The Panther Play by Play – September 3 – September 9

The Panther Play by Play – September 3 – September 9

Sep 11, 2023

Each week the Panther Play by Play will review the athletic contests from the previous week and look forward to the coming week’s action.

Want to come out and cheer on the Panthers? Tickets for all home events can be purchased online.

Cross Country

First year Head Coach Erik Wagner and his Panther runners have continued to work hard around school. With the hot August temperatures behind us, our Cross Country team have been able to spend more time outside for afternoon practices. Our Panthers have been paced in practice by returning sophomore Liam Dowdy and newcomer Ty Davis. Freshman Kailyn Lebrun has been the leader of the girls’ team. Woodlawn’s Cross Country team will see their first action next weekend at Brusly High School.

Next up for Cross Country: Saturday, September 16 at the Brusly Invitational

Football

Week Two of the LHSAA high school football season saw our sub-varsity programs on a bye week. The freshman and JV teams will both be back in action next week as they host Dutchtown in a doubleheader. The contest was originally scheduled on Wednesday, but has been moved to Tuesday evening.

Our varsity Panthers faced the #2 ranked Division II team in the state of Louisiana Friday night. The Panthers fell to the Knights by the score of 49-14. Senior quarterback Myron Nelson found Jay’cob Jolla for a 35 yard touchdown strike to pull within 7 points at 14-7, but the Panthers found the going tough after that.

Woodlawn will host G.W. Carver next Friday night for Homecoming.

Next up for Football: Tuesday, September 12 – Freshmen and JV vs. Dutchtown; Friday, September 15 – Varsity vs. Carver

Swim

The Panther Swim team had their hopes of beginning their season drowned this week when the CCSL Season Opener at Crawfish Aquatics was cancelled due to water line issues in the surrounding areas. Our Panthers still took advantage of the week, practicing Tuesday through Thursday during their normal evening sessions. Our Panthers are hoping to get their season officially started this Saturday at Crawfish Aquatics in their regularly scheduled league meet.

Next up for Swim: Saturday, September 16 – Capital City Swim League at Crawfish Aquatics

Volleyball

Our Lady Panther Volleyball team had a slow week, with only one JV/Varsity match on Tuesday versus Belaire. The Junior Varsity got the contest started off with a strong statement, winning both sets by the score of 25-8. The Varsity team continued the strong performance with a straight set win of their own. Woodlawn defeated Belaire 25-10, 25-3, and 25-12. The win moved our Lady Panthers to 2-1 on the season before a busy week next week.

Next up for Volleyball: Monday, September 11 – Freshmen/JV/Varsity vs. Ponchatoula; Wednesday, September 13 – JV/Varsity vs. Madison Prep; Thursday, September 14 – Saturday, September 16 – at the Brusly Tournament

Winter Sports Practice Underway

Boys’ and girls’ soccer have begun preparing for fall practices. Those interested should see Coach K. Douglas and Coach Holton, respectively. Our Panther tennis program will begin practice next week. If you are interested in tennis, please see Coach Broussard.

The Panther Play by Play – August 27 – September 2

The Panther Play by Play – August 27 – September 2

Sep 5, 2023

Each week the Panther Play by Play will review the athletic contests from the previous week and look forward to the coming week’s action.

The beginning of the school year brings with it the beginning of Fall Sports. Woodlawn High is home to four fall sports: Cross Country, Football, Swim, and Volleyball. All four sports have begun practice and are working hard daily to prepare for upcoming contests.

Want to come out and cheer on the Panthers? Tickets for all home events can be purchased online.

Cross Country

The dedicated Panther Cross Country runners have been relentlessly training and pushing their limits in preparation for their upcoming first race. No matter the temperature, they’ve been putting in countless hours on the trails and even inside the school building, building their endurance, and fine-tuning their techniques. The camaraderie and determination within the team are noticeable, as each athlete strives to achieve their personal best and contribute to the collective success. The Panthers are led this season by first year Head Coach Erik Wagner, who is looking forward to the team’s first race next weekend.

Next up for Cross Country: Saturday, September 16 at the Brusly Invitational

Football

Our Panther football team officially began their season this week, with Freshman, JV, and Varsity action all occurring throughout the week.

Both sub-varsity contests were marred by inclement weather. Neither game was completed due to lightning in the area, which forced both teams to clear the field two nights in a row.

The JV Panthers took to the field first, hosting the University Lab Cubs. The Cubs took an early 13-0 lead over the Panthers, who were unable to mount a comeback before mother nature won the night.

Tuesday night saw our Freshman Football team host the Live Oak Eagles. While rain and lightning eventually ended the game a few minutes early, our ninth graders were able to come away with a hard fought 12-6 win over the Eagles. Quarterback Brice Preston linked up with his favorite target, Alonzo Luckett, for a touchdown in the second contest in a row after the two connected in jamboree action versus Jesuit.

After a long off-season and preseason that saw practice times changed due to high temperatures, the Panther football team finally took the field in a game that counted. However, the Panthers’ ran into a U High team that was running on all cylinders. The Cubs defense dominated the game, allowing only 28 total yards in the first half on the way to a 33-0 halftime lead. Running back William Jackson scored on a 4-yard run with 29 seconds remaining in the contest to avert the shutout. When the buzzer sounded, the Panthers were on the wrong side of a 40-6 score.

Both sub-varsity teams will be off this week after St. Michael made the decision to cancel Tuesday’s JV contest.

Next up for Football: Friday, September 8 – Varsity vs. Lafayette Christian

Swim

The Panther Swim team completed their third week of practice under new Head Coach Jess Stidham. The team has been tirelessly honing their skills, dedicating themselves to grueling training sessions in the water. Late evenings have been the norm as they’ve pushed themselves to improve their strokes, endurance, and teamwork. The anticipation is palpable as they prepare for their first meet this Saturday, a culmination of their relentless efforts. With each practice, they’ve grown stronger and more synchronized, and now, they are eager to showcase their determination and unity in the pool. The Panther swim team is poised to make a splash at the upcoming meet, and their hard work and commitment are sure to shine through in every stroke they take.

Next up for Swim: Saturday, September 9 – Capital City Swim League Season Opener at Crawfish Aquatics

Volleyball

Our Lady Panther volleyball team had two contests this week, with a season opening contest at Parkview Baptist followed by their home opener versus Baker.

The Lady Panther volleyball team displayed remarkable resilience and determination in their matches this past week. Although they faced a disappointing loss in their first match at Parkview Baptist in three straight sets (7-25, 7-25, 23-25), their spirits remained unbroken. The defeat served as a source of motivation rather than discouragement and the team bounced back triumphantly in their second match, showcasing their true potential.

In their second match, the Lady Panthers defeated an outmatched Baker team in three sets (25-7, 25-9, 25-12). Woodlawn High exhibited outstanding teamwork, communication, and a renewed sense of purpose on the court. Their synchronized efforts and strategic play resulted in a resounding victory. This remarkable turnaround not only highlighted their skill and dedication but also exemplified the team’s ability to learn and adapt, proving that setbacks can often be the stepping stones to success. The Lady Panthers have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of volleyball.

Next up for Volleyball: Tuesday, September 5 – JV/Varsity vs. Belaire

Winter Sports Practice Underway

Our boys and girls basketball teams have both begun practice in preparation for the upcoming seasons. Joining basketball are the Panther powerlifting programs, who have begun weight training after school. Both the boys and girls soccer teams will begin practice in the near future as well.

Panthers Embrace the Challenge of Replacing Fifteen Starters

Panthers Embrace the Challenge of Replacing Fifteen Starters

Aug 26, 2023

As the excitement of a new high school football season grows, the Woodlawn High School Panthers are facing a unique set of challenges that could potentially reshape their strategy and team dynamics. The Panthers, known for their incredible talent and playoff appearances the last three seasons, is now heading into uncharted territory as they grapple with the loss of several key players. With these voids in the roster, Coach Randall, his staff, and fans are all eager to see how the team will adapt and rebuild in the upcoming season.

Gone are the days when Rickie Collins dominated the field with his precision passes and the rock-solid defense kept Woodlawn in every game with its senior leadership. The team bid farewell to a group of exceptional seniors who have been the backbone of the squad’s success. Among the notable departures are Collins, the record-breaking quarterback who led the team to the 2021 District 5-5A championship before bringing his talents to LSU, and Jordan Matthews, the lock-down cornerback who enrolled at the University of Tennessee last January. The departure of these key players has left not only skill gaps but also significant leadership voids that will need to be filled.

The departure of such integral players presents an uphill battle for the Panthers, but the challenge is one embraced by the 2023 roster and coaching staff. The new season will require Coach Randall to reassess the playbooks, integrate new talent, and nurture leadership from unexpected sources. With a mix of experienced and younger players, the team must find a way to rebuild their chemistry and cohesion in order to stay competitive against a fierce district and extremely difficult schedule.

While the loss of key players is undeniably a setback, it also paves the way for rising stars to shine. Players who were once in the shadows now have the chance to step into the spotlight and prove their mettle. The coaching staff has been working tirelessly to identify the strengths of these emerging talents and mold them into a cohesive unit. Coach Randall is leaning on several returning starters, including offensive linemen Cedric May and Dwayne Beverly, defensive lineman Joe London, and linebackers Chris Cooper and Alex Collins.

Randall also expects contributions from some upcoming players with little to no varsity experience. That group includes Cayden Randall, Ahmad Price, and Cornelius Selmon. Randall and Price are both expected to help the Panthers in multiple positions on both sides of the ball this season, while Selmon looks to win one of the five offensive line positions.

May, Beverly, and the rest of the offensive line will look to protect senior Myron Nelson, who expects to take over under center. Nelson, who begins his fourth year in the program, has little varsity experience in football. However, the lack of varsity experience is offset by the wealth of experience in basketball and baseball. Nelson, a multi-year starter in both of these sports, is also a repeat all-district performer in both sports. He looks to take lessons learned from his experiences on the court and diamond and turn them into a successful stint on the gridiron.

As the countdown to kickoff winds down, the Woodlawn High football team finds itself at a crossroads, transitioning from a chapter of steadiness and star-power, to a season of rebuilding. The loss of fifteen starters presents a formidable challenge, but also an opportunity for growth, adaptation, and the emergence of new heroes, and the Panthers are ready for the challenge. The team’s journey in the 2023 season will undoubtedly be one of transformation, showcasing the resilience and determination that characterize high school sports. Fans will be watching closely, eager to witness the evolution of a team that is ready to face adversity head-on and redefine their legacy on the field.

LHSAA Football Brackets Released: No. 20 Woodlawn visits No. 13 Brother Martin

LHSAA Football Brackets Released: No. 20 Woodlawn visits No. 13 Brother Martin

Nov 6, 2022

The LHSAA’s new-look football postseason will send Woodlawn High to New Orleans on Friday for a first-time meeting with Brother Martin in one of the state’s most intriguing first-round matchups.

The No. 20 Panthers (4-6) will visit the No. 13 Crusaders (5-5) for the 7 p.m. kickoff at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans City Park.

The winner will advance in the Division-I select bracket to face No. 4 St. Augustine (8-2) the following week.

Woodlawn and Brother Martin have never met in a regular-season or postseason football game in the schools’ history.

The unfamiliar foes spent the past nine years on opposite sides of the LHSAA’s split playoff system, which began separating “select” and “nonselect” schools into different brackets in 2013.

But the organization adjusted both its distinctions of “select” vs. “nonselect” this year and format overall, trimming slightly from nine tournaments to eight.

The top 24 teams in the Division-I select group earned playoff berths.

Seeds Nos. 1-8 will enjoy opening-round byes this weekend, with seeds Nos. 9-16 hosting Nos. 17-24.

Seniors lead Woodlawn past Central (BR), 41-22, in final home game

Seniors lead Woodlawn past Central (BR), 41-22, in final home game

Oct 30, 2022

Woodlawn’s talented and decorated 2023 class played its final regular season home game Friday.

And whether or not the Panthers (4-5, 2-2) ultimately host again in the playoffs, their seniors made sure to provide a fittingly memorable performance in a 41-22 defeat of Central (Baton Rouge).

“It was all kind of surreal,” said senior defensive end Cameron Johnson, who made multiple big tackles behind and near the line of scrimmage. “They were lining us up to go on the field before the game, and it all kind of hit me like, ‘Man, I’m really a senior.’ They always used to tell us, ‘It’s gonna go fast. Enjoy these years while you’ve got ’em.’ And it kind of came a lot faster than I thought it would.

“But it was cool how they brought us all on the field and were talking to us and then getting the win on senior night and doing our thing.”

LSU-committed quarterback Rickie Collins completed 15 of his 25 passes for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns to fellow seniors Tramon Douglas II and Willie Nunnery.

Collins and Louisiana (Lafayette)-committed running back Jay’veon Haynes each rushed for a pair of scores.

And Southeast Missouri State-committed defensive back Dezaray “D.J.” Delmore Jr. racked up 12 tackles and a pair of interceptions — with a third negated by a penalty elsewhere on the play.

“Even though the lost (the week before) against Catholic, I want to say that was my best game this year as far as playing and learning,” Delmore said. “Central, I had more impact plays, so as far as stat-wise, it’s my best game of the season… It was just like the plays were just happening, and it really just felt great making plays on senior night for my senior teammates and my family that was in the stands.”

Woodlawn will close the regular season Scotlandville (5-4, 2-2) in a battle for third place in District 4-5A and seeding in Division I.

The LHSAA will release its eight playoff brackets Sunday, Nov. 6.

Woodlawn is No. 16 in the latest Division-I power ratings, the lowest seed to host a first-round game, while Scotlandville enters the week at No. 9, one spot shy of a first-round bye.

“We were just talking about it yesterday,” senior linebacker Jaydan Moulds said. “Even the coaches were talking about it, just how all we’ve got to do is make the playoffs and everybody’s 0-0, so we can make a run.”