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.

Woodlawn Legacy Reagan McDowell Continues Volleyball Career

Woodlawn Legacy Reagan McDowell Continues Volleyball Career

Mar 8, 2023

Reagan McDowell is a Panther. She went to Woodlawn Elementary, Woodlawn Middle, and chose to attend Woodlawn High.

“I’m a Woodlawn Baby. I went to all of the Woodlawn’s,” said McDowell. “And of my family went here. My mom and dad both came here. I didn’t want to have to start over somewhere new.”

Starting over somewhere new is ex

McDowell signs while her parents, Rashie and Megan, look on.

actly what is now in store for McDowell. Over the weekend, she signed paperwork to continue her academic and athletic career at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee.

While McDowell has been a multiple sport athlete at Woodlawn – she has been an All-District player in the sports of volleyball, basketball, and softball – she will now focus all of her athletic time and energy on the volleyball court.

“I feel like volleyball is the sport that I worked most at. I got better as I worked and realized I could do more and play at the next level.”

Bethel University is an NAIA school in the Midsouth Conference. Led by Head Coach Starla Cupples, the Lady Wildcats finished the 2022 season with a 22-10 record. Cupples is obviously excited about adding McDowell to the program.

“Reagan is a pretty dynamic player,” said Cupples. “I really like her quickness, and when you combine that with her power, I think she will be a good player to have through the years.”

McDowell will report to Bethel in early August, and the season will begin a short three weeks later.

“I want to thank all of my coaches first. And I also want to thank my family for being my biggest supporters,” said McDowell. “They have always been there for me, whether it be in sports or in other areas of life. I thank them for always pushing me to better myself and helping me realize my goals.”

Lady Panthers Enter District on Hot Streak

Lady Panthers Enter District on Hot Streak

Jan 26, 2023

The Lady Panther basketball team will enter district play Friday after winning 10 of their last 12 games, including the last four games. Woodlawn carries a 20-6 record going into district.

Seniors Amaya Dedeaux, Qiana Dotch, Adrienne East, and Reagan McDowell were recognized at Senior Night versus Capitol on Wednesday, January 25th. Woodlawn came away with a 62 to 35 victory.

“We are playing confidently right now,” said Dedeaux. “But we understand that the district is tough, and we will be playing very tough teams. So we have to pick our play up a notch.”

In front of a large crowd, the Lady Panthers and Lady Lions traded baskets for much of the first quarter Wednesday night. Once Woodlawn settled down defensively, they took a lead they would not relinquish. Woodlawn led at the end of each quarter.

“Coach Dedeaux stressed defense at halftime,” said Dotch. “She said that we had to take care of the basics, play fundamental basketball, and play hard on defense. She said that if we did those things, the offense would come naturally.”

“I just think that it was an emotional night for everybody because it was Senior Night,” added Dotch. “Once we got past those emotions, we settled down and played better.”

Woodlawn currently has a top-ten power ranking, according to GeauxPreps.com. However, the seniors know that they have to finish the season strong to keep that ranking and a home playoff game.

“Having a home playoff game in the first round would be extremely important to us,” said Dedeaux. “We need to perform at our highest level to keep our power ranking high enough to host that first round game.”

Following the district opener at Central, Woodlawn will host Scotlandville on January 31st. The Lady Panthers will then travel to Zachary on February 3rd.

Woodlawn finishes the final week of the regular season by hosting Liberty on February 7th and traveling to St. Joseph’s Academy on February 9th.

Tickets for all home games can be purchased by following the link here.

Student Spotlight: 2022-2023 Student of the Year Ryan Wyche

Student Spotlight: 2022-2023 Student of the Year Ryan Wyche

Dec 15, 2022

Woodlawn High senior Ryan Wyche has been accepted into Berklee College of Music. This prestigious opportunity is the latest addition to an already-impressive resume that includes a wide range of local and national engagements. Wyche has also applied to Harvard University and hopes to take advantage of the Dual Degree program between the two schools. Upon receiving his acceptance, Ryan will declare two majors: one in Music Business and Management at Berklee and another in Sociology and African American Studies at Harvard.

From this unique educational experience, Ryan hopes to gain the skills and exposure necessary to start his own record label. He aims to cultivate a philanthropic community centered on the production of art. Wyche has always considered himself to be both a musician and an activist. Although he does not wish to enact change by running for public office or directly shaping legislation, Ryan is prepared in the event that he inherits a public platform. He looks to one of his idols, Billie Holiday. Holiday created intense, profound commentary through her art, and never let herself be defined by a singular label. Ryan wishes to mimic this fluidity and boldness.

Throughout his high school career, Ryan has participated in a myriad of activities around campus and within the surrounding community. Ryan is the WHS Student of the Year, Drum Major of the Panther Marching Band, and Chief Justice of the Louisiana Youth Legislature’s Supreme Court. He wakes up before most of his peers so that he may arrive early to school each morning and appear as a co-anchor on the WHS Morning Announcements. Ryan’s involvement is not limited to his immediate surroundings. He has attended conventions with the “100 Black Men of America,” and completed a summer study program in Boston at Berklee College of Music.

This is not meant to be a regurgitation of Ryan’s extensive resume‒ my goal is to paint a more personal picture of Senior Class President and Mr. Woodlawn, Ryan Wyche.

Having spent most of his life as a resident of various Southern cultural hubs, Ryan is well-versed in the ups and downs of Southern living. He spent most of his early life with a single father. His dad grew up in New York in the 80s, encapsulated by the birth of hip-hop. Ryan recalls that the highlights of his childhood often took place in the car with his dad, listening to music. The pros of life in the South have made themselves abundantly clear to him: having a large family, enjoying traditional southern meals, and so much more.

However, throughout the years, the cons have creeped in and created a sense of separation between Ryan’s geographical region and his identity. When Ryan moved from Atlanta to Virginia, he saw himself as “one of few black faces in the classroom.” He never had trouble finding internal similarities between himself and his classmates, but external differences often found a way to enforce division. Since moving to Louisiana and attending Woodlawn, Ryan is pleased with the diverse, yet harmonic community that he has found a unique place within.

As a proud member of the Woodlawn community, Ryan views his success as a representation of what happens when young adults take advantage of every single small opportunity for advancement. As he reflects on his experience here and looks forward to a bright future, Ryan feels that the thing he is most proud of is his little sister, Adrienne. If you asked him, Ryan would swear that Adrienne (4 years old) is already a prodigy, sure to make a mark on history. He relishes the relationship that he has created with her and is excited to watch her follow her own path; he’s certainly set an incredible example.