The Louisiana Christian football team is lighting up scoreboards in its impressive start to the 2026 season and will try to do it again Saturday afternoon as East Texas Baptist visits Wildcat Field.

The Wildcats (4-1, 3-0 Sooner Athletic Conference) will play the second of three straight home games, this being homecoming, when they renew the Battle of the Border Claw rivalry game with LCU’s NCAA D3 visitor, ETBU, now a member of the American South Conference.

Kickoff of Saturday’s game against the Tigers (2-2) is set for 4 p.m. at Wildcat Field and will be streamed on YouTube through the 446Sports channel and the Urban Edge Network.

The Wildcats step out of SAC play this week but will be in league contests for the rest of the season afterward.

LCU is averaging 51.2 points and 493 yards per game. The Wildcats are ranked 17^th in the NAIA coaches Top 25 poll, and 19^th in the Victory Network NAIA media poll.

Coach Ben McLaughlin’s offense is remarkably balanced, averaging 247 rushing yards and 256 passing yards.

The 1-2 punch of Jaterrius Johnson (87.2 rushing yards per game, 6 touchdowns) and Datlan Cunningham (69.6 average, 7 TDs) fuels the running attack.

Quarterback Bryce Perkins has a sky-high passing rating of 174.3 while completing 70 of 112 throws for 1,114 yards (223 per game) and 12 scores.

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Taking second overall in team competition, the Pineville Rebels swim team sparkled recently in Lafayette at a multi-school meet.

Pineville won six races, two apiece by Ben Nelson and Caroline Broussard along with victories from Ashley Seal and Tori Broussard. She, Nelson and Caroline Broussard qualified for the LHSAA state meet with performances in the Rebels’ second competition of the fall season.

Caroline Broussard qualified in the 200-yard intermediate and the 100-yard breast stroke (a winning 1:16.62 time). Tori Broussard earned her place at the state meet in the 200-yard freestyle (second in 2:20.96), and Nelson punched his tickets in the 100-yard butterfly (a first-place 1:03.20) and the 500-yard freestyle (winning with a 5:42 time).

Seal won the girls 100-yard free in 1:16.15, and teammate Amelia Gauthier was fifth in 1:31.53.

Pineville had five girls among the top eight in the 100-yard backstroke. Tori Broussard won in 1:19.68, followed by teammates Gabrielle Bunch (third, 1:27.36), Seal (fourth, 1:31.08), Gisele Prejean (seventh, 1:51.23) and Gauthier (eighth, 1:53.48).

The Lady Rebels put three in the top six of the 100-yard breast stroke. Caroline Broussard’s winning mark was followed by Hunter Clair (fourth, 1:26.21) and Hannah Harrison (1:51.86, sixth).

Caroline Broussard won the 200 individual medley in 2:23.51.

In the 200-yard girls free, Hannah Harrison was seventh at 3:07.34.

Bunch took third in the girls 50 free in 32.89. David Williams was fourth in the boys 50 free (27.64).

Clair was fourth in the girls 100 breast stroke (1:26.41) and Harrison was sixth (1:51.86).

The Lady Rebels were second in the 200 medley relay with the foursome comprised of Seal, Caroline and Tori Broussard, and Bunch.

The girls 200 free relay of Harrison, Bunch, Gauthier and Caroline Broussard finished fourth in 3:13.79.

Results were reported by Tara Malone.

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The reigning Sooner Athletic Conference champion Louisiana Christian University football team heads into homecoming week back inside the top 20 of two NAIA football polls.

Louisiana Christian (4-1, 3-0 SAC) moved up one spot to 19^th in the NAIA Coaches Top 25 following a 69-24 win over Oklahoma Panhandle State on Saturday. The Wildcats remained at No. 17 in the Victory Sports Network’s Media Top 25.

LCU is awaiting to see its ranking in a third poll, the NAIAFBALL Media Top 25. It had the Wildcats at 14^th heading into last Saturday’s game against the Aggies.

The Wildcats play the second of three straight home games Saturday at 4 against East Texas Baptist (2

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It might be a “quality loss” when it comes to power points, but not in this week’s Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 5A Top 10 poll.

Alexandria Senior High had an off night last Friday and Neville had a great night as the Tigers, a District 2-5A rival for several years that has just dropped to Class 4A, toppled the mistake-prone Trojans 38-27 in Monroe.

As a result, ASH suffered its first loss and dropped from third in the Class 5A rankings to seventh this week.

The Trojans have a “get well” game at home Friday night against Liberty Magnet (0-4), then host West Monroe – ranked 10^th statewide – to open district play in two weeks.

Only 17 of the 50 ranked teams in this week’s top 10 polls are from the 318 area code.

No other Rapides Parish teams are getting votes. A couple of nearby teams, Jena and Marksville, are ranked in the 3A Top 10.

Eleven sports media members in the LSWA are polled weekly to compile the rankings.

Class 5A

School (1^st place votes), record, poll points, last week’s ranking

1. Karr (10), 4-0, 131, 1

2. Ruston, 3-1, 116, 2

3. St. Augustine (1), 4-0, 114, 4

4. Archibishop Rummel, 4-0, 98, 6

5. Brother Martin, 4-0, 73, 8

6. John Curtis, 2-2, 71, 5

7. Alexandria Senior High, 3-1, 69, 3

8. St. Thomas More, 3-1,  57, Not ranked

9. Acadiana, 3-1, 30, 7

10. West Monroe, 3-1, 29, NR

Others receiving votes: Jesuit 22, Catholic-Baton Rouge 15, Mandeville 11, Ouachita 11, Barbe 5, Central 5, Thibodaux 1.

Class 4A

1. Westgate (8), 4-0, 128, 1

2. Neville (2), 3-1, 117, 3

3. North DeSoto (1), 3-0, 111, 2

4. Archbishop Shaw, 3-1, 99, 4

5. Lake Charles Prep, 4-0, 91, 5

6. Franklin Parish, 3-1, 74, 6

7. Madison Prep, 2-2, 63, 7

8. John F. Kennedy, 3-1, 58, 8

9. Belle Chasse, 4-0, 31, 9

10. Cecilia, 3-1, 27, 10

Others receiving votes:  Plaquemine 26, Opelousas 22, Salmen 13, Lafayette Renaissance 11, Leesville 1.

Class 3A

1. St. James (9), 4-0, 130, 1

2. St. Charles (2), 3-1, 123, 2

3. Jena, 3-1, 105, 4

4. University, 2-2, 89, 5

5. Sterlington, 2-2, 86, 3

6. Jewell Sumner, 3-1, 76, 7

7. Loyola, 3-1, 66, 8

8. Marksville, 4-0, 61, 9

9. Eunice, 4-0, 37,10

10. West Feliciana, 4-0, 35, NR

Others receiving votes: Vandebilt Catholic 28, Iowa 12, Northwest 7, Jennings 3, Carroll 1.

Class 2A

1, Calvary Baptist (11), 4-0, 132, 1

2, Notre Dame, 4-0, 117, 3

3. Mangham, 2-1, 105, 4

4, Dunham, 2-2, 98, 2

5, Lafayette Christian Academy, 3-1, 92, 6

6, Amite, 3-1, 75, 5

7, Newman, 3-1, 58, 10

8, Catholic-New Iberia, 2-2, 46, 8

9. Lake Arthur, 4-0, 38, NR

10, Mansfield, 3-1, 36, 9

Others receiving votes: Oak Grove 33, Loreauville 10, Covenant Christian 5, Kinder 4, Vinton 3, West St. Mary 3, Country Day 1, Green Oaks 1, Homer 1.

Class 1A

1. Ouachita Christian (7), 4-0, 128, 1

2. Riverside Academy (4), 4-0, 124, 2

3. Ascension Catholic, 4-0, 111, 3

4. Haynesville, 3-1, 84, 5

5, Logansport, 4-0, 82, 6

6. Southern Lab, 3-0, 70, 7

7. Kentwood, 4-0, 69, 8

8. Jeanerette, 3-1, 57, 4

9. Westminster-Lafayette, 4-0, 48, 9

10. Cedar Creek, 4-0, 35, 10

Others receiving votes: East Feliciana 20, South Plaquemines 11, Ascension Episcopal 6, Catholic-Pointe Coupee 4, St. Mary’s 1.

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Cheering on the Golden Gators! BOM Bank is proud to sponsor the Brame Middle School Golden Gator Cheer Team! This program is about so much more than cheerleading. It’s an opportunity for student-athletes to grow while developing leadership, discipline, teamwork, confidence, and school pride—skills that will serve them both on and off the mat. We’re honored to support these talented students as they cheer on their school and continue to grow into strong leaders!

Pictured left to right: A’Mya Sanders and BOM’s Titan Marler.

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By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

MEDINAH, Ill. – Former LSU All-American Sam Burns played in every session of the 2026 President’s Cup, his fifth straight international competition, and was last spotted Sunday enjoying the United States team celebration after getting congratulations from President Trump.

That’s the bottom line. Burns, the 30-year-old Choudrant resident, was a key figure in the Americans’ 12^th consecutive Presidents Cup victory, his third since 2022.

It required a monumental comeback in Sunday’s singles play, with the U.S. scoring 9 ½ points to overcome a three-point deficit and defeat the International team 17-13.

Burns did not score on Sunday, falling 3-and-1 to Sungjae Im after rallying from three one-hole deficits in a tightly-contested match.

But he earlier won a pair of matches with his pal Scottie Scheffler, notably a 2-and-1 fourball triumph Saturday when Burns hit back-to-back approaches within close reach of the pin on holes 16 and 17 to provide birdies that sealed the outcome.

“It just felt like it was the time to pick my guy up and actually contribute to this match,” he said. “Fortunately I was able to hit a really good shot and hole the putt (a 4-footer on 16).”

The Shreveport native drained a series of putts in Thursday’s opening session to keep him and Scheffler in the game, and delivered the pivotal shot, an 8-iron to two feet on the 14^th hole for a birdie that turned things the Americans’ way in a 1-up win over Im and Min Woo Lee.

Overall in the five sessions over four days, he ranked third in the field of 24 players in overall strokes gained at plus 2.88.

It finished a 2026 campaign that despite not winning any tournament, has been his most successful. Burns had a career-best $9.4 million in official PGA Tour winnings, was fourth in the U.S. Presidents Cup points standings and finished eighth in the Official World Golf Rankings.

The former Calvary Baptist three-time state champion and two-time LSU All-American was top 10 in three of the year’s four majors, tying for seventh at The Masters, finishing outright second at the U.S. Open and outright third at the British Open, which began nine days after his wife Caroline gave birth to the couple’s second child.

Burns made 17 of 20 cuts, had four top 5 finishes and six top 10s. His career earnings climbed over $44 million, and he also added some top-level endorsement deals and enhanced existing relationships.

He’s homebound having added to his career resume with another Presidents Cup victory. That’s the bottom line.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

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The nationally-ranked, defending conference champion Louisiana Christian University football team struck on the game’s opening possession and never looked back to remain perfect in Sooner Athletic Conference play, rolling to a 69-24 win over the Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies Saturday night at Wildcat Field.

LCU scored 28 points in the first and fourth quarters in the dominant victory.

 
A week after suffering its first loss of the season to NCAA Division I opponent Southern, Louisiana Christian (4-1, 3-0 SAC) took no time in jumping ahead of Oklahoma Panhandle State (2-3, 0-2 SAC), needing just six plays to go 68 yards, the last 34 coming when Bryce Perkins hit Leyton Faul.

That launched a 28-point first quarter by the Wildcats, adding another Perkins TD toss and a 61-yard pick six interception return by Kristian Doyle to end the period. Things calmed in the second period and it was 31-10 Wildcats at the half.

The Aggies trimmed the spread to 31-17 to open the third quarter, and the Wildcats erupted.

 
A 23-yard field goal and an eight-yard touchdown run by Jaterrius Johnson opened a 41-17 lead going to the fourth quarter, and LCU rang up 28 points in the final 15 minutes.  

ASH product Datlan Cunningham scored on a 44-yard touchdown rush for a 48-24 lead.

 
Perkins and another ex-Trojan, EJ Scott, connected for a 51-yard touchdown, and Kedrian McNeil’s 4-yard run made it 62-24.
 
 
Perkins was 18-of-24 for 315 yards and three touchdowns as LCU rang up 550 offensive yards.

 
Scott was the top receiver, making five grabs for 111 yards and a touchdown.
 

The Wildcats should edge up from their poll positions of 20^th and 17^th when the NAIA Top 25s are announced today.

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Louisiana Christian begins a three-game homestand this Saturday as Oklahoma Panhandle State comes to Pineville as the Wildcats continue defense of their Sooner Athletic Conference 2025 football championship and aim to hold onto their NAIA Top 25 ranking.

Kickoff of Saturday’s contest between coach Ben McLaughlin’s nationally-ranked Wildcats (3-1, 2-0) and the Aggies (2-2, 0-1 SAC) is set for 6 p.m. at Wildcat Field and will be live streamed on 446Sports and through the Urban Edge Network.

LCU’s trip to pick up a hefty game guarantee last week at Southern in Baton Rouge, and a 50-31 loss, didn’t knock the Wildcats out of the national polls. They remained No. 17 in the Victory Sports Network NAIA Top 25 Football Media Poll but slipped one spot to 20^th in the NAIA Coaches Top 25.

 
The Wildcats are averaging 47 points and 479 yards per game. Quarterback Bryce Perkins has completed 60 percent of his passes for 805 yards and nine touchdowns.

Alexandria Senior High product EJ Scott and Omarius Davis share the receiving lead with 15 catches each. Jaterrius Johnson (392 yards, 7.5 yards per carry, 5 TDs) and ASH product Datlan Cunningham (297 yards, 4.9 per carry, 6 touchdowns) head the running attack.

Jaden Jones’ 33 tackles leads the Wildcats’ defense, along with 11 quarterback hurries by Jermarian Jackson, who also tops the team with 7.5 tackles for lost yards.

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Ending five years at LSU Alexandria, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tyler Unsicker announced his resignation Thursday to become AD at Texas A&M International University, an NCAA Division II institution.

Unsicker took charge of the NAIA program at LSUA in September 2021 and helped lead sustained competitive, academic, financial and facilities growth. The Generals will do a national search to replace him.

“Tyler came to LSUA at a time when Athletics was ready for its next chapter, and he helped move the program into a more competitive and sustainable era,” said LSUA Chancellor Dr. Elizabeth Beard. “He brought a ‘yes, we can’ mindset to the work, hired seven new coaches in five years, expanded our athletic facilities, and strengthened the financial foundation of the department.

“But what has always impressed me most about Tyler is that, even while thinking big, he never lost sight of the people at the heart of the work. He knows our student-athletes by name, celebrates their successes, and cares deeply about their experience at LSUA. LSUA Athletics is in a stronger position today because of his leadership, and we are grateful for his service.”

“For the last five years, my family and I have had the privilege of calling LSUA home,” Unsicker said. “I am incredibly grateful for our student-athletes, coaches and staff who have made these years so meaningful and rewarding.”

During Unsicker’s tenure, LSUA teams made 17 national postseason appearances and won eight conference championships. The men’s basketball program reached the NAIA Round of Eight during the 2024-25 season, while the women’s tennis team advanced to the NAIA semifinals in 2022.

LSUA student-athletes and coaches also earned significant individual recognition during that period, including 16 NAIA All-America honors, six conference player of the year awards, seven conference coach of the year awards, one NAIA coach of the year award and one NAIA national player of the year honor.

Academic achievement also remained a priority. Unsicker established the Student-Athlete Academic Success Center in 2022 to provide additional resources and support for student-athletes in the classroom. LSUA Athletics has posted a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher for four consecutive years, including a 3.32 GPA during the 2025-26 academic year. In 2023-24, LSUA earned its first Barnes & Noble College Red River Athletic Conference GPA Award as the conference’s top-performing athletics program academically.

LSUA Athletics experienced significant facilities growth under Unsicker’s leadership. In 2023, the university opened The Outpost, a 6,000-square-foot indoor practice facility created in the former LSUA swimming pool space. The LSUA Soccer Pitch received upgrades in 2024, including netting behind both goals, covered team dugouts and a covered press box.

Additional improvements have included a new press box, LED stadium lighting and storage space at the baseball field. This fall, LSUA broke ground on a new baseball and softball field house that will include locker rooms, coaches’ offices and meeting space. The LSUA Tennis Complex also broke ground on two additional tennis courts and six pickleball courts.

Fundraising and external support for Athletics also grew during Unsicker’s tenure. Generals Athletic Association fundraising more than doubled over the past five years, while a growing corporate sponsorship program provided additional resources for recruiting and operational needs. Unsicker worked closely with the Generals Athletic Association to increase scholarship support and invest in facility improvements across LSUA’s seven athletics programs

In addition to his work at LSUA, Unsicker served for the past two years on the NAIA Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors.

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BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Christian’s no longer unbeaten but you can’t blame the Wildcats if they’re going into the rest of the season undaunted.

Playing their second NCAA Division I opponent in four games, the Wildcats produced almost 350 yards of total offense and created tension in the fourth quarter, but an early deficit was too much to overcome in a 50-31 loss to the Southern Jaguars Saturday night at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Louisiana Christian (3-1, ranked in both NAIA Top 25 polls) answered an early touchdown by Southern (2-2) by getting one of its own as Bryce Perkins connected with Darius Washington on a 47-yard touchdown strike.

Southern scored the next 20 points before LCU kicker Preston Baker connected from 39 yards out to cut the deficit to 27-10. The Jaguars responded with a field goal right before halftime.

The Wildcats rallied within 37-24, answering a quick Jaguars TD with a 30-yard connection between Phillip Jones II and Leyton Faul three plays later, then scoring early in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard Datlan Cunningham run.

LCU successfully executed an onside kick, but the Jaguars defense locked down and stopped the visitors on a three-and-out.

Southern responded by putting it away, scoring twice in just over three minutes midway through the quarter for a 50-24 advantage.

Third-team quarterback Matthew Cates, Jr. capped LCU’s when he busted loose for a 69-yard touchdown.

Perkins was 12-of-19 for 145 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Jermarian Jackson led the defense with 10 total tackles, 2.5 of which were behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yardage.

The Wildcats begin a three-game homestand next Saturday as Oklahoma Panhandle State comes to Pineville for a Sooner Athletic Conference matchup. Kickoff against the Aggies (2-2, 0-1 SAC) is 6 p.m. at Wildcat Field.

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From several years back. The digital guru has since moved on to telemarketing and I out to pasture ….

Friday the 13th — it figures.

My day started with an advisory from the one-who-knows-all that our newsroom effort at regular Facebook posting has gone well, though the content essentially sucks.

As the company prepares to launch its new web platform, the expert says, it needs posting that drives people to respond and participate, rather than reporting, musing and reflection about things people don’t care about.

Well excuse me, I thought, but didn’t say. After all, the expert has months of digital journalism experience.

So while still thinking no one gives a hoot about what I think the Middle East, the West Wing, the federal budget or other such serious things, I will try to be broader in my approach to cyberworld.

On that note:

Isn’t it astounding that Voyager 1 has reached 11.7 BILLION miles out in space? It takes 17 hours for a signal from the spacecraft to reach Earth, which the craft left 36 years ago.

Voyager still limps along at 38,000 mph sending data back with a 23-watt transmitter (about the wattage of a refrigerator light bulb).

2026 Update – Voyager 1 is now more than 16 billion miles away, almost silently sailing on.

Closer to home: St. Bernard Parish, near New Orleans, has issued a warning after brain-eating amoeba were found in the water supply.

One cynic noted there is no public danger. The germs will starve to death.

2026 Update – CDC cautioned this summer against swimming in certain areas after cases reported. Symptoms include stiff neck, leading some to suggest ailment is quite widespread.

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A season-opening shocker has helped Louisiana Christian’s football team crack both NAIA Top 25 polls while off to an unexpected 3-0 start.

But if the Wildcats can pull off another stunner Saturday in Baton Rouge, it will stagger the college football universe to an even greater degree.

LCU visits the Southern Jaguars (1-2) at Mumford Stadium in a 6 p.m. contest. The game is available to watch via streaming at SWAC TV.

The Wildcats come in after entering the NAIA Coaches Poll for the first time this season while moving up in the recent Victory Sports Network Top 25 on Monday.
 
Louisiana Christian tied for the 19^th spot in coaches’ voting, while moving to 17^th in the Victory Sports Network NAIA Top 25.

 
LCU made headlines to start the season by beating NCAA DI FCS Northwestern State, 42-37. The Demons are rebuilding a program under third-year coach Blaine McCorkle.

The Jags are rebuilding as well, with Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk as the new head coach. Faulk’s team was clubbed 77-6 last Saturday by the unbeaten Houston Cougars.

Southern opened with a 30-17 neutral site loss to SWAC foe Alabama State, then beat Kentucky State 34-15 at home before going to UH. The Jaguars feature former LSU running back Trey Holly, who set the Louisiana state career rushing record while starring at Union Parish High School.

 
LCU has won its first two games in SAC play, taking down the Langston Lions at Wildcat Field, 70-14, before knocking off Wayland Baptist, 44-27, last Saturday on the road.

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By JIM BUTLER

Malcolm Larvadain, perhaps recognizing an election issue when it arises, wants to change Alexandria City Council rules for public comment.

His plan comes on the heels of recent complaints from citizens wanting to speak about things not on the council’s posted agenda.

Larvadain, District 1 councilman running for mayor, proposes letting some get matters off their chests at each meeting.

Currently, interested parties can signup for three minutes addressing an agenda item, and nothing else, though keeping some who relish the sound of their voice on subject has become like herding cats.

Larvadain would add a minimum half hour at the end of each every-other-week meeting for citizen firing at-will in three-minute bursts. Barring extended time, that would allow up to 10 speakers.

In correspondence to Council President Cynthia Perry, copied to all council members, Larvadain asks the proposed change be added to next Tuesday’s agenda.

Issues raised during the open comment period would be “logged, referred and answered in writing” within 30 days.

Presumably the referral would be to the particular area involved via Mayor Jacques Roy’s office, that being where the rubber hits the road, and where Larvadain hopes to sit come December.

Larvadain says his proposal provides a regular opportunity for residents to address matters of public interest.

State law requires an opportunity for public speaking at agency meetings.

Some limit that to matters on the agenda, some to only matters on the agenda that are to be voted on, some only to a prescribed time limit, some no restrictions.

The Council’s current rules have been in place since mayhem-driven changes were adopted in mid-2024.

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By JIM BUTLER

Notes from recently posted Legislative Audit reports:

Sewerage District 1

Revenue for the audit year was $1.25 million, all in service charges to 1,724 customers.

Expenses totaled $449,000, with utilities cost at $226,000, contract labor $128,000 and payroll $12,500.

Net position grew to $4.4 million, about $95,000 restricted.

Sewerage District 2

Enterprise Fund revenues were $3.76 million, about $2.98 million of that from a grant. Operating revenue from 1,047 customers was $781,000.

Expenses totaled $666,000. Operating costs included $154,000 contract labor and $192,000 repairs and maintenance. Payroll expense was $17,400.

Net position increased to $5.65 million, about $457,000 unrestricted.

Drainage District 1

Revenues totaled $449,000 with property tax contributing $378,000.

Expenses were $119,000 with repairs and maintenance requiring $48,000 and professional and contract services $35,000. Personnel expense was $22,000.

Net position rose to $1.86 million, all unrestricted.

Drainage District 2

Revenue was $1.26 million, 80 percent of that from property tax.

Expenses totaled $881,000, almost half in capital spending. Personnel cost was $192,000.

Net position increased to $3.1 million, $2.3 million of that unrestricted.

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BOM Bank is proud to partner with the Central Louisiana Community Foundation! The Central Louisiana Community Foundation (CLCF) is a public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people across Central Louisiana. Their mission is simple but powerful: connecting people who care with causes that matter. Through thoughtful giving and community support, CLCF works to strengthen our communities today and for generations to come. We’re honored to support an organization that is making a lasting difference right here at home! Pictured left to right: BOM’s Titan Marler, Emily McGruder, and Meagan Beaudoin.

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Louisiana Christian’s football team has done all it can in the first two games of the season to earn a spot in the NAIA Top 25, but the Wildcats aren’t quite there yet.

Perhaps a third straight win might do the trick.

They take a shot at it 10 hours and over 650 miles away from Pineville, north of Lubbock in Plainview, Texas, for a Sooner Athletic Conference date with Wayland Baptist.

Kickoff of Saturday’s contest against the Pioneers (1-1, 0-1 SAC) is set for 6 p.m. at Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium.

LCU (2-0, 1-0) opened with an epic 42-37 upset of NCAA Division I Northwestern State in Natchitoches, then plastered visiting Langston 70-14 last Saturday night at Wildcat Field.

Wayland Baptist started at Sul Ross with a 34-20 victory, but was blasted at home last week 56-14 by SAC power Ottawa.

ASH product Datlan Cunningham is averaging 116 rushing yards in two games with four touchdowns for LCU. Quarterback Bryce Perkins has completed 60 percent of his 43 passes, throwing five for TDs and averaging 214 yards per game.

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By JIM BUTLER

Counsel for the Diocese of Alexandria, responding to what it terms an unnecessary demand, intends to withdraw a proposed payment allocation protocol for accepted sexual abuse claims.

Some insurers in August filed a motion to compel the diocese to produce the plan’s details though told it did not affect their interests.

The Diocese pointed out in its testy response that none of the insurers involved in the motion have accepted coverage for filed abuse claims.

Only putative claims allowed would be affected by the allocation outline, the Diocese noted.

The allocation protocol did not address other debtor interests in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy declared last October by the Diocese, which advised the court this month it would move to withdraw the protocol, making the motion to compel moot.

In doing so counsel attached the draft plan to its response.

It proposed a points system for evaluating putative claims by abuse survivors, based on economic damage.

The draft noted no distribution would be made solely because of bodily injury and/or emotional distress or mental anguish attributable to the bodily injury.

Categories in the proposed evaluation process included nature of abuse (duration, frequency, degree of intrusiveness, etc.); impact (school problems, legal troubles as minor, loss of faith, etc.); adult and current functioning issues. Each current and future claim would be assigned a point total. The point totals of all acknowledged claims would be combined.

That total divided into the amount of money in the plan trust would yield a claim award value per point.

The protocol used as an example 50 total claims with overall total of 10,000 points. Assuming $4,000,000 in the trust each point assigned a claim would be valued at $400.

The Diocese in July submitted two alternates for creating the trust, establishing funding mechanisms of $4-5 million.

Its most recent operating report showed a cash balance of $2.24 million on July 31. Equity/net worth was listed at $4.4 million.

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ThThe Alexandria Senior High Trojans opened the season with an impressive intersectional win and moved up two spots in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 5A top 10 poll for Week 2 of the high school football season.

ASH pounded Arkansas power Bryant 44-20. The Trojans go to Union Parish this Friday, then host Lafayette Christian and visit Neville to continue a challenging non-district slate in September.

Only 12 of the 50 ranked teams in this week’s top 10 polls are from the 318 area code. ASH is the only parish school getting votes.

Eleven sports media members in the LSWA are polled weekly to compile the rankings.

Class 5A

School (1^st place votes), record, poll points, last week’s ranking

1.Ruston (10), 1-0, 131,1

2. Karr (1), 1-0, 123, 2

3. Alexandria Senior High, 1-0, 100, 5

4. St. Augustine, 1-0, 97, 6

5. Catholic-Baton Rouge, 0-1, 80, 3

6. John Curtis, 0-1, 75, 4

7. Archbishop Rummel, 1-0, 72, 9

8. Acadiana, 1-0, 50, Not Rated

9. Brother Martin, 1-0,  23, NR

10. Zachary, 0-1, 21, 7

Others receiving votes: Ouachita 18, St. Thomas More 18, West Monroe 12, Mandeville 10, Ouachita 10, Jesuit 8, Southside 5, Destrehan 3, Barbe 2, Thibodaux 2.

Class 4A

1. Westgate (7), 1-0, 124, 2

2. Archbishop Shaw (2), 1-0, 118, 3

3. North DeSoto (1), 1-0, 108, 4

4. Neville (1), 1-0, 104, 1

5. Plaquemine,1-0, 94, 6

6. Lake Charles Prep, 1-0, 76, 8

7. Madison Prep, 0-1, 63, 5

8. Franklin Parish, 0-1, 41, 7

9. Cecilia, 1-0, 35,NR

10. E.D. White, 0-1,  33,  9

Others receiving votes: Teurlings Catholic 18, Salmen 10, Lafayette Renaissance 8, John F. Kennedy 8, Leesville 8, Carencro 1.

Class 3A

1. St. Charles (8),1-0, 129, 2

2. Sterlington (3), 1-0 , 118, 3

3. St. James, 1-0, 104, 4

(tie) University, 0-1,104, 1

5. Jena, 1-0, 83, 6

6. Jewel Sumner, 1-0, 78, 7

7. Vandebilt Catholic, 1-0 , 65, 8

8. Loyola College Prep, 1-0, 55 , 9

9. Iowa, 0-1, 53, 5

10. Iota, 1-0, 30, NR

Others receiving votes: Marksville 20, Northwest 13, Carroll 6, De La Salle 1, Erath 1.

Class 2A

1. Dunham (11), 1-0, 132, 1

2. Calvary Baptist, 1-0, 120, 2

3. Oak Grove, 1-0, 106, 4

4. Notre Dame, 1-0, 97, 5

5. Kinder,  1-0, 85, 6

6. Mangham, 0-1,  69, 3

7. Catholic-New Iberia, 1-0,  58, 7

8. Lafayette Christian Academy, 1-0, 53, 8

9. Amite, 1-0, 51, 9

10. Newman, 1-0, 26, NR

Others receiving votes: West St. Mary 23, Loreauville 10, Mansfield 10, Union Parish 4, Covenant Christian 3, Avoyelles 1.

Class 1A

1. Ouachita Christian (9),1-0, 130, 2

2. Riverside Academy (2), 1-0, 121, 3

3. Ascension Catholic, 1-0, 105, 4

4. Jeanerette, 1-0, 92, 5

5. Haynesville,  0-1, 90, 1

6. Logansport, 1-0, 71, 7

7. Southern Lab, 1-0, 60, 10

8. Kentwood, 1-0, 46, NR

9. Westminster-Lafayette, 1-0, 34, NR

10. Westminster-Opelousas, 0-1, 31, 6

Others receiving votes: South Plaquemines 29, East Feliciana 13, Cedar Creek 15, Lincoln Prep 15, St. Edmund 1.

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BOM Bank was proud to host a booth at Unitech Training Academy’s Alexandria Campus! BOM’s Anna Lee and Holly Cloessner had an amazing time visiting with students, staff, and members of the community.

We love opportunities like these to connect, build relationships, and show our support for the communities we’re proud to serve. Thank you, Unitech, for having us!

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By JIM BUTLER

Football season is just starting but significant punts have already been made.

An England Authority special meeting to review details of the ICE family deportation staging center has been cancelled as a result.

Two of seven commissioners who last week called for a September 8 special meeting have recanted. At least six of the 10 commissioners are required for such a call under Authority rules.

Vice Chairman Jamar Gailes, a City of Alexandra appointment, and Trey Crump, City of Pineville-appointed, changed their minds, according to normally reliable sources, evidently convinced a meeting would serve no point other than exacerbating the matter.

Persons who’ve spoken on the issue at Authority sessions previous have made their position quite clear and in some cases it’s been quite personal.

The increasing intemperance is a concern among commissioners and staff and, sources say, was among topics raised by those urging the two to change their stance.

Absent in the hearings appearance record is any person speaking in favor of the staging center and any comment from often-vocal locals such as public figures,  politicians and pastors.

The current count indicates official discussion of the project is done, as it is not likely to again be on an Authority agenda barring unexpected change.

Adding it to the agenda during a meeting would require unanimous vote. That is as unlikely as Lane Kiffin being invited to the SEC Christmas party.

That then leaves officially unanswered some questions, with or without foundation, raised by various parties, both at the Authority meetings, on social media and in published articles. Examples include:

• Who is liable if something goes wrong – the Authority or LaSalle Family Foundation?

• Is the agreement with ICE available for public reading? If not, why not?

• Does federal Freedom of Information process overrule state public records provisions?

• Same for Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with LaSalle?

• How many jobs of various categories are envisioned in this project? Payroll?

• When did discussion of family center begin?

• What are health and medical provisions?

As pitched at last week’s gathering, the special meeting was to explore such.

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RUSTON — The result of Northwestern State’s season opener a week ago was a big disappointment.

The performance, however, gave the Demons plenty to build on.

NSU takes the lessons from its season-opening loss to Louisiana Christian into its first road game of the season Saturday when it visits Louisiana Tech (0-0) at Joe Aillet Stadium. 

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. with the game streaming on ESPN+ and airing locally in Natchitoches on 100.7 FM KZBL.

The Demons’ 37 points and 525 yards of offense against LCU were the most in a single game under third-year head coach Blaine McCorkle, who took over a program whose last four games of 2023 were cancelled, resulting in a massive rebuilding project still ongoing. The 525 yards were the most in a game since 2022, while the 37 points were tied for the second-most the Demons have scored in a game since 2021.

Northwestern scored on each of its first five possessions, finding the end zone three times while adding a pair of field goals. It marked the first time in more than 15 years the Demons had scored on their first five possessions of a game.

“Statistically there were some really good things from that game, on both sides of the ball,” McCorkle said. “Our defense outside the penalties only gave up about 25 yards in the first half. There are a lot of really good things to build on from the game. But the bottom line is you have to finish the game to get the win.”

The offensive production was led by a career performance from Zay Davis.

Davis accounted for 199 all-purpose yards, including the first 100-yard rushing game of his career. His 126 rushing yards made him the first Demon to rush for at least 100 yards in a game since Kennieth Lacy did so at Houston Christian in 2022.

Davis’ 199 all-purpose yards were the third-most by a Northwestern State player in the past five seasons and the second-most by a player under McCorkle.

Add the 300-yard passing performance from quarterback Abram Johnston who completed throws to 10 different receivers in the game and the Demons had an offensive rhythm working through most of the night.

Now the Demons turn their attention toward an experienced Louisiana Tech team playing its season opener.

The Bulldogs are coming off an 8-5 season in 2025, their first winning record during Sonny Cumbie’s tenure. Tech capped the season by defeating Coastal Carolina in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport.

Among the Bulldogs’ returning standouts is tight end Eli Finley, a John Mackey Award watchlist selection who led Louisiana Tech in 2025 with 38 receptions for 444 yards.

For Northwestern, the key is carrying the positives from its opener forward while eliminating mistakes that ultimately prevented the Demons from finishing the job.

“Just do our job,” offensive lineman Caleb Billiot said. “Communicate up front. They throw similar things that we see from our defense so taking everything over from practice into the game. And both sides of the ball eliminate penalties. Eliminate turnovers and go play our game.

“We can’t let this last one get to us. Coach said we have 11 weeks left in the season, so what can we do now to change what happened. You can’t do anything but get back up and go to work. We have a new opponent ahead of us. They’re a really good team and let’s go find a way to get a win.”

That mindset has been a focal point for the Demon defense as well.

Transfer defensive line Donovan Dozier, who played against Tech a year ago with Liberty, said the team has locked in on the importance of every player handling his individual responsibility rather than trying to do someone else’s job.

“Defensively, and really the whole team, this week we’re really focusing on and emphasizing doing your one of 11,” Dozier said. “Focusing on doing your part every time you’re on the field. I’m doing my part, then I’m helping my brother and my team.”

The opportunity to respond comes against a program with which the Demons have a long history, another point of emphasis this week.

 Saturday’s meeting is the first between the rivals since 2023, but the history between them stretches much further back. The schools have played for more than a century, including memorable meetings at the Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport.

“It’s an exciting week for any Northwestern State fan because this game has such a long history and the rivalry between the schools,” McCorkle said. “Obviously it’s not what it used to be because we’re not the same level anymore, I think people forget that sometimes. Just tremendous history from those old State Fair games.

“I want our guys to know that and know that this is more than just playing a regional FBS opponent. There’s a lot of history and a lot of people take a lot of pride in this game and I think our guys will too.”

Davis knows the Demons have a chance to turn the tables on the type of comeback that spoiled their opener.

“We’re focused on the team,” Davis said. “It’s not fun losing a game you feel like you could and probably should have won. But going up against Tech we’re excited. There is a chance to do what LC did to us. We’re going to go to work this week. Practice really hard. Watch a lot of film against these guys and be ready to play Saturday night.”

The Demons will look to carry the offensive rhythm they established in their opener while cleaning up the penalties and turnovers that proved costly.

More than anything, McCorkle wants his team to understand that one result does not define what he believes is the most complete team he has had during his tenure.

“I believe in who we are and what we’re doing,” he said. “The core of our program is what it is and it’s not going to change. I think our guys are maturing and starting to understand exactly what it takes to do that. I think they’re in a good spot and ready to move forward.”

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The Louisiana Christian Wildcats shocked the college football world last week with Thursday’s 42-37 upset of Northwestern State in Natchitoches.

Saturday, they open their home season at 6 o’clock trying to sustain that surge of momentum and begin defense of their 2025 Sooner Athletic Conference co-championship as Langston visits Pineville.

The Wildcats won 31-24 at Langston on Labor Day weekend last season to begin their 2025 SAC success. Langston did not play a Week Zero game last week and will be opening its season at LCU. The Lions were 3-7 a year ago.

LCU rallied from a 27-14 halftime deficit at NSU, playing nearly error-free while the Demons lost two fumbles in the red zone and suffered a Pick Six interception that Ernest Mitchell returned 42 yards in the third quarter. That was part of a 21-point third period that lifted LCU ahead to stay.

The Wildcats got 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Datlan Cunningham, and 178 yards passing on 14-of-25 aim with just one interception by Bryce Perkins. Omarius Davis made 10 receptions for 81 yards and one of the TDs.

Saturday’s game will be streamed live on 446Sports and the Wildcat Sports Network.

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