Reports of reckless driving send Mississippi man to BDCC on multiple charges

By Pat Culverhouse

Reports of reckless driving on Interstate 20 has rerouted a Mississippi man into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center following his arrest on alcohol and weapon charges last week.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said 53-year-old Bernaldo Parzynski Loftin of Oak Vale, MS, is being held on charges of possession of a stolen firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, DWI and possession of alcohol in a vehicle. His bond is set $1,001.

Parker said deputies responding to reports of a reckless driver on the westbound interstate learned the suspect had exited I-20 at Dixie Inn. A brief search located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot of a truck stop at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 371 and U.S. Hwy 80.

Deputies reportedly found the driver, Loftin, passed out in the driver’s front seat of the vehicle with the motor still running. After removing Loftin from the vehicle, deputies reportedly observed a firearm located between the driver’s seat and console and an open bottle of liquor inside the console.

Information gathered by deputies revealed the firearm was stolen in Mississippi and a background check showed Loftin was a convicted felon.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


Sheriff speaks at Small Town Mayor’s Conference

Sibley mayor and host Robert Smart (right) welcomes Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker to speak.

By Pat Culverhouse

Law enforcement, working hand-in-hand with local government entities, is an important factor in providing a safe environment for parish and city residents, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker told mayors and city officials from cities across the state.

“Crime, emergencies and community challenges do not stop at city limits or ward lines,” Parker said. “That is why we embrace a simple truth: We are stronger together than we could ever be alone.”

Parker spoke during last week’s Small Town Mayor’s Conference at Minden’s Civic Center. The town of Sibley played host to mayors, administrators, town personnel and law enforcement officers where break-out sessions focused on issues facing all small towns.

“The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that no single agency has every resource, skill or perspective,” he said. “By pooling knowledge, manpower and equipment with our partners we multiply our impact and stretch every tax dollar further.”

Parker outlined everyday partnerships which combine to ensure public safety including joint law enforcement efforts, emergency management and disaster response, community and school programs and cooperation on a regional, state and federal level.

“Cooperation is not only about fighting crime, it’s about building opportunity,” Parker said. “None of these goals can be met by one office or one leader alone. They require the unified effort of every town council, every school board member, every state and federal partner and every citizen.”


Obituary: Gloria Joyce Pearson Wiley

Gloria Joyce Pearson Wiley born to George and Myrtle Pearson in Bryceland, La. She attended Minden High School graduating in 1953. She worked for the Bell Telephone Company and was a seamstress at Singer Sewing Service before retiring then owned and operated Webster Sewing Service in Minden for 10 years but went back to work years later in Minden’s 1st Walmart and worked at all 3 of the locations in Minden until 2018. She loved to travel, traveling to Israel, Alaska, several cruises and to Nicaragua and New Mexico on several mission trip. Serving the Lord was her passion. She was a Sunday school teacher in the 60’s-70’s and helped every year at VBS at Antioch Baptist Church in Dixie Inn, La but later joined First Baptist Church in Minden, La. If you ever asked her how she was doing she would tell you “I’m doing good just feisty and mean as ever” when everyone would tell her she was just a sweetheart.

She is proceeded in death by her parents George and Myrtle Pearson, Brothers: Ira, Joe, Bill and Ralph Pearson, Sister: Georgia-Anne Campbell.

Those left to cherish her memories are her sons Jack Welch lll (Nancy) of Brandon, Ms, George (Deedee) Welch of Minden and Joseph Welch (Cindy) of Center, Tx, grandchildren: Hollie Crawford (Kevin), Joseph Welch (Nicole), Sean Welch, Ashley Arnold (Shad) and Morgan Youngblood (Chad). Great grandchildren: Gracie Cummings (Jackson), Sara Crawford, Cannan and Caeson Youngblood, Riley and Kinsley Arnold, Wylie and Kacey Welch, Benjamin and Jovie Welch and Great Great Granddaughter Lila Cummings and a slew of adopted grandkids because everyone called her “Mamaw” and Sisters: Effie (Bunch) Cox of Cotton Valley and Sybil Gonzales (Manual) of Lufkin, Tx and an abundance of nephews and nieces as well as great nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday October 3, 2025, at Whispering Pines Missionary Baptist Church with Bor. Bill Crider officiating. Burial to follow at Whispering Pine Church Cemetery in Minden, LA. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana.

  Pallbearers being: Wade Butcher, Chad Youngblood, Kevin Crawford, Jon Conway, John Triplet and Cannan Youngblood and Honorary Pallbearers will be Caeson Youngblood and Wylie Welch.

The family would like to thank Passages Hospice as well as a special Thank you to Renita Killough for taking such great care of her in the last year.


Tommy Kemp retires after 17 years at Sheriff’s Office

Tommy Kemp Jr. receives a specially designed gift from Sheriff Jason Parker.

By Pat Culverhouse

After more than 21 years in law enforcement, Capt. Tommy Kemp Jr. is hanging up his badge.

Kemp, a detective in the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, officially retired Friday. He served 17 years in the Sheriff’s Office, beginning as a patrol officer and worked his way through the ranks to become a detective.

“It’s been my pleasure to have served with you for the past five and a half years,” Sheriff Jason Parker said during Kemp’s retirement celebration. “You have served this office and the people of Webster Parish with dedication and distinction. We’re going to miss you.”

Kemp and his cohorts shared stories of his time with the office, including occasions that proved there’s sometimes a dangerous side of law enforcement.

“There’s not a thing I would change about my time working with all of you,” Kemp said. “I’ve made friendships here that will last forever. Now, it’s time to turn off my phone at night and not turn it back on until morning.”


Ava Martin is Webster Parish Fair Queen

Queen Ava Martin

Photos by Marilyn Miller

Webster Parish’s Fair parade begins at 5 p.m. today in downtown Minden and will be led by the newest Fair Queen, Ava Martin.

Below are other royalty that will be joining the queen and the schools they represent.

Ava Martin, Queen 2025, MHS

Sha’Davion Martin, first runner/up, Doyline

Addison Lee, second R/Up, Peoples Choice, Glenbrook

Meredith Robinson, Lakeside, Miss Congenialty 

Kylee Rae Sanders, Casual Wear Award, Evening Gown Award, North Webster High School;

Also competing: Paris Jackson, Lakeside; Mia Feaster, MHS.

Winners earlier in the day:

Baby Fair Princess — Solene “Sonnie” Yates

Tiny Fair Princess — Flora Perez

Toddler Fair Princess — Aurora Richards

Miniature Fair Princess — Londyn Long

Petite Fair Princess — Aaliyah Hawthorn

Little Miss Fair Princess — Landry Rolen

Junior Fair Princess — Piper Mandino

Teen Fair Princess — Morgan Carson

Sha’Davion Martin, first runner up
Addison Lee, second runner up, Peoples Choice
Meredith Robinson, Miss Congenialty 

2025 Webster Parish Fair Daily Events

Tuesday, Sept. 30
5 p.m. Fair Parade downtown Minden
5 p.m. Livestock weigh-in
6 p.m. Poultry and Rabbit Show
NO RIDES UNTIL WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, Oct. 1
6 p.m. Rides start. Armband Nite, Gate entrance fee: $2/rest of week
6 p.m. 4-H Swine Showmanship then Swine Weight Classes (Livestock Arena)

Thursday. Oct. 2
9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Senior Citizens Day, Minden Civic Center
6 p.m. Rides start. Armband Nite.
6 p.m. 4-H Goat, Lamb, Beef Showmanship
7 p.m. 4-H Dairy and Doug Sale Showmanship.

Friday, Oct. 3
11:30 a.m. Buyers’ Luncheon
1 p.m. Livestock Auction (4-H Show Barn)
6 p.m. Rides Start.

Saturday, Oct. 4
1 p.m. Fair Gates Open
1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Kids Day!
2 p.m. Pizza Eating Contest sponsored by Johnny’s Pizza.


22 Hands Up feeds a full house

22 Hands Up 2nd Annual Food Fest Saturday was a good reason to eat your fill and support an organization.

22 Hands Up is an organization dedicated to empowering youth in three parishes of Northwest Louisiana.

According to 22 Hands Up founders Darrell and Sandra Hampton, “We focus on preparation for generational wealth and wellness through comprehensive financial literacy education, leadership development, and community engagement programs” for ages 11 through 18 in Webster Claiborne and Bienville parishes. Programs include fan and bicycle drives, as well as baseball camps and other community events.

Food was made and donated by 22 Hands Up board members and enjoyed by a full Minden Community House, along with music and raffles.


TACO TIPS teaching families, kids

“TACO TIPS  is all about bringing families together for a fun, high-energy afternoon where kids can get hands-on with real world skills they can use every day – things like problem-solving, healthy routines, and making positive choices.”

That what happened at the American Legion Hall on Pine Street in Minden on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 2-4 p.m. AND, attendees got FREE tacos, pizza and sno-cones, according to Patrick White, founder of the non-profit registered 501(c)(3) organization, “We’re Here.”

Speakers at TACO TIPS talked to young persons about social media and other current issues that can take away their identity.

There were tacos, gift bags for every child, and even a raffle for a girl’s bicycle and a tablet.


Trump speech to UN should serve as blueprint for every sovereign nation that yearns to breathe free

President Trump never changes or equivocates and “political speak” remains foreign to him.  He plows ahead and did so again this past week when he addressed the United Nations in New York City.

He endured audio problems, a teleprompter malfunction, and an escalator mishap before he delivered his speech, irregularities that are under FBI investigation.  Undaunted, he gave one of the most impactful and historic speeches ever delivered in the United Nations. 

One topic Trump hammered repeatedly as a threat to every nation was illegal immigration.  Illegal immigration “is destroying your country, and you have to do something about it!”   “Uncontrolled migration” is a great danger and “your countries are being ruined.” 

He directly criticized the UN stating, “not only was the UN not solving problems it was (actually) funding an assault on Western countries and their borders.”  He noted “in 2024, the UN budgeted $372 million in cash assistance to support an estimated 624,000 people illegally coming into the United States.” He pointedly stated that the “mass trafficking of children is evil but that’s exactly what the globalist migration agenda has done.”

Trump continued, “the UN is supposed to stop invasions, not create them or finance them.” In America, “we reject the idea that mass numbers of people from foreign lands can be permitted to travel halfway around the world to trample our borders, violate our sovereignty and cause unmitigated crime while depleting our social safety net.” 

He asserted that “just as America belongs to the American people, I encourage all countries to take their own stand in defense of their citizens as well.”  He blamed the illegal invasion on “political correctness” and, pointing to London, said “your migrants now want to go to Sharia law.”  Rather, he urged, every nation is “unique,” and you have “the right to control your own borders” and should do so!

One of my favorite parts of the speech was when Trump looked out at the huge assembly of leaders from across the world and, after enumerating the seven wars he has recently ended worldwide, said, “… it’s too bad I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them … and sadly in all cases the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them.”  And then he eyed that weak and sterile body and stated, “I never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help.”  

He concluded his scathing critique by asserting “all the UN does is write really strongly worded letters and then never follows up on those letters. They’re only empty words and empty words don’t solve war.”

He emphasized the need for unity against the greatest threat—the “nuclear” threat—and recalled his destruction of Iran’s nuclear capability.  “The world’s number one sponsor of terror (Iran) can never be allowed to possess the most dangerous weapon.”  Trump explained he attempted to negotiate with the Supreme Leader of Iran to halt that country’s nuclear program but was ignored.  He then ordered seven American B-2 bombers to drop fourteen bombs on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, “totally obliterating” all of them.

He then powerfully recalled the slaughter of Oct 7th in Israel and addressed the issue of a ceasefire in Gaza, chastising the nations present who, “as if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body are seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state” which would “only reward the horrible atrocities of Hamas, which has repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace.”  He then demanded that Hamas “release the hostages now!”

He also explained he is using the American military to destroy drug cartels he has designated as terrorist organizations, indicating we are “blowing drug boats out of the water.” 

He also mocked Green energy as “windmills that don’t work” and UN participation decades before in climate hysteria that has never come to pass.  “Climate change is the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”

He concluded by observing America’s 250th anniversary next year and invited the world to come for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics as “great celebrations of liberty and human achievement.”  He then defended Christianity and encouraged each nation to treasure and protect its own heritage and citizens, and closed with “God bless the nations of the world.”

Trump is a rare and historic leader, and we should pray for his health and safety.

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races. He can be reached at RoyalAlexanderlawfirm@gmail.com .)


Freedom of Speech

We debate often about what makes our country the greatest country on Earth. Most other countries have all of the amenities that we do. A ton of other countries even have better cost of living with comparable wages and free healthcare. Some even have free colleges. And yet people from all around the world dream of coming to our country. What is it about America that makes us so different from other countries?

Here, we have the ability to criticize our government, our president, have any wild opinions, and even peddle whatever conspiracy theories we want. We can log into Facebook or X and see an onslaught of the best and worst takes on anything we’ve ever seen. We have true freedom of speech. This is both a blessing and a curse, but it’s the foundation of our country, and it’s our duty to defend it.

Even when people are saying awful things about someone who recently died. Even when people are posting incredibly racist/sexist things online. Even when politicians are straight-up lying to the public. They can all be fired, of course, but never jailed. And that’s what sets us apart.

This brings me to my main point. I never thought that I would need to have an opinion of Jimmy Kimmel, but here we are. After hearing the news of his show’s cancelling, I immediately went to the internet to hear what he said. I have to admit that I was confused, because I was expecting what he said to be bad enough to justify the network’s reaction. But it really wasn’t. So what caused all of this?

Late night hosts have satirized politicians and current events for years. This is nothing new, and it certainly wasn’t anywhere near as bad as other things we’ve seen aired. But his show is also run by a private company, who does have the right to fire him for whatever reason they want. Also, late night talk show ratings have been trending down for the past several years, to the point where most are barely profitable. So cancelling it under normal circumstances is understandable.

My problem with this is that it doesn’t truly feel like it was the company’s decision because our president is attempting to strong-arm journalism and media companies into submission. Any time he is criticized (which is a normal part of being in politics, I have to add), he goes on rants online threatening to sue. As of the time this article was written, Trump has sued ABC News, Paramount Global (CBS News), the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. There might be more big names in there, but he has filed over a thousand lawsuits and I just don’t have that kind of time.

With that kind of record, it’s hard not to take him seriously when he threatens to sue ABC over their decision to bring Jimmy Kimmel back. It is a major conflict of interest for the sitting President to threaten to sue the broadcasters of anyone who makes comments opposing him. In fact, any legislation passed that limits what we are allowed to talk about is a direct infringement of our First Amendment rights. This is about more than Right vs Left, this is about our freedom of speech. If we lose our right to speak out against our government, what do we have left?

If you’re still on Trump’s side and believe he should have the right to get the liberal voices removed from the air, think about what kind of precedent that sets. Imagine next time we have a Democratic president, and imagine if they did the same to the conservative voices in the crowd.

Without the contributions of the Republican Party, we wouldn’t have National Parks, our Interstates, or NASA. But without the contributions of the Democratic Party, we wouldn’t have Social Security, The Civil Rights Act, or most of the worker protection laws we have today. We needed each other’s ideas to become the country we are today, and silencing half of us will hurt all of us. We are far stronger united than we will ever be separated, and it’s time we remembered that.

In my last article, I spoke out condemning those who said hateful things about Charlie Kirk’s death. I’d like to make myself clear that I still condemn it, but I’ll defend their right to speak it. Because there will come a day where I’ll have to speak up for something controversial, and I pray I’ll still have the right to say it. I hope that’s something we can all agree on.

Taryn Ogletree is a local small business owner and author with previous experience of several years in finance. 


WPJ’s Pick’em Contest – Week 5 is online

Week 5 of the 2025 season begins with all four of our high school teams playing Friday. Our Webster Parish Journal Pick ‘em Contest continues this week with our high school teams as well as college and pros for you to scroll through and choose the ones you think will win.

Week 3’s winner has already been selected by computer software. Watch for his photo in Wednesday’s WPJ.

Good luck and remember, you must be 18 or older to play.

Here is your link!

https://form.jotform.com/232385564755163


UCAP needs week of Sept. 29

United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: canned meats, soup, macaroni & cheese, pasta, cooking oil

Clothing: men’s shoes and boots. (We cannot accept any other clothing right now until we catch up.)

Thanks to all for supporting UCAP! A special thanks to all who came to our rescue last week with food items!!

UCAP is open from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 204 Miller Street, Minden, for food, utility and rent assistance. Clothing is dispersed on Wednesdays only.


Upcoming Events

Send non-profit calendar events to wpjnewsla@gmail.com .

Sept. 30

Deadline to pick up SKELETOUR skeletons from Minden City Hall.

5 p.m. Webster Parish Fair Parade. Downtown Minden. See Fair Events separately.

Oct. 2

6 p.m. Lumberjack Festival Pageant, Sarepta Community Center.

Oct. 4

9 a.m. until? Sarepta Celebration Of Friends, former students, teachers and workers of Sarepta High School, Sarepta Community Center, 210 Vines Street off of Hwy. 2, behind Post Office,  

lunch $17 plus $1 for community room clean up. RSVP: 318-847-4270, by September 30.

6:30 p.m., 15 Under 40 awards, Minden Civic Center.

Oct. 8

8 a.m. until 1 p.m., Bayou Dorcheat Fall Paddle, 160 Dorcheat Street, Minden.

Oct. 9

9 a.m. Special class with LA Trust for Historic Preservation meeting for building owners and landlords in the Main Street District, homeowner in residential historic district, realtor, property developer or manager or small business entrepreneur. RSVP at soverall@mindenusa.com .

5:30 until 9 p.m., Seeds Banquet, Minden Civic Center.

Oct. 10

Community starts voting on SKELETOUR skeleton in downtown Minden businesses.

Oct. 11

9 a.m. Festivities begin for Lumberjack Festival in Springhill.

11 a.m., Lumberjack Festival Parade, downtown Springhill.

Oct. 13

6 p.m., Night at the Museum with Brad Dison. The untold story of Sheriff Henderson Jordan and the final pursuit of Bonnie and Clyde. Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden. Potluck snacks and desserts. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; seating is limited.

Oct. 17

CHANGE OF VENUE 5 until 8 p.m. BIG YEET, in concert, Springhill RV Park on Church Street, Springhill. Free admission to event.

Oct. 18

8 a.m. Registration for Baby Fun Run, Miller Quarters Park, Minden. 9 a.m. run begins.

Oct. 23

5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat, Minden Library Branch, Webster Parish Libraries. East & West Street. (Rain date: October 27.)

Oct. 25

3:30 until 10:30 p.m., Witches Ride of Minden parade, followed by party in Miller Quarters Park., downtown Minden.

6 p.m. Haunted Hotel Homicide murder mystery, The Oak Cottage, 406 3rd St. WN, Springhill. Registration Required, text 318-272-6093.

Oct. 30

5 until 7 p.m. Trunk or Treat Springhill Library Branch. (Rain date: Oct. 31.)

Nov. 3

SKELETOUR winners announced.


Arrest Reports

Jamie R. Johansen, 48, Pelican Dr., Lebanon, Missouri: arrested Sept. 25 by Sibley PD for disturbing the peace. No bond set.

Brittany Lovitt Edgett, 40, 100 block Hickory St., Springhill: arrested Sept. 25 by Springhill PD on warrants for distribution of CDS Sch. II (two counts), distribution of CDS Sch.I, possession of CDS Sch.II, possession of CDS Sch. I. Bond set $55,100.

Clayton Bennett, 28, 1700 block Ted Riser Rd., Heflin: arrested Sept. 29 by WPSO on warrants. Bond set $2,750.

Jessica D. Williams, 23, 2400 block Wayne St., Jonesboro: arrested Sept. 27 by WPSO on warrant. Bond set $250.

Mary A. Woodall, 33, 600 blok Constable St., Minden: arrested Sept. 28 by Minden PD for disturbing the peace, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property. No bond set.

Artie Lee Brown, 54, 1000 block Webster St., Minden: arrested Sept. 28 by Minden PD for criminal trespassing. No bond set.

Michael Wayne Moffett, 40, 600 block Lewisville Rd., Minden: arrested Sept. 27 by Minden PD on warrant for misdemeanor theft. No bond set.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


Notice of Death – September 29, 2025

Gloria Joyce Pearson Wiley
November 15, 1932 – September 26, 2025
Minden
Visitation: 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2025, Whispering Pines Missionary Baptist Church.
Burial: Whispering Pines Church Cemetery, Minden.

Stephen Micheal “Steve” Kaylor
June 2, 1953  –  September 25, 2025
Springhill
Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill. 318-539-3555

Sammy Joe Green, Jr.
September 16, 1966 — September 21, 2025
Elm Grove
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Centuries memorial Funeral Home & Park.

Connie Ann Wilson
February 5, 1933 — September 26, 2025
Bossier City
Visitation: 10 a.m. until noon, Thursday, October 2, 2025, Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City.
Funeral service: Noon until 1 p.m. immediately following visitation.
Burial: Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Kathy Irene Lyles
July 21, 1954  –  September 25, 2025
Plain Dealing
Visitation: 9 until 11 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025, Bailey Funeral Home, Plain Dealing.
Graveside: 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)


Tide explodes past Woodlawn Knights, 51-6

By Pat Culverhouse

Minden’s Crimson Tide took a comfortable lead into the fourth quarter, then exploded for 27 points in the final 12 minutes to roll past Woodlawn 51-6 in Friday’s District 1-4A  opener for both teams.

Minden’s fourth quarter romp began with Kaiden Shine’s 32-yard run on the first play after the Tide recovered a Knights’ fumble with 11:03 remaining in the game. Less than a minute later, Javen Calloway returned an interception 45 yards for a score and a 37-6 Minden lead.

Other fourth quarter scores came on Jardon Carey’s 14-yard run with 7:44 remaining, followed by an Ian Clark 16-yard scamper to finish the Tide’s scoring.

Minden jumped off to a quick 7-0 lead with Hudson Brown found Caylien Aubrey with a 10-yard TD pass to cap a four minute drive with the opening kickoff. Braxton Glover kicked his first of six PATs with 7:42 left in the first quarter.

Woodlawn answered with its only score of the evening on a six-yard scoring run by Alvis Gilbert at the 10:06 mark of the second quarter, but a failed two-point try left the Knights trailing 7-6.

From there it was all Minden. Shine scored the first of his two touchdowns of the game on a twisting 23-yard run to cap an eight-play, 68-yard scoring drive with 6:12 left before half to put the Tide up 14-6. With just five seconds remaining in the half, Glover nailed a 29-yard field goal for a Tide 17-6 lead.

Aubrey picked up his second touchdown of the evening with 7:20 left in the third quarter when he powered into the end zone from five yards out to end a five-play drive covering 49 yards. That drive began when the Tide defense held Woodlawn on a fourth down try.

Minden put on a power running display in the win, picking up 301 total yards on the ground. Shine led Tide rushers with 101 yards on just eight carries and two Cds, followed by Aubrey who had 11 rushes for 90 yards and two scores.

Adding to the Tide totals were Lucas Owens, Jr. with 59 yards on 10 carries, Ian Clark with 21 yards on two attempts and one touchdown and Jardon Carey with one run for 14 yards and one TD.

Woodlawn’s Kameron Jenkins led all rushers in the game, picking up 105 yards in 15 attempts. Alvis Golbert carried 19 times for a total of 71 yards.

Brown and sophomore quarterback Jaden Johnson combined for 36 yards passing on four completions in 11 attempts. Receivers for the Tide were Aubrey with two catches for 23 yards and Shine with 13 yards on two catches.

Friday’s win evened the Tide’s record at 2-2 for the season and 1-0 in District 1-4A play. Woodlawn dropped to 2-2 on the year, 0-1 in district play.

Minden will travel to Shreveport to take on Loyola Friday in another 1-4A contest against the unbeaten, high scoring Flyers (4-0). After a 56-0 drubbing of Southwood last Thursday, Loyola has outscored its first four opponents 222-46.


Warriors roar to victory: 42-6 blowout over Northwood

By Scotty Blackwell

In a commanding performance Friday night, the Lakeside Warriors delivered a dominating blowout against the Northwood Gators, cruising to a 42-6 victory on their home turf. From start to finish, the Warriors showcased superior execution, relentless energy, and a balanced attack that left no doubt about the outcome.

The game’s highlight came early in the first quarter when Lakeside’s quarterback, Brock Case, muffed a punt, giving Northwood a chance to capitalize. However, Case redeemed himself with remarkable resilience, recovering the fumble and turning it into an electrifying 60-yard touchdown run. His quick burst and evasive moves electrified the home crowd and set the tone for the night.

Despite the early mistake, the Warriors stormed back with intensity, demonstrating why they are a force to be reckoned with this season. As the onslaught continued, Jaden Clark showed some trickery and burst through the blockers on his way for a 63 yard TD. However, the Gators weren’t ready to go down without a fight. They found a good rhythm and marched 75 yards down the field for a rather easy quarterback sneak to close the lead to 13-6, Warriors.

Throughout the game, Lakeside’s offensive line opened up consistent running lanes, and their passing game was sharp and efficient. Meanwhile, the defense swarmed Northwood, forcing multiple three and outs and holding the Gators to just a single touchdown. The Warriors’ team speed and discipline overwhelmed their opponents, and their special teams played a key role with explosive plays and solid coverage.

Some of the notable plays included a Brock Case to Brennan Hubbard 35-yard connection for a score. A big run by Kentravion Miller and another beautiful deep-ball from Case to Eric Jones for a 50-yard touchdown. Jace Waller capped off the night with a slam up the middle for a goal-line score.

This game was a showcase of the Warriors’ all-around dominance, and the scoreboard reflected that superiority. With a final score of 42-6, Lakeside solidified their position as a top contender, while Northwood struggled to find their rhythm against the rugged Warriors defense. Fans left the  stadium energized, excited about the team’s continued momentum, and eager to see them carry this winning streak forward in upcoming matchups.

Next week, the Warriors travel to Montgomery, LA to face the (1-3) Tigers.

It’s a great day to be a Warrior!


North Webster grounds Pelicans 30-0; crowns Homecoming Queen

Homecoming Queen Kyleigh Mason. Photo by Kylie Smith.

By Gray Haynes

The North Webster Knights welcomed the Homer Pelicans to Baucum-Farrar Stadium for the 2025 Homecoming Game.  Homer won the coin toss and elected to defer their option to the 2nd half.  The Knights took the opening kickoff and marched the ball right down the field.  The Knights converted several key third downs on the drive, but came away with no points due to a fumble at the Pelicans’ five yard line.  The Knights’ defense were, however, stingy as usual and forced the visitors to punt from their own end zone.  The Knights took over at the Homer 40 yard line, and their ground attack took them down to the Homer 14.  From there, quarterback, Justin Stewart, bounced a pass off of a defender’s hands right into the waiting arms of Jameson Harden for the first score of the night.  The extra point by Christian Whitlock was true to make the score 7-0 Knights.

North Webster kicked off to Homer and allowed one first down before forcing the Pelicans to punt to the 25 yard line.  The Knights picked up some yards on the ground before unleashing the air attack again.  A 50 yard pass from Stewart to Ja’Kayden Jackson took the ball down the Homer 8.  From there, Jackson let his brother take over to score on the second of two runs.  Whitlock’s extra point was again good to make the score 14-0.  Homer took the kickoff and drove down to the Knights’ ten yard line before failing to convert on a 4th down and 1.  The Knights ran out the clock content with a 14-0 halftime lead.

Homer received the opening kickoff of the second half and moved the ball a bit before failing to convert on a 4th down and 8 from the North Webster 45.  However, the Knights could not take advantage and were forced to punt.  Homer, then, gave the ball right back to the Knights on a fumble deep in their own territory.  Stewart completed a 13 yard pass to Hayden Nance who just managed to drag his toes in bounds before falling over the sideline.  This pitch and catch set up a 21 yard field goal by Whitlock to make the score 17-0.

The Knights, again, kicked off to Homer.  The Pelicans, again, began marching down the field, but the bend but don’t break Knights’ defense forced a fumble on the North Webster 45 yard line.  On the first play after the fumble, Stewart, once again, connected with Jackson for a 53 yard catch and run for a touchdown.  That made the score 24-0 in favor of the home team.  The next Homer position was stopped by an interception by Chandler McKenzie on the Knights’ 20 yard line.  North Webster moved down the field on the ground but was once again bitten by the fumble bug.  The Knights turned the ball over to Homer on the 7 yard line.

Homer was able to move the ball out of the shadow of their own goalpost until Donte Owens found a Homer pass and intercepted it at the 48 yard line and returned it for a 52 yard pick six.  Whitlock’s kick made the score 31-0 with about 2:30 left in the game.  Stewart finished the game with 6 completions on 9 attempts for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Ja’Kayden Jackson had two receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown.  His brother, Ja’Myrion Jackson, had 10 carries for 48 yards and one touchdown.  Braylon Washington was the workhorse for the Knights on this night with 18 carries for 119 yards.  The Knights are now 3-1 on the season and host Garrison, Texas next Friday night at Baucum-Farrar Stadium.