By Josh Beavers
A score is really important to a lot of people. It’s all they see. All many remember. I say that to say this, the scoreboard in Friday’s playoff game read Avoyelles 60 and Lakeside 0.
Tough loss. A season-ender.
But not a life-ender.
You see, the scoreboard is all circuits and wires and ones and zeroes. No heart. Just cold machinery. Those folks who only care about a scoreboard are kinda cold like that. And even if they do have a heart, they don’t see the hearts on the field.
So instead of talking about the loss, let’s talk about the heart.
Check that. Let’s talk about the name.
There is importance to a name. In fact, I daresay that your name is the most important thing you will ever own. It’s yours and you’ll likely never get another. When you attach your name to something you must show the importance that name holds to you. Everything you do under your name, gives insight into your character.
A name means something. It signifies the hard work of the bearer. It signifies how much they care about themselves and the mark they make on the world Because no matter the task, whether it be raising a child, taking a test, or running wind sprints on a hot August day, your name, and the impression you and it makes, lingers on.
A name means something. That’s why I wanted this last story of the season not to focus on the scoreboard, but rather the names of the young men and women on the field and along the sideline.
So here are your senior football players, trainers, and cheerleaders for the Lakeside class of 2023:
Lainey Childers
This is Lainey’s first season on the side lines for the Warriors. Lainey’s most memorable moment with the football team was right after the team beat Lincoln Prep and everyone surrounded the boys on the field. After high school, Lainey plans on enrolling in BPCC to complete all her general classes and then transfer to a university once she is sure of what will be her major. Lainey is a member of the FBLA and FFA clubs at school. The teacher that has had the most impact on her was Coach Roo. Lainey said that Coach Roo truly cares about her students, and she makes it evident that she wants nothing but the best.
Krystal Cornelious
Her favorite memory was senior taco night at Ms. Culpepper’s house. After high school, Krystal plans to attend Northwestern State University and major in nursing.
Destiny Davis
This is also Destiny’s first season on the sidelines for the Warriors. Destiny’s favorite football memory has been cheering on her Warriors for the past six years. After graduation, Destiny plans to join the Army in pursuit to be a combat medic as well as attend college to attain her bachelor’s degree and become a labor and delivery nurse. She is a member of FBLA, FFA, served as senior maid on the homecoming court, secretary for student council. Destiny spends her time maintaining her grades and continues to set a good example for the future Warriors. Her most influential teachers at Lakeside have been Mr. Finley, Ms. Culpepper, Coach Breezy, Mrs. Holomon, and Mr. Utley for continuously showing her love and support throughout her years here at Lakeside.
Landon Bellard
Landon plays as a defensive lineman and has played for the Warriors for four years. Landon’s favorite Lakeside memory was traveling with the team to Baton Rouge in the 9th grade for the second round of the state playoffs. After graduation, Landon plans on traveling the country and being a boilermaker. In Landon’s free time he enjoys hanging out with friends and driving around late at night listening to Tyler Childers. Landon’s most influential teacher here at Lakeside is Coach Santelices, for never giving up on him.
Keegan Bryan
Keegan says that his PapPap has been his biggest influence during his football career. Keegan plays right guard and is a defensive lineman for the Warriors. Keegan has played football for the Warriors for six years. His favorite memory of Lakeside football was his first time starting in the 8th grade on the d-line and getting his first tackle. Keegan is also on the track team, wrestling team, and the powerlifting team for Lakeside and a member of FCA. After graduation, Keegan plans to attend NWLTCC and study to become an instrumentation technician. Keegan’s most influential teacher at Lakeside is Mrs. Tarra for always being there for him and the team and making sure that they have whatever they need.
Cooper Chase
Cooper has played quarterback for the Warriors for the past two years. Cooper’s favorite memory as a Warrior was breaking the school record for throwing touchdowns. Cooper is also a member of Lakeside’s baseball and basketball teams. Cooper’s future includes furthering his sports career in any sports he currently plays. He also plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to major in kinesiology to become a physical therapist. Cooper is a member of Bistineau Baptist Church Youth Group, National Honor Society, and FCA. In Cooper’s free time he enjoys hanging out with his girlfriend and family and practicing sports. Cooper’s most influential teacher at lakeside is Mrs. Woodard because she is the best and most helpful teacher ever.
Caleb Conditt
Caleb has played one year for the warriors and his favorite memory was winning the close game against Lincoln Prep this year. Caleb is also a member of Lakeside basketball and Lakeside Track team. After graduation Caleb plans to further his academic career and attend college. Caleb enjoys hanging out with his friends and going to the gym. The most influential teacher that he has had at Lakeside is Coach Rendi Dillard.
Gavin Garland
Gavin has played for the Warriors for six years. He plays right tackle for the Warriors. Gavin’s most memorable Lakeside football memory is playing in the varsity homecoming game his 8th grade year and getting his first pancake block. Gavin is a member of the Lakeside wrestling, Lakeside powerlifting and Lakeside track team. After graduation, Gavin plans to study instrumentation and become an instrumentation technician. In Gavin’s free time he enjoys hanging out with his friends and girlfriend, working out, playing video games, and working the family livestock business. His most influential teacher at lakeside is Coach Cole for always being positive and encouraging to me.
Karleigh Jenkins
Her favorite memory was last year’s cheer camp because of all the bonding and memories made. She also loved being able to fly in stunts her senior homecoming game.
After graduation, she plans to attend Southwestern Assembly of God University and obtain a degree in social work.
Ty Maness
Ty has played for the Warriors for the past six years as middle linebacker, tight end, kicker, and long snapper. Ty’s most memorable football memory at Lakeside was winning the Griffith Game Ball. Ty is also a member of the Lakeside track and Lakeside baseball teams. After graduation, Ty plans to attend NWLTCC and study to become an instrumentation technician. Ty is a member of the Sibley Baptist Church youth group and a member of Sibley Baptist Church. Ty’s most influential coach at Lakeside is Coach Elgin Moore, Coach Sant, Coach Kid and Coach Taylor.
Gavin Mccoy
Gavin has played football for Lakeside for five years as left tackle. Gavin’s favorite Lakeside football memory is getting to go to the second round of the playoffs and getting to go to LSU. Gavin is also on the track and field team for Lakeside. After high school Gavin plans to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering. Gavin is a member of First Baptist Church, Sibley’s youth group, and a member of FBLA. Gavin’s most influential teachers at Lakeside are Mr. Cammack and Coach Kenny Mac Stewart for always being there for him.
Brittany Odom
Her favorite memory was cheering on the Warriors when they played North Caddo and won Lakeside’s very first playoff in football. All the cheerleaders and fans started screaming “you don’t want no red and white” and it was such a proud moment for her to be a Lakeside student and cheerleader. She has loved being on the sideline for all six years of being a cheerleader at Lakeside and cheering on some of my best friends. It is going to be a very emotional moment for her when she calls her last cheer, and the clock finally hits zero.
After graduation, Brittany plans to attend Bossier Parish Community College for two years and then transfer to Northwestern State University to complete a degree in nursing. She then hopes to be a travel nurse for a few years and eventually go to school to further her education by becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Cara Parker
Her favorite memory was the freshman lock-in with Mrs. Woodard and the scavenger hunt with the football team.
After high school, she plans to attend Bossier Parish Community College and study medical death investigations.
Jase Pate
Jase has played for the Warriors for one year as defensive end. Jase’s favorite Lakeside football memory was when the team beat Lincoln Prep after a close game. After graduation, Jase plans to attend Northwest Lineman College in Texas in hopes to become a lineman. Outside of school, Jase likes to go to the gym and hang out with his girlfriend and friends. The most influential person during Jase’s time at Lakeside is Mr. Jones. Jase says that Mr. Jones always asked him how he was doing every morning and he always has a positive attitude.
Josh Seabald
Josh has played football for Lakeside for five years as a wide receiver and as a defensive back. Josh’s favorite Lakeside football memory was when he and CJ got to lead the summer workouts the summer of his senior season. Josh is also a member of the Lakeside track team. After graduation Josh plans to further his athletic career in football. Josh’s most influential coaches at Lakeside are Coach Woods, Coach Draymo, Coach Kidd, and Coach Sant.
Rokedrick Smith
Rokedrick has played for the Warriors for three years as their running back and as an offensive linebacker. Rokedrick’s favorite football memory was when the team went to the playoffs in Baton Rouge his freshman year. Rokedrick has played on the Lakeside basketball team. His plans after graduation are to work in the oil field before driving trucks. In his free time, Rokedrick enjoys going trail riding or just hanging with the guys. The most influential teacher at Lakeside was Mr. Utley and Mrs. Woodard because they were always there for him when he needed them.
Kyan Taylor
His favorite memory was at cheer camp when they were surprised with letters from their families, and they did team bonding in Ms. Culpepper’s room.
After graduation, he plans to attend BPCC and major in computer science.
Omero Urbina
Omero has played football for the Warriors for two years as a wide receiver. Omero’s favorite Lakeside football memory was his freshman year when the team won the first playoff game in school history. Omero is also on the Lakeside basketball team and on the Lakeside track team. Omero’s plans are to attend college and earn a degree to become a sports illustrator. Omero’s most influential teachers are Coach Mac and Coach Roo.
Brandie Washington
Her favorite memory was eating Mexican before the Jonesboro Hodge game and airdropping funny pictures and laughing with each other while trying to not get kicked out.
After high school Brandie wants to attend Northwestern State University and become and ultrasound tech.
C.J. Watts
CJ has played football for the Warriors for two years. CJ’s favorite Lakeside football memory is every day at practice. CJ also plays baseball for the Warriors. After graduation, CJ plans to further his athletic career in both football and baseball. His most influential teachers are Coach Draymo, Coach Will Gray, Coach Sant, and Coach Marlon McDaniel.
Jillian Watts
Her favorite memory is finally getting the one-man partner stunt. Even though it was hard work, it was fun and one of her biggest accomplishments. Fun fact, Jill and Conner were the first cheerleaders to ever accomplish this at Lakeside.
After high school, Jill plans to attend Louisiana Tech University and major in biology. She then plans to attend the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry to one day open her own dental office.
Ross Weaver
Ross has played football for the Warriors for six years as a linebacker. Ross’s most memorable Lakeside football memory was going to Baton Rouge for the second round of the playoffs for the first time in school history. Ross is also a member of the Lakeside track and powerlifting team. After graduation Ross plans to attend college to become a registered nurse and work to become a traveling nurse. Ross is a member of Sibley Baptist Church and a member of FCA. Ross’s most influential teachers are Coach Moore and Coach Kenny Mac because they always show how much they care about us.
Jacob Whitehead
Jacob has played Lakeside football for three years as the quarterback. His favorite Lakeside football memory is when he threw his first touchdown his sophomore year to Trey Sanders. Jacob is also on the Lakeside varsity track team. After graduation Jacob plans to further his athletic career in football. Jacob is a member of FCA at Lakeside. The coach that has influenced Jacob the most is Coach Woods because he has helped him become a better player and helped him understand the game.
Conner Wood
His favorite memory was volunteering to help with the stunt show and then realizing that he enjoyed it and wanted to be on the team.
After high school, he plans to attend Louisiana Tech and major in electrical engineering.
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