Panther Post Archives - Page 39 of 52

Woodlawn High 2016 Mock Election

Oct 27, 2016

Students work the 2015 Mock Election.

Friday and Monday, November 4th and 7th, Ms. Smoorenburg’s classes will be conducting the Woodlawn High School 2016 Mock Election. This election is open to all 10th, 11th and 12th grade students at Woodlawn. Students will be given the opportunity to vote for President of the United States, Senator of Louisiana, and the Mayor of Baton Rouge. Students will also be given the opportunity to decide on a Louisiana State Constitutional amendment concerning college tuition. Everything that students will be allowed to vote on in the mock election will be on the actual ballots on November 8th, election day. Ms. Smoorenburg’s classes ask that if your social studies classes are coming to vote, please have your permanent school ID (not a temp) ready to present to the poll workers. You must have this ID in order to vote. Results will be announced Monday, November 7th, the day before the United States will go out and vote.

2016-Woodlawn-High-School-Mock-Election-Ballot

City Park Cross Country Meet

Oct 27, 2016

Ashley Martin ’17

The Woodlawn Panthers Cross Country team traveled to City Park in New Orleans on Saturday, October 22, 2016 for the Jack Schommer Invitational. The meet included 11 new personal records for the Panthers, all of which were well-deserved and visibly fought for.

The Lady Panthers were the first to take the course. In total, there were 9 girls that ran in the race. The girls of the varsity team earned 5 of the 11 new records.

Alexis Martin (21:49), Melissa Grant (21:51; PR), and Aimee Martin (26:21) were the first three running for Woodlawn to cross the finish line. Coming in soon after were Ashton Howard (27:34; PR), Alexis Aucoin (29:59; PR), and Lily Khemmanyvong (32:04).

Aucoin was proud to have broken the 30-minute mark. Howard’s sprint at the end of her race was truly remarkable. Khemmanyvong, earning a personal record for the season, mentioned her determination to improve and her goals for the rest of the season.

Also running for Woodlawn was Rayan Kaadan (32:54; PR), Belyn Laird (39:33; PR), and Carolyn Sprague (39:33).

Kaadan and Laird finally got the chance to prove themselves this weekend by competing in their first varsity races. Sprague, fighting against pain in her knees, had Laird to rely on during the race, both finishing with respectable times.

Following the girls’ race was the boys’ varsity race. Gathering 4 new personal records, the team exhibited their definition of hard work and dedication.

Meeting, but not surpassing, his personal record, Khidir Al-Mustafa (16:52) came in 8th place in the meet, earning his second placing in the top ten since beginning cross country. Afterwards, finishing were Darmar Galvan (19:20; PR), Coby Sanchez (19:23), Saulomon John (19:27; PR), and Joshua Stephens (20:13). Running together for most of the race, they each pushed each other for personal bests. Julian Scott (21:27; PR) and Brandon Williams (21:27) also ran together.

Tyler Lewis (24:59; PR) ran in his first varsity race this weekend, surprising everyone when he finished under 25 minutes.

Competing in the Open Race were Makenzey Heughan (30:11; PR) and Lisa Wood (33:21; PR). For both of these girls, their first races went very well, and both managed to smile following the race because of this achievement.

Next weekend will be the first and only weekend off for Woodlawn’s Cross Country team. Regardless, they are continuing to work harder than ever to become a force to be reckoned with for the state meet November 15th. Regarding the rest of the season as a whole, Coach Wallace stated, “The best thing of all is that we are finally learning how to race against other schools instead of just trying to beat our personal times from the week before. We aren’t getting in shape anymore; we are in shape and battling for every position. We are in warrior mode.”

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.

Cooler Weather Brings New Feats for Cross Country

Oct 10, 2016

Ashley Martin ’17

Marking this weekend as cross country’s mid-season race, Woodlawn is pushing past their bounds for astounding times. Starting the morning strong, the girls set the bar high with four new personal records. Coming in first and second for Woodlawn with a close finish were Alexis Martin (22:37) and Melissa Grant (22:38; PR). Following were Aimee Martin (26:48; PR) and Kelli Oubre (27:15; PR), both of which are also competing in their first year of cross country. Finishing off the team’s female varsity race were Alexis Aucoin (30:41; PR) and Shelby Sanchez (31:16). These girls both exhibited the true meaning of teamwork with Shelby encouraging Alexis to meet a new personal record.

Woodlawn’s boys have also been working towards noteworthy finishes with two new personal records. Khidir Al-Mustafa (17:31), finished first for our team, steadily reaching for a new male personal record for the school, impressively motivating his peers to accomplish their goals. Soon after Khidir came Brandon Williams (18:52), portraying a fluidity that is seemingly natural which has furthered his abilities of strength and endurance. Finishing next were Marshall Bayles (19:15; PR) and Sauloman John (19:50) who are seen to be pushing each other in practices every day.

Rounding out the boys’ varsity race for Woodlawn were Joshua Stephens (20:22; PR) and Logan Fontenot (23:56). Joshua sprinted to the finish line with a smile on his face, as always, showing his inspiring motivation to continue to set new personal records.

Logan, bringing his heart into the race against all odds, finished with only 35 seconds separating him from a new personal record. Running for his late cousin Conner this season, Logan has dedicated himself and his season with cross country to Conner’s remembrance. Touching the hearts of all that watched this weekend, Logan has exhibited a strength that is admired and strived for by his teammates. From all of the cross country team and those that have continued to support Woodlawn as a whole, Logan has a strong family of people that will always have his back.

Bringing new talent onto the team this weekend was Itzel Vasquez (19:47; PR), Rayan Kaadan (22:19), and Carolyn Sprague (23:06; PR), competing in a two-mile open race. With continued hard work, these three girls show promising seasons. Running in the three-mile open race was Lillian Khemmanyvong (36:56), fighting the exhaustion of Woodlawn High School’s 2016/2017 Homecoming.

Next weekend, Woodlawn will be attending a meet in Walker, offering a much needed change in scenery.