Quantcast
Find all the Week 10 final scores plus highlights of big prep games in the metro area from ABC26's Friday Night Football.

VOLLEYBALL: FIRST ROUND IN THE BOOKS

A slew of local teams have won their way into the next round in the 5 Divisions... More

» Playoff Brackets
RUMMEL, SHAW TO DECIDE CATHOLIC LEAGUE TITLE

The battle for the megaphone will also determine the District 10-5A winner... More

» NEW Prep power ratings
LUTCHER WIDEOUT LANDRY TOPS IN STATE

Jarvis Landry leads the pack of Louisian prep wide receivers in receptions... More

» DISCUSS: Football Forum
Prep Football: Featured Story
NewOrleans.Com/Sports Top 10s (Nov. 2)

This is far from being one of Rummel's most talented football teams,but the Raiders have an excellent kicking game and a superb defense. Their young offense, with 11 new starters from last year, has done enough to win every game... (More)
Featured Video: JP Sportsflash
This Week's Games

Acadiana Vs. Lafayette
Airline Vs. Southwood
Archbishop Shaw Vs. Archbishop Rummel
Assumption Vs. South Terrebonne
Bourgeois, H.L. Vs. Terrebonne
Byrd, C.E. Vs. Natchitoches Central
Captain Shreve Vs. Ouachita Parish
Carencro Vs. Comeaux
Central Lafourche Vs. South Lafourche
Chalmette Vs. West Jefferson
Denham Springs Vs. Scotlandville
East Ascension Vs. Dutchtown
Ehret, John Vs. Bonnabel
Fontainebleau Vs. St. Paul's
Hahnville Vs. East St. John
Jesuit Vs. Brother Martin
King, Grace Vs. Higgins, L.W.
Live Oak Vs. Central - B.R.
Mandeville Vs. Covington
Ponchatoula Vs. Hammond
Slidell Vs. Northshore
St. Amant Vs. Destrehan
St. Thomas More Vs. New Iberia
Sulphur Vs. Barbe
Thibodaux Vs. St. Augustine
West Monroe Vs. Pineville
Zachary Vs. Catholic - B.R.
New Orleans Gallery
LSU vs Auburn 2009
Sunday Oct 25, 2009
29 images
Franklinton vs East Jef…
Sunday Oct 18, 2009
16 images
Saints vs Giants
Sunday Oct 18, 2009
170 images
Zephyrs new logos
Tuesday Oct 13, 2009
8 images
Stormy Friday Night Lig…
Tuesday Oct 13, 2009
4 images
LSU vs. Florida
Sunday Oct 11, 2009
32 images
Following last week’s 12-6 victory over the Crescent City Christian Pioneers, Ecole Classique Spartans’ head coach Maurice Gernhausser talked about his team keeping their white road jerseys on the shelf just in case they made the playoffs.  After a dominant 28-0 over the Haynes Academy Yellow Jackets (3-6, 2-5) at John Themis Stephens Stadium on Friday night, the Spartans (5-3, 4-3) can finally take those jerseys off of the shelf.Following last week’s 12-6 vict [Read More...]

Four area teams advanced to the regional round of the state volleyball playoffs with victories on Thursday.Four area teams advanced to the regional round of the state volleyball playoffs (click here for brackets) with victories on Thursday.In Division One, 17th-seeded H.L. Bourgeois advanced with a hard-fought, four-game victory over 16th-seed New Iberia by scores of 25-16, 25-14, 22-25, 25-23. With the win, the Braves' reward is a regional round date with defending state [Read More...]

How good is Trovon Reed? In 2008, Thibodaux went unbeaten in the regular season and advanced to the 5A quarterfinals. With many of his teammates graduating, Reed led the Tigers to a 3-1 start in 2009 before going down with a knee injury in a week five loss to South Terrebonne. How good is Trovon Reed? In 2008, Thibodaux went unbeaten in the regular season and advanced to the 5A quarterfinals. With many of his teammates graduating, Reed led the Tigers to a 3-1 start in 2009 be [Read More...]

Scoring Summary (Final): Cedar Creek Cougars vs #19 OCS Eagles (Nov 05, 2009 at Monroe, Louisiana: Scoring Summary (Final): Cedar Creek Cougars vs #19 OCS Eagles (Nov 05, 2009 at Monroe, Louisiana:Cedar Creek Cougars (3-7,2-3) vs. OCS Eagles (6-4,4-1) Date: Nov 05, 2009 • Site: Monroe, Louisiana  • Stadium: Eagle Field  •  Attendance: 976  Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score Cedar Creek Cougars 1 [Read More...]

Ascension Catholic came into Thursday's game against Christian Life desperately needing a win to ensure them a playoff spot next week.  Those hopes came to a screeching halt with the Bulldogs losing 34-28 in an overtime thriller.Ascension Catholic came into Thursday's game against Christian Life desperately needing a win to ensure them a playoff spot next week.  Those hopes came to a screeching halt with the Bulldogs losing 34-28 in an overtime thriller. ACHS (3-7) s [Read More...]

Archbishop Rummel and Archbishop Shaw face off on the final regular season weekend for the Catholic League title. Many other teams are battling for playoff spots, seeding and potential first-round playoff home games We've narrowed the full slate of games to 10 matchups to challenge [Read More...]

Like being the Maytag repairman, trying to crunch the many variables that determine the 32 teams that will qualify for next weekend’s bi-district round of the state football playoffs is a lonely job.Like being the Maytag repairman, trying to crunch the many variables that determine the 32 teams that will qualify for next weekend’s bi-district round of the state football playoffs is a lonely job.Whereas Archbishop Rummel is undefeated today and sitting as the unoff [Read More...]

With their first playoff berth since 2003 assured, the St. Augustine Purple Knights go after a bigger target tonight at Thibodaux when they take on the Thibodaux Tigers at 7 p.m. in a game that can be seen on Cox Sports Television.With their first playoff berth since 2003 assured, the St. Augustine Purple Knights go after a bigger target tonight at Thibodaux when they take on the Thibodaux Tigers at 7 p.m. in a game that can be seen on Cox Sports Television.St. Augustin [Read More...]

Five area volleyball teams advanced to the second round of the state playoffs while three teams saw their seasons end Wednesday.Five area volleyball teams advanced to the second round of the state playoffs while three teams saw their seasons end Wednesday.In Division One, 12th-seeded Destrehan traveled to Kenner and took down 21st-seeded Bonnabel in four games, 25-7, 23-25, 25-10, 25-16 at the Bonnabel gym in the opening round of the state playoffs. Alexis Keller led the Wildc [Read More...]

Every school in the country is sending him letters and why not? Junior wide receiver Jarvis Landry of Lutcher will have his pick of top football programs, but high school opponents have this year's playoffs and all of next season to contend with him.Every school in the country is sending him letters and why not? Junior wide receiver Jarvis Landry of Lutcher will have his pick of top football programs, but high school opponents have this year's playoffs and all of next season to con [Read More...]

St. Joseph Academy, which has won five of the last seven Division I volleyball championships, is the top seed in the 2000 LHSAA State Tournament. And, once again, the Nov. 12-14 matches at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner has the usual cast of champions, including Fontainebleau, the team St. Joseph’s defeated to win the 2008 title.St. Joseph Academy, which has won five of the last seven Division I volleyball championships, is the top seed in the 2000 LHSAA State Tourna [Read More...]

JACKSON - Junior place-kicker Taylor Russolino of Millsaps College was one of 12 players recognized nationally on October's "Watch List" for the inaugural Fred Mitchell Award, given to the top Division II or Division III place-kicker for their excellence on the football field and in the community.FORMER RUMMEL KICKER EARNS NATIONAL HONORJACKSON - Junior place-kicker Taylor Russolino of Millsaps College was one of 12 players recognized nationally on October's "Watch List" for th [Read More...]

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is teaming up with the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame to sponsor a series of Basketball Classics to be held at various sites throughout the state. In a continued effort to raise funds for the Hall of Fame, and make the games a much larger event, the LHSAA will coordinate the events. All proceeds from the Basketball Classics will go to the Hall of Fame Fund.BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana High School Athle [Read More...]

As we get to the final week of the regular season, teams are jockeying for positions in the playoffs. Also, a couple of defending champions need to win just to qualify for the postseason.As we get to the final week of the regular season, teams are jockeying for positions in the playoffs. Also, a couple of defending champions need to win just to qualify for the postseason.The two games this weekend  in the Catholic League determine the district championship and how many of [Read More...]

Carvin Johnson will be heading north next fall. The star safety of Archbishop Rummel has verbally committed to Michigan, choosing the Wolverines over Colorado, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Tulane, Tulsa and Utah.Carvin Johnson will be heading north next fall. The star safety of Archbi [Read More...]

Like father, like son in prep football

louisiana_with_football_art.jpgGrowing up in Louisiana every young man knows of its rich football tradition. Sometimes those young men dream of suiting up for their favorite football team, but what about those who find themselves following the paths of their fathers, who are well known throughout the State of Louisiana for their contributions to the game.

I took some time to profile the relationships between some of Louisiana's former football favorites of the past, who are now watching their own sons walk down a similar path of yesteryear.

Ronnie and Josh Lewis

Like his father Ronnie Lewis, Denham Springs High School kicker Josh Lewis got a bit of a late start when it came to the game of football.

Most of his life, Josh focused on his soccer game and never gave football much thought. However, one day in health class as a freshman, Josh's teacher and a DSHS coach, was talking about the Yellow Jackets need to find a kicker for the football team.

"That's when I shared with him that my dad had kicked for LSU," Josh explained. "So, he went to the other coaches, and I was asked to come out and kick. I just tried it, and I enjoyed it."

A similar fate occurred for the elder Lewis when he was attending Merian Abramson Senior High out of New Orleans, which has since closed due to Hurricane Katrina. Ronnie Lewis knew he had a knack for kicking and would often go out to St. Anthony's Boulevard by the University of New Orleans, with soccer ball in hand, and practice his kicking.

"I'd kick the ball into the tree to stop it," Ronnie recalled.

During Ronnie's tenth grade year, his family packed their bags and moved to Thomas, Louisiana, where his dad was a preacher. When he arrived in his new town, Ronnie met with the local high school football coach, Billy Wayne Crane, and told him he could kick and wanted to play quarterback.

However, Ronnie's football career in Thomas, Louisiana, was short lived when his father decided to move the family back to New Orleans so he could get his Master's of Divinity from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Again, Ronnie found himself back at Abramson High School the Spring of his sophomore year. It also happened that the football team's kicker was upon graduation, thus the team was looking for a new kicker.

"There were six guys who wanted to kick, but after my third or fourth kick I was named the team's kicker," Ronnie said.

It wasn't until Ronnie's senior season that he really blossomed. His name quickly started being mentioned among college coaches after kicking a 55-yard field goal against De La Salle.

"At that point, the phone blew off the hook," he stated. "In 1984, you didn't have a lot of players who specialized in kicking in high school."

Like his father, Josh also seemed to have a stellar senior season in 2008. During his first game of the season post-Hurricane Gustav, Josh hit a 57-yard field goal, a 47-yard game winning field goal the following week with five seconds left, and a 50-yarder the next week. The Yellow Jackets went on to win District 5-5A for the first time in nearly 30 years and make the play-offs for the first time since 1985.

With Josh's success as well as his team, he started to gain the attention of several in-state college programs, with scholarship offers from McNeese, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Northwestern State. LSU offered Josh to come on board as a preferred walk-on, but in the end, he chose to become a McNeese State Cowboy.

"I chose McNeese because it's between my mom and dad, with my mom in Denham Springs and my dad in Houston. The school also has a good history of winning, and it's just a good school," explained Josh. "One thing coach [Matt] Viator told me is that ‘it's not something we're going to do, but it's something we're doing right now.'"

While Josh may have grown up an LSU fan with a desire to play for the Tigers, he knew going to McNeese he'd have an immediate impact. Through the process, turning to his father, Ronnie, helped ease the pressure of the recruiting process.

"I told Josh to just look at everything. I grew up wanting to go to the University of Georgia, which is where my dad went. When Georgia didn't recruit me, and I didn't even know where LSU was, despite being from New Orleans, that just shows how far removed I was and only knew of Georgia," Ronnie said. "When I got to LSU it was just shock and awe. I told Josh not to lock all of his interest in LSU, even though he's been a fan his whole life, but he needed to listen to everybody, look at everything and go to where people tell you they will need you."

So, while soccer may have introduced Ronnie and Josh Lewis to a shared father-son talent for kicking, the path that has gotten them to the football field has also been life altering.

"He always tells me to do what I need to better my life," said Josh.
It seems the Lewis' will always have a kicking success.

The Smothers

Slidell High School defensive tackle Jason Smothers, Jr. can't remember not ever playing football. The sport is encoded in his DNA, being the son of former LSU Tiger, Jason Smothers, Sr.

When the younger Smothers ended up attending Slidell High School rather than his father's alma mater, Destrehan, he said a great deal of pressure was lifted off his shoulders. He knew his father was a fan favorite at Destrehan, but it didn't take long for the football offspring to establish himself as his own man among Slidell High School fans.

Jason saw a great deal of playing time his sophomore year, but notes that it wasn't until his junior season that he started to receive the same attention from colleges like his father once did. Schools showing interest in Jason included Southern Illinois, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University, and LSU.

"When compared to my dad people say I have his determination, that I'm a take-charge person and lead my team," he said.

Unlike his father, Jason has his size working to his advantage. The 18 year-old stands 6'2 and weighs 260 lbs.

"He's definitely bigger and stronger than I was at his age," said Jason Sr. "He's a defensive lineman, and I played linebacker, so my foot speed was a little better than his at the time. I wish I would've had his size coming out of high school, and he's only going to get bigger."

At press time, Jason said he would be attending the College of the Canyons in California before becoming an LSU Tiger. When deciding which route he would take regarding his football future, he didn't hesitate to confide in his father.

"There is that football bond. My dad and I talk all the time, even though we don't live together," he explained. "When I was being recruited, my dad told me not to let the schools fool me and to think about where I wanted to go- what do I want to do- make sure I don't let the coaches con me into signing with them."

"I know there's more pressure on kids today in terms of recruiting because of the Internet," Jason Sr. stated. "So many people have access to the players, and they can't sneak up on the radar like I could when I was coming out. I told my son that no matter what he was going to do, I was going to be by him 100 percent."

While the younger Smothers is preparing to embark on his college career, it seems dad is not far behind him. He has also headed back to college to get his degree in education in order to continue his coaching career. Perhaps they will have more than just the playbook to discuss in the next few years to come.

Melvin and Sean Spears

One thing Sean Spears and his father Melvin Spears have in common is versatility, and they also know the importance of balancing family and football.
Melvin Spears, a Hall of Fame inductee from Alcorn State, currently serves as the wide receivers coach for the Texas Southern University Tigers. While at Alcorn State, Melvin played both quarterback and wide receiver. However, his son, Sean, bares quite a different responsibility on the field where he was a four-year starter for the Clinton High School Eagles at defensive tackle/offensive guard.

"I am bigger than my dad was in high school," laughed Sean, who is 6 feet tall and 295 lbs. "But, he's my size now."
However, just because Sean differs in comparison to his father's size coming out of high school, he said he often gets told that he shares certain character traits of his father's.

"I'm told I have the same heart as he did when he played. For instance, if I get hurt, I keep playing," Sean explained. "I've seen old video footage of my dad playing, and I see how it's pretty similar to me. There's a competitive nature in us, and sometimes after games people would come up to me and say ‘you are your daddy's boy.'"

Much like his father who played dual positions, Sean has proved that he is a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. In 2008, Sean was named the District 8-2A MVP, having made first team All District on both offense and defense, as well as being a member of the All Metro and All State teams.

"Sean has transcended into being an outstanding player. He had the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball, and he has extremely long arms and huge hands, which are great strengths to have, and he loves the game," Melvin remarked. "He has passion, enthusiasm and plays full speed. I love to play, and I love the game. I see the same qualities in Sean."

When Melvin was set to graduate from Alcorn State, he chose to pursue a career in engineering rather than the NFL, due to its pay scale at the time. He moved to Phoenix, AZ to further his engineering career and that's where he met a man by the name of Studmp Mitchell, who would help develop Melvin's coaching skills. The two coached an area football team in the evenings.

Mitchell eventually was hired as the head coach at Morgan State University in Maryland, and Melvin put aside his engineering career to become the defensive coordinator. Following his coaching stint at Morgan State University, Melvin's second cousin, Doug Williams, was hired to be Grambling University's newest head coach in 1998. Melvin made the move to Grambling where he served as offensive coordinator, and he would later succeed Williams as head coach for three seasons from 2004-2006.

Upon leaving Grambling, Melvin headed back to Clinton, Louisiana, and his son encouraged him to take part in coaching his team. Noticing his son's potential, the two spent time talking about Sean furthering his football career and higher education before Melvin was hired on to the staff at TSU.

"We always talked about him coming wherever I was coaching, but throughout the recruiting process I let one of the other coaches on the staff recruit him to keep my personal side out of it," Melvin said.

Other schools also interested in Sean were Southern, Jackson State, McNeese, and Alcorn State.

"My dad wasn't really the one that recruited me to Texas Southern, even though we had talked about it. It's going to be hard playing for him again because he's always expecting more of me," Sean noted. "I took a lot of criticism when playing under him at Clinton, but he knows how good I can be. He wouldn't be hard on me if he didn't think I could play."

Melvin Spears knows the importance of his son furthering his education, despite Sean's football prowess. Before playing the role of coach, being his father is what comes first.

"Athletics is an extension of the educational process, and at the end of the day, it boils down to him getting an education," Melvin said.

"That's one thing players need to remember- if you don't have the grades, then the schools won't want to look at you," said Sean.

Comments (0)Add Comment

Write comment

busy
Click here for Prep Sports Homepage
Find our older content! Archived Prep Sports

Prep Poll Of The Week

Who will win the Catholic League title game Saturday?
 
vcbv
The New Orleans Sports Lineup
The Manager
ken_lineup.gif
New Orleans Sports - RSSKen
Trahan
President, NewOrleans.Com/Sports
dd
The Starting Lineup
New Orleans Sports - Ed Daniels
New Orleans Sports - RSSEd
Daniels
ABC26 Sports/WGSO 990am
dd
New Orleans Sports - Les East
New Orleans Sports - RSSLes
East
Baton Rouge Advocate/WGSO
dd
New Orleans Sports - Rene Nadeau
New Orleans Sports - RSSRene
Nadeau
ESPN/WGSO/Tigervision
dd
New Orleans Sports - John Marie
New Orleans Sports - RSSJohn
Marie
The Sports Court
dd
New Orleans Sports - The Sports Mole
New Orleans Sports - RSS Sports Mole
Rumor Mill - Diggin' Deep
dd
New Orleans Sports - Dan McDonald
New Orleans Sports - RSSDan
McDonald
Louisiana Columnist
dd
New Orleans Sports - Lenny Vangilder
New Orleans Sports - RSSLenny
Vangilder
College Sports Insider
dd
brocato_lineup.jpg
New Orleans Sports - RSSRon
Brocato
Prep Sports Insider/Clarion Herald
dd
bumgarner_lineup.jpg
New Orleans Sports - RSSBill
Bumgarner
NewOrleans.Com/Sports
dd
New Orleans Sports - Jude Young
New Orleans Sports - RSSJude
Young
NewOrleans.Com/WGSO
dd
The Bullpen
New Orleans Sports - Al Dupuy
New Orleans Sports - RSSAl
Dupuy
NFL Draft Analyst - Draft Day Report
dd
troy_gilbert_sm.jpg
New Orleans Sports - RSSTroy
Gilbert
Sailing Analyst - N.O. Yacht Club
dd
New Orleans Sports - Frank Lodato
New Orleans Sports - RSSFrank
Lodato
Fishing with Frank
dd
New Orleans Sports - Lisa Massimini
New Orleans Sports - RSSLisa
Massimini
Fitness - Fun-2B-Fit for Kids
dd
The Bench
New Orleans Sports - NewOrleans.Com Sports Bench
Emmanuel Pepis
General Sports Takes
George Pepis
Prep/Horse Racing
Johnny Marchese
Prep Sports Analysis
Michael Lambert
General Sports Takes
Paul Brennan
NewOrleans.Com Intern
dd
Louisiana Football Magazine
NewOrleans.Com Media L.L.C. 839 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 PH: 504.309.1004 or 504.273.5240- FX: 504.309.1630
No information contained within this site may be reproduced or used without the express written consent of NewOrleans.Com Media, L.L.C
©2009 All Rights Reserved.
Using this site you agree to our Terms And Conditions
ATLANTA.COM | CHICAGO.COM | DALLAS.COM | DAYTONA.COM | DENVER.COM | HOUSTON.COM | MEMPHIS.COM | MYRTLE BEACH.COM RICHMOND.COM | SAN DIEGO.COM | SAN FRANCISCO.COM |ST LOUIS.COM | TORONTO.COM | WEST PALM BEACH.COM | More Cities...