Football Archives - Page 11 of 13 - Woodlawn High School

Panthers Gear Up for Playoffs Following Week 10 Setback

Nov 11, 2016

Lillian Khemmanyvong 17’, Editor-in-Chief

Xavier Lodge runs away from Livonia defenders for a touchdown on November 4, 2017.

Last Friday, Woodlawn was defeated by the Livonia Wildcats by the score of 49-34 on Senior Night. Despite the loss, last Friday might have been the best game the Panthers have played all season, as they were aggressive and strategic.

“Maybe we ran out of gas at the last minute, maybe not. But I’ll tell you what, they fought to the last minute,” said Head Coach Daniel Luquet. “This is what Woodlawn football is supposed to look like. Maybe not on the scoreboard, but effort wise. I can’t ask for more.”

Livonia was first to score in the first quarter at the 7:06 mark, but before they could attempt their extra point, they were flagged for illegal participation. Pushing the Wildcats back 5 yards to the 13-yard line, the Wildcats missed their extra point, setting the score at 6-0.

After one quarter, Livonia led 20-0. Despite Woodlawn’s struggles to get on the scoreboard, the Panthers pushed to get the ball down the field. A pass on 4th & 9 from freshman quarterback Joshua Serio on the 39-yard line gave sophomore wide receiver Bryson Reaser the chance to make a first down on the 13-yard pass. On the next play senior running back Javin Myers carried the ball 21-yards for the first down, setting up Woodlawn at the 7-yard line. On a direct snap to Myers on 2nd and goal, Myers found the end zone and cut Livonia’s lead to 20-7.

On Woodlawn’s next drive, junior running back Xavier Lodge ran the ball 60 yards into the end zone from the 40, cutting the Livonia lead to 27-14. Sophomore Jacob Barnes added his second extra point of the night.

The Wildcats attempted a little trickery on their next possession. With the ball on the Panther 48-yard line, Livonia attempted a reverse pass, but the ball slipped out of the the player’s hands as both teams tried to recover the fumble. When Livonia finally recovered the ball they were pushed back on the 32 yards, to their own 20-yard line. The Wildcats were unable to regain themselves before halftime when they missed their field goal attempt from 30 yards.

The Panthers took advantage of the Senior night halftime program to gather their thoughts and recuperate before running back out to the field. Ready to work, Woodlawn only allowed Livonia to gain possession of the ball once in the 3rd quarter. The rest of the time was dedicated to the Panthers moving the ball down the field. Myers and Lodge were able to carry the ball into the red zone, with the help of their brothers creating holes for the backs to run through. Myers eventually scored from the 9-yard line, adding more points to the board 34-21, Livonia still leading.

Javin Myers takes a direct snap versus Livonia on November 4, 2016.

Woodlawn wasn’t done there. On the next kickoff, Reaser recovered the onside kick by Barnes, giving the Panthers the opportunity to score again. On 3rd & 8 Serio handed the ball off to Lodge as he shook through the crowd of defenders to find himself running into the end zone, scoring yet another touchdown for Woodlawn. Barnes added another extra point, and Woodlawn was now only down 34-28 heading into the 4th quarter.

The Panthers and Wildcats battled back and forth for the remainder of the fourth quarter, with Livonia adding a late score with under two minutes to play for the final margin of victory.

During the game, Javin Myers broke Woodlawn’s record for yards rushing in a career, which was previously set by Jamell Spears (2000-2002, 2978 yards). Myers now has a total of 3054 yards from 2014-2016, with 1073 yards coming this season. Myers finished the game with 33 carries for 154 yards, along with Lodge having 16 carries for 164 yards.

The Panthers now look forward to their first round playoff game against Neville, the number one ranked school in Class 4A. Woodlawn will travel to Monroe on Friday, November 11, for a 7:00 pm kickoff.

Injury Overshadows Game, Ends Contest Early

Oct 28, 2016

Lillian Khemmanyvong ‘17

Last Friday, Woodlawn lost to the Plaquemine Green Devils. However, the loss was not the focus of the night.

In the fourth quarter, with 3:28 left in the game, junior cornerback Braylyn Jones collapsed on the field. As trainers and coaches rushed to his side, the Woodlawn Stadium stood hushed and at a loss for words. Because of the injury, referees made the decision to end the game at that time.

Waiting to hear about their teammate’s condition, many members of the football team stood by the gates while their eyes filled with concern. It was said when Jones was on the ground he could not feel the right side of his body, leaving the team worried about their brother. The Woodlawn football team often focuses on Brotherhood. The Panthers showed this Friday night.

“Brotherhood to me is simple, it’s putting your brothers before yourself,” said Offensive Captain Edward “Bubba” Ducre. “I wasn’t worried about if he would be able to play next week, I was worried if he would be able to walk again and live a normal life.”

When the EMT finally arrived, Jones was brought to the hospital where they took CT scans and X-rays.

“When he left the field, he could move his legs and feet and feel everything,” said Coach Brent Broussard. “All is precautionary.” Jones was later cleared to go back home that night.

Following the night, Woodlawn students continued to show concern for their classmate. It was then reported that Jones would be fine, although due to concussion protocol he will not be playing Friday.

“Everything that had to take place, took place, thanks to Athletic Trainer Randy Gonzales and Dr. Easton,” said Head Coach Daniel Luquet. “We have to win the next two games to get to playoffs. I expect them [the team] to play with passion and play a little Woodlawn Football.”

Woodlawn will play St. Michael Friday at 7:00 pm at the Louisiana Leadership Institute.

Panthers Defeat Tara, Look Forward to Plaquemine

Oct 20, 2016

Lillian Khemmanyvong ‘17

The Woodlawn Panthers picked up a win last Friday against Tara High School by the score of 41-0. Combined with Monday’s ruling that Belaire must forfeit their wins from the season, the Panthers moved to 3-4 on the season and 2-0 in District 6-4A.

After a three and out by the Panther defense, Woodlawn was quick to put themselves on the board on their first possesion when senior running back Javin Myers took the snap from center. Myers ran the ball from the eight yards into the end zone, and gave the Panthers the early 7-0 lead.

On Tara’s next possession, the Panthers forced Tara into a 3rd & 12 situation. A sack by junior Kyron Mims caused Tara to punt the ball. On the next drive, Woodlawn recovered from two incomplete passes when junior safety turned running back Xavier Lodge ran the ball 32 yards into the end zone on 3rd & 6 with only 1:32 left in the first quarter. Sophomore Jacob Barnes added the extra point, extending the lead 14-0.

The Panthers seemed to show more heart and determination in the game as they worked together to keep Tara from scoring. In the second quarter, Woodlawn continued to work hard as they gained many victories. On 1st & 20 junior Joshua London caught an interception on the 45-yard line. After the turnover, a pass by Whiting to sophomore wide receiver Bryson Reaser set the Panthers up at the 30-yard line. On the next play, Tara attempted to intercept a pass into the end zone from Whiting. However, the Tara defensive back tipped the ball and it fell into the arms of Reaser, and the Panthers secured the lead 21-0.

On Tara’s next offensive play, the ball was snapped over the quarterback’s head and London came up with the ball at the Tara 12-yard line. Three plays later, Myers found the end zone from one yard out, giving the Panthers the 28-0 lead. After another defensive stop and a 15-yard Tara punt, the Panthers scored their fifth touchdown of the half. Woodlawn’s 35-yard touchdown drive was capped by a five yard touchdown run by Myers.

With only eleven seconds in the half and Tara threatening to score, junior cornerback Braylyn Jones, intercepted the ball in Tara’s end zone. Turning the ball over to Woodlawn. The Panthers went into halftime 35-0, confident and ready to start the second half.

Starting the third quarter Woodlawn picked up 4 first downs, by carries from Lodge and Myers, bringing the Panthers to 1st & goal. The 13 play drive led to Barnes making a 27-yard field goal. Barnes ended the scoring with a 32-yard field goal in the 4th quarter, leading to the final score of 41-0.

“They took care of business today. They did what they were asked to do.” said Head Coach Daniel Luquet. “The biggest thing is they played together. We talked about being a team that plays the game that they love.”

The Panthers will be home hosting Plaquemine at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 21. Plaquemine, who also holds the same 2-0 district record, comes into the contest with a 4-3 record. The game with feature the “Shirt Off My Back” awards, which senior players give to a teacher that has helped them throughout their time at Woodlawn. Students are encouraged to wear neon to the game. All students wearing neon who arrive before 6:30 pm will be admitted free.

Homecoming Festivities Not Dampened by Loss

Oct 12, 2016

Xavier Lodge stiff arms a Belaire defender at home on October 6, 2016.

The Woodlawn High Panthers were unable to cap the week’s Homecoming festivities with a victory over Belaire Friday night. The Panthers fell by the score of 22-7 after allowing 22 first half points. The Bengals moved to 5-1 on the season while the Panthers fell to 1-5. Woodlawn turned the ball over six times in the game.

The Panthers were able to force three turnovers. Senior cornerback Trey Hardnett intercepted his team leading fourth pass in six games. Sophomore wide receiver Bryant Jacob, who was forced into action at safety after juniors Jonathon Scott and Xavier Lodge each left the game for stretches with cramps, was able to notch his first interception of the year.

Senior running back Javin Myers, playing through a toe injury, was able to rush for 142 yards on 11 carries in three quarters of action.

2015 Homecoming Queen Jodi Edo poses with 2016 Queen Nakavia Chapman at halftime of the game versus Belaire on October 6, 2016.

The halftime presentation of the Homecoming court left little to be desired. The Homecoming crowd was treated to the announcement that senior maid Nakavia Chapman was named the 2016 Homecoming Queen. Nakavia, who is on the yearbook staff and a member of the Beta Club and the Lambda Tau youth sorority is the daughter of Deshone and Gregory Smith. After graduating, Nakavia plans on attending ULM to get a degree in the medical field.

The Homecoming loss was the second loss in as many weeks for the Panthers, who struggled in their game against the West St. John Rams on September 30.

“The biggest thing that I struggle with is that I’ve got a bunch of great guys that I believe really care about this,” said Head Coach Daniel Luquet. “I just have to figure out how to translate what we do Monday through Wednesday at practice onto the football field on Friday nights.”

The Panthers started the game strong as Scott came away with an interception. The Panthers could not hold the Rams from gaining a 7-0 lead.

The Panthers were able to tie the game at seven in the second quarter. Junior running back Josh London set up his 2-yard scoring run with a 60 yard carry one play previous. The Panthers gave the lead up on the next drive, and throughout the remainder of the game Woodlawn attempted to gain their footing but couldn’t catch up to the Rams.

The Panthers will once again be at home Friday night as they host Tara at 7 pm.

Lillian Khemmanyvong contributed to this article.

Woodlawn Teams with Jay Ducote for Homecoming

Oct 4, 2016

Jay Ducote serves food to Woodlawn supporters at Football Golf Tournament on April 18, 2016.

Woodlawn High is excited to announce that local celebrity Jay Ducote will be serving plates of red beans and rice to teachers and alumni at Thursday’s Homecoming game. Jay plans to arrive on campus at 3 pm and set up to cook behind the 1200 building. Anyone who would like to tailgate before the game is welcome to set up on the freshman football field behind the 1200 building after 3 pm. All teachers and alumni are invited to stop by the tent and eat before the game. Alumni are asked to sign in under the purple Woodlawn Football tent. There, they will receive a ticket to the game and a ticket for food. All alumni will receive one ticket for food and one ticket to be admitted to the game at no charge.

Jay, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, spends most of his time as a food and beverage writer, blogger, radio host, speaker, video producer, culinary personality, chef and hugger. He travels as much as he can. He finished runner-up on Season 11 of the hit reality competition show Food Network Star, and has had a pilot for his show “Deep Fried America” air on the Travel Channel. Jay has been named one of the top 100 amateur chefs in America by FOX’s MasterChef, has appeared as himself on HBO’s drama series Treme, and has been featured on multiple programs such as Cutthroat Kitchen, The Kitchen and Burgers, Brew & Que on Food Network, Eat St. on Cooking Channel, and Last Call Food Brawl on Destination America. The Bite and Booze Radio Show, produced and hosted by Jay, won a 2014 Taste Award for best food or drink radio broadcast in the country and the Uniquely Louisiana Award from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters in 2015. In 2014 Jay launched his own Jay D’s Louisiana Barbecue Sauce, followed by the 2015 release of his wine, Jay D’s Blanc du Bois, a collaboration with West Monroe’s Landry Vineyards. Late 2015 saw the release of Jay D’s Louisiana Molasses Mustard, and in 2016 Jay D’s Spicy & Sweet Barbecue Rub was made available in stores. Jay’s goal is to create content and celebrate Louisiana’s culinary culture as he continues to cook, write, speak, entertain and hug for a living.