By NICK DERISO and DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

(Grambling and Northwestern State’s football teams meet Saturday night in the Shreveport Classic at Independence Stadium, the sixth matchup in the series but the first in Shreveport since an historic night 48 years ago, remembered here and adapted from a 2009 story in The Deriso Report by former Monroe writer Nick Deriso.)

Fans sporting black and gold filled one side of State Fair Stadium, as purple and white clothes populated the other.

But there was something else that stood out as Grambling and Northwestern State’s football teams met in Shreveport on Sept. 14, 1974.

“What was unique was not just the color of the shirts. You had all white people on one side, and all black people on the other,” said Jack Brittain Jr., a true freshman NSU special teams player in the game. “That was not something I was used to seeing. None of us were. It was a different point of view, and we all realized it was something special.”

“We knew it was big, especially playing a school of a different race from Louisiana,” said Sammy White, then a junior wingback for Grambling College. “We knew the level of competition would be a step up for our program, and we wanted to give it everything we had to pull it out.”

The Tigers did, 14-13, in dramatic fashion as a crowd estimated as large as 30,000 watched.

It was unique – the first-ever football game in the Deep South pairing teams from what have since become known as HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and PWI (Predominantly White Institutions). It took place as desegregation in the state continued, less than a decade after the first black students enrolled at Northwestern. Melvin Howard, in 1969, became the Demons’ first black football player; he will be enshrined in the school’s N-Club Hall of Fame next month.

So the game was, undeniably, special. And everyone in the stadium knew it.

“It was actually a barrier-breaker, as far as those things go,” said Brittain. “As a freshman, it was my first college game, so my knees were literally shaking before we went out for the kickoff. Then, we were facing Grambling, who had such a great reputation for sending players to the professional leagues, and they were coached by Eddie Robinson. We figured it was going to be an epic battle.”

It was intense for every second of the 60 minutes. Both teams punted seven times. Grambling managed just four first downs, but outgained NSU by 74 yards. The Demons fumbled seven times, losing three – but intercepted four of the Tigers’ passes.

White and Bossier City native Gary “Big Hands” Johnson were future NFL stars playing key roles for Grambling, which had several other players who reached the pros. Doug Williams, the future Super Bowl MVP, was a freshman third-team quarterback to Joe Comeaux, but moved into a starting role three games later.

“Coach Rob” had billed “Big Hands” as the “best defensive lineman in college football,” and if anyone thought that was hype, those attending the game, and playing in it, left as believers.

“I was the upback protector on punts,” said Brittain, “and we punted a lot. I just remember ‘Big Hands’ exploding past our center, right behind the snap as it was coming back. He would come in low, about a foot off the ground. All I could do was dive at his shoelaces. He would just shove me to the ground and trample right over me.”

A 4-yard Comeaux scramble opened the scoring, not long after the second play of the game when he found White for a 43-yard pass to the NSU 7. But the Demons responded quickly, recovering a White fumble at the Grambling 13. The Tigers were rugged – posting a series of stuffs on off-tackle runs by NSU star Mario “The Rage” Cage, who could not get past “Big Hands” and his teammate Robert Barber. Demon quarterback Butch Ballard’s 8-yard toss to Gene Knecht finally put NSU on the board, but the extra point failed.

Cage did break loose on a long TD run – reported variously as 61, 57 or 52 yards – and with Danny Foret’s successful conversion kick, the Demons went up 13-7 at halftime.

“That game,” said White, “was tight, tight, tight.”

He made it a tie, hauling in a pass from backup QB Terry Brown on an 82-yard strike. Grambling defensive back Rodney Zeno kicked his second extra point for a 14-13 edge.

“They were blitzing us a lot, so we had a one-on-one matchup,” said White. “Terry threw a nice long ball.”

But the Demons had the Tigers dead to rights at game’s end. NSU’s last interception, by linebacker Dan Boddie, was returned to the Grambling 34 with 4:03 left. Ballard drove the Demons to the 3 inside the final minute. NSU coach George Doherty ordered a Foret field goal try with 39 seconds left – on third down, while his players wanted one more try for a TD before kicking.

Star defensive back James Hunter, and perhaps “Big Hands,” deflected the kick just enough to spoil it.

“One of the greatest thrills of my life came at the end of the game,” Ballard said years later, “when Coach Robinson found me on the field, shook my hand and congratulated me for playing a good game.”

Those memories have been rekindled in anticipation of Saturday’s contest.

“The perspective of that game is way beyond the football field, so many years later,” said Brittain. “In our lives, for players on both teams and I think for the fans, too, it had a big impact. What a great time to try something like that, to break through some of those unknowns. It took some courage by both coaches.”

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

The Northwestern State University family and the Natchitoches community marked a day of celebration as Dr. Marcus Jones was formally installed as the university’s 20th president Friday, Sept. 9. The formal investiture took place in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium beginning with a procession of faculty and staff in full academic regalia, part of a ceremony steeped in tradition and nostalgia.

Jones was named Northwestern State’s president in November 2021, having served as interim president since the retirement of Dr. Chris Maggio in July 2021.

Honored guests included Gov. John Bel Edwards, Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, commissioner of Higher Education, Louisiana Board of Regents, and dignitaries from throughout the region representing government, academia and professional fields. Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr., Student Government Association President Bailey Willis of Opelousas, Faculty Senate President Dr. John Dunn and Leah Sherman Middlebrook, president of the NSU Alumni Association, offered words of welcome.

Edwards congratulated Jones, acknowledging the historic significance of Jones serving as Northwestern State’s first Black president.

“Earning his undergraduate degree at Northwestern, his master’s degree at Grambling, and his law degree at Southern, Dr. Jones is a testament to Louisiana’s public higher education institutions. Dr. Jones has served the NSU community for many years, and I have no doubt he will continue to succeed in his new role,” Edwards said.

Reed said Jones’ investiture is “the culmination of a lifetime of work for an individual who is thoughtful, engaged and committed to student success.”

The formal symbolic installation took place when SGA President Willis, Dr. Jim Henderson, former NSU president and current president of the University of Louisiana System, and Lola Dunahoe of Natchitoches, board member for the University of Louisiana System, invested Jones into office with the academic regalia of the NSU president, a gift from the students of NSU, and the presidential chain, which bears the names of all Northwestern State University presidents.

Jones, a native of Winnfield and one of 20 children, spoke of his parent’s work ethic and the importance they placed on education.

“Primarily because of my parents, I, too, recognize that education is transformative and is connected to our students’ social and economic mobility and potential,” Jones said. “Based on that lifelong viewpoint, my presidency will be focused on doing everything within my power to provide out students with opportunities to succeed in their work and careers and enjoy meaningful and productive lives.

Jones pledged to remove barriers for individuals who aspire to build better lives through education.

“My overarching ambition as president is to enable and empower the university to continue to enrich the souls and spirits of students who will stand at the forefront of innovation, problem-solving and servant-leadership, who will address our future social, environmental and economic challenges and will respond to our global world with empathy, adaptability and kindness,” he continued.

Jones acknowledged the history of Northwestern State, which was founded as the Louisiana’s State Normal School, specifically for the training of teachers, in 1884 on a tract of land that is the oldest continually occupied site for higher education in Louisiana. Sixty students enrolled in the first class and three of them graduated two years later. After 10 years, Normal sent 148 teachers into classrooms around the state. Today Northwestern State bolsters the economy and workforce by providing more than 2,000 qualified graduates annually in multiple fields to businesses, industries, institutions and other entities worldwide.

In 1965, NSU admitted its first seven Black students, including Doris Ann Roque-Robinson and Bishop James Johnson, the only surviving of the seven, who were present and recognized during the investiture.

“Northwestern has embraced change and conquered challenges throughout its nearly 14 decades, which helped fortify and prepare the university for the monumental obstacles of recent times,” Jones said.

SGA President Willis said she is excited to serve with Jones and remarked on his accessibility.

“I will never forget when I was a Freshman Connector, and he came to one of our sessions to connect with the students on a personal level,” Willis said. “While at this Freshman Connection session, he went through the entire process and even joined a color group in which he competed with other students during follies. Dr. Jones opened up his house to us to get to know other organizations and connect with the various populations. He has been on campus for a short time; however, he is already changing the course of NSU for the better.”

Willis lauded Jones’ efforts in securing capital outlay funds and partnering with donors to improve campus infrastructure and his initiatives in reaching international students to create a more diverse atmosphere at NSU.

“He is proactive in adhering to the suggestions SGA provides in helping improve our campus and is always eager to help NSU become even more for the students than it already is,” Willis said. “I look forward to collaborating with and seeing all of the great things he will do for NSU in the future. “

Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from Northwestern State, a master’s in international business and trade from Grambling State University and a law degree from Southern University Law Center where he was managing editor of the Southern Law Review. He also studied international business and finance at the University of Plymouth in Plymouth, England.

Jones has an extensive academic, business and legal background, having served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the University of Louisiana System for the past year, where oversaw the areas of business finance, internal/external audit function, EEO and IT for the System and handled matters of system level importance on behalf of the UL System president. He also oversaw management of budgets, administration, policies and procedures and international relations and acted as the legal liaison for the System.

Jones was NSU’s executive vice president for university and business affairs from 2017-2020 where he was a key administrator in the planning, operation and management of the University. He has been a member of Northwestern’s faculty since 1994 as an instructor of business, assistant professor of business law and international business, associate professor of business law and international business and has held the Ben D. Johnson Endowed Professorship since 1999.

Following the formal ceremony, Jones greeted well-wishers at a community reception in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom.

Prior to Friday’s investiture, Jones, a patron of the arts, was honored with a Thursday evening reception that featured selected watercolor paintings by artist Edgar Cano that depict iconic scenes of the university and acknowledge it’s 138-year history. Cano is a native of Vera Cruz, Mexico, who earned a master’s degree at Northwestern. While serving as vice president of University Affairs and leading the forefront of recruiting international students to the university, Jones was instrumental in recruiting Cano to Natchitoches. Cano recently joined the faculty in NSU’s Department of Fine and Graphic Art.

Following Thursday’s reception, NSU’s Wind Symphony honored Jones as it presented its first concert of the year featuring the premiere of a work commissioned by the faculty, staff and students of the Mrs. H.D. Dear, Sr. And Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State in celebration of Jones’ investiture.

The title of the work, “The Journey: where our paths may go” was recommended by the students in agreement with Jones. The work was presented as a processional and included elements of the institutions from which Jones earned degrees, the Grambling State Fight Song, the Southern University Alma Mater and Northwestern State University Alma Mater. The work was also used as the faculty processional during the President’s Friday morning investiture, along with choral selections by the NSU Chamber Choir.

Friday morning events began with a Patriot Day Tribute hosted by the Student Government Association at the flagpole between Caspari Hall and the Student Services Center with flags lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

In an effort to combat student absenteeism, and to increase student and community involvement, Natchitoches Parish Technical and Career Center has combined their Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) and their Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) organizations to create the school’s first ever student council. While JAG is a program used to teach students life skills, as well as the skills needed to make them more marketable when seeking employment, YVC is a program geared towards community service.

According to Principal Bobby Benjamin, “By combining these two popular programs at our school, it is our hope to use the newly formed student council to give our students an active voice on our campus. We feel that this will increase student attendance by making school fun. Listening to student input on school events, afterschool programs, and field trips will not only motivate students to want to come to school, but it will also make a positive impact in our community’s involvement with NPTCC, as well. Including the students as an important part of our decision-making process, we expect to fulfill our vision of being the number one alternative school in the state of Louisiana.”

Coach Kedrin Seastrunk will be the sponsor for student council this year, with assistance from the school’s JAG coordinator, Mr. Richard Ratliff. “I feel this is a good opportunity for our students to create positive events that support the Natchitoches community. It will also teach our students the democratic process of working together to achieve common goals,” Ratliff states. Coach Seastrunk has been the YVC sponsor at NPTCC for the past three years. Entering his fourth year, he says he sees the impact YVC has on his students. “YVC teaches students that giving can be more fulfilling than receiving. We have created postcards for senior citizens, collected water and can goods for citizens affected by Hurricane Ida, as well as participated in the Fields of Faith program with NSU’s FCA last year. We want our students to feel connected to the Natchitoches community. Sometimes, students can feel disconnected from their community because they are still trying to find themselves. YVC shows students that the responsibility of growing a thriving, positive environment rests on all who live within it.”

The first event sponsored by the student council will be a pep rally celebrating back to school and the first grading period of the new school year on September 30th. The school event will be hosted by two members of the council and held with the DREAMs Foundation, a program that adopted the school last year.

LSMSA holds traditional ceremony Friday, Sept. 2

(Natchitoches, La.) – The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) recognized 120 new students representing 59 percent of the state’s parishes during its annual Matriculation Ceremony held Friday, Sept. 2 in the NSU A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.

Of more than 250 applicants statewide, 10 students joined the tuition-free, state-funded residential school’s senior class of 2023, 35 joined the class of 2024, and 75 became the beginning of LSMSA’s class of 2025. More than 75 percent of the incoming class came to LSMSA with a GPA of at least 3.9 and an average incoming ACT score that was six points higher than the average exiting ACT score for seniors in the state of Louisiana. Matriculants joined LSMSA leadership onstage to sign an official roster, officially cementing each of their places in the school’s nearly 40-year history.

“You have signed up for what I call the ride of your life,” said Executive Director Steve Horton, who reminded new students to enjoy every minute of their time at LSMSA. “I am fortunate to take this ride with you and know that all of us at LSMSA have your best interests close to our hearts.”

LSMSA Associate Lecturer of Theatre Scott Theriot, MFA, delivered a keynote address encouraging students to find joy in the process of their pursuits, not just in the end results.

“Put yourself out there,” he said. “Take that class, join that club or sport, give yourself over to something that brings you joy. Once you find it, cast out that net and let others see the joy you’ve found. Maybe it can be theirs, too.”

“Your being here today signifies your talents and determination,” encouraged LSMSA Senior Class President Ashley Green (’23) of Houma. “Your efforts to make it here prove that you belong.”

The processional was performed by the LSMSA Instrumental Ensemble conducted by Dr. Al Benner with the Pledge of Allegiance led by SGO President Rosie Shultz (’23) of Ruston. Jamie Perdue (’23) of Kingwood, Texas sang the National Anthem, and Emma Wale (’24) of Laplace led the crowd in singing the Alma Mater. Following the ceremony, students returned home to enjoy the first Extended Weekend of the academic year.

JOURNAL SPORTS

(Note: A Coach Wilkerson interview about tonight’s game will air on 959fm this morning at 7:05 on KIX Classic Country.  The game will be broadcast LIVE on KIX tonight)

LISTEN LIVE – Click Here

OPELOUSAS – The Natchitoches Central youth passed its test in the opening week, and now the Chiefs will head to an Opelousas squad in a similar situation.

NCHS (1-0) built an early two-touchdown lead against Woodlawn thanks to two forced turnovers, but it was the Chiefs turnovers late that nearly took the lead away before fending off the Knights in an 18-14 win in Week 1.

Opelousas also built a halftime lead against perennial power Teurlings Catholic this past week, but the Class 4A Tigers youth was exposed in the second half of a 32-14 loss.

The Chiefs will turn again to sophomore quarterbacks Adam Guillet and Lannon Collum as senior signal caller B.J. Young remains out with a shoulder injury suffered in the jamboree.

But NCHS can build on a monster running attack that featured Jeremiah James, who gained 255 yards with three scores in the opening week.

MATCHUP: NCHS Chiefs vs. Opelousas Tigers

WHERE/WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m., Tiger Stadium, Opelousas

RECORDS: NCHS (1-0) Opelousas Tigers (0-1)

LAST GAME: Chiefs vs Knights 18-14 win, Opelousas Tigers lost 32-14 to Teurlings Catholic

RADIO BROADCAST: 95.9 FM KIX Classic Country
LIVE STREAM: LISTEN LIVE – Click Here

NOTES: In Week 1, Natchitoches Central survived the turnover big and held on for an 18-14 win against Woodlawn with a quick start and key plays late. Running back Jeremiah Miles answered a Woodlawn touchdown to keep momentum on the maroon side early in the fourth quarter before a defensive stand inside the 10-yard line thwarted the Knights’ last scoring threat. The Chiefs got off to a hot start with a Zecarious Thompson interception on the first drive that led to a 44-yard touchdown run from Miles, who rolled up 255 rushing yards and three touchdowns. On the following drive, the Knights fumbled the kickoff, which lead to another NCHS score for a 12-0 lead. The game tightened late as the rain fell in Turpin Stadium and the turnover bug hit, but the Chiefs fended off a Knights push. The Chiefs rotated two sophomore quarterbacks in Adam Guillett and Lannon Collum as they combined for 88 passing yards on 8-of-14 passing. The pair will see action again as senior quarterback B.J. Young is sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered in the jamboree. Young is expected to miss at least the first half of the season. and plan to do this same tonight as Sr Quarterback Bj young is still sidelined from an injury from the Jamboree. The receivers were led last week by Braden Woods (3-33) and Cameron Davis (4-36).

COACH JAMES WILKERSON SAYS: “We’re going on the road to a tough environment this week. We’re going to face another very athletic team. (Opelousas) is going to be very big up front on both sides of the ball. They started a lot of freshmen during the 2021 campaign and will start a lot of sophomores now, so they will be very young just like we are.”

NATCHITOCHES—In the words of Dorothy Gale, there’s no place like home.

For the first time in the regular season, the Northwestern State soccer team plays in front of home crowd after four consecutive games on the road to begin the season when it faces Jackson State on Friday.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex.

The game is the first of three consecutive games at home.

“It feels kind of sad that this is my last one,” NSU forward Natalee Henry said. “But I am excited to start playing again and play in front of friends and family for the first time this regular season.”

NSU (2-1-1) is fresh off a 5-1 victory in which it scored four goals in the second half to turn a tie score into a dominant win on the road.

The two schools have met 10 times previously, with NSU winning all 10 matches. In the 10 contests, NSU has yet to surrender a goal, outscoring JSU 35-0.

In the 5-1 victory last game, Northwestern State scored four times in the second half to turn a 1-1 tie into a comfortable win. NSU recorded five goals from five different players.

Three of those players—Henry, Olivia Draguicevich and Paige Armstrong—recorded their second goals of the season. Those three lead NSU in goals with the two and Armstrong and Henry lead the team with five points scored.

Eight players have multiple points, with four tallying at least three. Jalen Donaldson is the other NSU player that fits in that category, scoring three.

In three of the four contests so far, NSU has registered at least 18 shot attempts, and are 2-0-1 in those games. The team has out-shot its opponents so far 62-49 and 28-20 in shots on goal.

Two players earned Southland Conference weekly awards for their showings against Grambling, midfielder Delaney Wells and goalkeeper Chloe DeShazer.

DeShazer has been the last line of defense for NSU at goalkeeper, surrendering just a 1.00 goals against average, allowing just one goal in every game, keeping the team in every game. She is coming off an effort in which she stopped a season-high six shots, which earned her the conference honor.

“It feels really good to win the conference goalkeeper of the week award,” DeShazer said. “It’s kind of a confidence boost I think I needed. I am really proud of the team responding to every goal they have scored. This is a nice confidence boost as we go to the next match.”

JSU (1-5) has struggled offensively, scoring one goal in six games. The Lady Tigers are coming off a 1-0 loss against Nicholls in their first road game of the season.

The one goal came off the foot of Kendyl Terrell in the 81st minute of a 1-0 victory over Jacksonville State.

“They’re a very athletic team, a tough team,” Gore said. “They have played a number of Southland teams, so that will give you a gist of where we’re at. “They’re dangerous on the break and it’s a team we can’t take lightly.”

There will be a high school football game at Turpin Stadium at the same time, so people planning on attending the soccer contest will have to be aware of the football game.

NSU continues its home stand with a visit from UIW on Sunday, as it begins conference play. The team finishes its three-game stretch at home with a visit from perennial conference power Lamar on Sept. 16.

PHOTO: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

By Joe Darby

Most dogs — even those belonging to the Presidents — don’t get involved in politics.

But it’s happened a couple of times, during the terms of Franklin Roosevelt and later Richard Nixon. FDR, back during World War II, had a beloved Scottish terrier called Fala, a pup he had received as a gift. Fala became so popular he was featured in some of the movie news reels of the day and just about every American knew of him.

Well, in 1944, Fala accompanied the President on a trip to the Aleutian Islands off of Alaska. It was during the 1944 presidential election campaign and some Republicans started to spread a story that Roosevelt had forgotten the dog on the islands and sent a Navy destroyer back to get him, at tax payers’ expense. FDR answered the charge by saying, “…I don’t resent attacks, and my family don’t resent attacks, but Fala does resent them…his Scotch soul was furious.” The public loved it and Roosevelt was reelected quite easily.

This column is my third and final installment on presidential dogs, pets who were loved not only by the First Families but by much of the American citizenry also.

Like Roosevelt, Nixon also had the occasion to answer accusations and used his dog Checkers to strike back. During the 1952 election campaign, news stories had surfaced that Nixon had a “secret fund” created by wealthy supporters and that Nixon personally benefited from the money. Nixon was running for vice president on the Dwight Eisenhower ticket. There was talk that Eisenhower would drop Nixon from the ticket.

Nixon, in a televised speech, said he had come from a poor background, had worked hard to achieve what he had and that the fund was used only for political and campaign purposes. He admitted that, yes, he had received a gift that he kept. It was his dog Checkers. He said his little girls loved the dog and that no matter what, his family was going to keep the pup. Well, the public loved that speech also and Nixon was kept on the ticket and went on to be vice president and later President himself, although he had to resign in disgrace in 1974 because of the Watergate scandal.

Most dogs brought nothing but good publicity for their presidential owners, but Lyndon B. Johnson succeeded in bringing down much criticism on himself when, in the presence of a Life magazine photographer, he lifted one of his beagles by its ears. The public was outraged and Johnson issued an apology. He truly loved the dogs and said he was surprised at the uproar because he thought the dog enjoyed being pulled up by its ears. The incident was just one more problem in Johnson’s troubled presidency, which was beset by the Vietnam War.

Every President since Theodore Roosevelt, who was in the White House from 1901 to 1909, has had dogs, except for Donald Trump, and most Presidents before TR had them too. This is probably due to the fact that the chief executives really enjoyed the dogs, but that they also realized the American public does also, and wished to appear in good favor as animal lovers.

President Gerald Ford garnered favorable publicity when his golden retriever Liberty gave birth to a litter of nine babies in 1975. The process took almost eight hours and First Lady Betty Ford was with Liberty to offer moral support the whole time. News photos of the President and his family members with the new arrivals were spread nationwide.

Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s had a mixed breed named Grits, but the dog did not get along well with the family cat, Misty, and Carter never tried to use Grits in any type of publicity shots. Word was that he was not overly fond of the canine.

Ronald Reagan had a big, rambunctious Bouvier des Flandres, who weighed in at more than 70 pounds and who would often forcefully tug the President around the White House grounds on a leash. There was a famous photo of the dog, Lucky by name, pulling Reagan along as a laughing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher follows along behind. Lucky also often failed in her house training skills and, although she was much loved, she was eventually moved to the Reagans’ California ranch.

George H.W. Bush and family had a beagle that became well known because first Lady Barbara wrote a book, “Millie’s Book,” fashioning it as if the dog herself had written it. It became a best seller and the $1.1 million profits were donated to Barbara’s literacy foundation. The President also invoked Millie during his bid for reelection in 1992. Referring to opponents Bill Clinton and Al Gore, he said, “My dog Millie knows more about foreign policy than those two bozos.” Alas for Millie, the bozos won.

The Clintons had their own dogs, including a popular lab named Buddy, who probably didn’t think his boss was a bozo. George W. Bush had Barnie the Scottish terrier and they even posted a Barnie Cam on the White House website, which proved to be quite popular.

Barack Obama had Bo, a Portuguese water dog, almost certainly the first of that breed to live in the White House. Bo lived to be 12 and passed away just last year. Joe Biden has his well-known German shepherd, Major Biden, a rescue dog from a humane society in Delaware, the President’s home state.

Our Presidents have ranged from greatness to incompetence and rascality. But the great majority of them are just like us in at least one way. They realized that dogs are truly man’s best friend.

The monthly Young at Heart luncheon for seniors was held on Sept. 7 at the First United Methodist Church. Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr. spoke to the group about ongoing City of Natchitoches priorities and projects. The Koinonia Circle provided patriotic decorations.

Birthdays were celebrated by Nelda Chandler, Betty Whitehead, Paul Baird, Harvey Polk, and Judy Polk. Young at Heart meets the first Wednesday of each month at 11 AM in Bostick Hall. The meeting is non-denominational, and all seniors are welcome. A $5 fee is charged.

Today we’ll take a serious look at what bass fishing might look like 100 years from now. How will anglers of tomorrow look at anglers of today? Will they question our ethics? Will they question our techniques? Are we the pioneers of the bass fishing world of tomorrow? Will bass fishing even exist 100 years from now? These are just a few of the questions that I’ll try to answer from my perspective as one of today’s avid anglers.

As people, it’s human nature that all of us want to be liked or admired in some shape or form. All of us want to leave a legacy, whether it’s for our family or maybe a particular interest we had growing up. For some it might be a civic organization, job, or maybe a hobby that was near and dear to our heart. I hope anglers of tomorrow sit around a fire pit one day and talk about how innovative and creative our generation was in breaking down some of the barriers of bass fishing…how skilled and dedicated we were with techniques, baits, and tackle…how we spent hours and days on the water preparing for tournaments. They’ll laugh at how much fuel we ran through our trucks and boats just to find and catch largemouth bass…how we fished for 8 to 10 hours on a tournament day and competed not just against each other, but the elements of Mother Nature. Fishing in rain, sleet and even snow, nothing stopped us from chasing those big green fish known as bass.

Tomorrow’s anglers will either question or admire the creativity we had when it comes to tackle and lures. They will admire the color schemes and all the options we had in terms of soft plastic baits or worms. But they’ll wonder what the purpose was of all the many different colors, when 100 years from now, a handful of colors is all you’ll need. They will figure out that 75% of the baits and color options created were actually designed to catch anglers, not necessarily bass. They’ll be amazed at the technology we had that allowed us to actually see fish swimming on a small screen the size of a notebook. Our bass boats will be legendary in terms of the power we had with 250 horsepower engines that would push a bass boat in excess of 75 MPH. They’ll wonder how in the hell did those anglers ride in those fiberglass boats in three- and four-foot waves compared to the boats they’ll be driving, that will be like hovercrafts.

Today we have GPS for navigation and locating brush tops and underwater structures. But in the future, they will have boats that will be programmed to drive themselves. Their trolling motors will be built into the hull and will automatically deploy once the main engine has been turned off. Anglers will wear glasses that control the trolling motor by site, so that wherever they look, the trolling motor will head in that direction. Also with these special glasses, anglers will be able to cast a lure and place it in a one-inch square at 30 yards, allowing for precision casting like never seen before. One hundred years from now, boats will have touch screens to move from one section of the lake to another. The anglers simply touch the map screen, and the boat will automatically drive itself to that location, avoiding all the underwater stumps due to their Debris Avoidance System or DAS technology. This technology will allow future anglers to never worry about destroying a lower unit ever again!!!

Today, we are the true pioneers of the sport of bass fishing, and one day generations from now, anglers will look back with admiration and amazement at how dedicated and committed we were as bass fishermen. The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will be full of guys from this generation that built an industry not just here in America, but worldwide. But as with anything in the future, there is the possibility that bass fishing may not even exist. With today’s political circles and the far-left, anti-outdoorsmen, there’s reason to believe that the pleasures we so cherish and value in the great outdoors might be a thing of the past, a past that future angler’s will only be able to dream about. The rights of all outdoorsmen may be taken away whether it’s fishing or hunting.

These anti-hunting and fishing groups are gaining momentum and support from government activists who can’t wait to save Bambi from the big bad hunter. I hope future anglers and hunters understand the importance of taking game and fish as a form of conservation management. Otherwise, these populations will explode and create an unbalanced ecosystem. But in reality, who knows what the future may hold?. So, till next week, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Melanoma doesn’t discriminate; it can create life-threatening issues if precautions are not taken.

Steve Graf – Owner Co-Host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show &
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Randall Mallette received the Achievement Award from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents during the 2022 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida on July 19. Randall was one of several honorees who represent the top one percent of the membership selected by their peers. The Achievement Award is awarded to Agents with less than 10 years of service in the Cooperative Extension Service who have exhibited excellence in the field of professional Extension. The National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) is a professional Extension organization geared toward Extension educators and other professionals who work in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and natural resources, 4-H youth development, community development, and related disciplines.

Originally from Lucedale, Mississippi, Randall Mallette graduated from Mississippi State University in 2012 and began his extension career in 2015 as County Agent in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. In 2018, he took on additional agriculture responsibilities in Red River Parish, eventually becoming Red River Parish Chair in 2020. Randall enjoys working closely with producers, homeowners, and 4-H youth in his parishes and is thankful for the opportunities that extension has offered.

Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its Associate of Science (ASN) nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The public is invited to meet with the site visit team and share comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 at NSU’s Shreveport Nursing Campus, 1800 Line Avenue.

Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted directly to:

Dr. Marsal Stoll, Chief Executive Officer
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road Northeast, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Or email: mstoll@acenursing.org.

All written comments should be received by ACEN by Oct. 3.

Anniversaries, I’ve had a few. As of this past July 11, Kay and I have been married 38 years. On November 24, it will have been 55 years since the morning I downed my first buck. This past April 13 marked the 30^th anniversary of my bagging my first wild turkey gobbler. Anniversaries are sort of special.

Fifty years ago this month, a 35-year-old fellow did something he had wanted to do for a long time but lacked both know-how and intestinal fortitude to see it happen. He picked up a copy of the Guardian Journal, Homer’s weekly newspaper, and nervously flipped over to find an article under the heading “Hunting and Fishing with Uncle Zeke from Beaver Creek.”

There was no name of the columnist and here’s the explanation of the mystery surrounding the writer. In case the column flopped, he didn’t want his name associated with it, so for several months, this phantom outdoor columnist hid behind the name of Uncle Zeke.

The mystery of the identity of Uncle Zeke continued on until the identity of the writer became obvious. Homer is a small community and the secret couldn’t remain hidden for long. How do I know so much about Uncle Zeke? That columnist was yours truly.

Fifty years have passed since that first column went to press, and there have been very few weeks when I didn’t have a column somewhere, and I owe it all to the folks at the Guardian Journal for giving a nervous “green as gourd guts” guy a chance. They were even willing to pay me for my articles; $2.50 a week plus a free paper.

Once I was given the go-ahead to write a weekly column for the Guardian Journal, I had to do it nights and weekends because I had a regular job. What was my system for writing a weekly column 50 years ago? A yellow tablet and a number two pencil got it started; I wrote the column longhand.

Eventually, I had to use my old manual typewriter to transfer what I had written on the tablet to typing paper. My main stand-by I couldn’t have gotten by without was a bottle of White Out, and I probably used a gallon of it over the years to cover my miscues.

I had some readers of the Guardian Journal that took notice of my columns, and they mentioned that the Shreveport Journal didn’t have an outdoor writer. I got up the courage to talk to editor Stan Tiner who agreed to let me write weekly columns for that big city publication, something I did for several years until it sadly folded in 1991.

In the meantime, another friend referred me to editor Tom Kelly at my hometown newspaper, the Ruston Daily Leader, and on March 1, 1974, Kelly hired me as outdoor columnist.

Eventually I laid aside my yellow tablet and number two pencil and decided to write directly to the typewriter — which was somewhat nerve wracking at first, but I eventually became comfortable with it, although my bottle of White Out was right next to my keyboard. Then when the Internet came along, what a blessing it was because I could edit and delete without the need for White Out.

Today, I am blessed to still be able to write; I continue to write weekly columns for the Guardian Journal, the Daily Leader, and back in the big city for the Shreveport-Bossier Journal. There are plenty of outdoors lovers in cities!

I reach folks near Caney Lake in the Jackson Parish Journal, and along Cane River, Black Lake, the Red River and Saline Lake with the Natchitoches Parish Journal, which serves my birthplace of Goldonna and Northwestern State University, my college alma mater. There are some other weekly publications I’m in, as well. I eventually was able to place my articles in magazines and I still do some magazine writing today.

To sum it up, I am a blessed man. God has given me the ability to not only write but to absolutely love sharing my columns with my readers for these past 50 years. My prayer is that as long as these fingers work and my brain doesn’t quit on me, I’ll keep on doing it.

Thanks to all my readers for sticking with me over this half-century.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

POSITION: Electrical Department – Groundsman Laborer

QUALIFICATIONS: A working knowledge of principles and practices in overhead and underground electrical power line installation, maintenance procedures and operating/maintenance of substations including low voltage service work is desirable, trim trees and branches and assist the Right of Way Crew. Must work towards obtaining a CDL license. Overtime, standby and dependability is required.

EDUCATION: High School diploma or equivalent.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 750 Second St., or P.O. Box 37 Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037.

Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, located at 700 Second St., or you may download an application online at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until September 16, 2022.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

This project will be funded by Federal Funds, so no local funding or Bonds are required.

Notice is hereby given that the Natchitoches Parish School Board will receive sealed bids from LA licensed general contractors until 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 28, 2022, for:

JOB #2022-09 A NEW TECHNOLOGY CENTER FOR NATCHITOCHES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA

Bids will be accepted until the date and time specified and will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time in the School Board’s Office, 310 Royal St., Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457. All submittal packages will be stamped or marked to acknowledge timely receipt. The sole responsibility for proper mailing or delivery of any bid in compliance with this advertisement is that of the bidder. Bids received after the date and time of opening will not be considered.

A non-mandatory Pre-bid Conference will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, September 19, 2022, at the school board office: 310 Royal St., Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457. Bidders must check in at the office.

All bids must be accompanied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the base bid and all alternates and must be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond written by a company licensed to do business in the State of Louisiana.

Complete bid documents may be obtained from Yeager, Watson & Associates, LLC, 118 S. Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270-4432, (318) 202-5708, upon receipt of a deposit of $100.00 for each set of documents. The deposit is fully-refundable to all plan holders upon return of the documents, in good condition, no later than fifteen (15) days after receipt of bids. The deposits for all other sets of documents will not be refunded. Bid-related materials and electronic submittal of bids may be found at:

WWW.CENTRALBIDDING.COM

For questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at (225) 810-4814. Electronic bid documents are also available for a purchase price of $20 from the architect’s office or by the membership to the following Plan Rooms: LAGC, ConstructConnect, Dodge, or ISqFt.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is an equal opportunity agency dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination regarding Title VI, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The Natchitoches Parish School Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

/s/ Grant Eloi
Grant Eloi, Secretary-Treasurer Natchitoches Parish School Board

Publication Dates:
29 August 2022
01 September 2022
08 September 2022

Pianist and composer Michael Young will premiere two works in a concert at Northwestern State University on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream will be available at capa.nsula.edu/livestream. Young will present the same program on Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts Recital Hall.

Young will premiere “Promenade” and “Nocturne No. 4.” He will also play his composition of “Preludes and Fugues Nos. 1-6.”

Young’s compositions have been performed in Korea, Taiwan, and throughout the United States, including at several of the College Music Society’s regional conferences and its 2011 international conference, the 2010 Society of Composers Inc. National Conference, the 2010–2018 Southeastern Composers League Forums, and the 2008 Ball State University Festival of New Music. As the 2016 pedagogical composer for the Kentucky Music Teachers Association, he composed and performed “Six Inventions” for solo piano at the KMTA state conference. His “Capriccio” for clarinet, bassoon, and piano was performed at the 2014 international conference and Mid-America Festival of the International Clarinet Association and recorded by Trifecta! on the CD Cumulus Accumulation. His modernized arrangement of Saint-Saens “Carnival of the Animals” for saxophone quartet, piano, and percussion was performed at the 2012 North American Saxophone Alliance and the 2011 World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference in Taiwan. This arrangement of “Carnival of the Animals” was released on the Centaur Label in August 2021.

Young is the past president of the Southeastern Composers League. He is a collaborative pianist for music majors at Northwestern State and the choir accompanist for the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance at Northwestern University and his Master of Music in piano at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

CASA of Central LA, is looking for new volunteers to assist us in serving the almost 4,000 children in Louisiana foster care. CASA volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates who are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child in court. CASA volunteers are different because we remain appointed to the child’s case throughout its duration. While the child may have multiple attorneys, social workers, therapists, and foster placement throughout the life of the case, they will have only one CASA volunteer. By being that caring consistent adult, CASA volunteers have been the certainty in uncertain times for these children.

CASA of Central Louisiana specifically advocates for the abused and neglected children of Natchitoches, Red River, and Sabine Parishes. For more information call (318)238-2446.

Here is a look at the week of Sept. 11-17 at Northwestern State University.

Sept.11 – Soccer vs. Incarnate Word, Lady Demon Soccer Complex, 1 p.m.
Sept. 12 – Tribute concert to composer Alvin Lucier, Magale Recital Hall, 5:30 p.m. #
Sept. 12 – Candlelight Vigil for Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Seven Oaks Stage, 6 p.m.
Sept. 13 – Guest piano and composition recital featuring Michael Young, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #
Sept. 14 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation grant announcement, Hanchey Gallery, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 – Guest artist recital, pianist Sergei Kvitko, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #
Sept. 15 – Faculty recital with Andrej Kurti, Magale Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. #
Sept.16 – Soccer vs. Lamar, Lady Demon Soccer Complex, 7 p.m.
Sept. 17 – Louisiana Studies Conference, Creative and Performing Arts Annex, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The NPJ reached out to Chick-fil-A’s corporate office for an update on the construction progress at the new Keyser Avenue location. Residents have been watching with anticipation as the walls went up and windows were installed.

Corporate responded:
It’s our pleasure to confirm we will be opening our first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Natchitoches in Fall 2022. We look forward to joining the community and to serving all of our guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality. 

A press release with more details about the restaurant as well as information on the location’s Owner/Operator will be released closer to the store’s opening date.

For a more comical progress report, some spray paint recently appeared on the side of the building, reading “Eat Mor Chikin.”

By DWAIN BROWN JR, JOURNAL SPORTS

BUCKEYE — Searching for consistency is what this season is all about for St. Mary’s coach Aaron York and his Tigers.

Coming off of a solid performance against Class 3A powerhouse Abbeville in which St. Mary’s took an early lead on the road, York described the outcome as “no moral victory.”

St. Mary’s (0-1) aims to correct some mistakes made in Week 1 as they load up the bus for a second straight week as the Tigers journey to Rapides Parish this Friday to compete against Buckeye (1-0). Kickoff in Deville is set for 7 p.m.

“We just have to be more consistent,” York added. “I thought we competed very well against a very big and strong team last week,” York said as he analyzed his team’s effort against Abbeville. “However, going into this week, we told our team that there are no moral victories. A win is a win and a loss is a loss.”

Buckeye will be the second straight Class 3A opponent on St. Mary’s tab this season. The Panthers handed familiar foe Block a 27-12 defeat in the first week of the season.

“I think we match up well with Buckeye,” York said. “It is definitely going to be a very competitive game. I know their coach and his team will be very disciplined and well-coached.”

After holding a 7-6 advantage at the half last week at Abbeville, the Tigers came up short in the second half, yielding a 21-7 decision to their hosts, who is ranked No. 7 in the Class 3A preseason polls.

The Tigers’ leader complimented his team for not recording a turnover in Week 1 action.

However, a few dropped passes and a couple of other miscues changed the course of the game at Abbeville.

“We have to learn how to finish a game,” York said. “We had put ourselves in a really good position to beat a really good team, and we just didn’t finish.

“Defensively, we shut them down in the first half. One or two little things that go a different way in the second half, and it could have completely changed the outcome potentially.”

Lakeview hosts Montgomery in second straight home game

Lakeview (0-1) will also hone in on “correctable” mistakes made during the first week of the season as they host Montgomery (0-1) this Friday in a 7 p.m. kickoff.

“This week will be completely different for us,” said Lakeview boss Brandon Helms as he looks at the Gators’ opponent for Week 2. “D’Arbonne ran right at us last week and only threw the ball one time.

“Montgomery will no doubt try to spread us out and attack us in areas down the field.”

Montgomery dropped a tough 54-6 decision to rising Class 3A power Grant to open the 2022 season.

“Montgomery is well coached,” Helms said. “They are undersized but they play very hard. They play very hard every play of the game. The key this week is that we just have to match their intensity — it is just that simple.”

The Gators battled D’Arbonne Woods Charter to the final whistle before succumbing to the Timberwolves 17-6.

Lakeview committed just one turnover in the contest but were only 2-10 on third down offensively.

“We just made too many mistakes offensively, and we had a few dropped balls,” Helms added. “We just have to clean up some things offensively, and those are correctable mistakes. Our defense played hard. We had three stops on fourth down with less than three yards to go, so I am more than proud of our defense.”

Natchitoches Central’s Homecoming Court will be presented and the 2022 Homecoming Queen will be crowned during the Pep Rally at Natchitoches Central on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 6 pm and again at the football game on Friday, Oct. 7. The public is invited to join in the Homecoming festivities.

Pictured: Seated – Nyla Helaire, Makenzie Rachal, Jazmine Booker, Zelia Frazier Standing – Arianna Armstrong, Kamia Pichon-Andrews, Madison Robinson, Ma’Kira Carpenter, Bailey Newlee

Special thanks to Violet Hill Bed and Breakfast for the opportunity to take pictures.

Miles Fallin’s long wait came to an end this past Saturday.

For the first time in his six-year college career, the Northwestern State senior strode onto a college football field as a starting quarterback, leading the Demons on the field to face No. 2 Montana in front of a rabid Washington-Grizzly Stadium crowd.

“Something I always told myself was I wasn’t waiting for the opportunity,” Fallin said. “Rather, I was preparing for it. It was definitely exciting.”

Despite opening his NSU career with his back to the end zone – NSU’s first possession started at its 5-yard line – Fallin came out with the poise of an established veteran. He completed his first three passes, erasing a second-and-21 situation from the Demon 5.

Those three quick completions, including a 14-yard connection with Zach Patterson to convert a third-and-14, started Fallin on a course to a 30-for-43, 193-yard performance. His 30 completions were the most by a first-time Demon starting quarterback since Kaleb Fletcher rung up 30 connections against Houston Baptist on Oct. 27, 2018.

Although the Demons were unable to dent the scoreboard against a formidable Montana defense, Fallin impressed those around him with his performance.

“Not throwing a college pass and going up against a Montana defense with what they did last year, who all they had coming back doing schematically what they do, I thought he did a good job of handling that,” fifth-year head coach Brad Laird said. “Offensively, we were put in a lot of bad situations. We were backed up. He showed poise in getting us out of those situations. For the most part, he took care of the football. He did a great job of managing the team.”

Fallin’s poise and maturity helped him navigate the first change of his collegiate career this summer when he transferred from the University of Kansas to Northwestern State.

A 6-foot-5 product of Santa Clarita, California, Fallin is one of 30 newcomers on the 2022 Northwestern State roster.

“It was rather quick,” Fallin said of his assimilation into the program. “I got on campus this summer, and the guys all had open arms. There are a lot of new faces, but no doubt, we’re a close team.”

As the Demons prepare for their first matchup against state foe Grambling since 2018 and Fallin readies for just his second start since high school, their goals are identical.

“Just flipping the page – putting (the Montana) game behind us,” he said. “Realizing the things we’re good at. There are quite a bit of those. We’ve got to have confidence, play loose. It’s a new opportunity, and we’re excited.”

It also gives Fallin and the Demons a chance to put the words they preached most of the summer into action.

“We have to stay positive,” he said. “There are going to be times when adversity comes. It’s here. It’s one think to talk about it, but it’s something else to act on and be positive after something like that happens.”

Marthaville Hawks of the Week for September 6, 2022 are:

Pre k- Evelyn Dubois
Kindergarten- Jed Lilley
1st Grade- Kamryn Powell
2nd Grade- BrynLea Gauntt
3rd Grade- Brooke Dubois and Brylee Hayden
4th Grade- Natalie Soto, Cody Greifzu, Amelia Lilley and Jessica Marlin
5th Grade- Jose Martinez and Bree Broadway
7th Grade- La’Kiyah Thompson and Lucas Miller
8th grade- Ellis Allen, Teyton Free and Aleah Simmons