Injury Overshadows Game, Ends Contest Early

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.

Woodlawn High Participates in FAFSA Challenge

Woodlawn High Participates in FAFSA Challenge

Oct 27, 2016

Woodlawn High is participating in the FAFSA Challenge! We are competing against all high schools in EBR for a chance to win fabulous graduation prizes. Our school may obtain a monthly pizza party, graduation supply vouchers from Jostens & Herff-Jones, be entered in a raffle to receive gift cards, and more. Winners are allowed to win a prize once! So, let’s go for it! Every month a new winner is announced beginning November 2016 with a grand prize in May, 2017.

In order to complete your FAFSA and participate in the FAFSA Challenge, parents and students must go to https://fafsa.ed.gov/ to complete the FAFSA form. Parents, please use your 2015 taxes according to the website.

GO PANTHERS!!! #PantherNation

Woodlawn High 2016 Mock Election

Woodlawn High 2016 Mock Election

Oct 27, 2016

mock-election

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

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

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.