EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to technical issues with our live scoreboard provider, ScoreStream, some games and updates may not appear. Any missing matchups or delayed scores are the result of ScoreStream’s technical outage, not an omission on our part.
The Town of Woodworth recognized a police officer’s promotion and introduced two new firefighters during its November town meeting.
Officer First Class Weidner was promoted to the rank of Corporal in recognition of his professional dedication, leadership and commitment to supporting his colleagues.
The town congratulated Corporal Weidner on his promotion.
During the meeting, Fire Chief Fontenot also formally introduced Woodworth’s two newest firefighters, Purdy and Perkins.
By JIM BUTLER
To hear some tell it woulda, coulda and shoulda played key roles in Tuesday’s voting.
The traditional sorry turnout in these parts for a midterm Election Day is the backdrop.
Candidates and/or supporters often contend results woulda, coulda, shoulda been different had more citizens gone to the polls.
Fewer than half those registered actually voted, in some races the percentage was closer to 40.
Any number of reasons are offered – weather, work, access, disinterest – but the result is the same. Too few of us decide who will run things for all of us.
Woulda, coulda, shouda that could be pitched:
Alexandria mayor’s race – turnout 46%. Jacques Roy camp might argue higher turnout woulda pushed him from 49% to past 50% of the vote and into a new term; Malcolm Larvadain supporters might argue more favoring him shoulda voted, pushing him from 41% to closer to or in the lead.
Alexandria at-large – Gregory Scott camp could ma say more voting woulda closed the 185-vote difference between his count and Jim Villard’s. Villard side might counter that more voting woulda pushed higher than the winning 51% he got.
Fewer than 40 of every 100 registered voters in School Board District D cast ballots.
Frances Tennie, 41%, and Thomas Sands, 37%, will compete in the runoff. Christopher Sands ran third in the race voted on by only 35% of those eligible Coulda incumbent District H School Board member George Johnson have closed the eight-point gap to winner Greg Hackney if more than 46% had voted or woulda the winner’s lead have been more?
Same question in District F, but not likely, where incumbent Marie Ashmore trailed Roosevelt Johnson by 32 points. Turnout was 45%.
In District I a reversal seems unlikeliest of all had more voted. Ashley Baptiste had 72% in her race with Fredell Griffin. Only 39% of those registered went to the polls.
Runoffs are Saturday December 12, woulda, coulda and shoulda notwithstanding.
Jack Campbell was a first-team All-Pro linebacker for the Detroit Lions last year. Today he is in a hospital bed, hoping to escape partial paralysis.
Campbell made a tackle Sunday and never got up. Medical personnel, starting with the Lions’ staff, did everything right. He was alert leaving the field and according to a statement he released Wednesday, has “full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body.”
He shared his gratitude for all who have cared for him and all who have prayed for him, and said he is very optimistic, “taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better. My faith in God has never been stronger. I know He has a plan for me, and I trust in that plan.”
He won the Butkus Award, as the best linebacker in college football, for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He led his high school in Cedar Falls to back-to-back state championships – in basketball.
Along with all of his football feats at Iowa, he also won the William V. Campbell Trophy awarded to the college game’s top senior scholar-athlete.
More that you probably didn’t know about a few pros:
Saints defensive end Cam Jordan, who has made eight Pro Bowls, and three times has been the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year winner for community service, flew home to Arizona to vote Tuesday on the team’s off day. He has never changed his registration to New Orleans and usually votes with a mail-in ballot, but it didn’t reach him in time.
Jaylen Brown, who scored 30 points Wednesday night in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 112-106 road win over the Detroit Pistons, is a Director’s Fellow at the MIT Media Lab and has spoken at tech summits hosted by both Harvard and MIT.
NASA had him speak about science education at the Goddard Space Flight Center. By the way, he arrived in the NBA as the third pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by Boston, won a world championship and was the 2024 Finals MVP.
When the Celtics announced his record $304 million contract, he was at MIT with high school students participating in a program he started to introduce them to artificial intelligence and robotics.
Jeffrey Simmons, recently traded by the Tennessee Titans to the Chicago Bears, made his debut memorable, leading them with six tackles, including a sack and two tackles for lost yards in this week’s Monday Night Football game, a 34-17 Chi-town victory at reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle.
Then he picked up trash in the Bears’ locker room. After all but another teammate had headed for the buses, Simmons began collecting empty water bottles and cups and such and putting them where they belonged, and the other Bear, receiver Jahdae Walker, joined in.
“True leader and amazing display of servant leadership,” posted a witness, former Bear Jason McKie.
Simmons wears long orange sleeves below his Bears jersey, so his 3-year-old daughter can find him during the games.
Ten years ago, he was teaching chemistry at a high school in Katy, Texas, just outside of Houston. Tuesday, Jason Kanzler was named manager of the Seattle Mariners, seven years after his MLB career began with the Houston Astros as a minor-league hitting coach. In 2022, he was in the big leagues helping the ‘Stros win the World Series.
Remember Mark Teixeira, the slugger who won a World Series in 2009 with the New York Yankees, made three All-Star Game appearances and won five Gold Gloves? He became a star from 2003-07 with the Texas Rangers to launch his 14-year MLB career.
He came back to Texas after retiring in 2016. Tuesday night, the 46-year-old was elected to Congress, defying the Blue Wave that rocked Lone Star State politics, running as a Trump-endorsed Republican in the 21st District that includes the I-35 corridor north of San Antonio into Austin.
As Paul Harvey used to say, “and now you know the rest of the story.”
Good day!
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com
Cleco Distributes 1,500 Blankets to Veterans in Pineville Ahead of Veterans Day
Cleco
Cleco distributed 1,500 blankets to military veterans Thursday, Nov. 5, at Kees Park in Pineville as part of its Cleco Connects community outreach program. The utility company organized the giveaway ahead of Veterans Day to recognize veterans and help them prepare for colder temperatures. Cleco, headquartered in Pineville, selected the community in part because of its large veteran population. The company’s customer outreach program also distributed fans to senior citizens and weather radios to residents in other Louisiana communities earlier this year.
Simply Art Gallery to Open New Location at Alexandria Mall Saturday
Simply Art Gallery
Simply Art Gallery will celebrate the opening of its new location inside Alexandria Mall on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. Owner Larry O’Neal said the new gallery represents the business’s third location and will feature artwork by regional artists, including Ron Atwood and Tony Bernard. Artwork will be available at a range of prices, beginning at approximately $55. The gallery aims to make locally produced art more accessible to shoppers while providing additional opportunities for artists to showcase and sell their work.
Rapides Parish Library Hosts November Recipe Exchange
Rapides Parish Library
Rapides Parish Library’s Westside Regional Library in Alexandria is hosting a recipe exchange throughout November, inviting residents to share favorite dishes and discover recipes from other community members. Participants can exchange family recipes, traditional favorites and newer dishes, creating an opportunity to explore different cooking styles and culinary traditions. The monthlong activity encourages community participation and provides residents with new meal ideas as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
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Duck hunters get ready! The 2026-27 Louisiana duck hunting season begins in the West Zone with a youth and veterans only hunt on Nov. 7, followed by the first segment of the regular season a week later on Nov. 14, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced.
The East Zone’s youth and veterans hunt will be Nov. 14 with the first segment of the regular season beginning Nov. 21.
To see a map of the zone boundaries and complete season dates for both zones, go to the hunting seasons and regulations page on the LDWF website.
All waterfowl hunters 16 years and older, even those who are not otherwise required to purchase a license, must have a Federal Duck Stamp. See the federal duck stamp webpage on the LDWF website for more information.
Those 18 and older duck hunting are required to have a basic hunting license and be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified. Youth 17 and under do not need a hunting license or HIP certification to duck hunt. See the hunting license webpage on the LDWF website to purchase a hunting license.
Many LDWF Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state offer duck hunting opportunities. The most popular include: Pass-a-Loutre WMA, Atchafalaya Delta WMA, Pointe-aux-Chenes WMA, Sherburne WMA, Dewey Wills WMA and Russell Sage WMA. For a complete list of WMAs open to duck hunting and more information on WMA duck hunting, see the hunting seasons and regulations webpage.
All visitors to LDWF WMAs must have either a WMA Access Permit, Senior Hunting/Fishing License, Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise License or Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License, except those 17 years of age and younger. Go to the WMA Access Permitpage on the LDWF website for more information.
For more information on duck hunting in Louisiana, see the LDWF waterfowl page or contact LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak at jolszak@wlf.la.gov.
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Mid-century character, generous space, and big-ticket updates come together at 3131 Pershing Avenue.
Situated on a large corner lot, this approximately 3,300-square-foot home offers four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, multiple living and dining areas, warm wood floors, two fireplaces, built-in cabinetry, and walls of windows that fill the interior with natural light. The kitchen preserves the home’s distinctive mid-century style while providing abundant cabinetry, counter space, and an easy connection to the surrounding living areas. A huge utility room gives you exceptional space for laundry, storage, hobbies, or household projects.
Beyond that, the enormous enclosed garage and shop area offers tremendous flexibility for vehicles, tools, a workshop, recreational equipment, or additional storage. Recent improvements include replacement of the roof, both air-conditioning units, and the water heater within the last few years.
With its sprawling single-level layout, impressive lot, and unmistakable architectural personality, this is a home with room to live, work, entertain, and make your own.
Explore Alexandria Pineville attended the Taste Louisiana event hosted by the Louisiana Travel Association in Chicago this week, highlighting the culinary talent and flavors that make Louisiana a destination for visitors.
Chef Brett Butler of The Diamond Grill represented the Alexandria area alongside chefs from across Louisiana, showcasing the state’s culinary offerings.
The event provided an opportunity to promote the unique experiences, food and hospitality that Louisiana has to offer.
While in Chicago, the Explore Alexandria Pineville team also visited several of the city’s attractions, including The Bean, and participated in a private tour of the Barstool Sports Chicago office.
The organization shared its appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Alexandria-Pineville area while experiencing Chicago’s attractions and hospitality.
Magnolia Funeral Home celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 7357 Masonic Drive in Alexandria, with the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce joining the occasion.
Magnolia Funeral Home has served the Alexandria community since 1999, helping families honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
The funeral home is committed to providing personalized funeral and memorial services that foster healing and remembrance.
The Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized Magnolia Funeral Home on the opening of its new location.
Scott Equipment Company has opened a new location in Alexandria, according to an announcement from the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce.
7617 Coliseum Blvd (28W)
Alexandra, Louisiana
The Chamber congratulated the company on the opening, recognizing its more than 85 years of service to customers.
Scott Equipment Company provides equipment solutions for industrial, energy, infrastructure and commercial construction projects.
The company’s branches are strategically located to provide faster response times, knowledgeable local teams and dependable equipment solutions close to customers’ jobsites.
Funeral services for Mr. Jeremy Michael LaGrange will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Mr. LaGrange, 43, of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Jeremy was a resident of Alexandria and a proud graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He dedicated his professional life to educating young minds as an elementary science and social studies teacher at Peabody Montessori Elementary School in Alexandria.
Beyond the classroom, Jeremy shared his creativity and passion for the arts as the sponsor of the school’s Glee Club. Each year, he wrote original plays for his students to perform, giving them opportunities to express themselves, discover their talents, and experience the joy of the performing arts. His love for the arts extended into all areas of his life, reflecting his creative spirit and appreciation for artistic expression.
In his leisure time, Jeremy found enjoyment in playing video games, embracing the fun and adventure they brought to his life. Above all, Jeremy cherished his family. Their love was a constant source of comfort and strength, and he was blessed to be surrounded by that love during his final days.
Jeremy will be remembered for his dedication to education, his creativity, his love of the arts, and, most importantly, the love he shared with his family. His influence on the students he taught and the lives he touched will remain a lasting part of his legacy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy LaGrange; his maternal grandfather, Dewey Guillot; his paternal grandparents, Emery and Pearl LaGrange; and one uncle, Tim Guillot.
Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his mother, Yvonne LaGrange; his sister, Natalie Coker (Lucas); one aunt, Celeste Dauzat; five cousins, Sarah, Emily, Kelly, Lauren, and Marque; his maternal grandmother, Juliette Roy Guillot; special aunt, Joyce Latiolas; and his extended family and many friends.
Joel Brown, Sr., 42, of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. He was born on January 7, 1984, in Pineville, Louisiana, to Joseph Nelson, Jr., and Vera Mae Brown.
Joel attended Bolton High School and worked as a car salesman, a fitting career for someone who loved cars. Away from work, he enjoyed listening to music, going fishing, and playing cards, especially spades.
Outgoing, outspoken, and hardworking, Joel was a family man through and through. His family often said you had to know him to love him. Whenever someone in the family found themselves in a tough spot, Joel was the one they called. His family will remember the way he showed up for them when they needed him most.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Nelson, Jr., and Vera Mae Brown. He was also preceded in death by his aunt Irene Brown, who was like a mother to him, his grandmothers, Georgia Mae Nelson and Dorothy Lee Brown, and several aunts and uncles.
Joel leaves to cherish his memory his companion, Yolanda Green, and his three sons, Algernon Green, Joel Brown, Jr., and Jo’Shun Brown. He is also survived by his siblings, Kadron Kirk, Shelby Brown, Melanie Hall, Dexter Hall, Farrah Sewell (John), Joe Ray Hall (Sandra), and Joseph Nelson, Jr. Kim Brown, Keandrea Brown, and Ashley Brown were raised alongside Joel as siblings. He also leaves his stepbrother, Dewayne Lair, and his uncles, Roy Nelson, Charlie Nelson, James Roberts, Sherman Brooks, Leonard Williams, and Frank Turner, along with other relatives and friends.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Public viewing and visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Both will take place at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, 3019 3rd Street, Alexandria, Louisiana71302.
Jeremy Michael LaGrange
January 15, 1983 – November 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 2pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Very Reverend Michael Craig Scott
April 12, 1965 – November 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10:30am at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria.
Joel Brown, Sr.
January 7, 1984 – November 3, 2026
Service: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11am at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, Alexandria.
Muriel D. Wotton
June 22, 1941 – November 3, 2026
Service: Sunday, November 8, 2026, 2pm at Kramer Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Walter Dayton Bryant
July 18, 1946 – November 1, 2026
Service: Friday, November 6, 2026, 1pm at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Deanna ‘DeeDee’ Marler Martin
July 10, 1970 – October 31, 2026
Service: Friday, November 6, 2026, 10am at Magnolia Funeral Home, Alexandria.
Slay Fitzgerald Howell
November 20, 2001 – October 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am at Red Store Hill United Pentecostal Church, Boyce.
Daniel Tramaine Piper
March13, 1991 – October 28, 2026
Service: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11am at New St. Thomas Baptist Church, Boyce.
Constantine P. Thomas
February 27, 1969 – October 26, 2026
Service: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11am at Newman United Methodist Church, Alexandria.
The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
By JIM BUTLER
Tuesday election results mean seven of the nine School Board members will be new on the job come 2027.
Outgoing term-limited member Wilton Barrios purposes raising the pay for their work ahead.
On today’s board meeting agenda is his proposal to discuss and take possible action on raising board salaries to $800 monthly, $900 for the president, effective February 2.
The current schedule – $700 monthly, $750 for the president has been in effect – prepare yourself – more than 30 years. Executive
Committee members receive an additional $50.
Barrios also proposes discussing and possibly taking action regarding increases for cafeteria and support personnel.
There is a major difference in the two items. One has legislative requirements, the other does not.
A section of Louisiana law deals with board remuneration. It appears to require twice-published public notice of intent to consider a change as well as a two-thirds approval vote.
Appears is the operative word, as statutes sometimes do not mean what they seem to. Such is the nature of legislation.
Campaigning by the various board candidates this fall did not appear to reflect pay concerns.
What: Alexandria International Airport (AEX) and England Airpark Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting will conduct a full-scale triennial emergency preparedness exercise in coordination with regional first responders.
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 (approximately 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
Where: On-site at AEX / England Airpark grounds
What residents and visitors may see/hear:
Purpose: This exercise is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration every three years to test emergency response protocols, inter-agency communication, and regional readiness.
Airport operations: No commercial flights or general airport operations will be impacted. Passengers and visitors should proceed with travel plans as normal.
Public information contact:
Chief Kevin Kees
England Airpark Fire Department
Rapides Parish Library to Offer Strawberry Growing Workshop Today
Rapides Parish Library
Rapides Parish Library will offer a gardening program Thursday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. at the Main Library in Alexandria. The session, “Growing Strawberries,” will feature Molly Lyles of the LSU AgCenter and provide an opportunity for residents to learn about growing strawberries at home. The program is part of the library system’s adult educational activities, which include gardening, crafts, technology and other practical subjects throughout the year.
Rapides Parish Library Launches Sixth Annual Tiny Art Show
Rapides Parish Library
Rapides Parish Library has launched its sixth annual Tiny Art Show, a November activity encouraging residents to participate in miniature artwork. The program began Nov. 1 and is listed across the library system’s locations. The annual event offers an opportunity for community members to explore their creativity through small-format artwork. Residents interested in participating can contact their local library branch for information about materials, participation requirements and the exhibition schedule.
Pineville to Host Louisiana Junior High and Elementary Cross-Country Championships Saturday
Rapides Junior Runners
The Louisiana Junior High and Elementary Cross-Country State Championships will take place Saturday, Nov. 7, at Ward 9 Sportsplex, 3311 Donahue Ferry Road in Pineville. Elementary girls will compete in a one-mile race beginning at 8 a.m., followed by elementary boys at 8:15 a.m. Junior high girls will compete in a two-mile race at 9 a.m., followed by boys at 9:30 a.m. Individual and team awards will be presented. Registration closed Nov. 1, and spectators will be charged a $5 park admission fee.
Magnolia Funeral Home to Celebrate Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Today
Magnolia Funeral Home & Crematory
Magnolia Funeral Home & Crematory will celebrate its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. at 7357 Masonic Drive in Alexandria. The event is being held in conjunction with the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce. The new facility offers funeral and cremation services, including an on-site crematory. The ceremony marks the opening of the business’s new location and welcomes members of the community.
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OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
This sprawling Charles Park home was designed for more than simply having a place to live. It offers room to entertain, room to relax, room to work, and enough storage that you might finally be able to park in the garage. And with three enclosed garage spaces, that is saying something.Inside, you’ll find expansive living and dining areas, beautiful hardwood floors, a spacious kitchen, abundant built-in storage, four bedrooms, and two and a half baths.
Outside, your new life could include afternoons by the pool, evenings in the hot tub, and weekends spent entertaining beneath the covered patio. A whole-house generator and updated major systems add comfort and confidence.
Homes with this much flexible space are difficult to duplicate—especially at this new price.
Come experience the layout, the lifestyle, and the possibilities for yourself.
OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Mid-century character, generous space, and big-ticket updates come together at 3131 Pershing Avenue.
Situated on a large corner lot, this approximately 3,300-square-foot home offers four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, multiple living and dining areas, warm wood floors, two fireplaces, built-in cabinetry, and walls of windows that fill the interior with natural light. The kitchen preserves the home’s distinctive mid-century style while providing abundant cabinetry, counter space, and an easy connection to the surrounding living areas. A huge utility room gives you exceptional space for laundry, storage, hobbies, or household projects.
Beyond that, the enormous enclosed garage and shop area offers tremendous flexibility for vehicles, tools, a workshop, recreational equipment, or additional storage. Recent improvements include replacement of the roof, both air-conditioning units, and the water heater within the last few years.
With its sprawling single-level layout, impressive lot, and unmistakable architectural personality, this is a home with room to live, work, entertain, and make your own.
Robinson Carbon announced it will invest $16.3 million to establish a biochar manufacturing facility at England Airpark in Rapides Parish, extending its family-owned wood products business into a new market more than 130 years after its founding in Louisiana.
Robinson Carbon is expected to create 42 direct new jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 60 indirect new jobs, for a total of 102 potential new job opportunities in the Central Region. The project builds on Robinson Lumber Company’s longstanding Louisiana presence, with the fifth-generation family business expected to retain 22 existing positions.
The facility will operate two rotary drum pyrolysis reactors, converting approximately 100,000 metric tons of Southern Yellow Pine residuals annually into 16,500 metric tons of biochar. Robinson Carbon plans to source the material from nearby mills and produce biochar to customer specifications for agricultural, horticultural and pollution remediation applications. The company has relocated a pilot reactor from its New Albany, Indiana, manufacturing site to Alexandria, where it will be used to train employees ahead of full-scale production. Once certified under the Puro Standard, the facility is also expected to generate approximately 40,000 CO2 Removal Certificates annually, each representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide removed.
Robinson Carbon is the carbon products division of Robinson Lumber Company, founded in New Orleans in 1893. The company’s expansion into biochar manufacturing represents the latest evolution of a Louisiana business with more than 130 years of experience in the global wood products industry.
JOURNAL SPORTS
The Alexandria Senior High football team earned season-high status in the Week 10 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Top 10 voting.
The Trojans (8-1) climbed into the No. 2 ranking in Class 5A, rising one spot. The opportunity developed last Saturday when last week’s No. 2, St. Augustine blew out the longtime No. 1, Edna Karr, 52-14. The rout ended Karr’s 35-game winning streak and dropped the Cougars two spots to third.
ASH wraps up the regular season Friday at home against new District 2-5A foe Peabody (2-7). The Trojans are in position to receive a first-round playoff bye and to play a second-round home game, but their current No. 5 slot in the LHSAA Selection Division I power rankings could result in road games for the final three rounds of postseason.
St. Aug will not have an easy regular-season finale, playing Archbishop Shaw, the fourth-ranked team in Class 4A.
Tioga’s 45-14 loss at second-ranked Neville knocked the Indians (6-3) out of the voting in Class 4A this week. Tioga can doubtlessly earn support by winning its last game, at home against No. 9 Franklin Parish, this Friday.
No other parish teams received voting support.
Eighteen teams in this week’s voting are from the 318 area code, including 13 among the 50 who are ranked in their classification’s top 10.
Eleven sports media members in the LSWA are polled weekly to compile the rankings. One was unable to vote this week.
Class 5A
School (1st place votes), record, poll points, last week’s ranking
1. St. Augustine (10), 9-0, 131, 2
2. Alexandria Senior High (1), 8-1, 117, 3
3. Edna Karr, 8-1, 113, 1
4. Ruston, 7-2, 94, 5
5. Mandeville, 9-0, 78, 6
6. Jesuit, 7-2, 71, 7
7. Archbishop Rummel, 7-2, 67, 4
8. Catholic (Baton Rouge), 6-3, 53, 8
9. Barbe, 8-1, 44, 9
10. Brother Martin, 6-3, 36, 10
Others receiving votes: St. Thomas More 32, Northshore 7, John Curtis 5, West Monroe 5, Destrehan 2, Zachary 2, Acadiana 1.
Class 4A
1. Westgate (8), 8-0, 128, 1
2. Neville (2), 7-1, 122, 2
3. North DeSoto (1), 9-0, 110, 3
4. Archbishop Shaw, 8-1, 90, 4
5. Madison Prep, 7-2, 85, 5
6. Lake Charles Prep, 8-1, 77, 6
7. John F. Kennedy, 8-1, 67, 7
8. Leesville, 8-1, 44, 9
9. Franklin Parish, 6-3, 42, 10
10. Lafayette Renaissance, 6-3, 40, 5
Others receiving votes: Salmen 23, Opelousas 17, Carencro 4, Cecilia 1.
Class 3A
1, St. Charles (11), 8-1, 132, 1
2. University, 7-2, 121, 2
3. Eunice, 9-0, 100, 4
4. Sterlington, 6-3, 89, 5
5. St. James, 7-2, 82, 7
6. Marksville, 8-1, 76, 8
7. Jena, 6-3, 62, 3
8. Lutcher, 6-3, 53, 6
9. West Feliciana, 8-1, 51, 9
10. Jennings, 7-2, 31, 10
Others receiving votes: Loyola Prep 24, Iowa 22, Jewel Sumner 7, Vandebilt Catholic 3, Northwest 1.
Class 2A
1, Notre Dame (9), 9-0, 129, 1
2. Calvary Baptist, 8-1, 121, 2
3. Mangham, 8-1, 109, 3
4, Newman, 8-1, 94, 4
5, Dunham (1), 6-3, 88, 5
6, Lafayette Christian, 7-2, 80, 6
7, Mansfield, 8-1, 57, 7
8, Amite, 7-2, 45, 8
9, Vinton, 9-0, 42, 9
10. (tie) Lake Arthur, 8-1, 29, 10
Catholic-New Iberia, 63, 29, Not ranked
Others receiving votes: Pine 18, Loreauville 14, Caldwell Parish 3, Rosepine 2, Country Day 1.
Class 1A
1. Ouachita Christian (9), 9-0, 130, 1
2. Riverside Academy (2), 8-1, 119, 2
3. Haynesville, 8-1, 103, 3
4. Southern Lab, 8-0, 90, 4
5. Ascension Catholic, 8-1, 81, 6
6. Jeanerette, 8-1, 69, 8
7. East Feliciana, 8-1, 56, NR
8. Logansport, 8-1, 55, 10
9. Kentwood, 8-1, 51, 5
10. Westminster-Lafayette, 8-1, 37, 7
Others receiving votes: Cedar Creek 28, St. Mary’s 9, Jonesboro-Hodge 5, Ascension Episcopal 4, Sacred Heart-Ville Platte 4, South Plaquemines 1.
Louisiana Christian University Volleyball has teamed up with Pineville Peak Fitness & Performance to ensure the team is in top condition this season.
First-year Head Coach La’Coria Tademy said working with the personal trainers and coaches two days a week has been helpful for the players’ mobility, plyometrics, speed, strength and coordination—all athletic skills necessary for success on the volleyball court.
“It was tough for our team to get in the time for strength and conditioning in the window we had to use the weight room on campus,” Tademy said. “Coach Mason reached out to develop a relationship with Peak Fitness.”
Tyler Barber, the manager of Peak Fitness & Performance, is also a sports performance coach and works regularly with LCU’s team.
“This partnership is something we take a lot of pride in,” Barber said. “Having the opportunity to work with a university right here in our community and contribute to its athletes’ success means a great deal to us. We appreciate the trust LCU and the volleyball coaching staff have placed in Peak Fitness & Performance, and we’re committed to making that trust count every time the team walks through our doors.”
Tademy said the 15 women on the team have gotten faster, more coordinated, mobile and agile in the 12 weeks they have been training at Peak Fitness.
“The coaches there focus on exercises for the athletes’ specific sport,” she said. “They communicate well and are organized. The girls know what they will be doing at each practice.”
Barber said at Peak, every session has a purpose. The trainers challenge athletes to develop strength, power and body control while learning how to move efficiently and confidently.
“We want them to understand what they’re doing, take ownership of their development, and bring that same intent to the court,” Barber said.
Senior volleyball player Emma Cother said the Peak Fitness trainers have helped her and her teammates’ performance while also encouraging team building.
“The trainers have helped us with correcting our form while lifting and running, which has improved our acceleration on and off the court,” Cother said. “The experience we have had there has been enjoyable because we are bonding while putting in the extra work that will help us on the court. This experience has helped the team develop stronger stamina and has taught us that no matter how tired we are, we need to keep pushing.”
LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson said one of the great blessings of being part of the Pineville community is having businesses willing to support the success of LCU students.
“We want to put our student-athletes in the best possible position to succeed, and we recognize that we cannot do it alone. Our partnership with Peak Fitness & Performance is a wonderful example of what happens when a university and its community work together, combining resources, relationships, and a shared commitment to helping young people reach their full potential. When we work together, our students, our university and our entire community win.”
