Northshore Media Group — Touchdowns & Tailgates 2023

TOUCHDOWNS

LION UP!

Written by Blake Esta

Heading into the 2023 season, Southeastern Louisiana University is ranked 11th in the Athlon Sports FCS Pre-Season Poll. Since taking over as head coach of the Lions in 2018, Frank Scelfo promised a team that would be able to compete nationally and a team that would be consistent in that effort. In 2022 fans got to see the culmination of that promise. After coming up short in several previous attempts, Coach Scelfo delivered the first of what figures to be many Southland Conference Championships.

Make no mistake about it, Southeastern has been good enough to win in each of the last four seasons, finishing in the top 25 every year, an accomplishment only two other programs in the country can stake claim to. 2022 wasn’t a miracle year among the pedestrian, it was just the year that the talent, depth, and coaching all reached their peak in unison to bring home the hardware. Coach Scelfo has amassed a 34-23 record while going 25-13 in the Southland Conference in his first five seasons in Hammond.

Circling back to Coach Scelfo’s promise of national notoriety for this program; being ranked 11th heading into the season, the highest of any Southland Conference team shows the rest of the country has learned what Lions fans have known for a few years. Under Frank Scelfo, Southeastern is a team you can count on being a part of post-season discussions year-in and year-out. Southeastern made the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, only missing in the abbreviated spring season of 2021 by one game. Additionally, the Lions have been lethal when playing in Strawberry Stadium since 2018 going 16-6 with a perfect 3-0 record in playoff games played in Hammond.

The last piece to being a nationally viable program is contending for a National Championship. Each of Southeastern’s playoff appearances have gone the same, a big win at home followed by a tough loss on the road in round two. Last year, however, felt different. In 2019 Southeastern fell 78-23 to Montana; in 2021 James Madison handled the Lions 59-20; and in both games Southeastern looked like they didn’t belong on the same field as the FCS elite. Last year, it was a nail-biting, tough overtime loss on the road at #8 Samford. Beyond the score being closer, there was just a different look, a team that belonged. The same team that also gave eventual National Semi-finalist Incarnate Word their lone loss in the regular season.

So, as we get ready for the birth of a new season, expect a team that will contend for a repeat of Southland Conference champions. Expect a team that will contend for a home playoff game, with hopes to get past the 2nd round. Perhaps, we’ll even see a team do what the North Dakota, Appalachian State, and South Dakota's of the FCS have done with regularity. Take down an FBS program enroute to making a statement for the nation to see. Southeastern kicks off the 2023 season on the road in Starkville, Mississippi on September 2nd against Mississippi State.

FOOTBALL

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

INDEPENDENCE

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

SPRINGFIELD

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

FISHER

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

RIVERDALE

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

PINE

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

HOME (NON-DISTRICT) 7 PM

AMITE HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

# 1

Coach Legoria, I hope it’s been a productive summer for Albany Despite the heat, how do you feel with where things stand right now?

I feel pretty good We've had great participation and kids that work really, really hard This has probably been our hardest summer workout we've had since I've been an assistant and the head coach here, so I think we've had a great summer

# 2

Last year was your first as Head Coach for the Hornets What have you been able to take away from your year of experience?

To prepare even more. We were limited in coaches last year, and we could only do so much Now, we've added another staff member Preparation and on-field adjustments are the kind of things that we are going to have to be a little bit better at this year than we were last year But it was a great first year, and we are looking forward to this upcoming year.

# 3

Last year saw a return to the playoffs for Albany What do you define as better in 2023?

A better record We want to have more wins We went six and five last year, so we started off pretty slow. I think we need to get off to a better start to the season this year, and if we can do that, then I think it will carry over from week to week. So that’s where we need to get better We need to turn some of those early losses into W's and get it rolling from there

# 4

Do you have a message for fans heading into the year?

I think that they're going to see an exciting team I think we're going to be well prepared and well-conditioned, and I think the offense is still going to be pretty potent like it was last year Our quarterback is returning, and I think we're going to be able to throw it a lot more than we did last year and be a little more of a higher octane-type team

FOOTBALL

HAMMOND HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

LORANGER

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. HELENA

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

METAIRIE PARK COUNTRY DAY

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

KENTWOOD

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

BOGALUSA

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

PINE HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ALBANY

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

STERLINGTON HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

SUMNER HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

1

Coach Powell, always a pleasure to get to speak with you. How are things looking in Warrior Country?

First and foremost, thank you for the opportunity to come on and do an interview for your publication. Everything is looking pretty good in these summer months for Amite Kids are excited, coaches are excited, and the community is excited We're just ready for the fall season to take off here in few weeks.

# 2

Fair or not, it feels like Amite gets graded harsher than most programs in this area Granted that is a testament to the success you've had, but do you feel any added pressure to win a state championship?

When I was hired in 2015, I started talking to people in the community and to previous coaches, and also coach Alden Foster

It was explained to me from day one; it's a state championship or nothing in Amite That's pretty much the expectation To be honest with y'all, any coach worth his salt would want to step into a situation where there is pressure and where there is a drive to be top five or top ten in the state, year in and year out, with expectations to win the state championship That’s something that I welcome, my kids welcome it, my coaches welcome it, and it's something that we look forward to each and every year; to try and chase Poydras St in New Orleans

# 3

I'm curious, being a coach as long as you have, what's the biggest difference you've noticed in today's athletes compared to when you first started?

After coaching for 23 years, I would say social media In the year 2000, you had Twitter and MySpace, and all that stuff was just coming out and we really weren't using it like we are today. The instant gratification, likes and all that stuff is part of it We must evolve and adapt If you're not adapting, you're getting left behind Social media is something I'm still getting used to. I'm only 45, so just seeing it from 2000 up until now, and how social media has evolved with our athletes and various programs like football, basketball, baseball, whatever, that's been one of the biggest differences I've seen since I’ve been coaching.

Do you have a message for the fans about 2023? # 4

Effort, Effort, Effort It is one of the main things that we've been chomping on since we were eliminated last year in the semifinals It’s going to take mental effort in a classroom, physical effort in the weight room and our speed and conditioning, and community effort. Being a good son and being a decent, upstanding, young man within our community When they to come see us play on Friday night, they'll see a team that is going to be playing with max effort.

I have dedicated my adult life to community service and making things better for the people of Ponchatoula, Hammond, and the Northshore area.

It has been an honor to serve as your State Representative for District 73, and now I’m asking for the opportunity to be your voice in the Louisiana State Senate.

As your State Senator from District 37, I will continue my fight for our people and our values, and I will always be your conservative voice in Baton Rouge.

As a veterinarian, husband, father, and grandfather, I understand the challenges we are facing in our state today and realize the courage needed to address them.

I’d be honored to have your prayers and your vote in the upcoming election. God bless!”

Dedicated And Proven Leadership

؞ Reducing government waste and protecting taxpayers

؞ Fully funding law enforcement

؞ Promoting smart economic growth

؞ Improving education

؞ Ensuring available and affordable healthcare

؞ Improving vital roads and bridges

؞ Protecting Lake Maurepas and our natural resources

Dr. Bill Wheat for State Senate

my

Ben's Ford

FOOTBALL

FRANKLIN ACADEMY

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

NEWTON COUNTY ACADEMY

AWAY 7 PM

CHRISTIAN COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

HILLCREST CHRISTIAN

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

TENSAS ACADEMY

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) TBD

# 1

Coach Pittman, you’re heading into year four now as head coach for the Eagles. How are things looking as we talk today?

Things are looking better than they have in the past With the past two years, we've kind of had some growing pains, but we have some kids starting for us that are juniors and seniors who have been starting the past two or three years I'm excited about that and what that is going to look like.

# 2

For those unfamiliar, you guys play 8-man football What’s the biggest difference for someone only familiar with 11 on 11?

I think the biggest difference is the space on the field It’s a lot of ground you have to cover. Offense, to me, doesn’t really change a whole lot You lose two linemen and a skills guy, whether it be a receiver or a running back, whatever you want to line up in But, defensively, it’s straight-man coverage all night. That makes it extremely difficult, especially when you’re playing a team that has better athletes than you do.

# 3

You’ve been to the playoffs twice in your first three years. What is success defined as for you in 2023?

I’d love to make it all the way, to be honest with you. This group of seniors I have started with me as freshmen They got to experience our first year ever making the playoffs as freshmen, then they missed out on it their 10th-grade year, but then last year, they made it back Although we really should have made it to the second-round last year, we didn't play our best game in the first round. But I think we have a good shot to make the legit run at it, to be honest with you

# 4

Do you have a message for fans before the season gets rolling?

I’d like to thank them for the support that they've given us the past four years of me being the head coach, and just to tell them to be excited for this season because I think it's going to be a lot of fun this year.

H E A D C O A C H

D

FOOTBALL

RIVERSIDE ACADEMY

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 5:30 PM

FRANKLINTON

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

SLIDELL

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

SALMEN

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

JOHN EHRET

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

CHALMETTE

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

AMITE

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

SUMNER

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

PINE

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ALBANY

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

# 1

Thank you for taking some time to catch us up with the Lumberjacks Coach Crutchfield How do you feel about the team where we sit today?

We’ve got a lot of unknowns, but we do have one known and that is Ashton Levi We expect him to be the leader on offense. As for the unknowns, we are working on skillsets, and we’re going to figure that out and get better day-by-day

# 2

You had an incredible year last year with only one loss in the regular season, and a district championship How would you define improvement for the 2023 season?

We have to build off of that. It didn’t end the way we wanted it to. It is a new year and we get a clean slate to try to right some wrongs and hopefully set ourselves up for the post season to try to do some damage

# 3

You guys start the season with four consecutive games on the road. What challenges are you expecting as a result of not playing at home for a month into the season?

You’ve got to be able to win games on the road That will be a barometer to look at and see how well we do Those particular games have some heavy hitters, but it will be a good measuring stick. Then when we come home, we host Amite We wouldn’t want it any other way, and we’ll see what we’re made of real early

# 4

Do you have a message for fans about the 2023 season you’d like to share?

Just that you’re going to get some kids that just want to play ball and have some fun. I tell them that they’re making memories. We’re looking forward to the year We’re excited, the community is excited The kids worked really hard this summer, so we’ll see what the season has for us and we’ll let it play itself out.

Bowling Green

B u c c a n e e r s

FOOTBALL

11

AUG SEP

# 1

Coach Johnson, your season gets started earlier than most around here Taking part in the MAIS, the Buccaneers hit the field for the first time August 11th. How ready would you say your team is as we speak today?

e've had a good off season, but there's no conditioning like playing a game You think you’re ready to hit the field and then you find out at you’re not, and it’s the third game before you are conditioned ough to play at the level that you should But going back to your estion, we have had summer workouts with high participation, and e’ve incorporated cardiovascular, strength, and mental training pects into all of our offseason programs. At this point right now, we el pretty good about the kind of shape our kids are in.

# 2

You stepped away from coaching for a few years, but now you're back as a head coach. First, what's the most challenging aspect of being away from the game and returning, and secondly, how is it taking over as the new leader of a program?

CHRISTIAN COLLEGIATE

HOME (NON -CONFERENCE) 7 PM

SILLIMAN

AUG SEP

AWAY (NON -CONFERENCE) 7 PM

ST. PATRICK HOME (NON -CONFERENCE) 7 PM

The greatest thing is being back in football. I stepped away when my brother, who was an assistant coach of mine, passed away at 48 years old It kind of sent a shock through our family, and I had to deal with that situation As far as coming back and taking the reins of another program; it feels like the old saying, “You don't forget how to ride a bike ” It feels good to be back up on that bike Being part of a team and being around those young men is something I've done all of my life, so it just feels natural to be back in that role again

CENTRAL HINDS

AWAY (NON -CONFERENCE) 7 PM

WAYNE ACADEMY AWAY (CONFERENCE) 7 PM

COLUMBIA HOME (CONFERENCE) 7 PM

# 3

For fans, a positive win-loss record, or a district championship may be their definition of a successful season. What's yours?

# 4 23 15

01 SEP 22 13

29 SEP OCT

AMITE SCHOOL CENTER

SEP 06 OCT

AWAY (CONFERENCE) 7 PM

CENTERVILLE HOME (CONFERENCE) 7 PM

OAK FOREST HOME (NON-CONFERENCE) 7 PM

You hate to come out as a coach and say that your goal is to win a state championship But if that's not your goal as a coach, then you're not striving for your team to be the best That's always the bar that is set for my team. With the kind of guys we have on our team and the community, I think the state championship is the goal for all of us. Whether we do that in year one or two, that's the goal.

We are a blue-collar, hard-working team. We are a uniquely-bonded group of brothers who play together and genuinely enjoy each other's company and being together. Throughout the years, when I've had teams that enjoy each other 's company that much, they play harder, well above their heads I look forward to showing our school and community what the Buccaneers are going to look like in 2023

TRACTORS

LAWN & FARM EQUIPMENT PARTS SALES SERVICE

Locally-Owned by the Ciolino Family

Franklinton

D e m o n s

FOOTBALL

24 AUG

PARKVIEW BAPTIST

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 :30PM

1

Coach Salt, hope you’re doing well today How are the demons looking a little over a month out from kickoff?

I think we're looking pretty good Franklinton has the best looking players in the district. The burden of proof is if we can BE what we look like I say this, with it being year one for me, that it's not year one for this program. Guy LeCompte did a great job setting expectations and a lot of heavy lifting in that locker room For us to get where Franklinton should be, which is in the Superdome, I'm going to be demanding and you take it as demanding and not demeaning. If we can get to that point and understand that we have plenty of talent to make a great season occur

# 2

This is your first year on the job with the Demons, but you have won a State Title in the past with East Jefferson among your stops,. What’s the hardest part of taking over at a new school?

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

COVINGTON

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

15

FOUNTAINEBLEAU

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

DENHAM SPRINGS

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

BELLE CHASSE

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

The first thing I told those guys was that I'm here because Coach Shane Smith wants to win a state championship That's the hardest part; making them understand and defining what winning is. Last year, they were four points away from being undefeated district champions -- a two-point loss to Salmen and a two-point loss to Lakeshore. They understand winning, they just don't understand the concept of championship-winning, and that is the hardest part Talking about winning the state championship -- let's be vocal about it, let's work towards it, and let's make that our mindset.

# 3

Franklinton made the playoffs a year ago but still looked a bit away from contending for a state title as they did in 2010 As a coach who’s been there, how far does this team have to come?

ARCHBISHOP HANNAN

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

08 29 OCT

06 27

PEARL RIVER

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

0CT

19

13 03

SALMEN HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

LORANGER HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

LAKESHORE AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

Well, I guess I'll know a little bit more when we get a real game under us, but I don't think it's that far off. I've maintained a philosophy as a coach my entire career that if you can run the football and your sound in the kicking game, then you're going to win Our offensive line is extremely talented. I don't think I've ever had an offensive line this good We have a great group of backs behind us, and our kicking game is really sound and solid, so I don't think we're that far away

They’ve been looking really good We have been having probably one of our better years since I've been here as far as workout attendance goes, and it's really paying off for the kids They've really bought into the summer program this year, and I've seen a lot of improvement

FOOTBALL

LIVE OAK AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 6 PM

AMITE

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

RIVERDALE HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

SOUTH TERREBONE HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

FOUNTAINEBLEAU AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. PAUL'S HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

SLIDELL HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

COVINGTON AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

NORTHSHORE HOME (DISTRICT) 8 PM

MANDEVILLE AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

PONCHATOULA HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

1

Coach Buckels, thank you for taking some time, and let's get started easy How are things looking right now for the Tornadoes?

Just getting better everyday. That's what I expect from my kids I think we're going to do that Right now, we are dealing with a lot of kids that don't have experience We only have ten seniors this year, but I’m excited to watch these kids grow as the year goes

# 2

Looking back to when you first took over as head coach of this program in 2020, is there anything that sticks out as a learning experience for you in that time?

Just the culture change You know, I know we needed that The kids coming together and the bond that we have now, not only between the players, but also with the coaches I feel like each year we'll continue to strive.

# 3

You know the state of the program and what it was when you took over. Expectations are probably lesser now coming off the playoffs. Do you feel any kind of pressure and expectations to get back into the playoffs?

It's no pressure to me. If we continue to get better daily, then I feel like we'll be there again As I said, we have younger guys in certain positions, such as quarterback. We have two freshmen that are battling for the position That's a key position But as I said, they're getting better as well. If we just continue getting better each day, we will be OK

# 4

Do you have a message for fans ahead of the season getting underway?

Most definitely. We want to make sure that the fans come out because we're going to try to continue to make sure that Tor Pride is there, and that we're doing what we're supposed to do as a team to get the fans out and to get the community out and have the community very excited

Independence

1

Thanks for taking some time, Coach Mikel. You've only recently been named the new head coach at Independence, but what's the most challenging part of taking over so late in the off-season?

I think the most challenging part is finding the kids that were on the team and getting them to summer workouts Then, being able to relay your message and your philosophies and the way you want to do things not only to the kids but the staff as well You're trying to do 12 months’ worth of work in six weeks is what it comes down to That would be the most challenging thing

FOOTBALL

AUG

SUMNER HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ALBANY

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

PINE

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

CATHOLIC OF POINTE COUPEE

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

PEARL RIVER

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

DELHI

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. HELENA

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

SPRINGFIELD

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

POPE JOHN PAUL II

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

# 2

Following your playing and coaching career, your expertise has been on the offensive line Is that going to be a big point of emphasis for you with the Tigers?

Games are won in the trenches So you can have all the skilled guys that you want, but if you don't have the big fellas to make the holes and clog the holes, you're not going to be very successful. Our program is going to be based on the big guys and getting them to be able to move not only their body weight but individuals We want smart kids on both sides of the ball I think that we will have a leg up on most people just from my experiences and our talented coaching staff These kids have four guys that know what they're doing and have done a really good job of learning and researching

# 3

This is your first time stepping into a head coach position at the high-school level What challenges are you expecting to face in your first season?

I think everybody thinks they're ready for the job, and then you sit in that chair and you're like, "Oh I didn't think about that." It's not the kids, it's not the parents, it's not the x’s and o’s, it's not scheduling bus drivers or anything of that nature. It's trying to logistically fit everybody into our space that in the past has had the availability to the space Everybody's coming from different backgrounds and different situations, and you have to put that together Personality and logistics are the most challenging

# 4

Do you have a message for fans about the Independence Tigers for 2023?

Yeah, I do! It’s going to be an exciting brand of football We're going to love playing the game, we're going to give you tons of effort, and we're going to answer the call no matter what we do Whether it's in the community, the classroom, the weight room, or the football field we're going to answer it and it's going to be fun and electrifying

FOOTBALL

SEP SEP

Kentwood

K a n g a r o o s

Coach Foster, thank you for taking some time with us. Kickoff of the 2023 season is right around the corner. How are the Kangaroos looking as we speak today?

Oh man, it's a blessing to be the head coach at Kentwood because there's just something in the water We should have a great year because we have 17-18 returning starters and a big senior class I remember my mentor, Coach Chris, said you are going to win state championships with seniors, and we have a lot of seniors, so hopefully they can translate that into a lot of success come December.

# 2

Last season you guys moved back down to Class 1A What were the biggest challenges you noticed while competing in 2A, and what were you able to take away from that?

We play a lot of Iron Man football; we don't have the luxury of trotting 11 for offense and 11 for defense We have the majority of our kids going both ways because you don't want to play a freshman That's the only thing when you get up in classification, there is the dip. We just don’t have the dip. You get one player hurt and you're losing an offensive, defensive, and special teams player .We’re blessed to be competing against 1A teams

SEP SEP

LORANGER AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM SUMNER HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

# 3

15 SEP 06 27

EAST FELICIANA HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

WALKER AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM AMITE HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

THRIVE ACADEMY AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

You’ve seen a lot of winning teams in your time at Kentwood How early can you typically tell whether or not you’re working with a special team that year?

# 4 08 29

OCT OCT

When we play Amite We have Amite week five and if we can beat Amite and compete with them, then that translates to playing deep in December I love to play Amite, I’m from Amite, and it’s a good rivalry with the kids because they know each other It's just awesome when playing them because there are these big crowds, and you make a lot of money. Everything about the Amite game, I like. So, like I said, when we play Amite, if we can play with them and hang with them or beat them, that means we have a state championship team

12 03

0CT NOV

MCDONOGH 35 AWAY (NON-DISTRICT) 7 PM

20 OCT

SLAUGHTER HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

SOUTHERN LAB HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

CENTRAL PRIVATE AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

Oh, we’re going to have a lot of fun this year Kangaroo football is special. The lights, the city shuts down on Friday nights in Kentwood, and we have a great team that’s just special. We're looking forward to this year.

FOOTBALL

HOME (JAMBOREE) 7:30 PM

KENTWOOD

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

AMITE

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

GLEN OAKS

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

LIBERTY HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

PEARL RIVER

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

LAKESHORE

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ARCHBISHOP HANNAN HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

FRANKLINTON AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

SALMEN HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

# 1

Thanks for taking some time to join us Coach Messina It's a little over a month until the 2023 season kicks-off. How do you feel at this point heading into the season?

I feel really good We've had a great summer with workouts and have come off a really, really good spring Our numbers are up and so is attendance. Our workouts have been exceptional, so hopefully, that carries into the 1st of August and to the start of our season.

# 2

One of the oldest adages in sports is that championships are won and lost in the off-season. As a coach, what are your thoughts on this belief and is there any moment in your career that has reinforced your belief either way?

ink it reinforces every year In getting to the season, the hardest t is to keep kids motivated and interested in working for something t takes a long time In other sports like baseball and basketball, en in track and field, they can go out there anytime and find a track et all year long or they can play on a travel baseball team 12 nths out of the year. In high school football, it’s one of those things where there's a lot of work involved; there's eight months of work for a four-month season If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to sacrifice your time and give the effort in those eight months to hopefully reach the rewards in the season

# 3

You’ve seen almost all you could during your time at Loranger, from undefeated seasons to winless Are wins always a good reflection on the job done that year?

Not always Some of the teams that didn't win as many games might have been the best job coaching that our staff and I have ever done We kept kids interested, we kept kids playing, and we played with a lot of young kids It goes in cycles in public school This year we'll have 17 seniors, and then it'll progress up from there It’s having kids grow up and fighting through the cycle. It takes time and patience.

# 4

Do you have a message for Wolves fans about the 2023 season?

Wolves’ fans, get excited! We're excited to get going We've got some young and talented players, and we're really excited about the direction that we're headed in and look forward to getting started for real in the first week of August. So come out and see the Wolves play. It’s going to be exciting

Oak Forest

FOOTBALL

18 AUG

EAST RANKIN ACADEMY HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

MADISON-RIDGELAND

1

Coach Misita, thanks for taking some time today We’re about a month away from the Yellowjackets taking the field, how do you feel right now about where your team is at?

st a core group of seniors last year who were really good players especially up front in those trenches. Right now, we're trying to out those five guys on the offensive line, and what they can do. that'll bring us to where we need to be. Defensively, I feel very rtable with what we have A lot of starters are coming back, and young guys play the D line We have a good group of guys with 11 s and a great junior class coming up

# 2

Being able to win a state championship is the ultimate goal, and last year you did just that What would it mean to you and this program to be able to repeat that accomplishment?

BROOKHAVEN

SEP 15 SEP 06 13 OC 0CT 20 OC

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7:27 PM

It's never happened in school history, a back-to-back championship win There have been three championships in the last 54 years To be able to go back-to-back, I tell the kids everyday that they’re going to have to find their new identity for this year's team Last year, we found the identity after an 0-3 start, so that's something we need to do earlier this year. That's kind of what we've challenged our guys throughout the summer practices and workouts -- to start fast in finding our identity and remembering who we are, and what type of football we’d like to play

ADAMS COUNTY CHRISTIAN HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

HARTFIELD HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

PARKLANE

AWAY (NON-DISTRICT) 7 PM

BOWLING GREEN

AWAY (NON-DISTRICT) 7 PM

SILLIMAN INSTITUTE AWAY (DISTRICT) TBD

# 3

# 4 01 AUG SEP

Can you tell at this point right before the season starts whether or not this team has what it takes, or do you find that out during the season?

It always takes me three to four games to really figure out what this team is able to do I think we do have the talent, but we are young up front which is a big challenge for us We have a tough schedule this year, and we play MRA week two, which would be a big team and a big game for us So with being under the tail where we stand at that point, I think will kind of showcase what we have for the rest of the year.

You're going to find a physical team that's tough, in shape, and that's going to work hard and get to the ball on the defensive side of the ball. They’ll see constant effort, which is something we always preach It starts in the summer months and even in the spring, and I think they'll be excited to see a team that is not just complacent about winning one game, but that's going to strive to win another

2024 Toyota Highlander

FOOTBALL

POPE JOHN PAUL HOME (NON -DISTRICT) TBA

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN HOME (NON -DISTRICT) TBA

VARNADO HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM INDEPENDENCE HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

PEARL RIVER AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

LIVINGSTON HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

EAST IBERVILLE HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ALBANY HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM AMITE AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM SUMNER HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM BOGALUSA AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM WEST ST. JOHN

# 1

Thank you, Coach Seal, for joining me. With where things currently stand, how are things looking for the Raiders in 2023?

We have a lot of our team from last year returning. I mean, we're not where we need to be just yet, but at this point, I like where we are.

# 2

Last year, Pine moved up from 2A to 3A. Now, with a year's experience, what was the biggest challenge in the move up, and what were you able to take away from that?

I don't think it was a single game With schools like Amite, Bogalusa, Sumner and Albany, we were used to those teams already. There’s no easy win in the district. If you're not prepared to play every week, you're going to get beat I think that that's what the biggest thing is, just week to week showing up to play in our district because there's no team you can circle and say let’s get off the bus and win this one

# 3

You've been to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, falling short in the first round. What would mean more to this program, a district championship, or getting over that 1st round hump?

Ultimately, you focus on winning the district But right now, we focus on getting off to a fast start at non-district. You just take it week by week Winning playoff games has a different feel to it, you know? Making it to a district championship is awesome. We won one a couple of years ago back and that's huge, but I think to be playing at Thanksgiving and after is the ultimate goal

Do you have a message for fans heading into the year?

I think we’re going to play good football. We have a lot of experience on this team, and barring injury, I think we're going to have a really, really good season.

FOOTBALL

WALKER HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

DUTCHTOWN AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

COVINGTON AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

NORTHSHORE AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

MANDEVILLE HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

SLIDELL AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

FOUNTAINEBLEAU AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. PAUL'S HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

HAMMOND AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

# 1

Hello, Coach Willie. How are you doing today, and more importantly for our readers, how are the Ponchatoula Green Wave looking today?

Right now, in the summer, it's really hot so we're trying to battle around that. We go practice early in the morning about 8:00 o'clock and we lift, and we do some stuff outside I think we’re heading in the right direction as a football program As a football team, you know we had a great spring in the weight room and in our spring ball I’m excited to see the next step that we can take with this team

# 2

You’re a veteran now with a year as head coach under your belt. What has been the biggest learning experience since stepping into your new role, what were you able to take away from that?”

Yes, I’ve learned it's not as much coaching football as it is dealing with certain situations, whether it be with schools, the team, or even the booster club I'm fortunate to have a good booster club and a good administration, you know, and I guess the familiarity with all the coaches being together because a lot of them were new coaches last year.

# 3

You moved into the head coaching position after the best season Ponchatoula had in decades, how has being a part of that season rubbed off on the coach you are today?

I don't think I really changed that much because I've always believed that you have to coach hard in every situation every year, and that is a little bit easier when you have really good players After last year, we didn't have as good a season as we would have expected and what we wanted to have, but you just continue to coach hard, and you keep on working the kids harder. These kids, they just want to be worked and want to be shown love -- they want to be successful They’re a bunch of competitors

# 4

Do you have a message for the Green Wave faithful about the 2023 season?

I mean I always tell our kids we're just going to compete. We're a bunch of competitors, so I'd say that we're coming to compete and we're coming to win every game That's our goal The 5-6 season is behind us, so you know I got a lot of high expectations for these kids, and they've been accepting the challenge all right

24

AUG

HAYNES ACADEMY

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ASCENSION CHRISTIAN HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ALBANY HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

SLAUGHTER

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

29

CENTRAL PRIVATE HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

INDEPENDENCE

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. HELENA

AHOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

POPE JOHN PAUL II HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

# 1

B u l l d o g s

Coach Serpas, we’re just over a month out from kickoff. How are the Bulldogs looking?

# 2

You’ve been at Springfield for over a decade now. In your opinion, can you tell now if this is the makings of a special team or does that come once the season starts?

I really think that time will tell more than not, but I do think that we have the makeup of doing some great things this year We kind of went through some bumps last year and ended up having some injuries, but because of those injuries, a lot of younger kids got a lot of playing time, which I think is going to pay huge dividends for the upcoming season

# 3

You’ve been through a lot with the Springfield community. From storms to the pandemic, have you noticed these off the field tragedies helping you as a coach at all?

They’ve been looking really good We have been having probably one of our better years since I've been here as far as workout attendance goes, and it's really paying off for the kids They've really bought into the summer program this year, and I've seen a lot of improvement I can just say that they have been very trying times and that you learn a little bit from each thing that you go through There have been some good things that we have been able to learn about ourselves, and then there's been some things that we've had to try to learn to try to get better at as well. By being a part of this community for as long as I have, Springfield is definitely a special place and there's a reason why I stayed here for so long working for great people and being a part of this community with the people here. I am just honored to represent them.

# 4

It should be an exciting one, and we hope to have a lot of people in the bleachers and a lot of support this year with all the returning starters that we have. We really think that this can be a great year to get us back on top. This team has the potential to do great things and set the school year off on a great note.

T h e t a r p e x p e r t s w i t h k n o w l e d g e a n d i n n o v a t i o n f o r y o u r a g r i c u l t u r a l , e n v i r o n m e n t a l , a n d a t h l e t i c c o v e r s .

Y o u r p r e m i e r s o u r c e f o r c u s t o m t a r p s a n d c o v e r s f o r a n y i n d u s t r y . L e t u s c r e a t e a p e r f e c t f i t f o r y o u r j o b s i t e .

T h e p a c k a g i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l s f o r s e a f o o d , p r o d u c e , a n d r e s t a u r a n t s . S h o p l o c a l f o r y o u r p a c k a g i n g s u p pl i e s .

22 08 29

SUMNER

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ASSUMPTION

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

AMITE

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

LIVE OAK

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) TBD

LAFAYETTE RENAISSANCE

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

INDEPENDENCE

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

SPRINGFIELD

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

POPE JOHN PAUL II

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

St. Helena

H a w k s

Thank you for allowing us to get caught up with the Hawks, Coach Gordon. How do you feel about your team right now?

Just putting in the work and getting the guys to learn the schemes, trusting the schemes, taking the coaching, and getting better every day. I believe that as we continue to show up and put the work in, we'll be just fine

2

You’re in your second year now as head coach after coming over from Amite. What were you able to take away from your first year? Was there a big challenge that stood out to you?

Most definitely Being a coordinator all the time and going in as a head coach, you definitely have to keep in mind that it’s more of a pastoral type of deal I can't come in and just say what I want to say. I have to make sure I love on the kids so that they show up tomorrow.

# 3

You made the playoffs year 1, but I’m sure you have goals of making a deeper push in the playoffs What will it take for this team to make that run?

It’s about buying into what we're doing, understanding our philosophy, keeping it simple, playing fast, playing physically, and just understanding that whatever we want to do, we want to do it together We had some success last year I can't say it was ahead of schedule, but I think that the longer the season glides, the kids start to believe in what we are doing So to be able to have a full season and an off season, I think it's just about putting it together, and I'm excited about what we can do this year

# 4

Just come out and support. Those kids feed off the energy that you give them We're trying to build something; Hawk Nation has had its moments where they have really gotten behind the team in the past so I would ask if they do that same thing this year The sky’s the limit of what those guys can do, and it would be great to have a packed stadium on Friday nights

FOOTBALL

RIVERSIDE

AHOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

EPISCOPAL

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

PONCHATOULA

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

LORANGER

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

ARCHBISHOP HANNAN

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

POPE JOHN PAUL II

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. HELENA

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

INDEPENDENCE

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

SPRINGFIELD HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

Saint Thomas Aquinas

# 1

Coach Mulhern, thanks for taking some time to catch us up with the Falcons How are you feeling about your team currently?

I'm feeling great, you know. I think it was important for me when coming in and with our staff that we wanted to try and make the goals small and manageable and really kind of build one little good thing on top of another I'm feeling very positive about it We have a lot of senior leadership that's really started to buy into the message and the culture that we're trying to produce here, and that's more than I could ask for right now because I know how that translates to success in the fall

# 2

You're a newcomer to not only St Thomas but Louisiana as a whole Has it been an easy transition for you and your family?

I think it has and I think that's a testament to Hammond in particular. This community has embraced my family, which has made this transition spectacular We love it; I love it culturally There's a bluecollar attitude to Hammond and that resonates very deeply with me, along with just the incredible families that make Saint Thomas Aquinas special It's like this perfect world where there are two things combined for an excellent school community, so they've been tremendously supportive of me and my vision

# 3

I've heard through the grapevine that you've had a great turnout for summer and that numbers are up compared to previous years Are you at all surprised to see how quickly young men are seemingly buying in?

I'm one of those people that you just kind of put faith into action. So to me, I just knew that if we were going to do things the right way, that we were going to expect some sort of positive result Just to be candid about it, the program finished with about 22-23 players on at the end of last fall and right now we're over 50, so to see that turn the corner the way it did has been just absolutely tremendous My favorite part, honestly, is to see those core guys that remained, how empowered they are to see this resurgence

# 4

Do you have a message you'd like to share with Falcons fans about the upcoming season?

We're very blessed and we're grateful that we have a community that is rallied around our vision and what we're trying to do - being a competitive football team and rewriting the story of what it means to be a Saint Thomas Aquinas football player We're going to rewrite this story together; that's the biggest thing I'm going to say about that

C o w b o y s

FOOTBALL

17 AUG

INDEPENDENCE

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 6 PM

# 1

Hello Coach Currier. Hope you're doing well today What’s your favorite part of this point in the year? Please do not say the heat.

I like watching the kids as they get a lot stronger, bigger, and faster. They come and they show up everyday, and they kind of light up on their faces when they do weights they weren't expecting to do If they don't come, you don't see that But when they show up everyday and they put in the work, they get results I just enjoy seeing that more than anything else I’m kind of a weight room guy

# 2

When I looked at your schedule, five straight home games in the middle of the year jumped out to me. I know every game is just as important as the other, but what are your thoughts on that stretch? Do you think it will be a defining point of the year, or are you not worried about it?

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

15

SOUTH PLAQUEMINES

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

EAST FELICIANA

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

HAYNES ACADEMY HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

I think our non-district schedule is pretty tough , especially the first four games It's kind of good, though, it'll get us battle-tested when we get to district because anybody can beat anybody in the district Our district is very competitive I think we'll know where we're at as a team by week three when we do have a home game It helps to have that little break where you don't have to travel for six weeks, too. The kids get into a routine, and having a routine is great for a high school season

# 3

I don’t want to say you’ve seen it all, but you’ve come close during your time at Sumner. In your experience, can you tell now if this is the makings of a special team, or does that come later?

08 28 OCT

05 27 13 03

SLAUGHTER HOME (NON-DISTRICT) 7 PM

20

BOGALUSA HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM PINE

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ALBANY HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

AMITE AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

It definitely comes later. We’ve been pretty solid every year, but this year we don't have a big senior class. We only have five seniors right now, so we're going to be young this year My young kids are talented, but they don't have a lot of game experience So every time I can get them on the field it's going to help get them battletested Then, when we get to district, the kids that are sophomores are playing like they're juniors or seniors It's good for the future, but early on, you know we could struggle a little bit

Let's go to work every day. That's what we preach - let's get better. It's not about how we start, we want to finish strong and finish the way we're supposed to We can't do that if we don't show up Go to work every day Let’s get better We just keep preaching that As long as we do that those guys will come along because they’re talented

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24 AUG

01

08 29

SPRINGFIELD AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

# 1

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# 2

Last s What playin

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

SLAUGHTER

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

JEFFERSON RISE CHARTER

AWAY (NON -DISTRICT) 2 PM

LIVINGSTON COLLEGIATE

HOME (NON -DISTRICT) 7 PM

Number us more and that than we as expe playing

06 27 13 03

WEST ST. JOHN

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

COHEN

HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

CRESCENT CITY CHRISTIAN

# 4 OCT

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

RIVERSIDE ACADEMY

AWAY (DISTRICT) 7 PM

ST. MARTIN'S EPISCOPAL HOME (DISTRICT) 7 PM

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Pub Beer Cheese

Honey Mustard–Pretzel Chicken

Ingredients:

Cooking spray

6 c.tiny pretzel twists

1/4 c French's Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, plus more for serving

2large eggs

1 1/4 lb.boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp.freshly ground black pepper

1/4 c.all-purpose flour

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425° Generously grease two rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray. In a large resealable plastic bag, crush pretzels with the back of a wooden spoon or rolling pin, until mixture is coarsely ground. Transfer to a shallow bowl

In another shallow bowl, whisk together honey mustard and egg In a medium bowl, season chicken with salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly with flour.

Dip each chicken piece in honey mustard mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll in pretzels, pressing in the pretzels with your fingers Transfer to prepared baking sheets in an even single layer and spray generously with cooking spray Bake, turning halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and pretzels are golden, 12 to 15 minutes Serve with more Honey Mustard

Garlic Bread

Hot Dogs

Ingredients:

1baguette

4hot dogs

1/4 c.melted butter

2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan

1Garlic clove, minced

2 tsp parsley, finely chopped

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°.

Step 2Trim ends of baguette, then cut remaining baguette into four even pieces. Using the back of a wooden spoon, hollow out baguette.

Step 3Slide hot dogs into baguette and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 4Mix melted butter with Parm, garlic, and parsley and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5Brush butter mixture onto baguette. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until hot dogs are cooked and baguette is golden. Serve.

pcakes

box hips, melted

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parchment paper entirely with pared baking sheet set, 10 minutes.

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I n d i v i d u a l & A C A H e a l t h P l a n s

• M e d i c a r e • D e n t a l • V i s i o n • L i f e

C o n f u s e d b y

H e a l t h I n s u r a n c e ?

W e A r e L O C A L A n d

W e C a n H e l p !

• K n o w l e d g e a b l e a n d

E x p e r i e n c e d A g e n t s

• W e p r o v i d e a d e t a i l e d

C o n f u s e d b y M e d i c a r e ?

F o r i n f o r m a t i o n c a l l o r v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e & s o c i a l m e d i a .

c o m p a r i s o n r e p o r t o f t h e t o p

p l a n s f o r Y O U i n y o u r a r e a .

• U n i q u e s o l u t i o n s t o l o w e r y o u r

o v e r a l l h e a l t h c a r e c o s t s

C a l l M e t o d a y !

L a u r e n F a n n a l y A g e n t

9 8 5 . 6 8 7 . 3 6 4 5

Lauren@louisianaseniorsadvisors.com

C M S R e q u i r e d D i s c l a i m e r : W e d o n o t o f f e r e v e r y p l a n a v a i l a b l e i n y o u r a r e a A n y i n f o r m a t i o n w e p r o v i d e i s l i m i t e d t o t h o s e p l a n s w e d o o f f e r i n y o u r a r e a P l e a s e c o n t a c t m e d i c a r e g o v o r 1 - 8 0 0 M e d i c a r e t o g e t i n f o r m a t i o n o n a l l y o u r o p t i o n s

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w w w . h e a l t h c a r e s e a r c h . b i z

Investing in our community because we care

Wishing all of the players and coaches a safe and successful season!

Tammy Earles, AAMS® Financial Advisor

18435 Hwy 22, Ste 1

Ponchatoula, LA 70454 985-370-0646

Shaun McArthur, CFP®, AAMS™, CRPC™ Financial Advisor

407 East Thomas Street, Ste A Hammond, LA 70401 985-402-3421

Ian Burks Financial Advisor

1305 Derek Dr, Ste 3 Hammond, LA 70403 985-363-8025

Doyle Orlando, CRPC™ Financial Advisor

1250 SW Rail Road Ave, Ste 110a Hammond, LA 70403 985-542-2525

Camilla Dufour Financial Advisor

1250 SW Railroad Ave, Ste 140a

Hammond, LA 70403 985-222-2580

Greg Earles, CEPA®, CRPC™ Financial Advisor

28955 Walker South Rd, Ste 200 Walker, LA 70785 225-664-0237

Javier Moreno, AAMS™, CRPC™

Financial Advisor

758 West Pine Street Ponchatoula, LA 70454 985-386-0720

Bill Daniels, CRPC™ Financial Advisor

758 West Pine Street Ponchatoula, LA 70454 985-386-0720

Ken Williams, AAMS™ Financial Advisor 904 W Thomas St, Ste C Hammond, LA 70401 985-340-7032

Bronte Hebert

Financial Advisor

810 Cm Fagan Dr, Ste A Hammond, LA 70403 985-542-7810