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New Erath head coach Eric LeBlanc got his first win as a new high school coach.

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EHS running back Jax Thibodeaux runs the football for Erath.

Erath surprises Berwick; new Erath coach gets his first high school win

Sat, 10/06/2018 - 2:39am

BERWICK - It was a win the Erath Bobcats needed and they got it in impressive fashion, beating Berwick 36-14 on Thursday night.
The win was the first all season for the Bobcats (1-5 overall), though you wouldn’t have known it by watching them Thursday. It was also the first win for new EHS coach Eric LeBlanc.
When Leblanc played his final high school game at Erath, the Bobcats beat Berwick 42-12 in 2007. Now, Berwick is the first team he beats as a new head coach.
So, Berwick now holds a special place in his heart.
“These guys are happier than I’ve seen them all year,” Erath Coach Eric LeBlanc said after the game. “They looked like they were ready for a win. We had a good game plan on both sides of the ball. The difference between this and previous weeks was that we finally executed.”
Erath jumped out to a 16-0 lead in the first quarter and led 22-0 by halftime. It scored on each of its first four possessions, as quarterback Luke LeBlanc made running a spread offense look easy. His quick strike to receiver Luke Frederick on the Bobcats’ first drive led to a 33-yard Andrew Sonnier field goal that gave Erath a 3-0 lead early.
The Bobcats scored on their next three possessions.
After a high snap over Berwick punter Seth Canty’s head set up a first-and-goal at the 5-yard-line, Erath scored its first touchdown when Jax Thibodeaux rushed from five yards out to put the Bobcats up 10-0 halfway through the opening quarter.
On its next drive, Erath drove 70 yards with LeBlanc hitting receiver Matt Domingues for a 44-yard touchdown pass for a 16-0 lead.
Erath pulled ahead even further when LeBlanc threaded the needle on third-and-goal from the Berwick 7-yard line, hitting receiver Ian Harrington on an inside slant and giving Erath 22 points on its first four possessions.
Even with the game well out of hand in the second half, Erath kept adding on and throwing the ball deep into the fourth quarter.
LeBlanc added a 12-yard touchdown pass to Domingues and a 31-yard strike to Nicholas Nguyen to up the Bobcats’ lead to 36-0 before Berwick finally found the end-zone near the end of the game.
Sanford got the Panthers on the board with 4:53 remaining when he found an opening and raced 29 yards for a touchdown that made it 36-7.
He then completed a 58-yard touchdown pass to Keyon Singleton with 1:03 remaining to cap the game’s scoring.
Playing without tailback Josh Jones was a game-changer for Berwick’s offense. The senior sensation had been suffering all week with an ankle injury that had kept him limited during practice, Berwick Coach Mike Walker said. The Panthers tried to test him during pregame warmups — and even on one snap in the game — but to no avail, Walker said.
“With him on the field, I think it’s a completely different game,” Walker said. “We have the mentality of ‘next man up.’ Unfortunately, (Erath) made plays, and we didn’t. We knew they were going to try to load the box and force us to throw the ball. We were semi-prepared for it, but we just didn’t execute. That’s the bottom line.”
Berwick also wasn’t prepared for LeBlanc, who was lights out all night. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran when he had to, totaling 42 yards on three carries.
“Defensively we got beat on the back end,” Walker said. “We didn’t necessarily think they could throw the ball as well as they did, but sure enough, they beat us on some go routes and some 50/50 balls. They made plays and we didn’t.”
Erath totaled 374 yards of offense and 17 first downs. Domingues was LeBlanc’s top receiving target with nine catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Frederick caught five balls for 64 yards.
On the ground, Thibodeaux rushed 17 times for 70 yards.
Sanford completed just nine of 26 pass attempts for 158 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Singleton caught three passes for 76 yards and a score, and Barrett Hover had five grabs for 60 yards.
Berwick finished with 219 yards of offense and eight first downs.

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Kaplan's Drake Abshire outruns the Abbeville defense.

Russo Trophy staying in Kaplan for another year

Sat, 10/06/2018 - 2:32am

The Abbeville Wildcats gave the Kaplan Pirates a scare, but in the end, the Pirates won 42-30, bringing back the Peter Russo Trophy to Kaplan for the 13th straight year.
Kaplan head coach Stephen Lotief was not too happy after the game, but it was a win.
“Anytime you win, it is a good thing,” said Lotief. “We made some mistakes that we need to go back and correct.”
The Wildcats made the Pirates play all four quarters.
With nine minutes left in the game, Abbeville was behind only 28-24.
Abbeville quarterback Jaidyn O’Brien completed a 23-yard TD pass to Braeden Williams in the corner of the end zone that made it a four-point game.
With the AHS crowd standing and yelling, the excitement was building. Could this be the year the Kaplan winning streak would end?
The Pirates, after Abbeville scored, got the ball at their 35-yard-line with nine minutes to play. On the first play, tailback Drake Abshire broke the back of Abbeville when he darted up the middle for a 65-yard touchdown run that put the Pirates ahead by 10 points.
Abbeville’s upset dreams were crushed again when Kaplan free safety Nathan Sistrunk intercepted O’Brien’s pass up the middle not long after Abshire ran 65 yards for a touchdown.
With 4:42 to play in the game, Abshire scored his third touchdown of the game with a 22-yard run.
Abshire had a career-night rushing for 272 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
“ As a senior, I wanted to win the Russo Trophy for the fourth straight year,” said Abshire as he held the trophy in his hands.
The Pirates had 408 yards rushing and 52 yards passing. Abbeville had 164 yards rushing and 57 yards passing.
The Pirates jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but AHS did not quit and was right back in it on a Braeden Williams’ 4-yard touchdown run.
Abbeville’s first score was a 90-yard kickoff return by Tavion Menard. Menard was not finished scoring on kickoffs. He also had a 96-yard kick off return late in the third period to make it a 28-18 game.
Abbeville head coach Kevin Kern was happy with his team’s performance.
“We played hard and worked as a team,” said Kern. “We believed we were in the game until the end. I am very proud how hard we played.”
Kaplan fullback Braylon Romero rushed for 24 times for 107 yards. Kaplan quarterback Mason Frick completed two big passes for 52 yards total.
O’Brien had a career-game rushing the football. He ran 11 times for 103 yards. Abbeville is on the road to battle Patterson, while Kaplan is away to play Berwick.

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NV's Micha Istre eyes the end zone after he intercepts a Patterson pass.

North Vermilion gets homecoming win

Sat, 10/06/2018 - 2:28am

LEROY -- After falling 35-21 to South Beauregard last week, North Vermilion Coach Brett Blakey knew his team needed to get back to its identity for the season: physical running and passing out of necessity.
Friday night against Patterson, the Patriots did that and got some help from their defense, too, as they defeated Patterson on homecoming 52-28.
“We set the tone,” Blakey said. “We were physical in the run game. We felt like we could take it to them, and I felt like our offensive line answered the call tonight.”
North Vermilion (3-3 overall, 1-0 in district) had 363 yards of offense (291 rushing and 72 passing).
The Patriots also intercepted three passes by Patterson quarterback Randy Paul and turned each of them into touchdowns.
With the game tied at 7 after Malik Criner’s 7-yard run with 5:08 remaining in the first quarter, the Patriots quickly regained possession as Micah Istre intercepted Paul on the first offensive play of the Lumberjacks’ ensuing drive.
Istre returned the ball to the Patterson 2-yard line, and one play later, Criner scored from 2 yards out with 4:51 remaining for a 14-7 North Vermilion lead.
The Patriots added a score on their next offensive possession when quarterback Garrett Becker completed a 31-yard touchdown pass to Parker Romero with 57 seconds left in the quarter for a 21-7.
The Patriots added a pick-six by Kendrick Baudoin on the Lumberjacks’ ensuing offensive drive.
Hunter Hulin, who was 7-for-7 on point-after attempts and 1-1 on field goal tries, made his fourth extra point of the night for a 28-7 North Vermilion lead with three seconds left in the first quarter.
The hole was too much for Patterson to overcome.
After Patterson’s Dajon Richard scored on a 2-yard run with 10:38 remaining in the first half, the two teams went scoreless until Hulin connected on a 25-yard field goal to close the first half and give North Vermilion a 31-14 advantage.
Patterson (1-5, 0-1) cut its deficit to 31-21 with 7:12 left after Richard recorded a 54-yard touchdown reception from Paul.
However, North Vermilion added three more touchdowns: a 53-yard run by Becker with 6:53 remaining in the third, a 10-yard run by Criner with 5:37 left in the third quarter and a 17-yard run by Criner with 45 seconds left in the third quarter.
Criner led North Vermilion with 34 carries for 205 yards, and he scored four touchdowns, while Becker had eight carries for 70 yards and one score.
Becker also completed 2 of 5 passes for 72 yards and a score.
Defensively, North Vermilion limited Richard, a University of Texas-San Antonio verbal commit, to 211 yards of offense (117 rushing yards and two scores and 94 yards receiving and a touchdown). Richard’s final touchdown, a 79-yard run, came against North Vermilion’s junior varsity.
Blakey was pleased with his team’s effort stopping the Patterson standout after warning his team about the playmaker’s ability.
“I said, ‘Dajon’s going to make some plays. He’s really good. When we get the opportunity to make stops, we got to make stops,’” Blakey said.

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2018 Gueydan Homecoming Court

Fri, 10/05/2018 - 8:57am

The Roaring 20’s was the theme for the 2018 Gueydan High School Homecoming Tea. The Les Dames de Gueydan hosted the occasion. The tea was held at Les Dames member, Tiffany Hebert’s home in Gueydan. Attending the tea are front row from left, Sade Smith, Kennedy Boudreaux, Alisabeth Breaux, Gwendolyn Hebert, Kelcie Williams, Sydnie Simon, Hannah Vincent, Kendra Petry, Victoria Hebert, Sumer Bonvillion, Sydney Cormier and Emma LeJeune. The Bears will play host to Centerville at 7 p.m. in the annual Homecoming game.

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William “Patrick” Boudreaux

Fri, 10/05/2018 - 8:52am

ABBEVILLE — A Celebration of Life for William “Patrick” Boudreaux, 57, will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church, 822 I.J. Joiner St., Abbeville, LA. Rev. Mediate Derouen, Officiating.
Interment will follow in St. Paul Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, Saturday at the church and conclude at the time of services.
“Patrick” as he was affectionately, known was born on Saturday, February 11, 1961 in Abbeville, LA to the union of Beatrice Gilbert Boudreaux and the late William R. Boudreaux. He attained his formal education in the schools of Vermilion Parish. He went on to attended University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL) where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. Patrick worked many years for Chevron Oil and recently retired. He married the former Lisa Parson and they were blessed with two sons.
In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by three sisters, Andrea “Ande” Boudreaux, Pearlene Boudreaux and Patricia Boudreaux and his mother-in-law Betty Wright. Patrick peacefully passed away on Friday, September 21, 2018 in Lafayette, LA following a brief illness..
William leaves to celebrate his life, his wife, Lisa D. Boudreaux of Lafayette, LA; two sons, Julian A. Boudreaux of Abbeville, LA and Ian P. Boudreaux of Lafayette, LA; his mother, Beatrice Boudreaux of Abbeville, LA; his four siblings, Paula Boudreaux, Harry (Deidra) Boudreaux, and Felix (Melody) Boudreaux, all of Abbeville, LA and Bruse (Lisa) Boudreaux of Houston, TX; five grandchildren, Ju’Neia, Jaden, Codyjames, Julian and Yoshua; a brother and sister-in-law, Herman Wimbly and Libby Wimbly, both of Abbeville, LA; nices, nephews, other relatives and friends.
View the obituary and sign the guest book online at www.carneyfuneralhome.net
Carney Funeral Home, 602 North Pierce Street, Lafayette, LA, (337) 235-9789, is in charge of arrangements.

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2018 Delcambre Homecoming Court

Thu, 10/04/2018 - 10:55am

Delcambre High School’s 2018 Homecoming Court. (Seniors: front row from left to right) Tayah Lewis, McKailyn Wiggins, Chloe Hernandez, Ali Rae
Falgout, Jennifer Saunier; (middle right) Nyheila Ellis; (back row from left to right) Madison Latiola, Seighan LeBlanc, Alaina Barras, Alli Campbell. The Homecoming game will be on Friday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Pit. Introduction of the court will take place during pre-game at 6:15 p.m. Announcement of the 2018 Homecoming Queen will take place during the half time activities.

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2018 North Vermilion Homecoming Court

Thu, 10/04/2018 - 8:25am

Photo by Beverly Vincent
The 2018 North Vermilion High Homecoming Court (L-r): Regan Patin, Allison Meaux, Alexandra Holmes,
Aubree Lange, Caroline Bourgeois, Amelia Pennington, Laura Nguyen, McKay Hebert, Marlee Spell, Molly
Stevens, Katelyn Cormier, Faith Derouen and Hollie Devoltz. The parade is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 4 at 5:30 p.m. The Patriots will take on the Patterson Lumberjacks on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. The court presentation will begin at 6:15 and the queen will be crowned at halftime.

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Betty Henson with A Pregnancy Center & Clinic, Mayor Mark Piazza, APD Chief Bill Spearman, Heather Fontenot, Patricia Picon, Trent Guidry, Robert Riggs and Elliot Leleux.

Abbeville Police Department helping Pregnancy with Diaper Bag Round up

Wed, 10/03/2018 - 9:50am
Tiffany Cavalier

A Pregnancy Center and Clinic is teaming up with New Life Church, Abbeville Police Station, Mayor Mark Piazza and the Christian Service Center in Abbeville to provide services that are useful for all types of parents, whether you are preparing for a child or already have children.
A Pregnancy Center and Clinic’s website is apcclafayette.org and welcomes everyone to their free services that are now available at the Christian Service Center in Abbeville. All client information will be kept private and confidential.
Although the Christian Service Center of Abbeville has an ultrasound machine, it is not in use just yet. The facility is accepting donations through the Abbeville Police Station at 304 Charity Street in Abbeville.
Police Chief Bill Spearman is happy to offer the facility as a donation drop off site. “Even if there are just a few mothers that we can help, it may help those women decide to keep their babies” he says “Life is precious, babies are precious and that is the reason we are doing it, to support their endeavor to be mothers and have that support.”
In fact, according to verywell.com, women who become pregnant and decide to abort solely for the reason of not being financially able to provide for the baby is at 19%. This program hopes to decrease that number.
Mayor Mark Piazza says that there are so many young single mothers that really need a lot of help. There are many reasons for needing that type of help. Some of which have no other support, but want to keep their children. “We have a lot of situations where we have children raising children” he says “so I think that the community can come together and help them, to promote a healthy family atmosphere as much as possible.”
Thursday was the first day that the clinic was officially open at the Abbeville Christian Service Center. Betty Henson, of A Pregnancy Center and Clinic in Lafayette says that the pregnancy clinic in Abbeville will be open on Thursdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm for clients who need their services that may not be able to make it to their Lafayette location.
Henson says “It’s reaching out to the community for help is the main focus at this point. We need baby supplies that will be shared to mothers and children who are in need.” The fire department has been working with the organization for quite some time now, and the Abbeville Police Department has now been added to the long list of helpers.
The program ensures that the mother and child get the proper care and proper supplies with no judgment, and confidentiality.
Drop off locations include Abbeville Police Department, Abbeville Main Fire Station, as well as all Lafayette Fire Stations. All gifts and proceeds will directly benefit mothers and babies.
A list of items that are needed are: Diapers (preemie and newborn), Baby Powder, Baby Lotion, Baby Wash, Baby Shampoo, Baby Bottles (capped and packaged), Diaper Rash Cream, Receiving Blankets, Diaper Bags, Boppy Pillows, Pacifiers (packaged) and Infant Car Seats.
Pastor Lane Payne, of New Life Church, is trying to help spread the word. “Everyone is communicating the idea to all of the churches for a big outcome” he says “with working with Kelli and Marcello David and the Christian Service Center and inviting Patrice Lewis and the Pregnancy Center to be a part of the Spirit Fest that we had.”
Patrice Lewis is the Executive Director of A Pregnancy Center and Clinic. “That’s basically how it all got connected, everyone hit it off, and the idea was brought to reality for a Pregnancy Center in Abbeville for those who cannot travel to Lafayette” Payne says.
‘A new baby is like the beginning of all things- wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities’ Eda J. LeShan.

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