By Shawn C. White
It’s time…it’s time…it’s time…It’s the kickoff of the 2026 high school season in Webster Parish. The week zero for local teams mean it’s jamboree week. Three local teams will be invading Claiborne Parish while another one will host their own.
Minden Crimson Tide, Lakeside Warriors, and North Webster Purple Knights are all heading to Haynesville to compete in the Pineland Jamboree Friday. The jamboree will also feature host Haynesville and Homer. The jamboree will begin at 6 pm at Red Franklin Memorial Stadium. Lakeside will play the first two games starting off against Homer and following up against Minden. North Webster will take the field in the third matchup against Homer. Minden will return in the fourth matchup and face defending Class A champion Haynesville. North Webster will play in the finale against the hometown Golden Tornado.
Walkup tickets to the Pineland Jamboree will be $10.
Each coach is looking for something to capitalize on heading into Week 1.
Lakeside head coach John Ware said, “Looking to improve at what we do more than anything heading into Week 1.”
Coach Christopher Wilson of North Webster is looking is looking for tweaking some elements on his team. “Our goal this weekend is to play good clean football, I want to see the boys be physical and execute. We are trying to identify guys they can come in and be good special teams guys and establish some depth. “.
Crimson Tide head coach Spencer Heard is looking for that last chance tune-ups before the Battle of the Boot with North Webster in Week 1. “We are looking forward to our matchups with Lakeside and Haynesville. We know this is our last chance to tune up before the opening week one game where it really counts.”
Glenbrook Apaches will be hosting the B1 Bank Jamboree on Friday night at 6 pm. Along with the Apaches, the jamboree will feature 3A Loyola Flyers and 1A Montgomery Tigers.
Head Coach Greg Tibbitt looking for improvements coming off a good 3-way scrimmage against Lakeview and Green Oaks. “We are excited to see our young team on the field and get this season started, we made a lot of good plays in our scrimmage on both sides of the ball and look forward to getting even better this week.”
Kickoff for B1 Bank Jamboree begins at 6 p.m. with $10 admission.