Pick’em players: Week 8 of Webster Parish Journal’s Pick’em Contest has begun.

You can click below for this week’s games, pick the winning teams and get in the running to win $100. The game closes out at 6 p.m. Friday, and a new game starts Monday.

Our four parish high school teams will be featured in the contest, as well as some college and pro teams and two tie breakers.

Each week, the contest closes at 6 p.m. before Friday’s high school games, unless there is a Thursday game, then it closes at 6 p.m. that day.

Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal. If you win, your photo will be taken with the owner of our Title Sponsor Under Dawgs. Remember, you must 18 or older to play.

Thank you to all our sponsors this year. In addition to Title Sponsor Under Dawgs, Broken Bean will be our anchor sponsor. Others include Holcomb’s Body Shop, A.J. Price Tire, Brown Chrysler, Shelter Insurance, KASO/KBEF, Express Tax and Title and Mike’s Hometown Spirits with Hugh Woods Specialty Meats and Catering. Please patronize these local businesses.

So, fire up your phones, tablets or computers to pick ‘em, click the button below and get started.

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Louisiana moves from third highest adult obesity rate in 2024 to 19th in 2025

Louisiana is one of only two states in the nation to show a statistically significant decrease in its adult obesity rate, according to a new national report released by Trust for America’s Health.

The State of Obesity 2026: Better Policies for a Healthier America report found Louisiana’s adult obesity rate fell from 39.2% in 2024 to 35.6% in 2025. Louisiana now ranks 19th among states with the highest adult obesity rates, compared with third highest in 2024. West Virginia was the only other state to record a statistically significant decrease. No state experienced a statistically significant increase.

“This is another sign that Louisiana is moving in the right direction when it comes to the health of our people,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “We want every Louisianian — parents, children, and families in every part of our state — to have the opportunity to live healthier lives. Secretary Greenstein and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) remain focused on improving health outcomes and moving our state up in national health rankings. We are encouraged by this progress, and we will keep working toward a stronger, healthier Louisiana for generations to come.”

The report analyzes 2025 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Nationally, about 4 in 10 adults have obesity, and 21 states had adult obesity rates at or above 35% in 2025.

“We are lifting Louisiana from last in national health rankings, and we are seeing measurable progress,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “We’ve recently reported improvements in opioid and behavioral health outcomes, we’re transforming how rural communities access and coordinate care, and now we’re seeing a significant decline in adult obesity. Moving from 39.2% to 35.6% in one year is a major step, but we are not finished. We are focused every day on reducing health risks, preventing chronic disease, and building systems that help Louisianians live longer, healthier lives.”

Obesity and other diet-related diseases are associated with a range of physical and mental health conditions, chronic disease and related complications, higher mortality, increased health care costs, and reduced quality of life. Many factors can influence obesity, including access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity, as well as economic and community conditions.

Louisiana has made prevention and nutrition a central part of its efforts to improve health outcomes. The state’s work includes initiatives to increase access to healthy foods, encourage physical activity, prevent chronic disease, and help Louisianians make healthier choices.

“Moving Louisiana from third highest in adult obesity to 19th is real progress, and it shows what can happen when we make better health outcomes a priority,” said State Senator Patrick McMath. “By focusing on better nutrition, prevention, and giving Louisiana families the tools to make healthier choices, we are finally beginning to move the needle. There is still much more work ahead, but Louisiana is moving in the right direction.”

The State of Obesity 2026 report is published annually by Trust for America’s Health, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health policy organization.

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Guest speaker for the Thursday, Oct. 22 meeting of the Minden Lions Club will be Angie Chapman, Webster Parish 911 director.

Angie has worked in emergency communications since 2003, beginning her career in public safety communications with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and later serving with the Bossier City Police Department. While at BCPD, she developed and implemented the

department’s formal communications training program.

In 2018, Angie joined Webster Parish 911 as a part-time dispatcher, where she again developed and implemented a formal training program for emergency communications personnel. She later served as dispatch dupervisor before becoming director of Webster Parish 911 in 2021.

With more than two decades of experience in emergency communications, Angie has worked at nearly every level of the profession – from answering calls and dispatching responders to training telecommunicators and leading a 911 agency. She is passionate about the often unseen role 911 professionals play in public safety and looks forward to sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what happens between the moment someone calls 911 and help arrives.

Angie will be introduced Thursday by Lion Ryan Barnette.

The Minden Lions Club meets Thursdays at noon at the American Legion Memorial Home, located at 119 W. Pine St. in downtown Minden.

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United Christian Assistance Program has the following needs:

Food: powdered milk, canned fruit, canned vegetables, Ramen noodles, rice, biscuit mix, dried beans

Household Goods: twin sheets, towels, pots & pans

Clothing: men’s shoes

Thanks to all for supporting UCAP!

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.

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Escaped Shreveport inmate indicted on federal carjacking charge following multi-agency manhunt

A Shreveport man who escaped custody during a medical transport and allegedly committed a violent carjacking in Bossier City has been indicted by a federal grand jury. Tre’veon Jackson, 24, was charged Oct. 7 with carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, according to an announcement Friday from U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. Authorities said Jackson escaped Sept. 14, assaulted a man outside a Bossier City hotel and stole his vehicle before leading officers on a pursuit exceeding 110 mph. Jackson allegedly crashed the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting a multi-agency manhunt. He was arrested several days later in Marshall, Texas, and remains in federal custody. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The charge is an allegation, and Jackson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Bossier Parish Police Jury to consider rezoning 118 acres for manufactured home subdivision

The Bossier Parish Police Jury will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Oct. 21, on a proposed zoning change involving approximately 118.3 acres in Police Jury District 2. The application, submitted by Kurt Nixon of Nixon Engineering Solutions on behalf of PBRG Properties, LLC, seeks to change the property’s classification from R-T, Racetrack District, to R-MHS, Residential Manufactured Home Subdivision District. The proposed change would allow consideration of a residential manufactured home subdivision on the property, located in Section 16, Township 18 North, Range 12 West. The hearing will provide an opportunity for consideration of the zoning request before the Police Jury acts on the proposal.

Walker man charged with aggravated arson

Livingston Parish – Louisiana State Fire Marshal (SFM) investigators arrested 56-year-old Anthony Delatte Watts of Walker on Thursday in connection with an intentionally set fireinvolving a mobile home that spread to a neighboring occupied home.
At approximately 6:19 p.m. Oct 12, Livingston Parish Fire District 4 responded to a residential fire in the 17000 block of Olive Drive in Livingston. The fire spread to a neighboring home, where two occupants escaped unharmed.

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Tuesday, October 20
Fair Parade Downtown Minden At 5 p.m.
Livestock Weigh-In 6 p.m.
Poultry And Rabbit Show 4:30 p.m.
No Rides Until Wednesday

Wednesday, October 21
Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m.
Rides Start At 6 p.m.. ‘Armband Nite”
Gate Entrance Fee: $3.00/Rest Week
4-H Swine Showmanship At 6 p.m.. Then Swine Weight Classes (Livestock Arena)
Pet Show At 5 p.m.

Thursday, October 22
Doors Open At 8 a.m. (Coffee & Donuts Served)
Senior Citizens Day 9 a.m. Until 1:30 p.m. (Civic Center)
Rides Start At 6 p.m.. “Armband Nite”
4-H Goat, L a.m.b, Beef Showmanship At 6 p.m.
4-H Dairy And Doug Sale Showmanship At 7 p.m.

Friday, October 23
Buyers’ Luncheon At 11:30 a.m.
Livestock Auction At 1 p.m. (4-H Show Barn)
Admission Gate Opens At 5 p.m.
Rides Start At 6 p.m.

Saturday. October 24
Fair Gates Open At 12 p.m.
Kids Day! 1 p.m. To 5 p.m. (Kid’s Special Ends 5 p.m.)
Free Admission For Kids 12& Under
Pizza Eating Contest At 3 p.m. Forestry Bld) Sponsored By Johnnys Pizza

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Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Clear, with a low around 49. Calm wind.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

Clear, with a low around 52.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 85.

Thursday Night

Clear, with a low around 53.

*Information provided by National Weather Service

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

Every Friday in October

7 p.m. American Legion Post #182 BINGO, Ringgold.

October 20-24

Webster Parish Fair, Minden. (See special event schedule.)

October 21

5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Pumpkin Shine, First Methodist Church, 903 Broadway Minden. Costume contest, food, games, pumpkin decorating contest, face painting cake walk.

October 24

6 p.m. Fire in the Field, at 870 Highway 516 in Heflin. The evening will feature worship led by Enrique Magana, worship leader at First Methodist Church in Monroe.

November 7

10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Mission Adoption Bazaar, Craft, Makers Fair, Bake and Casserole Sale, Silent Auction and Lunch

First Baptist Church, Family and Community Life Center, Minden.

All proceeds go to participating families adopting and/or fostering.

4 until 6 p.m., Fall Festival, 814 Constable St. (back parking lot), hosted by The Christian Church at Minden and Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry. Outdoor movie playing immediately afterward.

7 p.m. Movie Night, sponsored by Men and Women of Courage, 314 Dixie Street (behind Seafood Empire), Minden.

November 14

8 until 10 a.m., American Legion Hall in Minden, Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Minden Evening Lions Club, with support from Webster Parish Veterans Safety Net and American Legion. Veterans and their families are invited to come out, share a meal, and spend the morning together.

November 16-28

Community voting for Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry’s “We CAN make a difference: canned food competition. Vote on the organization’s Facebook page. Each vote is $1. The participants that are open to the public will also have in person ballot boxes. There will also be a passport  for voters to get stamped at each location. Voters can turn their completed passports in to be entered into a drawing for a prize. Winners announced Nov. 30.

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Word of the Day: Punctilious

Phonetic: /punc· til· i· ous/
Part of Speech: Adjuctive
Definition
marked by or concerned about precise accordance with the details of codes or conventions

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Play Sudoku online!

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Nicholas Wayne Regan, 33, 2300 block Butler St., Arcadia: arrested Oct. 13 by Louisiana State Police for speeding, suspended drivers license, open container, on fugitive warrant from Sabine Parish SO. No bond set.

Grant Louis Neal, 39, 200 block Pecanview, Minden: arrested Oct. 14 by Minden PD for unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling. No bond set.

Christopher Q. Galloway, 30, 200 block Second Ave., Vicksburg, Mississippi: arrested Oct. 15 by Probation and Parole for two counts probation violation. Bond set $1,000.

Stephanie Lynn Turner, 43, 600 block Caney Lake Rd., Minden: arrested Oct. 16 by WPSO on warrants, fugitive from Caddo Parish SO. Bond set $750.

Brylee N. Silk, 30, 6300 block Hwy. 160, Cotton Valley: arrested Oct. 16 by WPSO for possession of CDS Sch. II (methamphetamines), fugitive warrant from Union Parish SO.  Bond set $3,500.

Rodriguez DeVontre Miller, 29, 100 block Abney St., Minden: arrested Oct. 17 by Minden PD on fugitive warrant from Terrebone Parish SO. No bond set.

I’Yonna Jalaiah Williams, 21, 700 block Blue Goose Loop, Gibsland: arrested Oct. 18 by Louisiana State Police for DWI first offense, possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana), possession of drug paraphernalia, open container, no turn signal. No bond set.

Kedarrion J. Baker, 29, 700 block Wood St., Minden: arrested Oct. 18 by Minden PD on fugitive warrant from Shreveport PD. 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.

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Tommy L. Carter
March 30, 1944 — October 16, 2026
Doyline
Funeral service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Doyline.
Burial: Pilgrim Rest Cemetery.

Elizabeth Juanita Peavy
November 15, 1936 – October 14, 2026
Ringgold/Heflin
Visitation: 1 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2026, Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold.
Funeral service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.
Burial: Bistineau Cemetery, Heflin.

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.)

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Story and photos by Jerry Stratan –

At approximately 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Shongaloo firefighters responded to a report of a woods fire in the 200 block of Elmer Moore Road. On the way to the scene, Jeremy Sampson, assistant chief of Shongaloo said he could see the smoke. He requested Webster 911 to page Evergreen Fire department.

A few minutes later he requested Springhill Fire Department, along with Sarepta and Cullen fire departments.

Approximately one hour later, he requested the forest service with a plow.

The fire covered 12 to 14 acres. According to Sampson, the owner was burning empty deer corn bags, and he thought they were extinguished.

Pictured is an abandoned old vehicle fully involved in flames.

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Pick’em players: Week 8 of Webster Parish Journal’s Pick’em Contest begins today.

You can click below for this week’s games, pick the winning teams and get in the running to win $100. The game closes out at 6 p.m. Friday, and a new game starts Monday.

Our four parish high school teams will be featured in the contest, as well as some college and pro teams and two tie breakers.

Each week, the contest closes at 6 p.m. before Friday’s high school games, unless there is a Thursday game, then it closes at 6 p.m. that day.

Weekly winners will be notified and announced in the following Wednesday edition of the Journal. If you win, your photo will be taken with the owner of our Title Sponsor Under Dawgs. Remember, you must 18 or older to play.

Thank you to all our sponsors this year. In addition to Title Sponsor Under Dawgs, Broken Bean will be our anchor sponsor. Others include Holcomb’s Body Shop, A.J. Price Tire, Brown Chrysler, Shelter Insurance, KASO/KBEF, Express Tax and Title and Mike’s Hometown Spirits with Hugh Woods Specialty Meats and Catering. Please patronize these local businesses.

So, fire up your phones, tablets or computers to pick ‘em, click the button below and get started.

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Photos and story by Jerry Strahan –

SPRINGHILL — Model jet pilots from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi came to Springhill to show their flying skills at the 12th Annual Jet Rally.

Pilots at the event shared some of the rules they fly under: the maximum speed for a jet is 250 mph, they cannot fly over a 1,200-foot ceiling, and the pilot has to be able to see the jet at all times.

Springhill Airport was closed to all planes for the three-day event.

Awards:

Best Scale — F-18, James Hillia, Houston, Texas

Best Military — F-86, Mike Burey, Alvin, Texas

Best Sport — Razor, Tom Robertson, hometown not listed

Best of Show — Viper, Luke Burey, Alvin, Texas

JPO Top Gun — Falcon, Scott Derigno, Denton, Texas

Some winners are not listed due to a computer glitch at the club.

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By Paige Gurgainers

Making sure veterans have somewhere to turn when life becomes difficult is the mission behind the Webster Parish Veterans Safety Net, a community coalition focused on suicide prevention, access to resources and personal connection.

The organization describes its work as helping veterans find support through a network of community partners, with the goal of ensuring no veteran faces a crisis alone. Its efforts bring together organizations and advocates who can help veterans navigate challenges and connect with available services.

Established in October 2024, the coalition grew from a collaboration between the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center’s suicide prevention community-based intervention team and local organizations. Participants included veterans’ groups, healthcare providers, counseling services, civic organizations and the Webster Parish Council on Aging.

That work includes creating opportunities for veterans to spend time together. Gatherings held in partnership with the Council on Aging have offered meals, fellowship and information about resources. Coalition representatives have also shared information about Coffee with Vets, a gathering at Huffman Manor in Minden where veterans can connect in an informal setting on every first Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m.

Local law enforcement has participated in the effort as well. The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office identified Deputy Jeremy Haas, a military veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as its liaison to the coalition.

Through fellowship, education and partnerships, the coalition is working to make support easier to find and to strengthen the connections between veterans and the community around them.

Veterans, family members and residents interested in learning more about the organization, its outreach or upcoming events can visit the Webster Parish Veterans Safety Net Facebook page.

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By Jerry Strahan

The weather: a look back.

Springhill

October 12 low was 61F high was 93F

October 13 low was 74F high was 93F

October 14 low was 73F high was 93F

October 15 low was 68F high was 89F

October 16 low was 68F high was 71F

October 17 low was 45 F high was 75F

October 18 low was 40F high was 71F

Minden

October  13 low was 61F high was 92F

October 14 low was 75F high was 90F

October 15 low was 68F high was 86F

October 16 low was 65F high was 71F

October 17 low was 47F. High was 73F

October 18 low was 45 F high was  71F

Rainfall readings

Cotton Valley .38 100s of an inch  2 weeks ago

Dixie Inn 1.23 2 weeks ago

Heflin 11 100s of an inch 5 days ago

Minden 88 100s of an inch 5 Days ago.

Shongaloo 15 100s of an inch 2 weeks ago

Sibley 2.80  2 weeks ago

Springhill 25 100s of an inch 4 days ago.

Sponsored by pre cip

A look forward

It looks like no rain for at least 5 days.

Lows in the middle 40s to low 50s

Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s

We are still under a burn ban .

Medium drought and high fire danger. If any wildland fires do develop, there’s a high rate of fire spreading quickly.

(Jerry Strahan was a first responder in fire and emergency services for almost 45 years. He lives in north Webster Parish and has written weather articles for other publications.)

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Lakeside 20, Winnfield 14

Cedar Creek 35, Glenbrook 15

North Webster 28, Bastrop 8

Haynesville 50, Arcadia 6

Parkway 46, Benton 27

Airline 47, Huntington 20

North DeSoto 57, Southwood 6

Homer 57, Magnolia School of Excellence 0

Booker T. Washington 26, Bossier 20

Haughton 43, Byrd 33

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Upon the recommendation of the Webster Parish Fire Chiefs Association and approved by the Webster Parish Police Jury, the current burn ban for Webster Parish will be extended until November 17, 2026 or until terminated. The recommendation comes due to the Extreme Drought/Severe Drought Conditions for Webster Parish as per the US Drought Monitor. This, combined with the LDAF Fire Danger for today of Very High along with the Red Flag Warning issued by the NWS causing Critical Fire Danger conditions through early Saturday morning has increased the risk of vegetation fires for our parish.

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By Gray Haynes

On the first chilly, Fall night of the year, the North Webster Knights traveled to Bastrop to face the Rams. North Webster got on the board early on the second play of the game. On the opening offensive play, quarterback, Justin Stewart, found JaKayden Jackson for ten yards. On the second offensive play, J’Quarian Easter took the ball up the middle for a 65 yard touchdown. Jake Pipes kicked the point after touchdown to make the score 7-0 early in the game. The Knight defense was strong as usual and forced Bastrop into a 3 and out. After the punt, the Knights’ offense took over deep in their own territory. The Knights took over on their own 11 yard line and, with a good mix of passing and running, drove out to the Rams’ 45. From there, Jackson took the ball on a sweep around the left side for the Knights’ second touchdown of the night. Pipes, again, added the PAT to make the score 14-0 in the first quarter. On their next possession, the Rams found something by running the quarterback. Three big runs took Bastrop deep into North Webster territory before Brayden Parrish stripped the ball at the Knights’ 20 yard line.

The Knights split the workload with Jackson, Easter, and Jeramiah Washington each picking up big yards on the ground. Then, Stewart found Braylon Washington for 34 yard pitch and catch up the right sideline. Washington’s catch took the ball down to the 10 yard line where the Knights faced first and goal. Jackson completed the drive with a 2 yard run for the touchdown to make the score 20-0 Knights. Bastrop was able to move the ball down inside North Webster territory to the 40 yard line before the defense stiffened and presented Bastrop with a 4th and long from the Knights’ 40 yard line. Bastrop lined up in an offensive formation, but the quarterback punted from the formation and pinned the Knights on their own 8 yard line. Undeterred by the bad field position, Stewart found Jerdin Gill for a 27 yard pass. A horse collar penalty tacked onto the end of the run gave the Knights the ball at midfield. After picking up one more first down, the Knights’ offense stalled. They were forced to punt from the 40 yard line. Deaken Whitlock placed the punt perfectly, and the ball was downed inside the Bastrop 1 yard line. Bastrop was able to move the ball out to the 15 but were forced to punt from there. North Webster took over at the Rams’ 40 yard line late in the first half. The Knights seemed to have something going when Stewart picked up 25 on first down, but the play was called back for holding. After a couple of passes and a big run by Jackson, the Knights had the ball on the 20 with less than a minute remaining in the half. However, Bastrop intercepted a pass on the 15 to end the threat. Bastrop seemed content to go into the half trailing 20-0 until they found a streaking receiver down the left side. The Knights’ prevent defense did exactly what it was designed to do, and Jeramiah Washington made the tackle with no time left on the clock. At the half, the Knights led 20-0.

Bastrop took the opening kickoff of the second half and marched right down the field. They seemed to find a chink in the Knights’ defense by throwing to the running back out of the backfield. The scored on a short pass to the back out of the backfield and converted to the two point conversion to make the score 20-8 early in the 3rd quarter. The Knights answered with a long drive down to the Bastrop 28. From there, Easter finished off the scoring drive with a 28 yard touchdown run on a sweep around the left side. Jeremiah Washington added the two point conversion to make the score 28-8 late in the 3rd period.

Bastrop tried to answer, but an interception by Chandler McKenzie on the Knights’ 30 yard line thwarted the Rams drive. The Knights took over on the 30 with about 11 minutes left in the game and a 20 point lead. On their next drive, North Webster did not score but did exactly what they needed to do. The Knights ate up all but a minute of the final period on a 10 minute drive down to the Bastrop 2 yard line where they were stopped on a 4th down and goal play. Bastrop was left with less than a minute to go from their own 2 yard line. After two running plays, the final horn blew to give the Knights a 28-8 win. Next week, the Knights travel back to Monroe to face Sterlington in another district 1-3A battle.

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By Travis Chapman

The Glenbrook Apaches traveled to Cedar Creek ready to battle, and battle they did. Unfortunately, between untimely turnovers and a few flags that had Apache fans scratching their heads, the Cougars found enough extra lives to come away with a 35-15 victory.

Louie Collins, Ryan Reagan, and Colt Jellum came out swinging on defense, making big tackles early. Just when the Apaches appeared to get a stop on fourth down, a flag gave the Cougars new life, and they punched it in from the 3-yard line. The Apaches weren’t getting many breaks, but they weren’t making excuses either.

Davis Powell delivered a huge tackle for loss to help force a punt, but another controversial call helped Cedar Creek extend its lead. The Apaches needed a spark, and Braxton Tibbitt delivered a dart to the back of the end zone, where Carson Powell climbed above two defenders and came down with a spectacular touchdown grab. Louie Collins added the two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 14-8.

The Apache defense came up with another turnover with just 1:07 left in the half, giving Glenbrook a chance to make things happen AND get the ball back in the second half, but ran two plays and took it into halftime trailing 14-8.

Cedar Creek stretched its lead in the second half, but Ryan Reagan had other plans. Taking a direct snap, Reagan found daylight and raced 65 yards to the end zone, reminding everyone that the Apaches still had some bite left.

The Cougars ultimately pulled away, 35-15, as turnovers proved costly for Glenbrook. But the scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story. The Apaches kept playing hard, kept competing, and kept their composure through the frustrating moments.

Sometimes the ball bounces funny, the flags fly faster than the football, and the scoreboard doesn’t cooperate. But how a team responds says more than any final score ever could.

The Apaches may have left Cedar Creek with a loss, but they left with their effort, toughness, and sportsmanship intact. And that’s a foundation worth building on.

The Apaches are still sitting in the top 20 in power rankings with a playoff run up for grabs!Join us next week as the fighting Apaches host Northwood-Lena from way down I-49. 7pm kick, but show up early and stay late to root on the Apaches!! Keep plugging men! Keep working hard. Take care of the small things and the big things will fall into place!

FAMILY ON THREE!!!

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By Travis Chapman

3rd & 4th Grade: Apaches 26, Warriors 0

The Little Apaches traveled to Lakeside and came out on top in the season finale.

Liam Hulk Hurley, Cruisin Cash Roden, Joltin Jett Jones, Captain Case Parker, and Brooks Lightening Lewis helped set the tone with tackles for loss before Lewis found Nasty Nash Leonard for a 55-yard touchdown strike. Nash Leonard followed with a perfectly executed 30-yard reverse to pay dirt, and Lewis later called his own number to punch in another score. By halftime, Glenbrook had built a commanding 20-0 lead.

The second half brought more Apache fireworks, including a 60-yard pitch-and-catch from Hammering Hayes McCollough to Winnie Winston McCain. Mega-Man-Noah Minter added an interception, while the defense kept the Warriors searching for answers.

The Apaches cruised to a 26-0 victory, and the younger players got valuable snaps in the fifth quarter. Big tackles, big runs, and plenty of smiles from both sides showed that the future is bright.

5th & 6th Grade: Apaches 24, Warriors 8

If the 3rd and 4th graders brought the fireworks, the older Apaches brought demolition equipment—and the Wrecking Crew clocked in to do work.

Waylon Chapman, Maddox Tibbitt, and Miles McCullough opened holes so enormous that the Israelites could have crossed the Red Sea through them with room for traffic in both directions! Awesome Austin Ramsey took advantage, running for a touchdown, while Jackson Shipp turned on the jets for a 30-yard scoring run that left all 11 Warriors wondering if somebody had pulled the fire alarm. It was shake and bake and Shipp helped!!

The Apache defense was equally nasty. Sky Man Skyler Malone made his presence felt, Wild Wes Campbell delivered back-to-back tackles for loss, and Titan Tate Mandino nearly turned an interception into six points. Ice Cold Cullen Adkins took a handoff and cruised untouched into the end zone behind—you guessed it—the Wrecking Crew.

Then came the bittersweet part.

For the sixth graders, this was their final ride together in the elementary Apache uniform. And what a way to finish. Action Jackson Shipp ran like the cops were chasing him, delivered punishing tackles, and spent the evening turning the highlight reel into his personal property. Meanwhile, the offensive line kept opening holes big enough to require their own zip codes.

The Warriors managed a late score with stellar running from the blistering Carter White, but the Apaches answered the challenge and closed out a hard-fought 24-8 victory. If you were in attendance Thursday night in Sibley, you witnessed two future PHENOMS at running back and defensive back in Carter White and Jackson Shipp. These boys punch way above their weight. Their speed, agility, and ability to change directions mirrors that of Barry Sanders running the ball, and Primetime Deon Sanders on defense. It would be wise to keep your eyes on both of these stellar young men as their careers grow and prosper!

For the sixth graders, the final whistle meant more than a win. It marked the end of tons of practices on the hill, battles, big hits, jukes and memories made wearing the Elementary Apache jersey. Most of these boys we’ve had since second grade and they’ve grown leaps and bounds, and while the scoreboard will eventually fade, the brotherhood built along the way never will.

Signing off for this season, but fear not we will be back on the hill the first week of August to train and work hard for the next up and coming group of Apaches!

FAMILY ON THREE!!

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By Pat Culverhouse –

Minden’s Crimson Tide ran into a one-man buzz saw Friday when Northwood quarterback Peyton Boone accounted for four touchdowns as his Falcons raced to a 55-20 win.

Boone ran for a pair of scores and had two TD passes to lead Northwood to the District 1-4A win over the Tide. Northwood now stands at 3-4 for the season and 2-1 in district play. The Tide falls to 2-2 in conference play and 5-2 overall.

Northwood scored on its first four possessions of the game to run up a 27-0 early second quarter lead. Boone scored first on a 39-yard run and after Caden Stewart pushed in from three yards out, Boone connected on a 17-yard scoring pass to Erus McHenry.

Minden broke into the scoring column in the second quarter when Jardon Carey hauled in a 41-yard scoring toss from sophomore quarterback Kaiden King. Northwood then scored on its next two possessions and the Falcons led 41-6 at the half.

Minden’s final scores came when Ian Clark and King connected on a 17-yard scoring pass in the third quarter and King hit Abreon Curry on a 50-yard TD toss toward the end of the fourth quarter.

Boone accounted for more than half of Northwood’s 366-yard offensive output for the game, rushing seven times for 96 yards and hitting eight of 12 pass attempts for 104 yards.

Tide runners found the going tough, accounting for just 53 net yards rushing on 27 attempts. King had a good passing night with 17 completions in 26 throws for 217 yards and three scores.

Curry caught three passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, Clark caught three for 56 yards and a score and Jardon Carey had two catches for 41 yards and one touchdown.

Next action for the Tide comes Friday when the Southwood Cowboys come calling for another District 1-4A game. Friday’s game will also be the Tide Homecoming.

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