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By JIM BUTLER

It’s officially time to put the white elephant down.

The School Board has tried otherwise but the North Bayou Rapides Elementary building’s days are numbered.

Board members at their Tuesday meeting are expected to give the go-ahead for demolition and removal of the structure.

Closed since 2021, the building that hosted hundreds of students over decades will be declared no longer necessary to the system, an initial step in its formal demise.

It’s a step delayed as the board since 2023 has tried to find a buyer. In January this year it readily accepted a $350,000 bid, but that transaction never reached closing.

Now, the board will authorize Superintendent Jeff Powell and staff to proceed, doing what is necessary without returning to the board for permission on each facet, provided each is within budget and policies.

Age makes it likely there will be a host of special steps, procedures, permissions and the like necessary before actual razing begins.

The building dates from the era of asbestos and lead paint; mold has likely found a comfortable home in dark, damp, warm surroundings. 

Removing and disposing of such is among necessary steps beforehand.

And precautions — fencing and such — necessary to keep souvenir hunters, salvage hounds and just plain looking-loos away have to be taken.

Once all is said and done the board will have 12 acres to market.

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England Airpark is experiencing increased traffic due to ongoing military exercises expected to continue through Labor Day weekend.

Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution on the roadways, including the AEX Loop.

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Poland Junior High to Dedicate Gymnasium Tonight in Honor of Bob Stevens

Poland Junior High School will dedicate its gymnasium tonight, Monday, August 31, at 6 p.m. in honor of Mr. Bob Stevens, a Poland graduate who returned to serve as the school’s principal for many years. Stevens is a 2017 LHSAA Hall of Fame inductee and the Class C record holder for points scored at Poland High School, finishing his career with 4,223 points. He went on to play college basketball at Louisiana Christian University before spending decades coaching and serving in education. The Stevens family, school staff, and the Poland community are invited to attend the ceremony at the Poland Junior High School Gymnasium.

$2.6 Million in Federal Funding Proposed for ATRANS Bus System Upgrades

The Rapides Area Planning Commission met August 27 to review a proposed amendment to its Transportation Improvement Program that would bring approximately $2.6 million in federal funding to the ATRANS bus system through the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5307 program. If approved, the funding would be used to upgrade buses, purchase operational software, keep vehicles in good working condition — including buses serving people with disabilities — and fund automatic passenger counters, radio upgrades, and preventive maintenance. A follow-up RAPC meeting to allocate the funds is scheduled for September 2.

Saline-Larto Complex Recreational Fishing Regulations Updated

New recreational fishing regulations will take effect soon for the Saline-Larto Complex in Central Louisiana. Confirm the specific effective date and full list of regulatory changes through the LDWF before publishing a standalone brief.

RRMC Child Safety Seat Check — September 9

Rapides Regional Medical Center will host a free Child Safety Seat Check on Wednesday, September 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Scott Street Entrance to Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital. A trained child passenger safety educator will inspect car seats for recalls, verify proper installation, and show parents and caregivers how to correctly install their seats. The process typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes depending on the number of seats in the vehicle. Seat checks are normally held on the second Wednesday of each month.

TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville

Drivers on U.S. 165 North in Pineville should expect nightly alternating lane closures near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Work runs Monday nights through Friday mornings, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, through the end of September 2026. DOTD advises drivers to reduce speed, use caution around construction workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the Alexandria Police Department and to the family, friends, and former colleagues of retired Alexandria Police Chief Darren Coutee, who passed away on Aug. 26.

Chief Coutee dedicated many years of his life to law enforcement and public service. We join the law enforcement community in honoring his service and remembering the contributions he made throughout his distinguished career.

Retired Chief Coutee will be laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Cloutierville following funeral services on Friday, September 4, 2026.

Sheriff Stuart Wright and the men and women of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office offer our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sympathy to Chief Coutee’s family, friends, and the Alexandria Police Department during this time of sadness.

Rest in peace, Chief Coutee. Thank you for your service.

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The Rapides High School Bass Club held its first bass tournament at Red River in Pineville, with 11 teams participating.

The anglers caught a total of 19 bass with a combined weight of 23.3 pounds.

Alex N. and Joseph H. finished in first place with a five-bass limit weighing 7.1 pounds. Alex N. also won Big Bass with a 2.6-pound bass.

Daniel G. and Jacob G. finished in second place with a five-bass limit weighing 4.9 pounds.

Waylon H. and Braylan M. finished in third place with three bass weighing 3.1 pounds.

The Rapides High School Bass Club congratulated all of the anglers and their captains and thanked its sponsors and family members for their continued support.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

ATLANTA – With three birdies in a six-hole stretch in the middle of his final round Sunday at the Tour Championship, Sam Burns was not only in position for another top 10 finish, but was only three shots off the lead.

Then East Lake Golf Club and windy conditions did to Burns what it most of the 29 finalists in the FedEx Cup playoffs on Sunday – and the Choudrant resident backed up on the leaderboard.

Burns was 4-over on the last eight holes, beginning with a bogey on the par-3 11^th. He had to take a pair of penalty strokes, one from a ball into the water hazard next to the island green on the par-3 15^th, and the other on an unplayable lie in a bunker on the 17^th  on the way to a double bogey.

The damage dumped him to a tie for 18^th, nine spots below where he started Sunday’s round. Burns finished with a two-over 72 and 7-under for the week (66-68-67-72 – 273), earning a $460,000 share of the $40 million purse.

But in the PGA Tour’s restructured bonus system, taking into account season-long play, it was a better day for the 30-year-old Shreveport native. He collected a $1.7 million bonus and will receive another $700,000 in deferred money.

He stands ninth in the Official World Golf Rankings and is fourth in the U.S. Presidents Cup rankings. The top six, once officially confirmed, receive automatic berths on the USA roster for that international competition Sept. 24-27 in Medinah, Ill., at fabled Medinah Country Club.

It will be his fifth straight international competition at the professional level.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler won the $10 million first place prize, and added another $23 million in bonus money, as he shot a 4-under 66 in the final round and won with a 16-under par score.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The Pineville Police Department reported that four individuals were arrested for theft-related offenses yesterday evening.

The department said businesses in Pineville deserve to thrive and should not have to tolerate being targeted by thieves.

Pineville Police said it will continue protecting businesses that trust the department with their safety.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions

Aug. 30

Marquis Donyale Butler Jr., 19, Alexandria – DWI first offense, modified exhaust, contempt of court, $1,270 bail;

Gabriel Coleman, 30, Woodworth – OWI first offense, headlamps required, improper window tint, $1,300 bail;

Jared Michael Johnson, 32, Pineville – OWI third offense, possession of CDS, careless operation of a vehicle, $100 bail;

Elizabeth Mitchell, 25, Alexandria – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, safety belt violation, no driver’s license, $1,300 bail;

Christopher Demoine Nash, 38, Pineville – possession of synthetic cannabinoid, two counts resisting an officer, bicycle lamps, running a stop sign, improper bicycle operation, contempt of court, $101,800 bail;

Damon Jerome Taylor Jr., 24, Pineville – OWI first offense, tail lamps red light, driver’s license not in possession, open container, $1,300 bail;

Kameron Washington, 25, Marksville – domestic abuse battery, two counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail.

Aug. 29

Donovan Banks, 23, Lafayette – possession of CDS, speeding, no passing zone, use of CDS in presence of minors, $700 bail;

Melanie Renee Parker Buller, 36, Pineville – theft, contempt of court, $25,500 bail;

Ricky Estes, 50, Pineville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Quantavius D’Shaun Frazier, 32, Alexandria – aggravated assault, terrorizing, two counts contempt of court, $40,000 bail;

Stephen Thurmaine Glynn, 53, Ball – possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, no bail data;

Douglas Michael Gene Guillory, 27, Pineville – criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace, $5,500 bail;

Dani Louise Hoolihan, 66, Alexandria – illegal possession of stolen things, no bail data;

Clinton Heath Kimble, 33, Alexandria – possession of CDS, criminal trespass, four counts contempt of court, $106,500 bail;

Shane McGlothin, 39, Pineville – possession of CDS, improper bicycle operation, probation violation, contempt of court, $2,600 bail;

Carl Alvin Wilkerson III, 41, Alexandria – possession of CDS, $1,500 bail.

Aug. 28

Christopher Ray Dauzat, 44, Pineville – nine counts contempt of court, $258,000 bail;

Totteaanna Nicole Dunbar, 34, Alexandria – possession of CDS, criminal damage to property, $2,000 bail;

Voncheeria Shaqun Duncan, 39, Alexandria – possession of CDS, identity theft, possession of drug paraphrenia, possession of marijuana, money laundering, $7,500 bail;

Dewayne Lair, 25, Lecompte – four counts contempt of court, $60,000 bail;

Eric McNeal Lemon, 44, Pineville – theft, contempt of court, $50,500 bail;

Marvin Lee Paschal, 60, Colfax – six counts contempt of court, $21,000 bail;

Bobby Joe Roberts, 72, Alexandria – operating a vehicle under a suspension, seven counts contempt of court, $9,500 bail;

Aug. 27

Glen Joseph Coutee Jr., 43, Alexandria – hit and run driving, theft, three counts contempt of court, $5,600 bail;

Rashad Christian Cunningham, 22, Alexandria – theft, $2,500 bail;

Vorance Matthew Deville, 35, Ville Platte – aggravated assault, $2,000 bail;

Terry Louis Gullette Jr., 35, Alexandria – bicycle reflectors required, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, possession of CDS, contempt of court, $4,700 bail;

Tekedra C. Henry, 51, Alexandria – theft, $2,500 bail;

Demarcus D. Johnson, 18, Alexandria – illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of marijuana, concealed negligent carry handgun, improper driving on left, resisting an officer, $7,100 bail;

Matthew Wesley Johnson, 45, Pineville – five counts contempt of court, $212,000 bail;

Jonathan Leatherman, 38, Pineville – aggravated battery strangulation of a dating partner, interfering with an emergency communication, home invasion, simple kidnapping, sexual battery, false imprisonment, $210,000 bail;

Brett Havard Lyons, 42, Pineville – OWI second offense, improper driving on left, improper lane usage, two counts possession of CDS, $4,700 bail;

Monkerius D. Roberts, 27, Pineville – domestic abuse battery with child present, $500 bail;

Trevor James Saucier, 27, Deville – OWI first offense, careless operation of a vehicle, safety belt violation, $1,200 bail;

Johnnie Dennette Seal, 35, Glenmora – possession of CD, possession of marijuana, tail lamps, $2,100 bail;

Valita Di Yar Shipp, 32, Fort Polk – theft, $2,500 bail;

Jamarious Terez Stafford, 20, Alexandria – reckless operation, excessive vehicle noise, no insurance, $345 bail;

Kennady Christine Tarter, 35, Boyce – contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $50,000 bail;

Billy Joel Torres-Carrero, 22, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, $5,500 bail.

Aug. 26

Gary Dewayane Baltazar, 42, Glenmora – simple burglary, aggravated criminal damage, trespassing, $7,500 bail;

Carl Anthony Berry Jr., 28, Alexandria – aggravated robbery, six counts contempt of court, $208,000 bail;

Brett Wallace Boone, 35, Pineville – two counts misdemeanor sexual battery, $30,000 bail;

Jasmine Brittney Buillard, 41, Baton Rouge – two counts criminal damage to property, aggravated assault, $4,000 bail;

Darririan Darcovia Davis, 27, Pineville – aggravated domestic battery abuse with child present, contempt of pay fine, $500 bail;

Brian Ricardo Folman, 49, Pineville – contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Dexter D. King, 45, Alexandria – three counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, front/side lamp violation, expired plate, driving under suspension, two counts contempt of court, $7,800 bail;

Joseph Albert Mathews, 43, Pineville – burglary of an inhabited dwelling, simple assault, $4,000 bail;

Maurice Tyrell Smith Jr., 20, Ferriday – reckless operation of vehicle, running a red light, $600 bail.

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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Glenda Ann Fletcher, who left us on Friday, August 28, 2026. She was born on December 7, 1963, Glenda was a vibrant soul who filled the lives of those around her with love and laughter.

Glenda’s warmth and kindness touched so many lives, and to honor her memory, we will hold a memorial celebration of her life at a later date.

A devoted homemaker, Glenda’s greatest joy came from nurturing her family and ensuring everyone felt cared for. She was a busy body in the best sense—always on the go, whether she was painting, tinkering with vehicles, or simply spreading warmth wherever she went. She had a special talent for bringing people together, and her friendly, outgoing nature drew others to her without fail.

Glenda loved the great outdoors; whether fishing on a warm summer day or enjoying a quiet moment with her beloved dog, Rosco, she found peace and happiness in nature. She also had an unquenchable passion for cooking and was known for her delicious meals that brought everyone to the table. No gathering was complete without a hearty game of bingo, her favorite pastime that brought joy to her and her friends.

Selfless to a fault, Glenda always put others before herself, a noble quality that will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Teddy Ray and Shirley Ann Choplan Arceneaux; daughter, Savannah Fletcher; and brother, Michael Arceneaux.

She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Michael Reeder; son, Dylan Fletcher and his wife, Christina; brothers, Stewart Arceneaux, and Pat Arceneaux; sisters, Donna Johnson and her husband, Guy, and Della Ganson; sister-in-law, Patti Arceneaux; grandchildren, Cayne Landry, Brentley Wells, Behmen Wells, Aubreigh Salinas, and Blaze Wells; dog, Rosco, and numerous other family and friends.

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Funeral services for JoAnn Sharbono McBride will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2026 in the chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville with Reverend James Brunson and Reverend Calvin Lasyone officiating. Burial will be in Big Creek Cemetery, Pollock.

Pallbearers will be David Michael McBride, Seth Michael Squyres, Paul McBride, Stevie McBride, David Randall McBride, and Wayne McBride.

The family requests that visitation be observed at the funeral home Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026, JoAnn Sharbono McBride entered her heavenly home. For more than 100 direct descendants and countless friends, there was a mixture of tears for our great loss and rejoicing for what she had gained—total healing and eternal rest in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Savior.

She was quiet and gentle, a wonderful homemaker, an excellent seamstress, a faithful church pianist, generous in every capacity, and a hard worker. She gave us scavenger hunts and birthday balloons and matchboxes with special gifts inside. She never passed up an opportunity for a road trip and almost always returned with the perfect rock to add to her beautiful backyard.

Our MawMaw had a way of adding that special touch to everything—her home, with all the special trinkets and crafts she had pieced together by hand; her goldfish pond, which she dug, landscaped, and tended daily for the delight of her grandchildren; and her back porch, where birds were rehabilitated, rockers and swings were always in motion, and the coffee never ran out. Every part of her home made you feel loved, because love was her specialty.

She loved her husband, her children, and her many, MANY grandchildren, but she loved Jesus even more. Her greatest desire in this life was to know that all of her family would be with her in heaven. She prayed for her enormous family every day, by name.

She once wrote, “Nothing is more important to me than knowing that each of you, one by one, will come to know Jesus personally and be ready for That Day. I want more than anything in this world to be with you forever when this life is over.”

Her day has come, but her legacy continues in each of us. Until That Day, may we strive to honor her by honoring God and giving our lives to follow Him, just as MawMaw did.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Kenneth Wayne McBride; parents, Leonard Sharbono and Odette Eskew; son, Leonard “Wayne” McBride; brothers, Charles Leonard Sharbono, and Joseph Frankin Delong, Jr.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Kenneth Michael “Mickey” McBride (Karen), Larry Stephen “Steve” McBride (Joanne), and David Randall “Randy” McBride (Janet); daughter, Cheryl Ann McBride Squyres (Steve); brother, John Hugh Eskew, Jr.; sister, Sandra Gayle Delong Fenner; 20 grandchildren; 77 great grandchildren; 33 great, great grandchildren, and numerous other family and friends.

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Phonetic: /mor·​dant/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : incisive
a mordant wit

acting as a mordant (as in dyeing)

burning, pungent
mordant pain

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JoAnn Sharbono McBride
July 31, 1934 – August 29, 2026
Service: Monday, August 31, 2026, 12pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Ethel Mae Evans Price
March 13, 1945 – August 27, 2026
Service: Sunday, September 6, 2026, 3pm at Mount Triumph Missionary Baptist Church, Boyce.

Billie Joyce Massey Bordelon
November 14, 1942 – August 26, 2026
Service: Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 1pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Egedio Gilbert Cicardo
January 26, 1939 – August 24, 2026
Service: Friday, September 4, 2026, 10am at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, Alexandria.

William “Bill” Sullivan Fairbanks, III
November 6, 1934 – August 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 5, 2026, 1pm at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Harry James Sr.
July 16, 1949 – August 23, 2026
Service: Monday, August 31, 2026, 11am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Jean Haasch Lohrey
March 30, 1929 – August 18, 2026
Service: Sunday, September 6, 2026, 3pm at First United Methodist Church, Alexandria.

he Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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Alexandria Senior High has been cleared to reopen.

Faculty and staff members will begin working in their classrooms next week to prepare for students.

Freshmen will report first, on Friday, September 4, for “Fresh Start” day. This gives our newest students a day to walk through their schedules, meet their teachers, and get comfortable on campus before everyone else returns.

All students will report on Tuesday, September 8.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) completed its visual inspection of the campus and found no areas of concern. LDEQ also reviewed the results of every clearance sample collected during the cleaning. Based on that inspection and review, LDEQ agrees the building is safe to reoccupy.

Through September 4, students will continue with virtual instruction on the current schedule.

Thank you to our staff, students, and families for your patience and cooperation through this unexpected start to the school year.

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By JIM BUTLER

Two women drove hours Thursday to drop F bombs on England Authority commissioners and the executive director.

That says about all that needs to be said regarding the tenor of most of the public comment time at the panel’s Thursday meeting.

Substantive modifications to a proposed, and subsequently adopted, permitting process for protests and demonstrations didn’t mollify the opposition.

And keeping speakers on point and from straying to decrying the ICE family and children deportation staging area under construction was asking the impossible of Chairman Oday Lavergne.

Unexpected announcement that six commissioners had requested a special meeting for a discussion and presentation about that project seemed at times lost in the rhetoric.

That meeting — September 8, 4 p.m., at the Authority building — is evidently intended to clear the air with information and answers about the center operation, agreements with ICE and LaSalle Corrections and any other aspects of the topic.

Hint of what was to come Thursday surfaced first in consideration of a building lease to CSI Aviation, leading air transit provider to ICE.

Speakers implored commissioners not to take what one called blood money. The lease was approved.

After discussions, some changes  were made in the permit ordinance.

An insurance requirement was eliminated as too burdensome and expensive, if available at all, for any seeking a permit.

And the criteria that permit is necessary if five or more persons are reasonably expected to participate was dropped.

None of that seemed to ameliorate concerns about infringement on First Amendment rights, including where protests or demonstrations can be held.

Authority counsel Matt Nowlin said constitutional issues were vetted during the drafting process which included study of such policies at other airports, public facilities and institutions.

Commissioner Joe McPherson noted that a question from a citizen about where he could protest without getting in trouble prompted the Authority to address the issue, not a desire to squelch speech.

No one appeared to speak in support of these specific items.

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The Pineville Police Department is celebrating Assistant Chief Salmon and his 42 years of service.

After 42 years, Salmon continues to attend training, remains an active firearms instructor, serves on the department’s Honor Guard and can still be found on calls when needed.

The department recognized his dedication, experience and willingness to continue learning and serving as an example of leading by example.

The Pineville Police Department congratulated Salmon on 42 years of service and thanked him for his commitment to the department and for continuing to set the standard for those who follow.

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Alexandria Man Indicted as Armed Career Criminal on Drug and Firearm Charges

A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment on August 19 charging Cartez Dotson, 39, of Alexandria, with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Dotson faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison. The indictment alleges that on January 14, 2026, Dotson possessed five grams or more of methamphetamine and an additional 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, along with two pistols and ammunition. Court records show Dotson has prior qualifying convictions that subject him to enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act. The case is being investigated by the FBI and ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel. Case Number: 1:26-CR-00209. An indictment is an allegation only — Dotson is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Special Election Called for Rapides Parish Justice of the Peace, Ward 3, 2nd Justice Court

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a proclamation calling for a special election to fill the Rapides Parish Justice of the Peace seat for Ward 3, 2nd Justice Court after no candidates qualified for the position during the regular qualifying period. Under Louisiana law, a sitting governor is required to call a special election when no candidate qualifies and a vacancy would be created. The qualifying period for the special election is scheduled to open January 13, 2027. The primary election will follow on April 17, with a general election on May 29.

Children’s Heart Clinic of Louisiana Opens New Alexandria Location — Ribbon Cutting Today

Children’s Heart Clinic of Louisiana marks the grand opening of its new Alexandria location today, Friday, August 28, with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. at 3908 Parliament Drive. The event is hosted by the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce and is open to the public.

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TRAFFIC REMINDER — Nightly Lane Closures on US 165 North in Pineville

Drivers on U.S. 165 North in Pineville should expect nightly alternating lane closures near Lowe’s and the U.S. 167 northbound off-ramp. Work runs Monday nights through Friday mornings, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting, through the end of September 2026. DOTD advises drivers to reduce speed, use caution around construction workers and equipment, and allow extra travel time.

Louisiana Christian University will hold the opening reception for the first art show of the 2026-27 academic year on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Weathersby Fine Arts Building Gallery. 

Oftentimes, those who love art and those who love athletics have different interests, but sports lovers, this show is for you.

Local painter Gavin Stevens’ entire exhibition centers around baseball. 

“The ‘Past Time Past’ collection revisits the baseball heroes of my childhood, portraying these figures prominently on the canvas,” Stevens said. “I hope to invoke a sense of nostalgia for those who felt a sense of awe watching these athletes.” 

Stevens serves as the art director for Louisiana Baptists and is a 2005 graduate of Nicholls State University.

“We are very excited to show Gavin’s work in the WFAB Gallery,” said Assistant Professor of Art Michael Williams. “His depiction of America’s favorite pastime makes a great addition to the work shown in our space. His paintings are superb. This is not a show you want to miss.”

If you miss the opening reception, you may still view the exhibition through Sept. 25. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m. to noon. 

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By BRAD WELBORN, Northwestern State Athletic Communications

NATCHITOCHES — Northwestern State had Louisiana Christian on the ropes.

Then the Demons let go.

After building a two-score advantage late in the second quarter, the Demons had the opportunity to take complete control of its season opener Thursday night at Turpin Stadium. Instead, a pair of red-zone fumbles and a slew of penalties throughout the night opened the door for LCU, an NAIA power that stormed back in the second half to hand the Demons a 42-37 loss.

“We didn’t do what we needed to do,” Demons’ third-year coach Blaine McCorkle said. “In spurts early on it looked like the game went the way that a lot of people probably thought it would and for whatever reason we couldn’t hold onto it. We’ve got a lot of things that we’ve got to figure out and some hard conversations to have.”

For a stretch in the second quarter, everything appeared to be going according to plan for the Demons, who raced to a quick 10-0 lead before LCU rallied to a 14-13 advantage.

Northwestern scored touchdowns on its first two possessions of the second period, with Abram Johnston punching in a one-yard option keeper before connecting with Jimmie Duncan on a 59-yard deep ball.

The back-to-back scores pushed NSU’s lead to 27-14.

The Demon defense forced three straight punts, including consecutive three-and-outs, giving the offense two more chances to add to the advantage before halftime.

Neither opportunity produced points.

Both drives ended with fumbles inside the Wildcat 10-yard line, keeping the LCU within striking distance and ultimately becoming a defining sequence of the game.

“We hold on to those two balls we may have 40 points on the board at the half,” McCorkle said. “We didn’t. We had two really good, trusted players that turned the ball over in the red zone and you can’t do that. The one drive they had in the first half we probably had 80 yards of penalties on us. You can’t do that against anybody.”

NSU outgained Louisiana Christian 218-25 in the period, with Johnston completing 11-of-13 passes for 179 yards. The Demons, however, managed just two touchdowns on four possessions.

The Wildcats carried that momentum into the second half.

Touchdowns on their first two possessions of the third quarter, sandwiched an interception return for another score, put LCU on top to stay. The 21-point outburst flipped the game and gave LCU a 35-30 lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Demons had plenty of offensive firepower show up between the 20s, surpassing 500 yards of total offense for the first time since 2022, but three stalled drives that ended in field goals and two fumbles left several points off the board.

Following Louisiana Christian’s first touchdown of the second half, Zay Davis broke loose for a 60-yard run on the ensuing NSU possession, pushing him past the 100-yard mark for the first time in his career.

Davis finished with 124 rushing yards and a touchdown while adding to his total as an all-purpose threat with 28 receiving yards and 47 in on the opening kickoff return for 199 all-purpose yards. His performance made him the first 100-yard rusher for Northwestern since Kennieth Lacy at Houston Christian in October 2022.

Ten different players caught a pass in the game, led by Dylan Rhodes’ six grabs for 55 yards and a  touchdown with 2:47 left, but an onside kick failed and LCU ran out the clock by running for a pair of first downs.

Johnston finished 30-for-42 for 319 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, his second career 300-yard passing performance.

“Other than the turnovers our offense looked like what it should in a game like this,” McCorkle said. “Zay Davis is a good player. I thought Abram played well. Our offensive line is better.

“I told the guys the most frustrating thing about this whole thing is going into our third year, there is no doubt in my mind this is the best football team we’ve had. Without question. No doubt this is the deepest team we’ve had. This is the best culture we’ve had in the locker room, not even close. When you know that those three things are true, that makes these things even more of a mystery.”

The Demons also got a strong showing from Natchitoches native and Colorado State transfer Payne Williams III.

Williams connected on field goals of 32, 47 and 39 yards, becoming the first Northwestern kicker to make three field goals in a game since Eddie Godina did so in 2021.

Northwestern committed 12 penalties for 111 yards, including costly, drive-extending infractions that led to Wildcat scores. It was the most penalties in a game in the McCorkle era.

Against a Louisiana Christian team that capitalized on every opening it was given, the combination of turnovers and penalties proved too much for the Demons to overcome.

“Give Louisiana Christian a lot of credit,” McCorkle said. “They are a really good football team. They’re going to win a lot of games. I think (head coach) Ben (McLaughlin) and his staff do a phenomenal job. They have the chance to win a lot of games.”

Contact Brad at welbornb@nsula.edu

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

NATCHITOCHES – Turns out the lunar eclipse beginning about 9:30 wasn’t the strangest thing seen from Turpin Stadium Thursday night.

Louisiana Christian 42, Northwestern State 37. The Wildcats, 8-3 last fall and Sooner Athletic Conference co-champions, with 18 of 22 starters back, became the first NAIA program to defeat an NCAA Division I scholarship team, ever, according to LCU.

Ben McLaughlin’s third Wildcats team earned it. Outgained by 188 yards, but not outfought.

“I told them before the game, never look at the scoreboard. When we got up 14-13, don’t look at the scoreboard, just keep playing. We got down by over a touchdown, just keep playing. They just kept playing one play at a time, and when you do that, you’ve got a chance to win a ballgame,” he said.

LCU was down 10-0 less than six minutes in, but rallied to stake a 14-13 edge 10 minutes later. Northwestern seemed ready to take command, answering with two touchdowns, the second a 59-yard catch by former ASH star Jimmie Duncan to go up 27-14 midway through the second period.

The Demons twice moved into the red zone before halftime, but both times, the Wildcats recovered fumbles, in the end zone (Ernest MItchell) and at the 13 (Kristian Doyle). NSU could have put up 41 points before the band show, but didn’t.

Then came a 21-point third period outburst into a 35-30 lead by the visitors, highlighted by a 42-yard pick six down the NSU sideline by the soon-to-be NAIA Defensive Player of the Week, Wildcats redshirt freshman cornerback Mitchell. The spread grew to 42-30 on Omarius Davis’ 52-yard reception from Bryce Perkins just into the final quarter, and the Demons couldn’t answer until 2:47 remained.

They never had possession again. LCU evaporated the rest of the clock with a pair of first downs by 118-yard rusher Datlan Cunningham and Jaterius Johnson, and Wildcats danced out to midfield after the final snap.

“That’s the longest three minutes of my life there at the end, trying to grind out those last couple first downs,” said McLaughlin.

“Our guys just believe. They believed from the beginning,” he said. “We’ve got such an old veteran group that I’m trusting that the confidence they have is the right confidence, and my coaching staff is amazing. I’ll put our coaching staff up against any staff in the nation or any division.”

“So you put the right culture, with the right staff, and you got a special team, and this is (what can happen),” said McLaughlin, whose Wildcats have won 11 of their last 15 games dating back to the end of his first season.

It was a performance that earned admiration from the other sideline. As exasperated as Demons’ third-year coach Blaine McCorkle was afterward, he gave LCU its due.

“I don’t have a lot of words for what happened tonight. I give Louisiana Christian a lot of credit. Really, really good football team. They’re gonna win a lot of games,” said McCorkle, who resurrected a former LCU rival, Division III Belhaven, in six seasons, and is trying to do the same gradual rebuild in Natchitoches.

“I’ve said for a long time, Ben and his staff do a phenomenal job. They’ve got good personnel. They’ve got good schemes. They know what they’re doing. They are an older team. Everything we said, they were, as far as that goes. I think they have a chance to win the whole thing at their level. That’s what that’s what a high, high-end NAIA team looks like. So kudos to them, really proud of them.”

“Very proud of these guys,” said McLaughlin. “The players win games. We try to get them ready, but they were the ones that did this. Those guys were awesome.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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