The Vernon Parish School System was recently rated an overall, Academic A rating from the Louisiana Department of Education.  The Vernon Parish System ranked #7 out of 70 school districts in the state.

Six Vernon Parish schools were rated an Academic A: Anacoco High, Evans, Hicks, Leesville High, Rosepine High, and Simpson.  Nine schools in the parish received “Top Gains” recognition (Academic A in student progress), and six schools received “Opportunity Honoree” recognition (Academic A in student progress for students with disabilities).  The K-8 Assessment Index increased by 1.3 points.  The K-8 Interest and Opportunity Index increased by 13.1 points.

Vernon Parish is the number one school district in the state for ACT Index (100).  The state average is 69.5 and Vernon Parish was rated at 100.  Vernon Parish is the #1 rated system in the Rapides Foundation Region with a 92.1 rating.  Allen Parish is #2 with an 88.3 rating.  Beauregard Parish is rated 82.9.

Since 2014, LDOE has been rating school systems.  Vernon Parish rated an A from 2014-1019.  There were no ratings in 2020 due to COVID.  2021 scores were simulated.  Vernon Parish has received an A rating every year since 2022.

The Joan Kathey Dance Center’s West Louisiana Dance Theatre Company presents two classic holiday shows.

The Nutcracker and The Grinch are sure to entertain families and all ages.

The traditional Christmas Nutcracker production has been re-imagined this year with new choreography and will feature a guest dancer, Tian Tan.  Tan, who has performed as a guest artist with Los Angeles Ballet, Atlantic City Ballet, and other noted companies, including the West Louisiana Dance Theatre Company.  Tan will perform in the role of the Cavalier on Friday, December 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Leesville High School Auditorium.  Tickets are available at the door or through http://dancestudio-pro.com/tickets/jkdc.

This year’s Grinch production features a family-friendly show with bright, glittery sets, exciting special effects and new choreography.  The community is invited to a matinee show Sunday, December 15, at 2 p.m. in the Leesville High School Auditorium.  The cast of The Grinch will also perform school shows in the Vernon Parish area December 16 -18.

The West Louisiana Dance Theatre Company features dancers from all over Vernon Parish and the local area.

The Vernon Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 10, at 10 a.m. in the Board’s central office.
Business included approving budget revisions for 2024-2025, approving changes to Head Start policies and procedures and paying all claims. Vernon Travis was named Board President, and Deidra Shell was elected Vice-President for the upcoming school year.

Scott Walker with Pelican Benefits presented the Employee of the Month award to Jodi Thompson, head custodian at Anacoco Elementary School. Thompson’s principal, Angela Schraven, remarked that Ms. Thompson is a constant source of hard work and inspiration to staff and students.

Lisa Lohman of the Curriculum Department met with the Curriculum Committee Tuesday and shared great news on the accountability scores for Vernon Parish that, once again, rank the Vernon Parish system in the Top Ten school districts in the state. (See separate story in today’s Vernon Parish Journal).

Parish Athletic Director, Joey Bartz, invited Board members to the Vernon Parish Basketball Tournament, December 19-20 at Simpson High School. The Vernon Parish system is out half a day on the 19th for the Christmas holiday. Games will be held at the old gym and new gym beginning at noon Thursday, December 19.

Thursday schedule (old gym) – Noon Evans vs Hornbeck (G); 1:20 p.m. Pitkin vs Pickering (G);
2:40 p.m. Hicks vs Pickering (B); 4 p.m. Hicks vs Rosepine (G)
Games continue at 5:20 p.m., 6:40 p.m., and 8 p.m.

Thursday Schedule (new gym) – Noon Simpson vs Evans (B); 1:20 p.m. Pitkin vs Anacoco (B);
2:40 p.m. Anacoco vs Leesville (G); 4 p.m. Hornbeck vs Leesville (B)
Games continue at 5:20 p.m., 6:40 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Friday schedule (new gym) 10 a.m. Girls semifinals; 11:30 a.m. Girls semifinals; 1 p.m. Boys semifinals; 2:30 p.m. Boys semifinals; 4 p.m. Girls finals; 5:30 p.m. Boys finals

The Leesville Wampus Cat football team saw their quest for a second trip to the Superdome die the cold, hard way last Friday in a 41-14 loss to E.D. White in the LHSAA Division II Select semifinals in Thibodaux.

Leesville fans turned out in force, braving chilly, damp weather to watch #7 Leesville take on #3 E.D. White on the slick turf of Harvey Peletier Stadium. The game matched Leesville’s premier running back, Xavier Ford, against a swarming Cardinal defense and ball control offense.

Ford was held to 167 yards rushing and two touchdowns — his third lowest output of the year. The all-stater had 99 yards in only one half of play versus Many and 97 yards in the loss to Iowa.  Ironically, it was the most yards gained by a running back against the Cardinal defense all year.   

Ford set the state of Louisiana’s high school single season rushing record with his performance, finishing the season with 3461 yards and 52 TDs.  His career totals include 8591 yards and 119 TDs.  The X-Man scored twice in the losing effort Friday, both in the second half.  Watching live stream TV, it appeared the Cardinal defenders tackled him six at a time.  Ford had just 44 yards at halftime.

Sophomore quarterback, Trel Broom, had his toughest night at the position all season, hitting 6 of 24 attempts for 48 yards and two interceptions.  Cardinal defender, Nate Thompson, picked Broom off with 1:55 left in the first quarter to set up the second TD of the night to make it 14-0.  Jax Triche had a 16-yard pick-six at the 8:26 mark of the second quarter that made it 21-0.  Broom floated a beautiful pass to Mike Davis that could have gone for a score to make it 21-7 instead of 21-0 at half. The pass fell incomplete and took some wind out of the Leesville offense.

The wing-T and double slot offense run by E.D. White was the only one like it that Leesville had seen all year.  The Cards scored on their first possession before the Wampus Cat defense made the adjustments and disrupted them the rest of the first half.

The Leesville offense took the second-half kickoff and smartly drove the field, capping the drive with a 9-yard Ford TD.  The Cardinals, however, answered with a long drive of their own to extend the score to 27-7. A turnover set up the next Cardinal score to make it 34-7.

With three minutes to play in the game, Ford had the final TD of his stellar career, a 22-yard scamper, breaking the 14-year-old state single season rushing record in the process.

The Leesville defense spent a long night on the field, trying to slow down the methodical Cardinal offense.  They sacked QB Grant Barbera once, had four tackles for loss, and recovered a fumble.  They were stretched to the limit in time of possession.  E.D White’s defense held Leesville to a season low 207 yards total offense.

Leesville finished the 2024 campaign with a 12-3 mark.  E.D. White will meet #1 Archbishop Shaw in an all-Catholic school final for the Division II Select title, Friday at noon in the Superdome.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury met Monday, December 9, at the Parish Governmental Complex Building at 5 p.m. Jurors welcomed visitor Dana Jinks, the owner of Jay Boy’s Convenience Store on the Alexandria Highway.  He asked Jurors to consider amending the parish statute to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages in businesses on Sunday.  He told Jurors he is losing business because customers go into the Leesville city limits, where the sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed after 12 p.m. on Sunday.  He asked Jurors to not make it so difficult for a new business, such as his, and asked them to consider changing the ordinance.

Committee reports were made to Jurors.  The Capital Properties Committee received a quote from GMT Services to clean, make repairs, and paint the outside of the Parish Governmental Complex Building for $17,500.  A quote of $2,977.81 came in from S.Keel Flooring to replace the flooring and carpet in the kitchen and men’s room at the Parish-wide Maintenance facility.  Pat Williams Construction bid $126,249 to demolish and remove the catwalk between the historic courthouse and the annex (old jail).

Marvin Hilton with the Personnel Committee reported on a request from parish employee Lester Edwards to receive donated sick leave from his co-workers, due to illness.

The Road Maintenance & Construction Committee received requests from the Vernon Parish School Board: maintain a bus turnaround at 697 Cooper Cemetery Road in District 1/Ward 4, provide two loads of dirt for Hornbeck High School, and maintain a bus turnaround at 11465 Highway 10 in Pitkin.  Resolutions were also submitted to perform maintenance work in the Town of Rosepine and Village of Simpson for the month of December.  Road Foremen have completed their 2025 overlay list and submitted them to parish administrator, Rhonda Plummer for review.

Kenny Haymon of the Ways and Means Committee read a request from the West Vernon Parish Waterworks District to re-appoint Joseph B. Smith to the Board of Directors for another five-year term.

Jurors adopted the official listing of Off System Bridges and passed a Resolution of Compliance as required for participating in the Off System Bridge Replacement Program.  Jurors discussed approving and accepting Right of Way, received from Mrs. Lorena Carr at 648 Eubanks Road, to install two culverts across the road.

The next meeting of the Vernon Parish Police Jury will be Monday, December 16, at 10 a.m.

Merchants and Farmers Bank Kids Coloring Contest- All branches of MFB will hold a coloring contest for kids 12 and under.  Pick up a Christmas tree coloring page at any branch of MFB.  Please, only one entry per child (no adult help).  Color and decorate the tree and turn it back in to your MFB branch by Friday, December 13. ON THE BACK INCLUDE THE CHILD’S NAME, GRADE AND A PHONE NUMBER.  All entries will be on display in bank lobbies.  Branch judging will be December 13. Every branch winner gets a small prize. Overall winner will be announced December 18.  The winner receives $100 cash and a Cracker Barrel Christmas Morning Breakfast Basket.  See your nearby location of Merchants and Farmers Bank for details.

Pitkin Christmas Parade- The town of Pitkin will hold their annual Christmas parade on Saturday, December 14 at 1 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to enjoy the parade, food and vendors.  Vendors can call Jessica for info at 318-491-0959.  To enter a float call Jody at 337-789-1173 or Larry at 337-322-6100.

The Village of Anacoco- The Anacoco Community Center will host Santa and Mrs Claus at 530pm Saturday, December 14.  Kids can give their letters to Santa and visit.  Free to all.  Enjoy free hot chocolate and coffee, free hot dogs, chili, cookies and kids activities.  Everyone who comes gets one free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  There is also a chili cookoff with $1000 worth of prize money up for grabs. Chili judging starts at 530pm.  Pre-register for the chili cookoff by calling 337-239-0215.

Vernon Council on Aging- The VCOA will be selling gumbo at the Leesville Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 14…VCOA is located at 200 North Third Street in downtown Leesville.  Doors will open at 3pm. Come by and eat in or take it to go.

Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra- The Vernon Parish Chamber Orchestra will hold a free Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.  The concert will be in the Wooten Theatre in downtown DeRidder.  The public is invited to hear live music, the sounds of the season.  Free and open to the public.

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Christmas Parade Saturday, December 14, at 5:30 p.m.  Line-up will begin at 3 p.m. The parade rolls through downtown Leesville at 5:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Angels Among Us”.  Register online at greatervernon.org.

Christmas shopping at Third St Market

The second Saturday at the Third Street Market will begin Saturday, December 14, at 9 a.m. and continue ’til 3 p.m.  You’ll find loads of vendors, food, family activities, and Christmas shopping galore.   The market is at the corner of Third and Harriet Streets in downtown Leesville.

To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

Congratulations to Roxanne Daily of Leesville.  She won our contest in week 6 and again in week 14, just in time for Christmas.  Roxanne and Ben will be going shopping for Christmas.  This is the final week of our contest…you pick high school championships, the Army-Navy game and some pro action this week. Every entry comes with a free subscription to the Vernon Parish Journal.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by VPJ by Friday at 4 p.m.  We’ll be giving away our last $100 bill this week!

Thanks to our inaugural sponsors: The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Bud’s Auto and Towing, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports, and Dairy Queen of Leesville.

Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

THANKS FOR PLAYING!!

Welcome to the Vernon Parish Job Opportunities page. Every month you will find current job listings from The City of Leesville, Vernon Parish Police Jury, Vernon Parish School Board, the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Leesville City Police. 

Vernon Parish E-911 Communications Division- Currently accepting applications for Public Safety E-911 Dispatchers.  Full-time and part-time positions available.  Pick up application Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm @ 190 Ned Woodham Road, Leesville.  Must be 18 years of age to apply.  Must have high school degree or equivelant.

CITY OF LEESVILLE (Public Works)
Contact Chris Fox at 337-239-2995 or apply on-line at http://www.leesvillela.gov/jobs.aspx
These jobs feature great benefits: Excavator Operator, Sweeper Truck Operator.

The Leesville Fire Department is now hiring fire-fighters.  Contact Chief Bobby Hooks at 337-239-7950 or stop by the Leesville Fire Station.

VERNON PARISH POLICE JURY
There are no listings this week for the VPPJ

LEESVILLE CITY POLICE
City is always interested in hiring Patrol Officers. Contact Lt. Matt Warren at 337-238-0331

VERNON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The VPSO has two job listings this week: 1) Corrections Deputy – must be 18 years of age. Have high school diploma.  No experience needed;  2) Louisiana POST Certified Patrol Deputy.  Must have a minimum of two years’ experience.  Must be POST Certified through Louisiana.  For information, contact Chief Deputy Calvin Turner at 337-238-1311.

VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
The school board has the following openings.

Certified Speech Language Pathologist (VPSB)

Special Education Teacher at Leesville Junior High

Head football coach at Rosepine High (teaching responsibilities may vary)

Fifth grade teacher at Hicks Elementary

ELA teacher at Parkway Elementary

Apply online at  http://www.vpsb.us

The 2024 Mazda Miata art car, a design project for students in Northwestern State University’s Department of Fine and Graphic Art, made a statement about breast cancer awareness while also incorporating themes of motion and color.  

Nelson Tamez of DeRidder created the design for the vehicle, beginning with the prompt Jinba Attai, a Japanese phrase that translates as “person and horse as one body,” one of Mazda’s prominent design philosophies.  When selecting colors for his design, Tamez incorporated the bright pink associated with breast cancer awareness.  

Titled “Bubble Gum River,” the hand-painted Mazda was on display in front of A.A. Fredericks Auditorium during Christmas Gala week and through the end of the semester to showcase the talents and teamwork of NSU art students. 

“My mother’s aunt died when I was around five,” Tamez said. “My mom was super close to her.  She inspired her to come here to the United States from Mexico.  When she was on her deathbed, my aunt said ‘You’ve got to live your life. You can’t stay here forever.’  It had an impact on my mom and by proxy it had an impact on me.”

Tamez’s family is involved with DeRidder’s race for breast cancer awareness and the pink t-shirts worn by participants.  When his parents viewed the car, his mother asked if he chose the color with breast cancer in mind.  Other design elements came from the suggested prompts put forth by Professor of Art Collier Hyams, who has organized the Mazda art car design projects for students for several years. The student whose design is awarded a scholarship for the spring semester.  

“The curving design suggests motion, color and horse-and-rider. The shapes were inspired by radio waves, or echo locations, so everything is coming from the driver, and it’s supposed to communicate how the driver is an extension of the vehicle and vice versa,” Tamez said. “It’s coming off the driver’s seat, it’s coming off of the wheels, it’s coming off of the lights.  Whenever you’re driving, you’re not thinking you’re using the car, you are just driving.”

Tamez credited Hyams, Professor Sculpture Corbin Covher and his fellow students for help with executing the design. The team included Harlee Manry of Cloutierville, Tatum VanderHey of Sulphur, Koda Shoemake of Morgan City, and Cameron Murphy of Ruston, all members of Kappa Pi, the honor society for fine and graphic art.  Tamez is president of NSU’s Gamma Mu chapter of Kappa Pi. 

“Their work is reviewed by an international company and judged by Mike Zagami of Mazda North American Operations.  In art we consider this a very good resume item,” Hyams said. 

Information on NSU’s Department of Fine and Graphic Arts is available at https://www.nsula.edu/art/.  

Pilot Club of Leesville presents their 10^th annual Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 14 with registration set at 8:30.  The race begins at 9 a.m.  Run headquarters will be at Dogwood Park off Belview Road in Leesville.  Individual runner cost is $35 (Early Bird cost) and $40 day of the race.  Teams of five or more runners are $25 per runner (Early Bird cost) and $30 day of the race.

Early bird registration is available until December 3.  To register go to https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race

The holiday season is a special time of year in Vernon Parish, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in Louisiana’s Legend Country. With a variety of festive events happening throughout December, Vernon Parish offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for family fun, holiday shopping, or just a chance to enjoy the festive spirit. From gatherings to parades, here’s a look at some of the top events you won’t want to miss!

Leesville Christmas Parade – A Festive Tradition!

The Leesville Christmas Parade is one of the biggest events of the holiday season, and this year it will roll through the streets of Leesville on Saturday, December 14th, beginning at 5:30pm. If you’re interested in joining the parade fun, lineup begins at 3pm on Saturday, and you can sign up to ride in the parade online at GreaterVernon.org.

https://vernonparish.org/event/christmas-parade-2/

Leesville Farmers Market – A Local Holiday Shopping Experience

Every Saturday from 8am-1pm, the Leesville Farmers Market is the perfect place to find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and unique gifts from local artisans. Second Saturdays are extra special, with family activities and even more fun for the whole crew. This is the ideal spot to pick up that perfect holiday gift while supporting local vendors and small businesses.

https://vernonparish.org/event/second-saturday-at-the-third-street-market/

For more information on events throughout the year, go to www.LegendCountry.com/Events. Tag us on social media at #LALegendCountry and share your legendary fun this December!

BONNIE HARDIN
September 12, 1940 – December 4, 2024
Service: December 12, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville at 1:00 p.m.

RICHARD L. FEE
June 15, 1959 – December 3, 2024
Service: December 7, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder at 2:00 p.m.

BARBARA ANNE LUNDY
August 31, 1961 – December 5, 2024
Service: December 11, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Leesville at 11:45 a.m.

The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division has released information on the deaths of two individuals in the on-post housing of Ft. Johnson.

Corporal Perrin Ross, age 24, an enlisted soldier assigned to First Battalion, 509^th Infantry Regiment, and his spouse, Estephany Ross, were found deceased in their on-post residence, Monday, December 2.  Ross had been in the Army since November 2019 and was stationed at the Joint Readiness Training Center/Ft. Johnson since April 2023.

Brigadier General Jason Curl, Commanding General of the JRTC/Ft. Johnson, said, ”This is a tragic incident for the entire Ft. Johnson community.  Our prayers go out to their families, friends and colleagues.”

This is an isolated incident, according to Ft Johnson officials.  The Department of the Army CID’s investigation is ongoing.

On Thursday, November 21, a group of seventh- and eighth-grade “mathletes” from Pitkin High School competed in the 23^rd Annual McGrath Math Competition held on the campus of Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) in Natchitoches. Twenty-five teams from twelve schools competed in the day-long event, which includes individual and team competitions. Fifteen students from Pitkin High made the trip to Natchitoches; they were accompanied by teacher Headyn Morvant.

The McGrath Math Competition is held each November at LSMSA. The competition is named in honor of LSMSA math professor, Mr. Mike McGrath, who retired in 2020 after 32 years teaching advanced concepts in every level of mathematics from Geometry to Calculus II. Dr. Brad Burkman, Department Chair and Senior Lecturer in Mathematics and Computer Science at LSMSA, plans and oversees the McGrath Math Competition. 

“The individual test is accessible and challenging for everyone, with questions for a range of skills, many requiring cleverness,” Burkman said. “In the team competition, middle schoolers get to do math, work in teams, run, cheer, and let out their boisterous, nerdling side.”

LSMSA, ranked a World’s Best Boarding School by Fortune magazine, is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families in need to ensure that no eligible student is denied access to the school’s 41-year legacy of a college-level living/learning experience.

LSMSA is currently accepting applications for the Fall ’25 semester. To learn more, or to apply for admission, visit www.LSMSA.edu. 

The Vernon Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, December 5, at 10 a.m.

Curtis Clay with the Head Start Program reported on the December 3 Policy Council meeting and requested an extensive list of policy changes be added to the December 10 agenda. The Board so moved.

Finance Director, Tim Ward, had revisions to the Board budget.  The General Fund has $84.8 million in revenue and expenses of $84.7 million.  A decrease in student numbers has cost the system a million dollars in MFP funding. Vernon Parish has lost 175 students at this point in the fiscal year.  Finance Committee Chairman, John Blankenbaker, motioned that these revisions be placed on the December 10 agenda.

Joey Bartz, Personnel Director, spoke on the need for background checks for criminal history for all employees and staff. Louisiana State Police will be auditing the Vernon Parish school system.  Personnel Chair, Kelly Goodwin, announced some new hires.  Tiffany Holt has been named Principal at Pitkin, while James Bjornberg was named the new Assistant Principal at Rosepine.  The contract of Angela Schraven as Principal of Anacoco Elementary was renewed.

The Board named officers for the next term.  Vernon Travis will be the new School Board president.  Diedra Shell of District Three will serve as the Board’s vice president.

Lisa Lohman, in Curriculum, gave an accountability summary based on recently-released state testing scores.  The Early Childhood Education scores were high-proficient with a 5.70 mark — an increase over last year.  Overall Excellent recognition, went to Anacoco, Evans, and Hornbeck.  Evans ranked 8^th in the state out of 1000 programs, and Hornbeck received a Top Gains award.

In another report showing state systems rankings, Vernon Parish was rated an Academic A, making them a Top Ten system in the state.  Six schools from Vernon Parish were rated Academic A schools, and nine schools were recognized in the Top Gains category.

Vernon Parish ranks #1 in the state for ACT Index Performance.  That means our juniors and seniors are ready for college placement or entry into the work force upon graduation.

The next meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board will be Tuesday, December 10, at 10 a.m.

What happens when two senior-laden high school football teams meet?  One is a scoring machine, the other a defensive shutdown squad.  Oh yeah, make it a game that if you win, you go to the Superdome in New Orleans to play for all the marbles.  Well, neighbors, that’s what you have tonight when #7 Leesville travels to Thibodaux to face #3 E.D. White in an LHSAA Division II Select semi-final game at 7 p.m.  The winner will meet either #1 Archbishop Shaw or #5 Madison Prep in the state title game at noon Friday, December 13, in the Ceasars Superdome.

The scoring machine is Leesville, from District 3-4A.  The defensive shutdown squad is White from District 8-4A.  The two will meet on the artificial turf of Harvey Peltier Stadium, and this one has the makings of an instant classic. The two teams took similar approaches to reach this point.

The Leesville Wampus Cats finished the regular season with an 8-2 mark.  They have playoff wins over #10 Loyola Prep, 42-24, and #18 Booker T. Washington of New Orleans, 50-12.  The Cardinals finished the regular season 8-2 and have posted playoff wins over #19 Livingston College Prep, 51-14, and arch-rival #6 Vandebilt Catholic, 23-18.

The similarities show up in the won-loss record of the teams.  Leesville dropped their season opener to 5A Sam Houston and lost in week 6 to 4A Iowa.  White lost in week two to 5A Jesuit of New Orleans and in week 7 to 4A Lutcher.  Power ratings and schedule strength favor White.  The Cards power rating is 13.48;  the Cats 12.20.  Leesville has a schedule strength of 7.70; White’s is 9.00.  The Cardinals opened the season playing three 5A schools, going 2-1.  Leesville played one 5A school and lost.

Leesville averages 47 points per game on offense while allowing 27.3 points per game on defense.  In the playoffs the Wampus Cat offense is averaging 46.5 ppg, and the defense is allowing 18 ppg.  That is more than a TD better than the regular season.  E.D. White registered four shutouts during the regular season, allowing an eye-popping 11.7 ppg.  Offensively, the Cards average 36.1 ppg.  In the playoffs the offense is averaging 37 ppg,  while the defense has allowed 16 ppg, nearly a TD more than the regular season.

The high-flying Wampus Cat offense is predicated around the #3 ranked high school running back in America, Xavier Ford.  Ford has 3301 yards rushing and 54 TD’s on the season, ranking him in the top three in the nation in both categories.  Ford needs just 137 yards to break the Louisiana high school rushing record for one year, set in 2010 by Cedric Skinner of Oberlin.

Leesville is not a one-man gang on offense with the emergence of sophomore QB Trel Broom and a bevy of young wide receivers.  Broom had nearly 2000 yards passing on the year and has five WR’s he can throw to.  All five have double digits in catches this year, led by Mike Davis and Ju-Ju Brown. The senior-heavy Leesville offensive line gets big props for opening holes for Ford and protecting Broom when he throws.

E.D. White Head Coach Kyle Lassigne has 25 seniors on the roster; 15-16 of them are among his 22 starters.  This is an experienced squad with a school playoff run spanning 12 years.  The Cardinals run a veer option offense, and they go left a lot behind a 6’4” 270 lb. tackle.  Lassigne said his defense has been guilty of sloppy tackling in the playoffs — something they must correct when facing a back of Ford’s caliber.  Lassigne also was not happy with his team’s turnovers recently.

Leesville Coach Robbie Causey told us this week that E.D. White will run a double slot or wing slot and try to get leverage on you. They are very deliberate on offense and like to control tempo.  Causey said the White offensive line is big and reminds him of Sam Houston. He characterized their skill players as small, quick and active.  The Leesville defense has been aggressive all year and gang tackle and swarm to the ball.  White will try and limit that with a patient rushing attack aimed at keeping the explosive Leesville offense off the field.

Both squads are playoff tested.  E.D. White last made the semifinals in 2022, losing to #1 St.Thomas More, 38-7. In 2021, the #1ranked Cards lost to #2 University, 14-7.  Many seniors from this team were freshmen then, and that’s real motivation.  Leesville is making its third trip to the semifinals. They defeated Breaux Bridge in 1995. In 2018, they lost to Warren Easton in New Orleans. Leesville has played for the state title once, in 1995, losing to Salmen High of Slidell.

GAME ON RADIO   KJAE/93.5 and KVVP/105.7

The City of Leesville’s annual Christmas celebration, Jingle & Mingle, has been expanded to three days this year and brings something to the city that has not been seen in a while! The event will feature an indoor ice-skating rink at the Leesville Event Center. The three-day event begins Friday, December 6 and continues ’til 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8.  Ice skating costs $5 for kids 5-11 and $10 for 12 and above. The price includes skates.  Go to Eventbrite.com to order tickets for ice skating.

Jingle & Mingle begins Friday, December 6, at 3pm with the ice rink, inflatables and vendors.  Saturday the hours are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. for skating and events.  Joy the Elf will be on hand from 11-2.  A pie contest is being held at 2 p.m.  Bakers are asked to bake an 8 -10” pie for judging at 2 p.m.  You may pre-register those pies about 30 minutes prior to being judged. Enter your best recipe and bring home a ribbon! 

The Vernon Parish Library will present Candy Cane Lane Storytime at the event center, Friday from 4pm-445pm and Saturday from 230pm-330pm.  Please bring your young children for a very special storytime.

Other community sponsored events include a coloring station set up by Byrd Regional on Saturday from 10am-2pm, The First United Pentecostal Church will have free Christmas candy for kids, The City of Leesville will pass out free cocoa and free popcorn will be available from the First United Methodist Church of Leesville. They will also have a chance for kids to build an ornament.

When you attend the event, make sure you get a free door prize ticket.  Door prizes will be awarded at 4 p.m.  You must be present to win.  Door prizes include a Yeti hard-side cooler and accessories plus a gas powered mini-bike.  Santa will be on location from 4-8 p.m. Saturday for pictures with kids.

Jingle & Mingle will continue on Sunday with ice skating, vendors and inflatables from 1-6 p.m.

All Jingle & Mingle events will take place indoors or around the Leesville Event Center on Nolan Trace in Leesville.  The event is free and open to all.

To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

This is a picture of Ben.  Ben finally made it into the wallet of our Week 13 winner, Shane Steech, of DeRidder.  Sorry…too late for his picture.  Shane went 9-1 last week and won on a tiebreaker.   There are two weeks left in the Pick-em contest.  The contest will end with the Louisiana High School State Championships in the Superdome.   Good luck pickers! Every entry comes with a free subscription to the Vernon Parish Journal.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by VPJ by Friday at 4 p.m.  We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 14.

Thanks to our inaugural sponsors: The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Bud’s Auto and Towing, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports, and Dairy Queen of Leesville.

Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

HAPPY PICKING!!

The hardwoods in gyms around the parish echo with bouncing balls as everyone is playing roundball. The Simpson girls won their first 14 games this year and appear headed for a great year.  Leesville’s boys are waiting on the football season to be over before getting some key players back.  Here is a look at early results, in alphabetical order:

ANACOCO(G)- 4-5, lost to Zwolle Tuesday night,43-42. Home to Elizabeth on Dec.10

ANACOCO(B)- 5-8, lost to Zwolle Tuesday night, 69-39. Home to Elizabeth on Dec.10

EVANS (G)- 6-2, lost at Grand Lake Monday,55-33. At Evans tourney this weekend

EVANS(B)-1-9, lost to Grand Lake 67-44. Play at Hackberry Dec. 10

HICKS(G)-6-5, beat Florien Tuesday, 63-57. Play Pickering Dec. 10

HICKS(B)-9-3, beat Florien Tuesday, 68-65. Play Pickering Dec. 10

HORNBECK(G)-2-3, lost at Montgomery Monday, 54-48. Play at Florien Dec.10

HORNBECK(B)-4-3, beat Montgomery Monday 59-48. Play at Florien Dec.10

LEESVILLE(G)-1-2   Host Iowa Dec.10

LEESVILLE(B)-0-3   Play at Lake Charles College Prep on Dec.10

PICKERING(G)- 3-1 at Evans tourney vs Evans Thursday Dec. 5

PICKERING(B)-2-3,lost at Hamilton Christian Tuesday, 80-56. At Hicks Dec. 9

PITKIN(G)-5-7, beat Menard Tuesday, 63-44. Play at Jennings Dec. 5

PITKIN(B) 11-3, Have won 8 in a row. Beat Menard Tuesday, 99-60

ROSEPINE(G)-2-4, won at Pleasant Hill Tuesday, 74-49. Host Zwolle Dec. 9

ROSEPINE(B)-3-3, lost at Pleasant Hill Tuesday, 81-58.

SIMPSON(G)-14-1, lost at Oak Hill Tuesday,74-49. Host St.Joseph’s of Plaucheville Dec. 6

SIMPSON(B)- 4-7, lost Tuesday at Oak Hill, 55-50

FAITH TRAINING(G)- 3-1, Beat SWLA Tuesday, 39-36.  Played ACS Thursday/score unavailable at press time

FAITH TRAINING(B)-1-4, lost to SWLA Tuesday, 64-35. Play at Shreveport Dec.10.