By JAKE MARTIN, Written for the LSWA

There is a north Louisiana flavor to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 1A All-State football team with Ouachita Christian quarterback Landon Graves and Homer lineman Walteze Champ claiming Player of the Year honors – along with two St. Mary’s standouts making the team and two more earning honorable mention All-State.

Senior defensive lineman Drake Griffin, the Defensive MVP of District 3-1A, was selected as an All-State pick along with junior kicker Payne Williams.  Getting honorable mention status from St. Mary’s were senior quarterback Adam Parker and junior receiver/defensive back Ethan Busby.

It took one of the state’s best teams, led by the Class A Coach of the Year, to stop St. Mary’s season in the playoff quarterfinals with a fourth-period rally.

Frank Gendusa, who coached St. Martin’s to the first semifinal berth in school history, was voted Coach of the Year for the squad selected by a panel of sportswriters from across the state.

Graves, who went 28-2 as a starter, is the Offensive Player of the Year. He broke Jermaine Sharpe’s 30-year school record for most touchdowns responsible for in a career (108), led the Eagles to a Division IV Select LHSAA championship.

The senior QB completed 194-of-302 pass attempts (64%) for 2,814 yards and 33 touchdowns with seven interceptions, while adding 518 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 89 attempts. Graves is one of three OCS quarterbacks to ever throw for 6,000 or more yards in school history.

Champ, the shredded 6-foot, 225-pound senior lineman, did more than look the part on the field. The two-way starter played the part of enforcer on the defensive line. Champ recorded 101 tackles, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles and scored three defensive touchdowns for the Division IV nonselect runnersup.

Gendusa coached St. Martin’s to the best season in school history. Since returning to coaching in 2018, he engineered the a huge turnaround at St. Martin’s.

St. Martin’s went from a three-win club in 2021 to an 11-2 record this season. Under Gendusa’s watch, St. Martin’s made its best postseason run in nearly five decades. 

Griffin led St. Mary’s with 65 tackles (54 solo, 22 assists), 11 sacks  (for 59 negative yards) and 25.5 tackles for loss. He recovered three fumbles, forced one and returned one for a touchdown.

Williams hit four field goals, including one from 40-plus yards and one over 50 yards, and drilled 44 of 46 extra point kicks. He was 2-of-6 from 40 or longer while going 4-of-9 overall. He nailed 37 touchbacks on 63 kickoffs.

Parker completed 71 percent of his 202 passes (143-202) while throwing only four interceptions, and piling up 22 scoring strikes. He had a 185.7 quarterback rating. He ran for 12 TDs, best on the team, with 335 yards on 74 carries.

The Tigers’ top pass catcher was Busby, with 48 and 777 yards receiving, averaging 16.2 per catch. He caught 11 for touchdowns. Busby also led the Tigers with five pass breakups, making 17 tackles and picking off three passes, one returned for a score.

2022 LSWA CLASS 1A ALL-STATE

OFFENSE

Pos Player school Ht. Wt. Cl

WR Antonio Donahue Southern Lab 6-1, 180, Sr.
WR Calvin Delone, Ascension Catholic 5-8, 160, Sr.
WR Tate Hamby Ouachita Christian 6-1, 180, Jr.
OL Alex Golden Vermilion Catholic 6-1 230, Sr.
OL Amiree Alexander, Riverside 6-2 315, Jr.
OL Edwin Wilson Kentwood 6-3 280 Sr.
​​OL Ryder Bentley Ouachita Christian 6-6 270 Jr.
OL Kemarion Ivory Haynesville 6-0 270 Jr.
QB Landon Graves Ouachita Christian 6-0 185 Sr.
RB Damondrick Blackburn Central Catholic 6-0 215 Sr.
RB Elijah Davis Riverside 5-9 215 Sr.
RB Harlem Berry St. Martin’s 5-11 215 So.
PK Payne Williams St. Mary’s 5-10 150 Jr.
ATH Jonathan Dartez Vermilion Catholic 5-8 165 So.

DEFENSE

Pos Player school Ht. Wt. Cl

DL Lamikal Callahan, Kentwood, 6-0, 240, So.
DL Ben Devall Ouachita Christian 6-3 245 Jr.
DL Walteze Champ Homer 6-0 225 Sr.
DL Drake Griffin St. Mary’s 6-1 212 Jr.
LB Ashton Belaire Vermilion Catholic 5-11 185 Sr.
LB Luke Fontenot Basile 5-10 175 Sr.
LB Noah Lovelady Ouachita 6-1 205 Jr.
LB Rhett Johnson Glenbrook 5-9 180 Sr.
DB Travin Moore Vermilion Catholic 5-9 175 Sr.
DB Connor Achee Catholic-Pointe Coupee 6-0 185 Sr.
DB Landon Szubinski Ascension Catholic 6-0 190 Sr.
DB Carl Williams IV Southern Lab 6-0 185 Sr.
P Ethan LeBlanc Hanson 5-11 175 Jr.
KR Emmanuel Franklin Riverside 5-5 161 Sr.
ATH William Patrick St. Frederick 6-2 170 So.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: LANDON GRAVES, OUACHITA CHRISTIAN

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: WALTEZE CHAMP, HOMER

COACH OF THE YEAR: FRANK GENDUSA, ST. MARTIN’S

HONORABLE MENTION

Jacori Johnson, Central Catholic; Carson Hebert, Covenant Christian; Cameron Eschete, Covenant Christian. Lawson Lillo, Cedar Creek; Lane Thomas, Cedar Creek; Brandon Heard, Lincoln Prep; Ashton Deaville, Basile; Gage Hildreth, East Beauregard; Kevante Carter, Kentwood; St. Frederick’s OL Vasser Day; St. Frederick’s ATH Micah Bell; St. Frederick’s Aaron Parker; RB Chris Brown, Opelousas Catholic, LB John Michael Jarrel, Opelousas Catholic; Tyrin Singleton, Delta Charter, Juvari Singleton, Delta Charter; Jermichael Carter, Kentwood; GeAuntre Nelson, Arcadia; Jamari Ayrow, Centerville; Ethan Busby. St. Mary’s; Brian Osborne, Cedar Creek; Alex Golden, Vermilion Catholic; Andrew Cavalier, Central Catholic; Jayden Meadows, East Beauregard; Travis Cedotal, Ascension Catholic;  Camron Winzer, Homer; Luke Hymel, Riverside; Bryce Leonard, Ascension Catholic; Ty Feaster, Glenbrook; Khameron Boykins, Logansport; QB Adam Parker, St. Mary’s; Michael Thompson, St. Frederick; Toby Franklin, Haynesville; Elyjay Curry, Homer; Martell Henry, Riverside, So.; Milton Schexnayder, Centerville; Quincy Lewis, Cedar Creek; Grant Gendusa, St. Martin’s; Kaleb Brumfield, Riverside; Noah Carter, Oberlin, Sr.; Patrick Cancienne, Ascension Catholic; LB Alonzo Jackson, Haynesville; Stephen Holloway, Logansport; Tylon Hollins, Central Catholic; Seth Mandella, St. Martin’s; Maddox Mandino, Glenbrook.

By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

There’s really no debate. Heading into the Southland Conference basketball season, Northwestern State has the best resume’ – and the best record among the league’s 10 men’s teams.

Not bad for a squad with a new coach and nearly all new players, a team picked for sixth in the preseason coaches’ poll in October.

Two months later, the Demons own the best record in the league (8-5) and the Southland’s signature non-conference win (64-63 at 15^th-ranked TCU on Nov. 14) as they open the 18-game league race at home in Prather Coliseum Saturday at 2:30 against the overwhelming preseason favorite, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (7-6).

The Lady Demons (4-5) begin their Southland season today at home, also facing a TAMCC squad (5-6) picked to win the league, tipping at 1 in Prather.

Saturday’s men’s game will be the focal matchup in the first round of Southland competition. The visiting Islanders return all five starters, and its five top scorers, from last year’s NCAA Tournament entry that won the Southland Tournament and finished 23-11.

But Demons’ coach Corey Gipson isn’t immersing his team in a deep scouting report. 

“What we always say is, the No. 1 opponent is Northwestern State,” he said after Thursday morning’s practice. “We really have not dived into Corpus Christi. We focus on improvements, tightening the screws in our own program.”

NSU rode a seven-game win streak to an 8-2 mark before road losses at Rice, No. 12 Baylor and Texas A&M, getting blown out by the Owls but playing competitively in the last two outings.

“We felt like we have underachieved (at 8-5),” said Ja’Monta Black, one of three co-captains, all who followed Gipson as transfers from Missouri State, where he was associate head coach last year for an NIT entry.

But Black (14.4 points per game) and the other captains (DeMarcus Sharp, 16.2 ppg; Isaac Haney, 12.7 ppg) understand the prior 13 games are preparation for what’s about to unfold. While seeing many “bracketology” analysts projecting NSU as the Southland’s NCAA Tournament representative is a nice upgrade from middle-of-the-pack projections by the league coaches, the Demons are not indulging in visions of March Madness.

“It feels good, but we’ve got to show them why we are going to be that team,” said Black. “It’s going to be a hard run, but we’re ready. We’re very excited to get to conference play. It’s my dream, it’s all of our dreams, to win a ring at this level. It’s time to go ring-chasing. Each day we go to practice, we’re thinking about the end goal, a conference championship, and our expectations are through the roof.

“We tell the guys, it’s conference time. We don’t worry about outside noise. We worry about getting better each day. We prepare for our opponents, but we focus on ourselves. We can only control ourselves, and as long as we play our game, we can win any time we play.”

What’s the secret? The influx of talent from the basketball-rich Missouri Valley Conference is the obvious cornerstone, but it’s all about bonding, said Black.

“We’ve gotten better so fast, we’ve jelled together so well. When coach tries to teach us something, I know the guys are doing everything they can to get better at it. That’s what has helped us. We love to get better, seeing ourselves as individuals improve and seeing the team improve.”

The Lady Demons have shown flashes in portions of games so far – except a complete-game sparkler in a dominant 79-52 homecourt rout of ULM on Dec. 10. But today, they’ll face a Corpus Christi team with 10 players back from a squad that went 11-3 in Southland games last season.

“It will be important to come out quick and be the aggressor,” third-year coach Anna Nimz said about the first five minutes of the game against Corpus. “We need to set the tone early.” 

In an effort to increase attendance, the NSU Athletic Department has some appealing giveaways for the games today and Saturday. Each time, somebody in the arena will win a five-day, four-night cruise.  Also given away will be a Sasquatch Bluetooth cooler bag and a $100 VISA gift card.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

Christmas 2022 was going to be an epic one for the books. It was going to be the first time we forwent the traditional Christmas presents in exchange for a trip filled with precious memories to last a lifetime. My youngest daughter was not so thrilled. She always enjoyed a “Christmas Haul”. Tons of gifts wrapped in beautiful packaging under a perfectly lit tree.

Her Christmas Cup should always be overflowing with gifts.

This year I wanted to trade all of it for airline tickets to see my oldest daughter in Idaho. I didn’t want a repeat of last year‘s Christmas without having both daughters under one roof. In reality, I know that life is ever changing and not all holidays will look the same. Especially while your children are growing up and finding their own way in the world.

My Christmas Cup is a little selfish too, it should always be filled to the brim with my children, on Christmas Day in matching pajama and tons of laughs and memories.

We started planning in October by purchasing the airline tickets and a meticulously chosen route to ensure a holiday trip to remember. We originally planned to fly to Idaho then take a lovely drive to Banff, Canada. Passports, tickets, rental vehicle and rooms were all secured. Nothing to do except wait for Christmas Eve so we could fly out.

Unless you have been hiding under a large, quiet rock, then you are aware of the Polar Vortex that hit the entire country and wrecked travel plans for millions of people. This made my Christmas Cup a little less full. I was beginning to worry.

I had been watching my United Airline app like a hawk. I checked it daily until our trip and everything was reported as “On time No Delay”. I’m the midst of watching the app, I was also stalking the Montana roads update on their website. Before we left our house it was deemed that Canada wouldn’t happen due to blizzard like conditions and road closures. The rooms were cancelled.

My Christmas Cup was draining little by little.

As Christmas Eve approached we made our way to the airport only to sit there through nine grueling delays. As strange as it may sound there was some comfort found in the camaraderie of all the other travelers. While we were all exhausted, drained, sad, and hopeless; we still felt joy when someone finally got to board a plane or when someone’s name was called who had been on standby.

We ended up missing a whole day of travel and had to spend the night in a town that was still an hour away from our destination.

My Christmas Cup was virtually empty and almost bone dry.

Even being a Christ follower who is full of faith, love and constant joy, it is so easy to be blindsided by our cup being empty. Several times during our travels I had to literally stop and remind myself that I am saved, sanctified and Jesus would not want me acting in a way that would land me on the evening news.

All through the holiday season our cups are filled and emptied with all of the ups and downs that life throws our way. I have learned through my own comedy of errors that my cup drains quickly when I am not putting Jesus first. It drains dry when I am not saturating myself with his word and reminders of why we even celebrate Christmas at all.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:1-2

Today, I’m venturing away from my fishing stories by wrapping up 2022 taking a hard look at where we are as a country. In so many ways 2022 was a great year, as we finally returned to a sense of normalcy. It seems like years ago that we were under mask mandates and trying to figure out the facts and fiction of Covid-19. It truly rocked our world like nothing ever has in my lifetime. We’re still trying to make sense of what this disease brings with it and the lasting effects it could have for generations. 

But for now, I am going in a different direction as I reveal my observations on the state of our Union.

First, politics has come to the forefront now that Trump is no longer in office but has declared he’s running for office again in 2024, halfway through the Biden years. Never can I remember, in my 61 years of living in this great country, the political and moral division that exists today.

The 1960’s might be the closest era we’ve seen similar to now. Who’s responsible for this? EVERYONE!!! No one party can excuse themselves from this plain and simple fact that we are a nation divided. Republicans and Democrats and their leadership from within are all guilty of fueling the flames of this division. Yes, Trump had a hand as well with all of his idiotic Tweets and trying to communicate with Americans through social media — something no other president has ever done. While a lot of his policies were for the good of America, his mouth was nothing but pure venom and created a “take a side” mentality. 

As a church-going member of the First United Methodist Church, I’ve seen a decline in the number of people attending church. Recently I counted 24 empty pews out of 40 during a church service. More than half of the church, and churches all across this country, are empty. People have walked away from the church but more devastating, they’ve walked away from God. Our schools and state officials have also taken God out of the equation with few willing to challenge the powers that be to bring back this one saving grace.  

The family dynamic has all but disappeared from the American landscape. It used to be our foundation for what was right with this country. Divorce attorneys are in high demand and single parent dwellings are on the rise. People no longer see the importance of the family structure and the stability it brings to the next generation.

One common quote I hear so often amongst couples is, “I’m not happy.” I’m sorry, but I don’t recall seeing anywhere in my Christian upbringing where the good Lord above promises happiness. But he has given us the tools and the playbook (the Bible) to follow and work things out and to do what’s always in the best interest of the family and the children. 

Kids need a mom and a dad under the same roof. This is critical for their total development as a boy or a girl. We have kids today who are so confused with who and what they are. Really?!!!

This is a total lack of parenting and not being exposed to the Word of God.  Do you remember the slogan a few years ago for educating our children? “No child left behind.” Well, we have left the children behind, and they will turn in whatever direction they can to get the answers they’re looking for. The problem is they’re turning to the wrong people and looking in the wrong places.

People have become so consumed with their own selfish needs that they have forgotten what’s really important. Couples’ ability to communicate effectively and fight hard to save their marriages seemingly no longer exists. It’s easier to give up and just get a divorce. 

Meanwhile, our churches are empty, we have turned our backs on God, and we wonder why we are in the shape we’re in. If this one concept of getting back in the church does not return to the American landscape, we are doomed to fall not only from God’s grace, but as a nation as well. We must start to rebuild our church base and bring back the family dynamics that are missing today.

We must elect officials who have the same moral compass as the church. Know what and who the people are you’re voting for and what they represent. If we as Christians don’t rise up and redirect our nation, we will be at a point of no return. I’m not so sure we’re not already there. 

For those of you who have made a point to acknowledge my articles this year, I say, “Thank you!” It always makes my day to know that what I’m writing has touched someone in a good way. I’m always very appreciative of the kind words you’ve sent in person, by text or by email.

I hope each of you have a healthy and prosperous 2023! See you on the other side! Until then, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen. 

In order for our Natchitoches Parish Journal staff to spend time with family and friends this holiday weekend, we will not have our usual Monday publication.

However, our Tuesday publication will arrive in your inbox at its regular time at 6:55 a.m. 

Remember, if you’re not currently subscribed to receive our email five days a week, please sign up by clicking HERE. The Natchitoches Parish Journal always publishes free news articles, and they will always be free.

Happy 2023 to our parish!

After the New Year celebrations end at midnight, many revelers will be leaving bars and parties to make their way home. The increased number of travelers combined with an inevitable increase of impaired drivers makes for a highly dangerous time to be on the road. The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) offers these tips to help ensure you have a safe celebration and a happy year to come.

Staying Safe on the Road

When out and about for New Year’s Eve:

• Avoid driving between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. if possible.
• Stay at or near your location overnight, designate a driver, or take a cab or ride-share service.
• Be a good friend and make sure no one gets behind the wheel while intoxicated.
• Be the responsible one on the road by not speeding, following too closely behind other vehicles or driving distracted. Go one step further by making a New Year’s resolution to stay off the phone while driving.

Auto Safety

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the number of vehicles stolen in the U.S. is expected to surpass 1 million by the end of the year. In addition, News Year’s Eve and Day are the holidays when car thieves are most active. The Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA) offers the following advice:

• Make your vehicle less of a target by parking in well-lit areas and keeping belongings out of sight. Keep windows rolled up and always lock the doors. Never leave your vehicle running unattended and make sure you keep the keys or fob with you. If property is stolen from your vehicle, it may be covered under your homeowners/renters policy or your auto policy. Check with your agent to learn more.
• Use anti-theft devices such as car alarms, steering wheel locks and car wheel clamps.Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who use anti-theft devices.
• If your vehicle is burglarized or stolen:
  • Report it to the police and contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
  • Keep a record of your license plate number, vehicle identification number and a copy of your registration to help identify and locate your vehicle after a theft.
  • Depending on your coverage, your insurance may cover a rental car while you are looking to replace your stolen vehicle.
  • If your vehicle is recovered, insurance may cover the impounding and towing fees.

Fireworks Safety

If fireworks are legal where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow these safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks, and older children should only use them under close adult supervision.
• Avoid handling fireworks while impaired.
• Do not ignite fireworks in your hands or in a make-shift container.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak malfunctioned and used fireworks in water before discarding.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks and to use in case of a fire.

If you have questions about what is covered in your insurance policy or have issues with an insurance claim, contact the LDI at 800-259-5300 or find more information online at www.ldi.la.gov.

The Natchitoches Soil and Water Conservation District has an opening for a District Secretary/Program Assistant.

Duties include: general bookkeeping, manage/balance an annual budget, customer reception, compose correspondence, prepare multiple reports each month, attend monthly board meeting and prepare minutes, and assist office personnel in USDA NRCS Programs programs offered to the public. Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook as well as Adobe products. Should be a fast learner, and able to self-motivate with excellent organizational skills.

Please email resume to glenn.austin@usda.gov and to wendy.hinds@usda.gov or mail to:

Natchitoches SWCD, 6949 Hwy 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA 71457

Benefits – Annual leave and sick leave are accrued on pay periods worked. Benefits will include state group health insurance and Louisiana deferred compensation benefits program.

On November 24, 1967, I went deer hunting for the first time. My venture with friends to Summerfield in Claiborne Parish resulted in my downing the biggest buck, antler points wise, I have ever taken. Bill Bailey’s hounds pushed a 10-point buck past me and I got him. I have killed bigger deer since but none with more points.

So much has changed since that day more than half a century ago when I was introduced to hunting deer. Back then, it was “bucks only” hunting and it mattered not if the buck had a nice rack or sported a pair of spikes on its head; to down a deer with any headgear, no matter how small, was quite an accomplishment. Sometime later, a “doe day” was added which allowed hunters to take a doe on that one day.

There were few if any hunting leases back then and all you had to do was receive permission from a property owner to hunt his land or hunt one of our wildlife management areas. Still later, owners of large parcels of land, mainly timber companies, were paid by groups interested in having exclusive rights to the property.

My first experience with a hunting lease was a sweet deal. The owner of 500 acres was a friend and he approached me with an offer I couldn’t pass up. Get a group of my hunting buddies together to help him keep an eye on his property that had been abused by having fences cut and trash dumped in exchange for exclusive hunting rights free of charge. We enjoyed several years of hunting, taking quite a few deer, including my personal-best 140-inch 8-point.

After the property owner’s death that eventually led to us losing our hunting rights, I joined another club. After having rather loose restrictions at the outset, as to what deer we could take on that club, we eventually adapted a minimum size for bucks; it had to have at least 6 points with a 12-inch inside spread.

By allowing bucks to get more age on them before being targeted, our club of roughly 1,000 acres evolved into one with a growing number of mature bucks above the “6-12” limit.

Gordon Whittington, retiring editor of North American Whitetail, one of this nation’s highest rated deer hunting magazines, recently shed some light on what he has noted among the deer hunting populace across the country.

“Back in the early 1980s, deer hunters had the ‘if it’s brown, it’s down’ philosophy, sort of a meat hunter mentality,” said Whittington. “People might want to down a big buck but nobody was managing for them and they weren’t being very selective. Today, there has been so much of an evolution of being more selective, realizing what the potential is for growing big deer.”

Whittington noted that the increased use of trail cameras has allowed hunters to gain knowledge of just what is out there on their club, allowing them to be more selective, letting young bucks that are showing potential be bypassed with the aim of their becoming trophies.

“A problem may be that some are getting heavy-handed when somebody shoots a young buck, especially when it’s a kid or new hunter, with criticism that has the potential of turning off these hunters and driving them away from the sport,” said Whittington.

No doubt, today’s deer hunter is a far cry from the hunter of half a century ago, one who was dressed in jeans and flannel shirt, wearing an Army surplus jacket and sporting a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot with an eye out for a deer — any deer.

Thinking back, I think it may have more exciting and enjoyable back then.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

Members of Cane River Branch of Magnolia State Peace Officers Association took 11 students to Walmart to participate in the Shop With a Cop program earlier this month. Shop With a Cop is a program that recognizes outstanding youth from our community. Students are chosen based on their academic effort, community, school involvement and positive attitude.

The purpose of the event is to foster positive relationships between youth and officers. Young students’ ages 8-13 are selected each year during the end-of-the-year holiday season to shop at one of the local area stores to purchase gifts for themselves and members of their immediate family. Each student is given approximately $100 and assigned to police personnel, who then escort them around the store and assists in selecting age appropriate gifts for themselves and family members. Not only do the officers help them shop they connect by holding conversations with the students in regards, to school, grades, and family. Family members are not allowed to shop with the students. Shop With a Cop is funded by local business and personal donations and Cane River Branch of Magnolia State Peace Officers Association.

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a negligent homicide that occurred Sunday afternoon in the Natchitoches Thomas Apartments.

Natchitoches Police Department officers responded to a medical emergency on Dec. 25 around 4:22 pm in the Natchitoches Thomas Apartments.  Upon officers arrival they located an unresponsive one year old victim.  After attempting several life saving measures the juvenile was pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office.

Detectives with the Natchitoches Police Department were called to further investigate the death.  As a result of their investigation Damian Jewett (B/M, 27 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) and Jocelyn Crenshaw (B/F, 23 y.o.a. of Natchitoches) was placed under arrest for negligent homicide.  Damian Jewett and Jocelyn Crenshaw were placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. 

This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Shermaria Lewis at (318) 238-3914.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.  

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,500 for the arrest of an offender.

When Andy Boone stepped down as the Avoyelles High School football coach after 15 years, the most success coming in the last two seasons, it was quite a surprise.

Now it appears he’s done something even more surprising. According to a KALB-TV report Wednesday, after 15 years at Avoyelles, Boone is taking over as head coach and presumably athletics director at Lakeview High School, following Brandon Helms, who retired for health reasons after the 2022 season.

Boone led the Mustangs to the 2021 Class 2A semifinals and a down-to-the-wire loss at Many, the second straight narrow defeat suffered to the eventual state runner-ups last season. The semifinal appearance was the first in school history.

This year, Avoyelles went 9-4 and reached the state quarterfinals, after again finishing second to Many in the district – which also includes Lakeview.

Overall, Boone was 81-70 at Avoyelles in 15 seasons as head coach. He turned heads with unconventional, aggressive strategy: Boone’s teams never punt, always attempt two-point conversions after touchdowns, and always kick onsides after they score.

“Fourth and 40 from our own 10 – we’re going for it,” Boone once told Louisiana Football Magazine. That rigid strategy quite possibly cost Avoyelles a 2021 state championship game appearance. Facing fourth-and-long inside its own 20-yard line with just over two minutes left, and with a slim lead over Many, Boone refused to punt. The Mustangs didn’t pick up the first down and Many quickly drove for the winning touchdown in the final minute of play.

Boone’s teams are also noted for their smash-mouth football style and powerful running game. This season, Avoyelles had three running backs with over 1,600 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. The Mustangs totaled 6,093 rushing yards with 76 touchdowns from their running attack.

Lakeview’s Gators have had only fleeting success in the short history of the football program, but the installation of a new artificial turf playing field and renovations to the football facility over the past year, with Helms as a key figure, unquestionably provide the opportunity for improvement. The Gators haven’t won a district game since 2019, according to KALB-TV, but did pick up victories in four of their five non-district contests this fall before injuries and a lack of depth on the roster hampered Lakeview.

Lakeview made two playoff appearances in Helms’ five years as head coach, highlighted by a six-win season in 2019.

When announcing his resignation a few weeks ago, Boone said he wasn’t done coaching. That seems to be to the benefit of Lakeview High.

Photo Credit: Avoyelles Today/Avoyelles High School

After capturing the District 3-1A football crown and advancing to the state quarterfinals, the 2022 St. Mary’s football team deservedly took up a lot of room on the all-district football roster chosen by league coaches.

Fourteen different Tigers filled a total of 23 positions as either first or second-team all-district selections.

St. Mary’s had seven first-team picks on both the offensive and defensive rosters, and added two more with Payne Williams sweeping the first-team kicker and punter honors. Seven more Tigers were second-team all-district.

SMHS swept the top awards: quarterback Adam Parker was the Offensive MVP, linebacker Drake Griffin the Defensive MVP, and coach Aaron York won Coach of the Year recognition.

Collecting two-way first-team honors were Griffin (“athlete” on offense, linebacker on defense), Mixon Bankston (receiver, “flex”), Ethan Busby (receiver, defensive back), Kolton Norsworthy (offensive lineman, defensive lineman), and Williams (defensive back, kicker and punter).

The other first-team picks: Parker at QB, running back Joe Metoyer, offensive lineman Mason Mathis, and linebackers Nathan Slaughter and Logan Watson.

Williams was a second-team pick at receiver. Mathis made the second team on the defensive line.

More second-team selections were Russ Hillhouse (offensive line), Conor Joran (a two-way pick on the second team, at running back and defensive lineman), Braylon Normand (linebacker and kicker), Chance Rushing (defensive lineman).

“I think this is great publicity for our players. They have put in countless hours to get to where we are today. All district awards are a celebration of the work, effort and dedication they have put into our season,” said York.

“I felt like we were represented well with All-District awards. When you have the success like we had this year throughout the district, it is good for your team to get recognized,” he said.

Along with a dominant, unbeaten run through district, the Tigers won nine straight games after an opening loss at Class 3A playoff entry Abbeville. SMHS (9-2) picked up its first playoff win in five seasons, after earning an opening round playoff bye.

Griffin earned Defensive MVP honors by leading the Tigers with 65 tackles (54 solo, 22 assists), 11 sacks (for 59 negative yards) and 25.5 tackles for loss. He recovered three fumbles, forced one and returned one for a touchdown. Offensively, he was a close second on the team in rushing yardage (571 on 67 carries, an 8.5 average) and scored four TDs. He added another on a reception, one of eight (103 yards).

Offensive MVP Parker completed 71 percent of his 202 passes (143-202) while throwing only four interceptions, and piling up 22 scoring strikes. He had a 185.7 quarterback rating. He ran for 12 TDs, best on the team, with 335 yards on 74 carries.

Metoyer led the Tigers with 588 yards rushing (91 carries, 6.5 average) and 11 rushing TDs. He added three more on receptions, making 16 for 156 yards.

Bankston topped St. Mary’s with five interceptions and 66 return yards, collecting 30.5 total tackles (27 solo, 7 assists) and recovering two fumbles. Offensively, he snagged 22 passes for 268 yards and three TDs and also scored a rushing TD on six carries.

The Tigers’ top pass catcher was Busby, with 48 and 777 yards receiving, averaging 16.2 per catch. He caught 11 for touchdowns. Busby also led the Tigers with five pass breakups, making 17 tackles and picking off three passes, one returned for a score.

Williams hit four field goals, including one from 40-plus yards and one over 50 yards, and drilled 44 of 46 extra point kicks. He was 2-of-6 from 40 or longer while going 4-of-9 overall. He nailed 37 touchbacks on 63 kickoffs. His punting average was 30.4. Defensively Williams made 16.5 tackles (15 solos), three pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery. At receiver, he was second on the squad with 24 catches and 315 receiving yards, including a TD.

Watson recorded 49.5 total tackles (43/13) including four sacks (minus 46 yards) and 7.5 for lost yards. He led the Tigers with three forced fumbles, and recovered three, returning one for a score.

Mathis made six tackles for loss among his 12.5 total stops.

Slaughter had 19.5 tackles, an interception returned 23 yards for a TD, and a fumble recovery.

Normand posted 30.5 tackles (24 solos, 13 assists), including six for lost yards, and had an interception and fumble recovery. Norsworthy made 17 stops (13/8), one sack and two for lost yards) and intercepted a pass, returning it 26 yards.

Jordan collected 15.5 tackles, four for lost yardage. Rushing made seven stops, two behind the line. He added three pass receptions for 92 yards, and was the fourth-leading rusher for SMHS with 214 yards on 29 carries (7.4 per carry) with three TDs.

The Class A All-State team will be announced Friday.

Fifteen 5th grade Eagles from East Natchitoches Elementary moved on to the Regional Social Studies Fair at Northwestern State University after winning the Social Studies Fair at their school.

Parish Administrative Courthouse offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 30 and Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 in observance of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The Parish landfill and Highway department will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, and bin sites will be closed Saturday, Dec. 31. Questions about Parish closures may be directed to the Parish Government offices at (318) 352-2714.

East Natchitoches Elementary 4H students visited the Natchitoches Fire Department Station 2 right before the holidays.

The Parish of Natchitoches Office of Community Services (OCS) is announcing the availability of funds to help eligible low-income households in Natchitoches Parish with their active heating account. To request an appointment for help call (318) 357-2220 on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, starting at 8:30 a.m. All interested households MUST call for an appointment. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Provider: Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.