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KAPLAN — Taking things one day at a time has been the mantra for the Kaplan High Pirates in 2023, and it’s been a successful approach to the football season that’s helped Kaplan rebound from a 4-6 mark the previous year to a 7-2 record overall and 3-0 in District 5-3A, heading into Friday’s regular-season finish at Abbeville High’s Wildcat Stadium.
But the players don’t live in a vacuum, KHS coach Cory Brodie acknowledges, and they know just what Friday’s game means to both teams.
“Obviously the kids aren’t oblivious to the fact that we’re playing a parish rival, and it’s for the district championship at their place, and obviously the Russo Trophy,” Brodie said. “There’s just a lot on the line Friday.”
The Peter Russo Memorial Trophy is presented to the winner of the game annually to hold for the next year. The trophy honors a 1941 Abbeville High graduate and athlete who died during military service in World War II in 1944, and has been given to the winner of the Abbeville-Kaplan game every year since Russo’s family established the trophy in 1961. Abbeville won the trophy in 2021 for the first time in 16 years, and retained it with a 14-13 win in 2022.
In addition, both teams are 3-0 in district, and both hope to earn a first-round home playoff game by finishing in the top 16 in the Non-Select Division II power rankings. Abbeville (7-2) is currently 14th in the unofficial power rankings, and Kaplan is 20th, with the top 28 teams in each non-select division earning a playoff spot. The top four teams in the seeding earn first-round byes, with teams 5-16 hosting in the first round.
“With social media and the Internet and everything else, the kids are fully understanding that if we win this game, we have a really good shot at hosting a playoff game, which is just another motivator to it,” Brodie said. “But the good thing is, last year we had to win to get in the playoffs, and we didn’t do that. We’re excited about being 7-2 and all that other stuff, but we’re taking this not as a do-or-die game, but leading up to this point, it’s a great way to cap off the season, especially with it being a district championship (on the line). More than Abbeville, the focus has been on winning the district championship. To me they’re another district opponent, another opportunity to be undefeated in district.
Also on the minds of the Pirates is that narrow loss to Abbeville in 2022, which kept the Pirates from earning a spot in the playoffs. Kaplan has turned the memory of close losses last season into wins this season. The Pirates learned they need to finish games and play hard all four quarters, Brodie said.
“I think last year our Achilles heel was ending the games,” he said. “That’s something we focused on this year. This year, our Achilles heel has been the beginning of games. We kind of solved one problem and created another one. The game against Church Point last week, we gave up 1 points the first two drives and then shut them out for three quarters. The same thing when we lost to Rayne — we pretty much started slow and gave them a lead in the first half, and pretty much shut them out in the second half.
“We’ve done a good job closing games. Now we’ve just got to make sure we come out fast and have good starts to games. I definitely think it was an offseason mindset of, ‘this has happened to us the last two years, and we need to focus on finishing every day on a positive note.’”
The Pirates have a small senior class with only five players finishing their prep careers this year — Gabriel Campisi, Jed Devoltz, Talan Fruge, André Marceaux and Grant Stelly.
“I think we’re because a lot of people thought we were one year away with only five seniors in the class,” Brodie said.
“We’re super excited that we’re one year ahead of schedule, and we can cap that off if we do it Friday night and finish undefeated in district.”
Knowing that, the coaches worked with the juniors to step up as leaders this season, as well.
“Grant Stelly is a very vocal guy,” Brodie said. “He gets our defense lined up in the back end. But those other four guys are more workers and don’t say much. They show up every day and do their jobs and lead more by example. I met with some of the juniors in the offseason and just explained to them that they kind of have two senior seasons — we can’t wait until you’re a senior to be the vocal guy. That’s been huge for us. Guys like Dane Frick, Bradyn Bearb, are big vocal leaders. Just having those guys as juniors step up into those senior roles has been big for us.”
Daylon Landry is second in the parish in rushing yards (142 carries, 1,015 yards, 11 TDs) and third in receiving yards (10-248, 2 TDs). Devoltz is fifth in rushing with 763 yards and six TDs on 129 totes after missing a few games with an injury. Bearb (255 yards, 6 TDs), Wyatt Hebert (230 yards, 2 TDs) and Frick (149 yards, 1 TD) also have contributed.
Sabe David is third in the parish with 53 yards and five touchdowns passing.
It’s all on the line this week with a chance to wrap up Kaplan’s first outright district championship since 2018. The Pirates also shared a district title with Erath and St. Martinville in 2019.
Abbeville is seeking its first outright district title since beating Kaplan in 1997 in a battle of teams that were 3-0 in district.
“Both teams have done very well this year, being 7-2, but as a coach, as a player, these are the types of games you dream about at 5 years old of playing — on the road, district rival, district championship — kind of a made-for-movie situation,” Brodie said. “Regardless of what happens, one team is going to be 8-2 and one team is going to be 7-3. I think both teams have represented the parish in a great way, so we’ll figure out who the better team is Friday.”

Adley Marie LeBlanc Renard, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She was born on December 13, 1954 in Erath, LA to the late Edwin and Olite Gerard LeBlanc.
Adley lived a life of joy, love and happiness. She enjoyed spending her time in the morning visiting her friends and loved ones, playing Bingo regularly in the early evenings and ending her days with the love of her life, her husband “Red.” She also enjoyed Pokeno, fishing and shrimping, but her most joyous times were spent with her family. Adley always had a smile on her face and was often the cause of the laughter. Her joyous spirit was contagious and she always made everyone feel loved.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Lanny “Red” Renard; son, Daniel Bourque, Jr.; daughter in law, Marcia Daigle; step son, Anthony Hackney; God Daughter, Alicia Derouen; brothers, Mickel LeBlanc (Linda), Marty LeBlanc (Nena); Marcus LeBlanc (Franchell); Shane LeBlanc (Natasha); step sister, Belinda Bergeron; sister in law, Cindy Gannet (Tom); brother in laws, Brian Pitre and Ray Boy Bourque; grandchildren, Daniel Bourque, III; Deacon Bourque, Urijah Bourque, Harmony Daigle, Sofia Daigle and Madelyn Daigle and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her sisters, Sandra Pitre and Darlene Bourque, beloved nephews, Damon Bourque and Brody Bourque, Brother in law, Kelly Renard; Sister in law, Bonnie Renard and her grandson, Malcolm Daigle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Evangeline Funeral Home in Delcambre. A Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. The funeral home will reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday until 1:30 p.m.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Shane LeBlanc, Marcus LeBlanc, Mickel LeBlanc, Marty LeBlanc, Toby Mergist and Leroy Lassell, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Lanny Renard, Daniel Bourque, Tristan Daigle, Daniel Bourque III, Deacon Bourque, Urijah Bourque and John Anthony Hackney.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Adley’s memorial page at www.evangelinedelcambre.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.

It’s not often that someone can boast about having two uncles who played in the NFL, but Abbeville High senior starting cornerback Tahj Judge can do just that.
Tahj was born and raised in Abbeville, and his mother, Shameria Judge, is also an Abbeville High graduate.
Tahj’s uncles are Kaplan Pirate football stars Joe Judge, who is also a member of the McNeese Football Hall of Fame, and Donald Richard who also played at USL and in the NFL in the 1990s.
Tahj’s father, Blandon Richard, hails from Kaplan and is Donald Richard’s brother.
Donald Richard played with the Baltimore Ravens while Joe Judge played for the Tennessee Titans.
Tahj keeps in touch with both of his uncles and speaks to Joe almost daily.
Tahj acknowledges Joe’s football prowess at Kaplan and McNeese, and considers him to be a standout player.
Tahj said Donald Richard tried to convince him to move to Kaplan to become a Pirate.
“I could not. I was born a Wildcat,” said Tahj.
Joe Judge, who lives in Sulphur and teaches at Sulphur High School, is expected to be at Friday’s game.
“I kept in touch with Tahj and wanted to make sure he did the right thing,” said Joe. “Tahj is an outstanding athlete and a two-way player. He comes from a pretty good gene pool.”
Joe Judge and his family are also expected to attend the Kaplan versus Abbeville game. When asked who he would support, he answered with “family.”
Tahj is well aware of the significance of Friday’s game.
The team that wins the game is declared the outright District 5-3A champion. It’s been 27 years since the Wildcats have played for an outright football district championship.
The last time they had the opportunity was in 1997, when both Kaplan High School and Abbeville High School had a 3-0 record in the district. Abbeville won the district title and the Peter Russo Trophy with a close overtime victory over Kaplan.
Tahj, a three-year starter, expressed his desire to win the district title, which is a big deal at Abbeville High, especially since it has been so long.
Tahj has played a key role in all three victories against Kaplan, having started as a quarterback for two years before becoming a starting cornerback on defense, with occasional appearances as a quarterback.
He has 25 solo tackles, 13 assists and three interceptions to his name.
Roderick Moy, the head coach of Abbeville High, has observed Tahj’s growth and development in the last three years.
Moy said that he has never seen a student mature so much over such a short period of time.
Moy said that when Tahj was a freshman, some people doubted his potential.
The coach also mentioned that Tahj’s decision to stick with the sport and believe in what they have taught him has made a significant difference in his progress.
“He has stuck with it and believed what we have told him,” said Moy.
Tahj’s success can also be attributed to the guidance and support of his two uncles who have played football at various levels, including high school, college, and the NFL.
“They have helped Tahj stay on the right path and overcome difficulties in both life and football,” Moy said.
Moy emphasized that “having someone to rely on when things aren’t going as planned is a significant advantage for Tahj. When Tahj gets upset with his coaches, he has someone he can contact to keep him motivated and focused.”
Moy said that having two uncles who have played football at the highest level is a privilege that not everyone has, and Tahj is fortunate to have them as a support system.
“Not everyone has that to go home to,” said Moy.

Members of Keep Abbeville Beautiful and the Abbeville Garden Club ask you to join in applauding these remarkable individuals and businesses who have gone above and beyond in taking exceptional care of their properties, creating a sense of pride in the community. Their commitment to maintaining beautiful spaces has contributed to the overall charm and appeal of our town.

Individual Category

Members are delighted to honor the James A. Herod Home, located at 601 E. St. Victor. The Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana has lovingly tended to this historic property, adorning it with beautifully landscaped gardens, vibrant blooms, and impeccably preserved exteriors. Their efforts have not only enhanced the visual charm of the community but have also ignited a shared passion for preserving our town's unique character.

Business Category

In this category, KAB is delighted to present the award to Center Stage Dance Academy located at 2617 Charity Street. Their dedication to creating a space that not only fosters artistic expression but also radiates beauty and care for our town is truly commendable. The well-maintained exteriors and inviting atmosphere at Center Stage Dance have set a remarkable example for all businesses to follow. Kudos to Center Stage Dance for their outstanding commitment to our community!
Let's celebrate this remarkable achievement by sharing this post and spreading the word about the incredible Center Stage Dance. “Together, we can unite as a community, inspired by their example, and build a stronger, more beautiful Abbeville that we can all take immense pride in,” KAB said.