive-Lee Street intersection are getting a facelift to provide modern recreation opportunity.
The City Council last week authorized bid solicitation for bringing the location back into the city’s play-time inventory.
On what are now the ruins of a once-premier facility the city intends to spend about a million dollars to essentially return an asset to productive use.
Before there were private tennis facilities, before there were Frank O. Hunter Park courts, before there was the Tennis Facility on Masonic Drive, there were the Hickory Street hard courts where city, state and regional championships were held year to year, where players of all ages and both sexes stood in line for the next available court (use limited to one hour when someone waiting).
Tennis on the renovated Sports Court will be limited to two places of the table variety. Three chess tables will also be provided.
Included in the plans:
- Four cornhole sets;
- A basketball court;
- Four 4-corner squares;
- Six pickleball courts.
Estimated cost of the multi-purpose court is $691,000. Parking lot construction is figured at $165,000 and lighting at $133,000.
Bids will be received through mid-morning on November 4.
The bid documents provide 90 working days.
When Scott gets fiery, you know the place is scorching
This past weekend’s Ryder Cup did nothing to “lower the temperature” in our hot-tempered country.
Not only did the feverish rally by the previously inept Americans on Sunday increase the voltage, tempers flared between the two squads and between the Europeans and the rowdy crowds at the Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale, N.Y. To show how pervasive it got, even Scottie Scheffler’s laid-back caddie, Ted Scott, nearly blew his stack on Saturday.
Scott grew up in Lafayette and has fond memories of playing golf at Bringhurst Golf Course in Alexandria as a youngster with his father, Ted Scott Sr., and grandfather, Don Scott, who were from Alexandria.
His grandfather, Don, was one of the first players from Menard ever to be named to an all-state football team, in 1936, as a center. He later coached golf at Menard and, as a city employee, lived in what is now the clubhouse at the Bringhurst Golf Course. He had two sons, Don Jr., and Ted, the caddie’s father. Both were athletic, playing multiple sports. His uncle, Don Jr., was once the golf coach at McNeese State.
During four-ball play Saturday, Ted had a brusque reaction with European vice-captain Francesco Molinari that stunned many, given how calm Scott usually is.
The tension between the two teams was so heavy at one point that Molinari
decided to step between Scott and Tommy Fleetwood, despite the two simply walking alongside each other and not even speaking. Scott and Bryson DeChambeau had just been in a heated discussion with Justin Rose after Rose, at the 15th green, had asked DeChambeau’s caddie to move away from his line.
It doesn’t take much at a Ryder Cup to trigger irritation between rivals from the different countries. When Molinari stepped between Scott and Fleetwood, he reportedly put his hand on Scott’s shoulder. Scott removed Molinari’s hand from his shoulder and was quickly jawing in his face, and Fleetwood’s caddie, Ian Finnis, acted as the peacemaker.
To his credit, Scott tried to bury the hatchet Sunday morning. He released a video on his Instagram account apologizing to Molinari for his actions Saturday. In the video, he puts his arm around Molinari’s shoulder, said some nice things about him and acknowledged the “heated moment” they had.
“But what many of you don’t realize,” he added, is they soon got over it.
“Neither of us want to make this competition about us,” he went on. “We want to let the players go out there and do their thing. Ultimately, I just want to spread love and joy. It’s a great competition, it’s great fun and this is a great man right here, so I just want to say I’m sorry.”
After the two shook hands, Molinari said, “I appreciate you. I have huge admiration for you, and I love you.”
If only the crowds at Bethpage would’ve followed Scott’s example, but no. They continued to be crass as they harassed the European golfers, especially Rory McIlroy. I found that odd since he was the darling of the patrons in Augusta, Ga., when he won the Masters last spring.
As an example, they made noise with squeaky rubber ducks, free giveaways with cocktails, when Rory was at the 10th tee. Many spectators were removed over the course of the tournament, but not enough, as European captain Luke Donald accused the crowd of “crossing the line.”
“Crossing the line” didn’t work. It backfired. On one occasion Sunday, McIlroy stepped away from a putt twice because of the fans’ disruption and wouldn’t play for four minutes until the atmosphere cooled, but he answered their taunting by making a 34-foot putt.
What looked like an unprecedented rout by Europe, which led by seven points going into Sunday’s single matches, became a tense duel Sunday. No team has ever come back from such a deficit to win, but the Americans came close. The Americans rallied from four down to win in 1999, and the Europeans came back from a four-point deficit in 2012 to win.
That was the last year an away team won on foreign soil.
Although disappointed in defeat, the Americans got some solace in knowing they fought valiantly at the end in nearly pulling off the most remarkable comeback ever. Scottie beat Rory. Cam Young and Justin Thomas won white-knuckler duels at 18 against Justin Rose and Fleetwood. Xavier Schauffele crushed Jon Rahm 4&3.
The Europeans clinched it before Shreveport’s Sam Burns, the former LSU star, finished his match by tying Rob MacIntyre, the Scotsman who played a season at McNeese before getting homesick.
The Irish like limericks, even when the stories are sad. Well, here’s one for us that’s sad:
There once was a caddie named Scott,
Who, touched by Molinari, got hot,
He said he was sorry,
And Scheffler nipped Rory,
But ‘twere not enough wins in the pot.
Glenmora FD announces new service truck
The Glenmora Fire Department announced that it had obtained a new Service Truck (ST-1), which replaces an outdated vehicle that had been experiencing mechanical issues. This new truck will enable GFD to perform their duties more effectively by carrying additional equipment.
GFD expressed gratitude to Mr. Brian Laird, the Town Maintenance Superintendent, for his instrumental role in making this project possible. Mr. Laird’s dedication to enhancing the Town of Glenmora is truly commendable, and GFD appreciates his tireless efforts to making sure Glenmora is a better place for all.
Furthermore, GFD would like to thank Mayor Brian Goree and Council Member Joey Mott. Both men have given outstanding support, which has greatly contributed to the betterment of the Department and Town.
The Glenmora Fire Department thanks each of them, for helping make the department better.
NNO tonight at the Alex Zoo
National Night Out is happening TONIGHT from 5-8pm at the Alexandria Zoo.
Along with food, fun, and community connection, the Alexandria Police Department will have some amazing door prizes, including brand new bicycles, gaming systems and much more.
Make plans to bring the family and join APD for an evening of celebration and community pride
Trojans edge up again in Class 5A poll, Tioga builds support
The unbeaten Alexandria Senior High Trojans football team rolled over Opelousas last week and moved up a spot to fifth in the Week 5 Class 5A Top 10 statewide poll conducted by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
ASH took advantage of a loss by last week’s No. 3 team, Catholic of Baton Rouge, to climb in the rankings. The Trojans’ only competitive game was a win two weeks ago over Destrehan, and their next game shapes up as a massive mismatch, a visit to struggling Class 2A Many, which lost at St. Mary’s last Friday.
But District 2-5A play begins the following week and the Trojans will face state powers Ruston, West Monroe and Neville along that path toward the state playoffs.
Tioga, out to a strong 3-1 start, is picking up voting support in Class 4A. The Indians get a chance to make a big impression this Friday when they travel to unbeaten Jena, the No. 6 team in the Class 3A top 10.
The Week 5 LSWA Top 10 polls:
Class 5A
School (1st place votes), points, last week’s rank
1. Karr (11), 4-0, 132, 1
2. Ruston, 4-0, 116, 3
3. Central, 4-0, 95, 4
4. St. Augustine, 4-0, 92, 5
5. Alexandria Senior High, 4-0, 83, 6
6. Catholic-Baton Rouge, 3-1, 80, 2
7. John Curtis, 3-0, 73, 8
8. Zachary, 3-0, 56, 9
9. Brother Martin, 4-0, 36, 10
10. West Monroe, 3-1, 33, NR
Others receiving votes: Neville 16, Terrebonne 16, Evangel Christian 10, Ouachita 5, Destrehan 5, Parkway 2, Archbishop Rummel 2, Carencro 2, Airline 1, East Ascension 1.
Class 4A
1. North DeSoto (9), 4-0, 127, 1
2. Teurlings Catholic (2), 4-0, 120, 2
3. St. Thomas More, 2-2, 102, T3
4. Franklin Parish, 3-1, 101, T3
5. Franklinton, 3-1, 78, 5
6. Lakeshore, 4-0, 76, 6
7. St. Charles, 4-0, 70, 7
8. Plaquemine, 3-1, 58, 8
9. Iowa, 4-0, 46, 9
10. Archbishop Shaw, 2-2, 40, 10
Others receiving votes: Vandebilt Catholic 14, Tioga 7, Belle Chasse 5, E.D. White 5, Lutcher 5, Westgate 3.
Class 3A
1. Jewel Sumner (5), 4-0, 117, 1
2. St. James (2), 3-1, 113, 2
3. Sterlington (1), 3-1, 110, 3
4. Madison Prep (1), 3-1, 95, 4
5. Bunkie (1), 4-0, 94, 5
6. Jena, 4-0, 78, 6
7. University (1), 2-2, 73, 7
8. Lake Charles College Prep, 3-1, 50, 8
9. Erath, 4-0, 42, 10
10. Church Point, 3-1, 36, 9
Others receiving votes: Jennings 29, Marksville 8, Amite 6, John F. Kennedy 5, Westlake 2.
Class 2A
1. Ouachita Christian (8), 4-0, 125, 2
2. Dunham (1), 3-1, 113, 4
3. Lafayette Christian Academy, 3-1, 108, 1
4. Calvary Baptist (1), 3-1, 97, 5
5. Notre Dame, 3-1, 91, 6
6. Catholic-New Iberia (1), 3-1, 82, 3
7. Lafayette Renaissance Charter, 4-0, 58, 7
8. Oak Grove, 3-1, 54, 8
9. Ferriday, 4-0, 40, 9
10. South Plaquemines, 3-1, 37, 10
Others receiving votes: Kinder 13, Mangham 13, Newman 9, Union Parish 9, Northlake Christian 6, East Feliciana 3.
Class 1A
1. Haynesville (11), 4-0, 132, 1
2. Jeanerette, 4-0, 115, 3
3. Covenant Christian, 3-1, 99, 4
4. Southern Lab, 3-1, 93, 5
5. Hamilton Christian, 4-0, 83, 6
6. Opelousas Catholic, 3-1, 79, 2
7. Riverside, 3-1, 72, 8
8. Kentwood, 2-2, 59, 9
9. Ascension Episcopal, 4-0, 26, NR
10. Vermilion Catholic, 1-3, 22, 7
Others receiving votes: Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 18, North Iberville 15, Logansport 13, Ascension Catholic 12, Westminster-Opelousas 10, St. Edmund 7, Grand Lake 2, General Trass 1.
Lecompte announces launch of its text messaging service, TextMyGov
The Town of Lecompte has announced the launch of TextMyGov, a convenient and smart text messaging service. This service will enable residents to effortlessly receive important notifications and easily find specific information by texting the city.
The town will officially launch the new text messaging system to the public on Oct. 3. Residents may receive a text message from 91896 from the town initiating the service. They can choose to opt-out at any time by texting STOP.
If a resident doesn’t receive the initial message, they can choose to opt-in by texting the keyword “LECOMPTE” to the number 91896. After sending the initial keyword, the resident will be asked to reply “YES” to confirm opt-in. Residents may receive notifications for events, meetings, office closures, water leaks, etc.
Also, starting soon, residents will be able to receive on-demand information 24/7 by texting 1-2 keywords to the town’s TextMyGov number, 318-712-3331. They’ll be able to report about animal control, trash, potholes, and ask about other town information.
The town’s use of this technology is another example of how the community enhances resident services by implementing 21st-century solutions. The town is excited about this new way of communicating with residents and look forward to hearing residents’ concerns directly. Other municipalities across the country are utilizing this system with great success. Stay connected with TextMyGov.
RPSO detectives make arrest in social media threat against PHS
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives have made an arrest of a juvenile in the Pineville High School related to the social media threat from Monday. The juvenile has been booked into the Renaissance Home for Youth for terrorizing.
While this threat has been determined non-credible, the investigation is still ongoing as detectives uncover more evidence.
The investigation into the other social media threats against Peabody High School and Alexandria High School continues. RPSO continues to work with the Pineville Police Department and the Rapides Parish School Board.
If anyone has any information involving these threats, they are asked to contact RPSO Criminal Investigation Division at 318-473-6727, Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.
PPD requesting public’s assistance identifying ‘Dollar General Bandit’
The Pineville Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying an individual who committed a theft at a local Dollar General store.
This individual entered the store, wandered around aimlessly for several minutes, and eventually decided to load up a hamper with laundry detergent. He exited the store through the emergency exit in the stock room.
If anyone can identify this subject, please contact PPD via Facebook.
As always, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. All tips can remain anonymous.
Remember This: Flight of the Condor
On May 24, 2025, 137 passengers and six crew members boarded an Airbus A320 for flight DE1234 from Zurich, Switzerland to Heraklion, Greece. Many of the passengers were anticipating a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in Heraklion, which is on the beautiful island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. Vacationers planned to visit any number of famous beaches, the Archaeological Museum, and the ancient Palace of Knossos. They just had to get there first. The flight was supposed to depart at 6:20 a.m. and routinely took about 2 hours and 55 minutes, but this was not a routine flight from the beginning. After a short delay, the jet took off at 6:51 a.m. and flew its usual route to the southeast. Two hours into the flight, the pilot began the jet’s descent as they passed over Athens, Greece. As they neared the idyllic Greek isle, winds buffeted the jet. The turbulence worsened exponentially as they descended. The turbulence was such that some of the passengers became nauseous and some vomited. Air Traffic Control told the pilot that the winds were too strong to land at the moment. The pilot had no choice but to pull up and circle around the airport until the winds died down. When the pilot announced the delay to the cabin, a few people groaned, but most of the passengers were relieved to be out of the turbulence. The pilot and co-pilot watched their fuel gauges carefully to ensure that if the wind did not subside, they had enough fuel to make it to another airport to refuel. After circling for nearly an hour, that time had come. Despite groans from the passengers, the pilot aimed the A320 to Athens, Greece. The jet landed safely at the Greek capital after a three-and-a-half-hour flight. Standard airline practice is not to top off the fuel tanks, but to add enough fuel plus a little reserve to make it to the intended destination to reduce the risk of fire in case of an emergency landing.
After refueling, flight DE1234 departed from Athens at 1:50 p.m. and flew towards Heraklion. The flight should have taken about 45 minutes. Just as before, turbulence buffeted the plane horrendously as it descended and the pilot was forced to climb into a circling pattern. Again, passengers had become nauseous and some vomited. The pilot and co-pilot, always aware of the fuel gauges, circled as long as they could, but the wind had not subsided. This time, the pilot diverted the jet to the island of Kos, Greece, about 55 minutes to the northwest. Once the jet was refueled, flight DE1234 departed KOS, but did not fly southwestward toward their original destination of Heraklion. The wind at Heraklion still had not subsided and the flight crew had nearly exhausted the allotted time that they could fly. They were legally required to get some sleep. Condor airlines determined that Thessaloniki, Greece, was the best place for the crew and passengers to spend the night. The passengers groaned as they learned they would not make it to their destination on that date, but what could they do? The pilot aimed the A320 to the northwest and, after a flight of just over an hour, the jet landed in Thessaloniki without incident about 11 hours after they first departed Zurich.
On the following morning, flight DE1234 with its 137 passengers and 6 crew members departed Thessaloniki for Heraklion. Once again, severe weather prevented them from landing and, after circling for a prolonged length of time, the jet was diverted to Athens to refuel. At 1:24 p.m., the jet departed from Athens. An hour and 20 minutes later, the jet landed in perfect weather, but not at its originally intended destination of Heraklion. After two days in the jet, after five takeoffs and landings, 32 hours after they departed Zurich, the airline brought the passengers back to Zurich. They were right back where they started.
Sources:
1. Ben Schlappig, “Condor A320 Operates 32-Hour Journey To Nowhere, With Five Landings,” One Mile At A Time, June 6, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://onemileatatime.com/
2. Ben Cost, “Horrid flight as passengers stuck on 32-hour trip to nowhere — and wind up right back where they started,” New York Post, June 9, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/06/09/
3. Kathleen Wong, “Passengers stuck on a 32-hour flight with multiple diversions never made it to destination,” USA Today, June 13, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://www.usatoday.com/
5th Annual Tiny Art Show – Kit distribution begins tomorrow
Kit distribution for the 5th annual Tiny Art Show will begin tomorrow, Oct. 1, and will run through Oct. 31 at all Rapides Parish Library locations during open hours while supplies last.
RPL invites everyone to unleash their creativity in the RPL Tiny Art Show. Pick up a mini art kit (canvas + paint + brushes) from any RPL branch, create a masterpiece, and return it to the library to be part of the month-long November display. (Library reserves the right to exclude any works.)
Notice of Death – September 29, 2025
Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” Grimes Dukes
July 24, 1949 – September 27, 2025
Service: Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 12pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.
Debra Clarice Turner Swearington
January 17, 1963 – September 26, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 2pm at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Lena.
William Wiendahl Denley
March 13, 1980 – September 25, 2025
Service: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 11am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria.
Rita Marie Leonard
October 14, 1932 – September 25, 2025
Service: Saturday October 4, 2025, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.
Ivory Ray Turner, Jr.
September 4, 1959 – September 24, 2025
Service: Friday, October 3, 2025, 1pm at St. Matthew Baptist Church, Boyce.
Melinda Durham Voiselle
November 14, 1963 – September 24, 2025
Service: Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 2pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.
Mack Davis, Jr.
December 4, 1962 – September 23, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 1pm at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Linda Kay Denny
August 19, 1943 – September 19, 2025
Service: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10am at Jackson Street Church of Christ, Alexandria.
Helen Faye Harrod
May 4, 1940 – September 19, 2025
Service: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 10am at St. Rita Catholic Church, Alexandria.
April Lashon Thomas
December 16, 1983 – September 19, 2025
Service: Saturday, October 4, 2025, 11am at God’s House of Prayer Ministry, 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)
Get the Rapides Parish Journal each Weekday morning at 6:55am to your inbox – It’s FREE!
September 29, 2025
AFD responds to building fire on North MacArthur Drive
The Alexandria Fire Department responded to a reported building fire at 2211 North MacArthur Drive at 6:45pm on Friday, Sept. 26. Upon arrival, crews observed flames emitting from the south side of the structure.
Responding resources included five engine companies, one ladder company, two chief units, and two fire investigation units. Additional support was provided by Rapides Parish Fire District 2. Firefighting operations commenced immediately, and the blaze was brought under control within two hours of arrival. Due to previous fire damage and the intensity of the incident, crews were unable to safely enter the building. The roof collapsed approximately twenty minutes after arrival.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Willow Glen Bridge closed until further notice
The Rapides Parish Police Jury announced on Friday, Sept. 25, that Willow Glen Bridge over Horseshoe Canal will be closed until further notice. This closure is for repairs.
Sunday rally falls short as Burns, USA bow to Europe in Ryder Cup
Former LSU All-American golfer Sam Burns and the USA team nearly conjured up a magical comeback Sunday at the 45th Ryder Cup, but could not overcome Europe’s brilliant play over the first two days and clutch shots on the final day in a closer-than-expected 15-13 defeat.
Europe dominated the American side in the first 72 holes of competition, in foursomes and four-ball play on Friday and Saturday, and was on the brink of one of the biggest winning margins in Ryder Cup history.
The USA sparkled Sunday in singles play, as Europe struggled to score the clinching points until very late in the day, before Burns’ match with Scotsman Robert McIntyre was complete.
It ended when Burns’ drive on the 18th hole found a sand trap leading to his eventual bogey, and allowing McIntyre’s par to earn a tie for the afternoon, giving each side a half point. That completed the day’s competition.
Europe won only one singles match Sunday, but tied in four. The foreigners needed only 14 points for an overall team tie to retain possession of the Ryder Cup that they won in 2023, and bot that when Shane Lowry birdied the 18th to tie the USA’s Russell Henley. Tyrell Hatton’s draw with Collin Morikawa in the match in front of Burns-McIntyre put the visitors over the top and gave them the overall win.
Though Burns’ forte’, his putting, was not a strong suit over the weekend, the Choudrant resident was competitive in all three of his starts.
Friday afternoon the Shreveport native teamed with Patrick Cantlay, whose sizzling birdie binge on the back nine led the USA pair to a draw with the Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Lowry.
Saturday afternoon, again in four-ball competition, Burns/Cantlay were in a tight match but this time fell 1-up to Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick.
ASH, Menard, Tioga, Pineville prevail in Week 4 prep action
By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports
Alexandria Senior High and Tioga continued to roll, Pineville won the Battle of the Villes, but Buckeye stumbled in Week 3 of Rapides Parish football action.
Alexandria (4-0) had no trouble with Opelousas, taking a 59-6 homecoming win at J.L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium on Friday. It was the 15th consecutive regular season win for the Trojans.
Quarterback Karsen Sellers passed for 199 yards and a season-high four touchdowns, all in the first half, hitting four different receivers. Sophomore running back Kason Willias rushed for 166 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Tioga travelled to Richwood on Thursday and came home with a 54-30 victory to improve to 3-1.
Jackson Tarver scored on a 50-yard punt return in the first quarter. Kenny Ponthier scored four rushing touchdowns to pace the Indians. Quarterback Case Malone ran for two scored and connected with Kervin Johnson on a 60-yard touchdown pass.
Pineville (3-1) scored two fourth quarter touchdowns, one with about 30 seconds remaining, to overtake Leesville for a 28-21 homecoming win. Leesville led 21-14 after three periods of play.
After going 3-0 for the first time since 2014, the Buckeye Panthers were flying high. But Avoyelles smelled upset. And just like last year, the Mustangs took Buckeye down to earth with a 46-14 win to spoil the Panthers’ homecoming.
Holy Savior Menard edged past Class 3A Abbeville 15-6. Quarterback Jake Vaughan ran for one touchdown and passed for another to Matthew Hicks. Vaughan finished with 116 rushing yards.
Northwood Lena fell to 1-3 following a 42-6 loss to Lakeside. Bolton Academy lost to LaGrange 60-0 on Thursday. Peabody’s homecoming game against Franklin was canceled.
Wildcats run away in fourth quarter for impressive win at Oklahoma Panhandle, go 3-0 in conference play
By RICHARD THIBERVILLE JR., LCU Sports Information Director
GOODWELL, Okla. – The Louisiana Christian University football team scored 28 points in the second quarter to take control and 21 points in the fourth to pull away from Oklahoma Panhandle State for a 56-27 win over the Aggies Saturday night at Carl Wooten Field.
It was a slow start for the Wildcats (3-2, 3-0 SAC) in the contest as LCU was held scoreless through the first 15 minutes. At the end of the first quarter, OPSU (1-3, 0-2 SAC) held a 3-0 lead.
But when the second 15 minutes started, the points started rolling in for the Wildcats. Less than two minutes into the quarter Jaterrius Johnson capped an 11-play, 98-yard march with a one-yard plunge, giving Louisiana Christian the lead, 7-3, which they would not relinquish.
Less than five minutes later, Omarius Davis reeled in a four-yard Bryce Perkins scoring pass, extending the Wildcat lead out to 14-3.
The Aggies used a big play to pull closer, hitting on a 76-yard pass and catch to get back within four at 14-10.
But the Wildcats were undeterred, needing less than 90 seconds to answer that score with a 27-yard scoring scamper by Tyrese Mosby.
LCU seemed to take firm command of the game just three minutes later as Perkins found Jaden Wells for a 25-yard touchdown pass, putting the Wildcats up 28-10 with just three minutes remaining before halftime.
But the end of the first half tightened things back up considerably as OPSU hit another big pass, this one from 55 yards out, to cut the deficit down to 28-17. The Wildcats were then stripped of the ball on the ensuing kickoff, immediately giving the Aggies another possession. Panhandle State took advantage of the extra opportunity, hitting a 41-yard field goal as time expired to cut the LCU lead down to 28-20 at the break.
Both teams added touchdowns in the third quarter. The Wildcats got it started with a 20-yard rush by Darrell Waldon to end a 10-play, 76-yard drive which took more than 5:30 to complete. The Aggies answered with a 14-play, 75-yard drive of their own which ate up more than six minute off of the clock and capped it with a one-yard shove into the end zone to make it 35-27 Wildcats.
The fourth quarter belonged to LCU. Johnson got his second touchdown rush, this one from seven yards out. Wells added his second scoring reception of the evening to end a 13-play, 83-yard drive which took off a valuable 4:44 off of the clock. Datlan Cunningham added a four-yard plunge with just over 3:30 left for the game’s final score.
Perkins had one of his best games as a Wildcat, completing 21 of his 30 pass attempts, accumulating 299 yards and three scores.
His top target on the evening was Davis, who had five catches for 73 yards and a score. Wells had just two catches on the evening, but the 38 yards he got on them was the maximum he could get as he scored on both.
Cunningham had a big night on the ground, rushing 18 times for 151 yards and a touchdown. Johnson added 51 yards and two scores on 13 carries. Mosby toted the ball eight time and accrued 48 yards with a score. Waldon’s only rush on the evening was the 20-yard touchdown jaunt. As a team, the Wildcats accrued 264 yards rushing on their way to 563 total yards of offense against the Aggies
The Wildcats step out of Sooner Athletic Conference play for the final time this season next week, coming home to host Fort Lauderdale. Kickoff of Saturday’s contest against the Eagles (0-4) is noon at Wildcat Field.
Theft from Tioga business leads to RPSO seeking public’s help to identify suspect
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a local business in the 4000 block of LA 3225 in Tioga in reference to a theft on Sept. 24.
According to witnesses , a white female with brown hair wearing a white shirt, orange shorts and blue slippers entered the store and allegedly placed a large amount of items in her purse. The suspect then rushed out the store, not paying for the items and left in a gold colored Chevrolet truck.
Sheriff’s detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect in this crime. If anyone has any information on the identity of this suspect, they are asked to contact Det. Matthew Deville, Criminal Investigation Division-Tioga Substation at 318-641-6008, RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.
RPSO requests public’s assistance in identifying suspect in theft, unauthorized credit card use
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a theft and unauthorized use of a credit card.
On Sept. 12, a wallet was stolen in the parking lot of Walmart on Coliseum Blvd. That day, multiple suspects were seen using the cards of the victim at multiple locations through Alexandria including Walmart, PJ’s Coffee, McDonald’s, Home Depot, Circle K, Dillard’s and Tractor Supply.
Multiple arrests have been made on this case and detectives are asking for assistance in identifying two other suspects; the male pictured making a fraudulent purchase at Tractor Supply and the driver of the blue Toyota Camry.
If anyone has any information on the suspects, they are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division, Main Office at 318-473-6727, RPSO Main Office 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers 318-443-7867.
RPSO investigates shots fired over the weekend
Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office dispatch began receiving multiple phone calls of shots fired at an establishment in the 7500 block of US 71 S on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 4am.
Upon arrival, deputies determined several people had been shot but were transported to local hospitals by personal vehicles. Initial investigation indicates there were four victims. Victims status is unknown at this time.
Sheriff’s Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to conduct their investigation which is still ongoing at the time of this release.
Sheriff’s Detectives are asking for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have video of this incident to contact them. Call RPSO Main Office at 318-473-6700 or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.
Alexandria woman faces $1.5 million bail on murder charges; 63-year-old man charged with various drug distribution offenses
Arrests are accusations, not convictions.
Sept. 28
Juan Roberto Arevalo-Lopez, 57, Pineville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, $1,100 bail;
Kevin James Craig Sr., 56, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;
Hoyt Donaldson Goodger, 26, Ball – OWI first offense, modified exhaust, improper fenders/mudguards, $1,200 bail;
Garrett Michael Kelly, 34, Hessmer – OWI first offense, improper backing, driving under suspension, open container, $1,300 bail;
Donald Edward Martin Jr., 53, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, $2,500 bail;
Joshua James Pryor, 32, Deville – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;
Thomas Wells, 71, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail.
Sept. 27
Quantez Windell Carter, 34, Colfax – theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, misrepresentation during booking, two counts probation violation, failure to appear, Louisiana fugitive, two counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail;
Jamarrious D. Dorsey, 23, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $120,000 bail;
Trystian Zenobia Eli, 24, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, running a stop sign, $1,200 bail;
Alvaro Gomez-Beltran, 28, Glenmora – OWI first offense, OWI child endangerment, speeding, open container, $1,700 bail;
Amanda Arian Johnson, 30, Pineville – OWI first offense, expired MVI sticker, $1,100 bail;
Ladarian Damon Johnson, 19, Alexandria – operating an unsafe vehicle, improper tint, improper driving on left, running a red light, running a stop sign, expired MVI sticker, safety belt violation, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of stolen firearm, aggravated obstruction of highway, flight from an officer, $87,200 bail;
Matthew Wesley Johnson, 44, Pineville – theft, four counts contempt of court, $56,500 bail;
Monica Cherese McGlothlin, 40, Ball – three counts contempt of court, $75,000 bail;
Ty’juarr Dion Mix, 19, Lecompte – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, intentional littering, safety belt violation, criminal damage to property, probation violation, $86,600 bail;
Renee Cornelia Nelson, 37, Pineville – theft, resisting an officer, 14 counts contempt of court, $162,000 bail.
Sept. 26
Larry Doniel Allen, 63, Alexandria – five counts producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, possession of paraphernalia, $500,500 bail;
Jennifer Ann Barber, 62, Boyce – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;
Jimmie Rodney Bryan II, 52, Boyce – Louisiana fugitive, driving under suspension/revocation, $100 bail;
Janesha Nasha Bush, 29, Alexandria – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $5,500 bail;
Louis Maurice Courville, 25, Pineville – aggravated battery, $50,000 bail;
Michael Cox, 40, Pineville – two counts contempt of court, failure to appear/pay fine, $50,500 bail;
Aaron Lawrence Freeman, 18, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, headlamps required, $12,600 bail;
Jimmy Allen Johnson Jr., 58, Pineville – OWI second offense, operating a vehicle under suspension for certain prior offenses, careless operation of a vehicle, open container state law, $2,200 bail;
Eric Dewayne Jones, 52, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, two counts driving under suspension, improper parking, two counts contempt of court, $55,800 bail;
Janice Marie Lee, 56, Alexandria – seven counts of theft, $140,000 bail;
Lonnie Ray Peterson II, 23, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, brake lamp required, $5,600 bail;
Casey Paul Rachal, 27, Lena – contempt of court, $15,000 bail;
Doris Marie Smith, 17, Pineville – six counts identity theft, $30,000 bail;
Marcus Terrell Smith, 37, Alexandria – possession of CDS, open container, obstruction of justice, flight from an officer, driving under suspension, no license plate light, three counts contempt of court, $10,300 bail;
Ronald Louis Taylor Jr, 58, Deville – seven counts contempt of court, $350,000 bail;
Derrick Dewayne Voorhies, 42, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, $4,500 bail;
Kayla Leigh Wooten, 39, Alexandria – two counts second degree murder, two counts attempted second degree murder, aggravated criminal damage, three counts contempt of court, $1,505,000 bail;
Tytiana Wright, 32, Alexandria – possession or sell firearm with obliterated serial number, theft, $5,500 bail;
Sept. 25
Serlento Ketontay Bowie, 39, Alexandria – taking contraband to and from penal institutions, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, $3,500 bail;
Louie Von Cole, 45, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, $3,000 bail;
William Henry Cole, 38, Center Point – violation of protective orders, no license plate light, $5,100 bail;
Tameka Shontell Ford, 42, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, open container, driving under suspension, failure to secure registration, contempt to pay fine, $2,300 bail;
Richard McComic, 56, Boyce – theft, resisting an officer, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;
Renisha Patterson, 18, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $5,500 bail;
Kimberly Ruth Phillips, 41, Alexandria – possession of fentanyl, contempt of court, $7,000 bail;
Terry Reeves Jr, 47, Ragley – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, criminal conspiracy, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $30,000 bail;
Colby Dean Ross, 26, Alexandria – OWI second offense, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, no head light, $2,100 bail;
Dereck Darnell Taylor Sr., 54, Alexandria – possession of heroin, two counts possession of CDS, improper parking, $9,100 bail;
Shania Don’a Tooks, 25, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, contempt of court, $8,000 bail;
Chad Michael Travis, 53, Alexandria – aggravated criminal damage, $5,000 bail;
Sept. 24
Charley Authur Armstrong Jr, 65, Alexandria – OWI first offense, intentional littering, no insurance, $1,600 bail;
Tyrin Drakel Boyd, 33, Alexandria – Louisiana fugitive, possession of marijuana, use of CDS in presence of minor, expired MVI sticker, no child restraint system, safety belt violation, $6,300 bail;
Alvin Ray Giddings, 56, Deville – two counts first degree rape, Louisiana fugitive, resisting an officer, $1.105 million bail;
Amy Greenhoward, 41, Alexandria – driving under suspension, resisting an officer, failure to yield, four counts contempt of court, $18,700 bail;
Adrion Daron Harvey, 46, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, bicycle lamps, $3,100 bail;
Terrance Devonta Leach, 31, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, resisting an officer, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of firearm by convicted felon, probation violation, two counts contempt of court, $65,500 bail;
Dontae Robert Madden, 20, Alexandria – two counts contempt of court, $50,000 bail;
Shaheem Malik White, 22, Alexandria – two counts second degree murder, second degree battery, simple battery, obstruction of justice, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, criminal conspiracy, two counts possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal use of weapons, $2.4 million bail;
Bryan Winfree, 29, Ville Platte – resisting police officer with force or violence, resisting an officer, theft, $1,500 bail;