By Pat Culverhouse

A swarming Northwood defense completely shut down Minden’s usually high-octane offense, leading the Falcons to a 42-0 win over the Crimson Tide Thursday in a District 1-4A contest.

Minden came into the game averaging more than 30 points per game and slightly more than 330 yards in total offense. Falcon defenders held the Tide to just 95 yards in total offense on 47 plays as Northwood upped its season record to 8-1, 5-1 in conference play.

Northwood’s first score of the night came after the Tide defense seemingly  held the high-scoring Falcons to a three-and-out on the game’s first possession. A running into the kicker penalty gave the Falcons new life, and seven plays later quarterback Nathan Cervantes rambled 18 yards for a 7-0 lead.

A bad snap on a Tide punt attempt put the Falcons in business at the Minden 10 just four plays later, and John Sneed pushed across from three yards out to make it 14-0 Northwood with just over four minutes left in the first quarter.

Northwood’s next two scores came on lengthy drives. Cervantes scored his second of the night from one yard out to cap an eight-play, 83 yard scoring drive. On the next possession, the Falcons marched 84 yards in seven plays, with Kyran Johnson’s 55-yard run providing the finishing touch.

A Cervantes to Rowan Lewis three-yard touchdown pass with 49 seconds left on the clock sent the Falcons into a 35-0 lead at the half. Duntavious Young hauled in a 53-yard scoring pass from Cervantes with 8:34 left in the third quarter to end the scoring.

Minden’s best scoring chance came late in the fourth quarter when the Tide took over on its own 16 yard line and marched downfield to Northwood’s nine. With 3:35 remaining in the game, a fourth-down pass fell incomplete and the Falcons took over to run out the clock.

Tide rushers had been averaging just over 220 yards per contest (6.2 yards average per carry), but managed just 62 yards in 28 total carries against a blitzing Northwood defense that created 39 yards in losses.

Caylien Aubrey managed 44 yards on eight carries and Lucas Owens Jr. picked up 44 yards in 10 attempts to lead Tide runners. Hudson Brown completed seven of 19 pass attempts for 33 yards, and Mikey Shepherd had 19 receiving yards on two catches.

With the loss, Minden drops to 4-5 for the season and 3-3 in 1-4A play heading into the season’s final contest with Southwood Friday at W.W. Williams Stadium. The Cowboys come into the game fresh off a 62-16 loss to BTW.

A win in the last district contest could put the Tide in line for a state playoff berth.

---

By Gray Haynes

Friday night, the North Webster Knights traveled to Many for a non-district match up against the Tigers on Halloween night.  Many won the coin toss, elected to receive the opening kick and ran it out to their own 27 yard line where the offense took the field.  Many began a six play drive taking the ball down to the North Webster 26.  On a run up the middle, the Knights’ defense was able to knock the ball loose and recover to give the offense their first opportunity of the night.  On first down, Jameson Harden scampered for a 29 yard gain along the right side before stepping out of bounds at the Many 48.  Then, JaKayden Jackson went for nine.  On second and one, Justin Stewart ran for thirteen.  Then, on a fourth and 8, Stewart threw the ball up the left side where Braylon Washington outjumped the Many defender and brought the ball down at about the one where the Knights would face first and goal.  After Many held the Knights out of the endzone on first and second down, North Webster handed off to JaMyrion Jackson who plowed over the right side to cross the goal line and make the score 6-0.  The snap was mishandled on the extra point attempt, and the score remained 6-0 in the first quarter.  Many took the ensuing kickoff out to their own 33 to begin their second drive.  The Tigers took off on a twelve play drive to close out the first quarter.  The drive ended on a three yard rush for the touchdown.  The extra point was good to make the score 7-6 Many.

Many attempted an onside kick, but the ball didn’t go the required ten yards, so the Knights took over at the Many 45 yard line early in the second quarter.  After a pass for two yards and a rush to lose two, Harden again found room around the right side for a gain of 33 taking it down to the twelve.  Two plays later, JaMyrion Jackson found the endzone again with a six yard rush.  The Knights elected to go for two points but were unsuccessful making the score 12-7 Knights.  Many received the ensuing kickoff at the five yard line and found room up the middle to take it all the way to the endzone.  The extra point was good to make the score 14-12.  The Knights took the kickoff out to their own 34.  A holding penalty on second down nullified a ten yard run.  Then a pass for no gain and a sack forced the Knights to punt on 4th and 22.  The punt was downed by the Knights at the Many 31 yard line.  The Knights’ defense came up big forcing a punt on fourth and 2 from the 39.  Many had a fake punt called, but the Knights’ coaches were yelling to their players that the fake was coming.  The confusion caused Many to be flagged for delay of game.  Then, facing a 4th and 7, Many elected to punt.  The punt rolled out of bounds at the Knights’ 35 yard line.  Harden picked up 8 on first down, but another holding call against the Knights nullified the run and put the Knights behind the sticks.  On second down, the Knights gave up a sack for a big loss.  Facing a fourth and 43 from inside the five yard line, the Knights sent out the punt team.  The punt rolled out to the North Webster 39 yard line where the Tigers would take over on offense.  Many picked up a first down, then faced 3rd and ten from the 29 yard line where a run off tackle found the endzone.  The extra point made the score 21-12 Many.  The Knights sent out their two minute offense to try to get a score before the half, but time ran out.  The score was 21-12 at the half.

The Knights took the second half kickoff at their own 43 yard line.  The Knights picked up four on first down.  The back slipped on the slick turf on second down, but Harden picked up twelve on third, but there was a flag on the play.  Another holding call against the Knights negated a big run.  On 3rd and 17, the Knights were forced to drop back to pass.  Many sent more rushers than the Knights had blockers and sacked the quarterback for a seventeen yard loss.  The Knights were forced to punt again.  Many took over but put the ball on the turf for the second time on the night.  Chandler McKenzie fell on the fumble to give the ball back to the Knights.  North Webster gave it right back to Many after fumbling a snap on 4th and 6.  Many picked up a few first downs before the Knights’ defense held firm on a 4th and 12 to give the ball back to the visiting team on their own 31.  The Knights picked up a first down on a big run by JaKayden Jackson, but eventually were forced to punt on the second play of the final quarter.  The 49 yard punt by Christian Whitlock was downed on Many’s one yard line.

After an 11 play drive stalled out near midfield, Many was forced to punt.  The Knights took over on their own 6 yard line with time winding down in the game.  A first down pass was intercepted by Many giving them the ball back and a chance to run down the clock.  Many drove down the field, eating up the clock, and scored with just over a minute left.  The score made the score 28-12 Many.  That would be the final score of the game.  Next week, the Knights will face Bastrop at home and celebrate the seniors involved with Knights’ football.

---

By Scotty Blackwell

Last Friday night, Lakeside High School hosted its final home football game of the season; a special Senior Night filled with excitement, school spirit, and memorable moments. The stadium was buzzing with energy as students, parents, and community members gathered to honor the dedicated senior players and their contributions to the team.

The atmosphere was electric, and the game kicked off with high hopes for the Warriors. From the start, the energy was contagious, and the crowd cheered loudly for their team. However, the Mansfield Wolverines proved to be a formidable opponent on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines displayed impressive discipline and coordination, leaving the Warriors struggling to find their rhythm throughout the game.

Defense was Mansfield’s strong point, as they effectively shut down Lakeside’s offense, especially in the middle of the field, making it difficult for the Warriors to advance. The Wolverines’ linebackers and defensive line swarmed every attempt at a run, allowing no room for Lakeside’s runners to break free. On the offensive side, Mansfield was relentless, executing long, powerful runs that resulted in multiple touchdowns.

The Wolverines’ offense was a highlight of the night, with their dynamic ground game repeatedly breaking away for large, punishing gains. Their offensive line created holes that their speedy backs eagerly exploited, leading to several impressive touchdowns. It was a display of strength, speed, and strategic play that kept the Lakeside defense on its heels all night.

The final score was 39-0 in favor of Mansfield, a result that reflected the Wolverines’ dominance on the field. While it was a tough night for Lakeside, the team displayed resilience and sportsmanship, giving their fans plenty of moments to cheer for despite the final score.

Although the game ended with a decisive victory for Mansfield, the spirit of the night reminded everyone why high school football is such a cherished tradition. The Lakeside Warriors will be back next season, eager to turn the tide and continue building on the lessons learned from this tough but memorable game. They’ll be on the road next week to face the Winnfield Tigers (2-7), in the season closer.

It’s always a great day to be a Warrior!

---

By Travis Chapman

It was Senior Night and Coach Tibbitt’s birthday at the end of Country Club Friday night as the Apaches took the field with all seniors serving as captains in a hard-fought matchup against Jonesboro-Hodge.

The Apaches opened strong, showing grit and creativity early — including a fake punt attempt that came up just short. The defense responded with energy, as Davis Powell, Channing Rainey, and Tanner Fox all delivered tackles for loss and sacks to push the Tigers backward and force a punt.

Quarterback Lucious-Louie Collins led the offense with poise, connecting with Carson Powell on a 48-yard strike to move deep into Tiger territory before a fumble ended the drive. The Apache defense stood tall again, capped by T-Bubba Edwards’ interception that had him running like cops were chasing him and it quickly flipped the momentum in the Apaches favor. 

Collins quickly capitalized, firing a 40-yard touchdown pass to the shooting guard, Carson Powell, then sprinting into the end zone himself for the two-point conversion to make it 8–0 Apaches midway through the second quarter. Later, Collins struck again — this time hitting Golden-Gage White in stride for a 65-yard scud missile touchdown, extending the lead to 14–0 at halftime after Darron -The Dime-Hollingsworth’s interception closed the half.

The Tigers rallied after the break, scoring twice on quarterback runs, but the Apache defense — led by Dar-Dae-Davis Powell and Channing-The Rain Man-Rainey — continued to make crucial stops. Despite the effort, a series of controversial calls in the fourth quarter, one in particular that would’ve given the Apaches the ball on a turnover would’ve all but sealed the win for the young and ailing Apaches. Nonetheless, these horrendous calls extended Jonesboro-Hodge drives, and the Tigers punched in a late score to take an 18–14 lead and secure the win. 

The Apaches fought to the end, but time ran out in a game defined by defensive grit, explosive plays, and heart from start to finish. The Apaches being down 5 very important key starters, came out firing and were prepared to win the game and played outstanding. This tough season has taught grit and resolve and a relentless will to get better each week. With a work ethic like that, they are poised for success in the future! 

The Apaches hit the road in the final game of the season against the Haynesville Golden Tornado, Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Apache loud, Apache proud….

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE AN APACHE!!!

---

It’s Monday morning and the beginning of Week 10 of Webster Parish Journal’s Pick’em Contest. Our link goes live at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday. Please don’t play the game until you receive your email. Otherwise, the computer will delete your entry.

Remember, just like the journal, our contest is free, but you must be 18 or older to play.

---

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind.

Monday Night

Clear, with a low around 43. Calm wind.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night

Clear, with a low around 47.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 77.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 54.

*Information provided by National Weather Service.

---

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

Nov. 3

SKELETOUR winners announced.

Nov. 7-8

9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Piney Hills La. Master Gardeners will hold a plant sale under the downtown water tower in Minden.

Nov. 7-9

Main to Main Trade Days, 50 miles of shopping, Webster Parish.

Nov. 8

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Paws & Pumpkins, The Lucky Pup, 217 N. Main St., Springhill. Sponsored by LaMa Animal Rescue. Training demo and lessons, photo booth, crafts, pet wellness and more. Please bring dogs on leash.

10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mission Adoption Bazaar/auction/lunch, First Baptist Family Life Center Gym, Minden.

Miss Louisiana Volunteer, Minden Civic Center.

7 p.m.  Due to the flooding in the building in the CAC building the Piney Woods Jamboree will be held in Magnolia at the Columbia County Hayride at KZHE radio station.

Nov. 15

9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Hunt for W.H.O. Big Doe Contest. $50 entry, 280 15th St. NW, Springhill. Stateline Showdown (LSU and U. of A.) at Ark-Ana’s! Call or text 318-423-3710.

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Slow Food North Louisiana, Cultural Crossroads to present “Hand Them Down to Lift Them Up: An Heirloom Food Forum” at The Farm at Cultural Crossroads of Minden, The Farm is located at 419 East Union Street in Minden. Tickets must be purchased in advance. slowfoodnorthla.org/events .

Nov. 17

5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Keepsake Ornament and Santa of Shreveport Event Minden branch of Webster Parish Libraries.

Nov. 18

5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Keepsake Ornament and Santa of Shreveport Event Springhill branch of Webster Parish Libraries.

Nov. 19

5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Keepsake Ornament and Santa of Shreveport Event Doyline branch of Webster Parish Libraries.

---

Loading crossword puzzle. One moment please.

---

Play Sudoku online!

---

Shirley Ruth Lubeck Posey
May 27, 1941 — October 25, 2025
Bossier City
Funeral service: 11 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2025, Bellaire Baptist Church.
Burial: Springville Cemetery.

John Davis Walton
June 12, 1949 — September 9, 2025
Benton
Inurnment: 1 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025, Carver Memorial Cemetery.

Mark Jeffery Youngblood
October 25, 1962 — October 10, 2025
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, Cypress Baptist Church, Benton.
 
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.)

---