By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
The Bearcats put up a fight, but ultimately fell to Destrehan in the Non-Select Division I state championship, 17-10. Ruston added a field goal in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 10. With three minutes left in the game, Wildcats quarterback Jai Eugene tacked on a rushing touchdown. The Bearcats could not match, and their 13-win season ends as runners-up.
OCS quarterback Landon Graves finished his career as a state champion and the Eagles all-time total touchdown leader. Graves gives the credit to his coaches and the love the Eagles have for one another.
Oak Grove senior free safety Kam Franklin finished his career as a three-time state champion. The Oklahoma State commit says he knows the Tigers will be back in the Superdome next year.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
Oak Grove is celebrating its third state championship title in four years. Senior Kam Franklin was named the Most Outstanding Player. After the win, Head Coach Ryan Gregory got emotional talking about his state champion squad.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
Trey Holly is preparing to put his Union jersey on one last time. The state’s all-time leading rusher takes time to reminisce ahead of Union’s Saturday state championship showdown with top seeded Many.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
After four straight dome appearances, the Eagles are back as state champions for the first time since 2019 after beating Vermilion Catholic, 28-14. This is their eighth state title in school history and the sixth of the Steven Fitzhugh era. Senior quarterback Landon Graves finished with 211 yards through the air and three total touchdowns. Senior defensive back Broc Hogan also having himself a career night with two interceptions and six catches for 80 yards receiving, earning him the MVP award.
Jerrod Baugh has led the Bearcats to their first state championship game since 1998. Ruston’s head coach recounts his journey before he takes his squad to the Superdome to try to capture their first title since 1990.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
The Eagles are in the Superdome preparing to face top seeded Vermilion Catholic for the Select Division IV State Championship. OCS returns to the Dome for the fourth straight year, which Head Coach Steven Fitzhugh feels will give his team an advantage.
By Aaron Dietrich, Brendon Fairbairn and Megan Murray
Behind an outstanding defensive performance by the Tigers that forced multiple turnovers, Oak Grove now takes home their third state title in four years. The defending 1A champs couldn’t hang with the Tigers as they failed to find the end zone once. This is Oak Grove’s 7th title in school history after beating Homer, 17-0.
Oak Grove is no stranger to the dome, this being their fourth trip five years. The Tigers will square off with defending 1A champs, Homer. OCS is eyeing their eighth state in program history on Thursday but first they have to get through top seeded Vermillion Catholic. Ruston is back in the state championship for the first time since 1998. The Bearcats are ready to leave their mark on the program and bring home a title in 32 years. Ruston takes on Destrehan on Friday night. The Farmers revenge tour has one more stop before they can hold their first state title since 2013. Union has to go through powerhouse Many first, who is undefeated on the season, kickoff set for Saturday afternoon.
Oak Grove senior Kam Franklin led the Tigers defense with eight tackles, including three for a loss, in the semi-final win against Haynesville. Franklin marches his Tigers to the Superdome as an Aaron’s Ace. Zach White and Noah Lovelady each recorded a pick six in OCS’s semi-final victory over Ascension Catholic. Lovelady added another interception and eight tackles, while White tallied 11 tackles plus 103 rushing yards. The two playmakers lead the Eagles to the Dome for the fourth straight season as Aaron’s Aces.
By Aaron Dietrich, Brendon Fairbairn and Megan Murray
The Bearcats were hungry for their first state title appearance since 1998. First, Ruston had to get past defending state champs Zachary. Jerrod Baugh and his Bearcats didn’t miss a beat and clawed away at the Broncos, 37-22. Over in Farmerville, Trey Holly and the Farmers revenge tour had one more stop before they can make their third dome appearance. Union hosted defending 2A state champs Amite at Doc Elliot Stadium and took care of business and rolled past the Warriors, 28-8.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
OCS improved to 29-0 at Steven Fitzhugh Field and moves on to its fourth straight State Championship appearance with a 42-14 win against Ascension Catholic. Oak Grove beat Haynesville for the first time since 2001 with a 49-7 victory. The Tigers will try for their seventh state title next week against Homer. The Pelicans scored 38 unanswered points to defeat Mangham, 38-18.
The River Oaks cheerleaders won Johnny’s Pizza House Cheerleader Challenge. After 33,000 votes from KNOE viewers, fans chose the Mustangs as the cheer squad that demonstrated the best school spirit. River Oaks cheerleaders celebrated with a pizza party courtesy of Johnny’s Pizza House.
The Tigers just knocked off top seeded Kentwood on the road in the quarterfinals. Now they switch their focus to a familiar opponent, the Haynesville Golden Tornadoes beat Oak Grove in week six, 28-21. Head coach Ryan Gregory and his tigers have a chance at revenge and punch their third ticket to the dome in four years.
Ruston’s Dyson Fields and Jadon Mayfield helped lead the Bearcats to a quarterfinal win over Denham Springs. In two playoff games, Fields has rushed for 368 yards and nine touchdowns. Mayfield racked up eight tackles and two sacks. The dynamic duo continues the chase for Ruston’s first state title since 1990 as Aaron’s Aces.
The Warhawks fell to the Golden Eagles 20-10 at Malone Stadium in the last game of the season. ULM struggled to get the ground game going, finishing the game with only 109 rushing yards. Behing Frank Gore Jr.’s career-high 199 rushing yards and 265 total on the ground, Southern Miss earned the victory and bowl eligibility. The Warhawks finish the season with a 4-8 record.
This wasn’t the season Bulldog fans imagined for first year head coach, Sonny Cumbie. Tech finished 3-9 with a lot of overtime and close loses but the season finale against UAB was not the same storyline. The Blazers stayed in control for majority of the game, relying on their potent run game. UAB finished with over 400 yards on the ground and Cumbie’s air-raid offense couldn’t keep up.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
OCS snapped Glenbrook’s 17-game winning streak with a thrilling 28-27 victory. The Eagles host Ascension Catholic for the semi-finals, looking to increase the undefeated winning streak at Steven Fitzhugh Field to 29 games. Top-seeded Ruston held off Denham Springs, 49-31. The Bearcats welcome Zachary to Hoss Garrett Stadium for the semi-finals.
By Aaron Dietrich, Brendon Fairbairn and Megan Murray
The Union Parish Farmers traveled to Patterson and cut down the Lumberjacks, 38-14. Union hosts Amite in next week’s semi-finals. Neville’s season came to an end, falling to Westgate 21-10. Behind Jalen Williams’ four touchdowns, Mangham shutout Arcadia, 48-0. The Dragons head to Homer for their semi-final game.
Louisiana Tech relied on a total team effort to propel past ULM 79-58 at the Thomas Assembly Center. Despite missing three key players including Cobe Williams, the Bulldogs had five players score in double figures. La Tech’s bench put up 34 points, and Isaiah Crawford led the team with 17 points and eight rebounds plus four assists and two steals.
Matthew Fobbs-White and Jaylon Nichols helped lead Neville to a second-round playoff win over East Ascension. Fobbs-White tallied eight tackles, including one hit that has people talking across the state. Nichols, who is only a sophomore, rushed for 198 yards on 28 carries. The teammates can now celebrate as the newest Aaron’s Aces.
By Aaron Dietrich, Brendon Fairbairn and Megan Murray
The second round of the LHSAA football playoffs kicked off with a rematch of last season’s 3A championship game between Union and Sterlington. The Farmers beat the Panthers 34-14 to end their season. Top seeded Ruston hosted Ouachita. The Lions took a 13-7 lead into the half, but the Bearcats mounted a comeback to defeat Ouachita, 37-16. Behind a big second half performance, Neville beat East Ascension, 31-9. West Monroe put up a fight against Zachary, leading 10-0 in the third. The Broncos scored 20 unanswered points in the fourth to end the Rebels’ season, 20-10.
By Aaron Dietrich, Brendon Fairbairn and Megan Murray
St. Frederick loses in heartbreaking fashion to defending champs Southern Lab, 12-6. Powerhouse OCS rolls over Sacred Heart. 49-0. Cedar Creek falls to top seeded Vermilion Catholic, 31-7. Delhi Charter had a remarkable season going 9-1 but it ends to St. Martin’s Episcopal, 48-12. For Mangham, there dream season continues as they roll over Grand Lake, 60-12. Oak Grove beats Welsh, 35-14. Homer rolls over Delhi, 52-7.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
Richwood traveled to top seeded Many, but the Tigers’ defense was too tough. Many has not given up a point on defense since October 13, and the Tigers defeat the Rams, 21-0. Winnfield stepped up in class to take on Patterson. The Lumberjacks end the Tigers season with a 36-12 win.
Tallulah Academy traveled to Jackson, Mississippi to take on Tunica Academy for the MAIS Division II championship game. The Trojans end their impressive season as runners-up with 46-6 loss to the Blue Devils.
The Pigskin Picking Prognosticator is burning the midnight oil to prepare his picks for the second round of playoffs. If you think you can beat the Ace, click the link on the top of the homepage.
Tallulah Academy is one game away from writing their name in the history books. Thursday afternoon, The Trojans pack their bags and head to Jackson, Mississippi to take on Tunica Academy for the MAIS division II championship. It hasn’t been easy for them as a Tornado back in April destroyed their high school and gymnasium. With a lot of uncertainty behind the school, the football team stuck together and put a season to remember together.
ULM had seven scorers in double figures for the second consecutive game as the Warhawks rout NAIA Central Baptist, 105-56. Nika Metskhvarishvili led the team with 15 points, shooting 3-5 behind the arc. Victor Bafutto came off the bench and added 14 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. ULM shot 62% from the field compared to the Mustangs 30%.
Ouachita senior Chaunky Lewis rushed for 209 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions 35-21 playoff win against Hahnville. Lewis has racked up 508 rushing yards and seven scores in the last two games, while also being one of Ouachita’s leading tacklers. The two-way star is now an Aaron’s Ace.
ULM women’s basketball team hosted Louisiana Tech at Fant-Ewing Coliseum for the first time since 2016. The Warhawks went on a 18-5 run to end the third period, but La Tech responded with a 6-0 run to start the fourth. Behind Amaya Brannon’s game leading 18 points, the Lady Techsters defeat the Warhawks 68-53 to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2017.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
The LHSAA Football Playoffs kicked off on a rainy Friday night throughout Louisiana. In the Non-Select Division I bracket, West Monroe and Ouachita beat Chalmette and Hahnville, respectively. West Ouachita’s season ends with a loss to East Ascension. In the Non-Select Division II bracket, tenth seeded Franklin Parish lost 35-28 in double overtime against 23rd seeded North Vermilion. One of the biggest upsets of the night occurred in the same bracket between fifth seeded Carroll and 28th seeded Breaux Bridge. The Bulldogs fell to the Tigers, 21-17.
By Aaron Dietrich, Megan Murray and Brendon Fairbairn
Richwood and Caldwell Parish went down to the wire after a 30 minute rain delay. The Rams fight to stay alive (12-8) but up next they take on powerhouse Many. Sterlington also advancing to the second round after pouncing on Baker, winning 37-0. Up next, Sterlington hits the road to take on rival Union Parish at Doc Elliot stadium.
By Aaron Dietrich, Brendon Fairbairn and Megan Murray
D’arbonne Woods falls to Sophie B Wright in a tight one, 28-21. General Trass used their week off to their advantage as they win a high scoring game against East Beauregard, 56-46. Up next the Panthers take on top seeded Kentwood. Delhi Charter chomped at St. John and shut them out, 40-0. Up next the Gators take on St. Martin’s Episcopal. Tallulah Academy advances to the MAIS state title game after rolling past Newton County Academy, 52-30.
Sterlington’s Aidan Parker and Cedar Creek’s Davis Long are kicking for more than just points this season. The sophomore and eighth grader, respectively, are involved in the Kick-It Champion program through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. For each successful extra point made this season, Long and Sterlington raise money for cancer research.
The Warhawks pick up their first win of the season in the home opener at Fant-Ewing Coliseum with a 111-59 victory over Dallas Christian. ULM dominated from the start behind Tyreke Locure’s team leading 19 points plus seven rebounds and eight assists. Seven ULM players scored in double figures. The Warhawks recorded 16 steals and handed out 32 assists in the convincing first win.
Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team got off to a 2-0 start with a 59-56 win over Arkansas State. After going into the half in a seven-point deficit, the Lady Techsters went on a 9-0 run to take their first lead of the game. Behind Salma Bates’s team leading 17 points, Louisiana Tech held on to win by three.
The Pigskin Picking Prognosticator is ready for the playoffs. While KNOE employees might not know how to pronounce his name, his picks are in for round one. If you think you can beat the Ace, click the link on the top of the homepage.
National signing day was a busy one for West Monroe athletes as five of them dotted their name ink to play at the collegiate level. Karli Sellers is headed to Louisiana Tech, softball star Mady Manning is going to be a bayou Bengal as she signs with LSU, Adam Wiedemeier, a three state champion in swimming is headed to Missouri Science and Tech. Jackson Cowan will also be heading south to play for Baton Rouge community college with his buddy Trent Anderson. For Neville’s Elle Carter, she is staying home and signing with ULM to play softball for the lady Warhawks. Drew Jarrell isn’t headed far either as the catcher signed with Mississippi Delta Community College .Long time Cedar Creek Cougar, Allie Furr is staying home as well and is playing softball for the lady Techsters. Over at Sterlington Emma Brown and Hope Tucker are both living out their childhood dreams and playing softball at the D1 level. Hope Tucker signed with UAB and Emma Brown is headed west to Abilene Christian.
The Raiders are one step closer to bringing home a state title back to Rayville for their first time since 2020 after beating Brookhaven Academy in the quarterfinals. For now they are celebrating with a pizza party after being named the Little Caesars Team of the Week but it is right back to work as they have to take on Saint Joseph for the rights to play in the MAIS championship game.
The Bulldogs opened the season at Thomas Assembly Center with a 78-61 win against Mississippi College. Keaston Willis led La Tech with 20 points and three assists. Cobe Williams recorded a team leading four steals and added 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Lady Techsters also picked up an 86-30 season opener victory against Central Baptist. Keiunna Walker led the team with 17 points. Amaya Brannon tallied a team leading 7 rebounds and added 10 points.
In its first season opener at Fant-Ewing Coliseum in four seasons, ULM women’s basketball team beat Louisiana Christian, 88-58. Kierra Brimzy led the Warhawks with 18 points, and Katlyn Manuel recorded 16 points and a team leading 16 rebounds. ULM men’s basketball team traveled to Texas A&M for its season opener. The Warhawks fell to the Aggies, 87-54.
St. Frederick quarterback Micah Bell led the Warriors to touchdowns on their first five drives against Cedar Creek. The senior signal caller rushed for 112 yards on 17 carries and three touchdowns and added 81 yards through the air and two scores. Bell has time to soak in his newest honor as his eighth seeded Warriors have a bye week for the first round of playoffs.
Three players on the LSU football team earned SEC Player of the Week honors after the Tigers took down No. 6 Alabama in overtime in Tiger Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 5.
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