The Wildcats finished as the Louisiana High School Lacrosse League Division 2 State Runner-Up, capping a year defined by tactical discipline and dominant divisional play.

The team finished with a 7-6 overall record, but surged when it mattered most, posting an elite 7-2 record in Division 2. 

Under the guidance of Head Coach Michael J. Wilson, the Wildcats showcased a “deliberate and physical” identity that propelled them through the state tournament to the championship game.

Strategic Identity: Speed and Pressure. 

Central’s success this season was built on a distinct philosophy. Offensively, the Wildcats favored a deliberate, isolation-heavy style, leveraging the team’s size and speed to create mismatches. This approach resulted in an explosive scoring average of 13.1 goals per game during divisional play. Defensively, the team utilized relentless on- and off-ball pressure to force turnovers, leading to a stifling 6.5 goals-against average and a dominant 64.9 percent save percentage.

Team Performance & Statistical Leaders

• Statistical Averages (Division 2 Play):

• Shots: 47 per game | Shots on Goal: 29 per game | Clear %: 57.5% | Face-Off %: 50.5%

• Individual Scoring Leaders:

• #1 Cayde Gibson: 24 Goals, 5 Assists

• #14 Kameron Heller: 20 Goals, 7 Assists

• #2 Bryce Hasselback: 16 Goals, 10 Assists (Team leader in assists)

• Defensive & Hustle Leaders:

• #7 Jaydan Rose: 47 Ground Balls, 20 Caused Turnovers

• #4 Zach Amond: 14 Caused Turnovers

• Gabriel Stockstill: 11 Caused Turnovers

Senior Legacy & Coaching Leadership. This season marks a bittersweet farewell to six graduating seniors. Notably, four of these seniors have been starters for the Wildcats since the 8th grade, serving as the foundational pillars of the program’s rise to state prominence.

Central Lacrosse is played at Wildcat Stadium in Central.

I wanted to share some highlights from our season and ask the Central City News to feature or publish our results. We recently received feedback from The Advocate that they no longer publish All-District and similar lists. So we are hoping to help get the word out through other local outlets.

Here are a few of our accomplishments from this season:

•Created and coached a 5th/6th grade team that finished 12–0

•Created and coached a 7th/8th grade team finished 5–3

•Our varsity team set two school records:

•Most wins in a season

•Longest playoff run in school history

•Varsity finished 20–10

•Earned a No. 10 seed and advanced to the second round of the LHSAA playoffs

I have attached our All-District and Honorable Mention list for your consideration.

I greatly appreciate your sharing this information with the community. There are a lot of exciting things happening with our program, and we would love to highlight our student-athletes’ achievements.

EDITOR’S NOTE. We had no idea The Advocate no longer publishes All-District and similar lists.  We are happy to cover such information for schools in the Central City News coverage area.

Central High head football coach and AD David Simoneaux is just back from a visit to the Athletic Department at the University of Georgia, but it wasn’t really about football.

Coach Simoneaux went to visit one of his former players — Devon Gales — who was graduating from UGA. It is 10 years after a tragic injury in a game between Southern University and Georgia left the former Central High star paralyzed and bound to a wheelchair.

Graduating from college was a huge accomplishment for the young man some said would not live, much less prove to be an inspirational leader of men.

Simoneaux’s trip with his two sons, age 6 and 8, was a living example that being a high school coach is a lifelong commitment.  It’s really not about football, but about the young men you are privileged to coach, mentor, and sometimes be a father figure for.

The coach said it was an emotional experience, especially when Devon’s step-mom spoke to the 100 people who gathered to honor Devon on his graduation.

Simoneaux said, “We had come from several states but mostly Louisiana and Georgia.  His step-mom talked about every group represented there and what they had meant to Devon. Very different people, yet we had a common bond in our love for Devon. She was so grateful. There was joy in the midst of tragedy.”

Nothing has been easy for Devon, the coach said. But he was fired up because he was about to give an inspirational speech to the Georgia football team.

Coach Simoneaux took his boys Beau, 8, and Gabe, 6, on the trip. They went to Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, Rock City, and Athens.

He said they found Devon full of life and optimistic. Although confined to a wheelchair, he has a good outlook, Coach Simoneaux said.

Central coaches have had a break after playoffs ended. It was another successful year for David, who finished the regular season at 8-2 and the entire season 10-3. Central won the State Regional Championship.

Next year Central will have 8 of 11 starters back on offense and 8 of 11 back on defense.

District 4-5A has been reconfigured, and Central is working on scheduling for next season. Few teams are eager to schedule Central because it is a perpetual powerhouse, and Coach Simoneaux has won State Championships at Catholic High and Central.

The coach hopes to retain his current staff, which works well together.

“We’ll be back at work in January and continue upward,” he said.

 — Woody Jenkins, editor

Beck has led the USA South Athletic Conference in tackles the last two years. On Nov. 19, Wyatt was named Defensive Player of the Year by the USA South Atlantic Conference.   

Beck, a senior linebacker from Greenwell Springs, becomes the third Blazer to earn USA South football Defensive Player of the Year honors in the past four seasons. Over the regular season, 

Beck led the Conference with 85 total tackles which included a League-best 49 assisted take downs. He hurried the quarterback six times, made eight total tackles for a loss, and had 2.5 sacks. 

For Beck during League-play, he was third in the Conference with 57 total tackles, 6.5 of which resulted in a loss of yardage. For his efforts this campaign, Beck earned First Team All-Conference honors as a linebacker for the third consecutive season. 

Wyatt Beck is a 2022 graduate of Parkview Baptist School.  

He appeared in the Central City News as a kindergarten student when he was a page for the Homecoming Court at Central Private in 2009.  He attended Blackwater Methodist Church.  He is the son of Harold and Stacy Beck of Central.

• Avery McCartney – From the freshman class is Avery McCartney. Avery is the daughter of Kevin and Alyssa McCartney. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Kevin McCartney. Her favorite subject is geometry. Avery has attended Central Private for 11 years, beginning in Pre-K4. 

Avery is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she serves as the Second Counselor in her youth group. At Central Private, she is a member of the Beta Club and secretary of the National Junior Honor Society. She plays on both the freshman and junior varsity volleyball teams. She previously played junior varsity basketball, where she earned the Redhawk Award in 8th grade. Avery has also played varsity softball since 7th grade, earning First-Team All-District Catcher and the Silver Slugger Award, while leading the team in batting average for two consecutive years. She has played competitive softball with Lady Fury since age eight, helping her team win seven open-class state and national championships.

After graduation, Avery plans to play softball at the collegiate level and pursue a degree in nursing. 

Something you may not know about Avery is that four days a week, she wakes up at 5 a.m. to attend early morning scripture study before school, which she says helps her start each day with a positive attitude. When asked what she loves most about Central Private, Avery said, “The small environment and having close relationships with everyone.” She is excited to be on Homecoming Court this year alongside her cousin, Ava. 

• Aubrey Lane Watts – Also from the freshman class is Aubrey Lane Watts. Aubrey Lane is the daughter of Lane and Angel Watts. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Lane Watts. 

Her favorite subject is science. Aubrey Lane has attended Central Private for 10 years, beginning in kindergarten. 

She is an active member of Cornerstone Church and its youth group, as well as a member of the Beta Club, and National Junior Honor Society. She is a leader of the Middle School Girls Bible Study. Aubrey Lane plays varsity softball and high school volleyball. In her free time, she enjoys playing softball with Maniax, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with her Maw Maw Lucy and Paw Paw Gary.

After graduation, Aubrey Lane plans to play softball at the col-legiate level, attend Ole Miss, go to Physicians Assistant school, and eventually build a home next door to her mom and dad. Before Lane was born, her parents thought she was a boy—so she didn’t have a name for four days until her daddy chose one for her. When asked what she loves most about Central Private, she said, “Everyone feels like family—and Mrs. Misty’s crispitos.” 

• Allie Gibbs – Representing the Sophomore Class is Allie Gibbs.Allie is the daughter of Derrick and Lacy Gibbs, Allie was escorted by Mr. Derrick Gibbs. Her favorite school subject is math. She has attended Central Private since Pre-K4. 

Allie is a member of the Beta Club and plays on the basketball team and varsity softball team. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, hunting, and hanging out with friends. After graduation, she plans to attend college and earn a doctor of physical therapy degree. She wants to specialize in sports medicine.

Allie participated in beauty pageants when she was little and won the “Little Miss Louisiana Baby Petite” when she was a year old. When asked what she loves most about Central Private, she said, “the boudin eggrolls and the family-like atmosphere.” 

• Stella Claire Simmons – From the Sophomore Class is Stella Claire Simmons, the daughter of 

Trez and Claire Simmons, She was escorted by her grandfather, Mr. Mike Kent. Her favorite subject is math. She has attended Central Private for four years. 

Stella is a member of the Beta Club and enjoys playing varsity volleyball and tennis. In her free time, she loves hunting and hanging out with her friends and family. 

After graduation, she plans to attend BRCC and join their nursing program with hopes of being an ultrasound tech.

Stella and her family take a two-week trip each summer to different states with a goal of reaching all 50. They have 8 more to go! When asked what she loves most about Central Private, she said, “I love all of the friends I have made and all of the memories we’ve created together.” 

• Allie Elizabeth Petit – From the junior class is Allie Elizabeth Petit, the daughter of Wilmer and Kelli Petit. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Wilmer Petit. Her favorite subjects are math and biology. Allie has attended Central Private for three years.

Allie is a member of Zoar Bap-tist Church and participates in both volleyball and softball at Central Private. She also plays club volley-ball and is a member of the Beta Club. In her free time, Allie enjoys riding dirt bikes with her brother and hunting with her family. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in the medical field where she can work with children.

Allie was born with a cleft palate and has undergone 16 surgeries. Allie says what she loves most about Central Private is the strong sense of community and  the opportunity to openly share the Gospel and talk about God. 

• London Claire Simmons – From the junior class is London Claire Simmons, the daughter of Claire and Trez Simmons. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Trez Simmons. 

London is a member of the varsity volleyball team, the Beta Club, Volleyball of Baton Rouge, and the Redhawk Screech. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creating flower arrangements, and spending time with her friends. After graduation, she plans to attend Louisiana Tech University.

Something people may not know about London is that she has visited Kanye West’s childhood home in Chicago. When asked what she loves most about Central Private, London said, “Mrs. Angel’s 7th hour Dual Enrollment class.”

• Ava Grace Bradford – Rep-resenting the senior class is Ava Grace Bradford, the daughter of Gordon and Alison Bradford. Ava was escorted by Mr. Gordon Bradford. Her favorite school subject is sports medicine with Mrs. Winkler. She has attended Central Private since K-4. 

Ava is captain of the varsity cheer team, treasurer of the Senior Class, secretary of the Beta Club, member of National Honor Society and the Principal’s Student Advisory Leadership Team, co-founder of the Spirit Squad, and president of her youth group at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

In her free time, she enjoys cheering, shopping, traveling, and going on late night Sonic runs with Rory. After graduation, she plans to attend LSU to study physical therapy.

Something you should know about Ava is that she went noodling for the first time over the summer and caught a 30 lb. catfish with her bare hands. When asked what she loves most about Central Private, she said, “Making so many amazing friendships over the years.”

• Rory Lee Forbes – Senior maid Rory is the daughter of Remmy and Melanie Forbes. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Remmy Forbes. Her favorite subject is Ms. Burner’s anatomy class. Rory has attended Central Private since Pre-K3, marking 15 years as a Central Private student. 

Rory is captain of the varsity Volleyball Team, treasurer of the Beta Club, and a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Principal’s Student Advi-sory Leadership Team, and 4-H. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and taking late-night Sonic runs with her friend Ava.

After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in cosmetology.

Rory was once kicked in the face by a cow—and her mom still made her go to school the next day with two black eyes! Rory says what she loves most about Central Private are the lifelong friendships she has made since she was three years old and the faith-based environment that makes the school feel like home.

• Addyson Elaine Sides – Our final senior maid was Addyson Elaine Sides, the daughter of Karen Sides, Addyson was escorted by Ms. Karen Sides. Her favorite school subject is math.  She attended Central Private during PreK4-K and returned for 9th through 11th grade. 

Addyson attends Zoar Baptist Church, is a member of the Beta Club, and plays for the No. 1 tournament volleyball team in Louisiana and the #22 team in the U.S. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.

After graduation, she plans to pursue a collegiate volleyball career and attend dental school.

Something you may not know about Addyson is that she can drive a stick shift. When asked what she loves most about Central Private, she said, “The close-knit environment that allows long-term bonds.”

The 2024 Central Private Homecoming Queen, Miss Ava Buxton, attends Southeastern Louisiana University where she majors in nursing. She definitely makes CP proud!

See centralprivate.org

Ms. Cotton was crowned by Central High principal Brandon LaGroue. She succeeded last year’s queen, Kaitlyn Moulin.

The Queen and Homecoming Court were chosen by the student body of Central High School. The court has 18 members, including two freshmen, three sophomores, four juniors, and nine seniors.

Homecoming festivities included performances by the Wildcat Band, the Silks, and the Kittens Dance Team.  

Members of the Homecoming Court were:

FRESHMEN

Miss Ellie Silvio — Freshman Ellie Silvio is a member of the  Central High’s Kittens Dance Team and an active participant in the talented theatre program, as well as the Helping Hands club. Ellie is also enrolled in the Wildcat College program, and currently has a 5.0 grade point average. Ellie was escorted by her father, Mr. Keith Silvio.

Miss Avalee Webb — Freshman Avalee Webb is part of the Central High Student Council and the tennis team. She has a 4.667 grade point average. Avalee is involved in the community as a scorekeeper for the CAYL baseball league. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Chad Webb.

SOPHOMORES

Miss Carsyn “Gabbie” Booty — The first sophomore member of court is Gabbie Booty, a first-year member of the court. Gabbie works with the Wildcat Wrestling team, which finished in third place at state championships last year. Gabbie studies Brazilian Jiujitsu at Bully Jiujitsu, where she holds a blue belt and teaches younger students. She also maintains a 4.5 grade point average. Gabbie was escorted by her father, Mr. Joshua Booty. 

Miss Bristol Thompson — The next sophomore member of court is Bristol Thompson, a first-year member of the Homecoming Court. She is a part of the Central High cross country team and is involved at St. Isidore and Christ the King Catholic Church. Bristol was escorted by her stepdad, Mr. Chad Kirkland. She also remembered her late father, Mr. Trey Thompson, with love on this special night. 

Miss Sydney Wilkins ­— The final sophomore member of court is Sydney Wilkins, a first-year member of the court. Sydney is a member of the talented theatre program and the Lady Wildcats soccer team. She was recently invited to join the Beta Club. She lettered in javelin as a freshman member of the Central High Track and Field team last year. She is also an active member and volunteer at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Over the summer, Sydney participated in the Ochsner STEM Pathfinder program. Even with her busy schedule, she maintains a 4.6 grade point average. Sydney was escorted by her father, Mr. Vincent Wilkins.

JUNIORS

Miss Lucille Davis — The first junior on Court is Lucille Davis. Luci is a first-year member of the Homecoming Court and is one of the talented Central High Sports Photographers. She is a member of the Beta Club and has a 4.25 grade

point average. Luci serves in various outreaches for Healing Place Church, including volunteering as a small group leader on Sundays. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Reggie Davis.

Miss Charlee Jackson — Charlee Jackson, also a junior, is a second-year member of the Homecoming Court. Charlee is a Varsity Cheerleader and a member of the CHS Student Council and Beta Club. She has a 4.0 grade point aveage. Charlee attends Healing Place Church.  She was escorted by her father, Mr. Justin Jackson.

Miss Skyelan Turner  — The next junior is Skyelan Turner. Skyelan is a first-year member of the Homecoming Court. She is part of the CHS powerlifting team, Beta Club, and Helping Hands club. Skyelan also volunteers as a Buddy with the Inclusive League here in Central and is a member of Zoar Baptist Church. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Frankie Turner.

Miss Ella Wilkinson — The final junior member of the Court is Ella Wilkinson, who is a first-year member of Homecoming court. She is a member of the Cross Country and Track teams, Mu Alpha Theta, and Beta Club. She is part of the Wildcat College and maintains a 4.44 grade point average. Ella is a member of Zoar Baptist Church. She was escorted tonight by her father, Mr. Brian Wilkinson.

SENIORS

Miss Stephanie Blount — The first Senior and this year’s Homecoming Princess is Stephanie Blount. Stephanie was escorted  by her mother, Ms. Lori Hall.

Miss Cambrie Badon — Our second Senior member of the Court is Cambrie Badon. Cambrie is a second-year member of Homecoming Court. She is a part of the CHS Katz Krewe and a member of Journey Church. Cambrie was escorted tonight by her father, Mr. Travis Badon.

Miss Destiny Carr — Destiny Carr is the next senior member of the court. Destiny is a first-year member of the Homecoming Court. She is a member of the Central High Varsity cheer team, where she serves as co-captain. She is also a member of the Wildcat College, Student Council Executive Board, Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. She is part of the Central Perk Coffee Shop staff. Destiny also coaches at Central Community Athletics, and maintains a 4.2 grade point average. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Anthony Carr. 

Miss Christina Cotton — Christina Cotton. Christina is a first-year member of the court. She is president of the Student Council, Beta Club president, and a four-year member of the Kittens Dance Team. She is also a part of the Talented Theatre and Talented Art programs at CHS. Christina is the founder of Jr. Wildcat Helpers, a free tutoring organization for elementary students in the community. She is involved with youth events at First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge. Christina plans to attend Auburn University next year to major in biomedical sciences on a pre-med track. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Chris Cotton.

Miss Lexie Guercio — The next senior is Lexie Guercio, a second-year member of the court and a four-year starter for the Central High Varsity softball and volleyball teams. She is also a member of Beta Club, Student Council, and Mu Alpha Theta. She has a 4.2 grade point average. Lexie was escorted by her father, Mr. Jason Guercio.

Miss Matilyn Laird — The next member of the court is senior Matilyn Laird. Matilyn is a first-year member of the court. She is a member of the Student Council Executive Board, Beta Club, and National Honor Society. Matilyn also has a 4.7 grade point average. She was escorted by her brother, Mr. Jacob Parker. 

Miss Lucy Mire — The next senior on this year’s court is Miss Lucy Mire. Lucy is a second-year member of Homecoming Court. She is a four-year Varsity Cheerleader, and has been coaching at Central Community Athletics since her freshman year. Lucy is also a member of the golf team and Student Council. She is active at Zoar Baptist Church.  Lucy was escorted by her father, Mr. David Mire. 

Miss Lucy Patterson — The next senior is Lucy Patterson. She is a third-year member of the Homecoming Court. Lucy is a Varsity Cheerleader and a member of the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council, and National Honor Society, all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Outside of CHS, Lucy coaches at Central Community Athletics. She was escorted by her father, Mr. Casey Patterson. 

Miss Ashlynn Voytas —The final senior member of the Court is Ashlynn Voytas. Ashlynn is a first-year member of the Homecoming Court. She is a four-year member of the Central High Concert Choir, where she currently serves as Vice President. She has performed in LMEA and ACDA honor choirs all around the state. Ashlynn is a member of the musical theatre program, as well as Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Wildcat College, along with serving as the Fine Arts Representative on the Student Council Executive Board. Ashlynn was escorted by her father, Mr. Nick Voytas.

Homecoming at Central High featured Central vs. Lafayette Christian.  Lafayette won 55-48.

With a packed house, beautiful weather, and lots of Homecoming festivities, the stage was set for a remarkable night of offensive football.

The teams did not disappoint. It was run-and-gun football all night, ending with 103 points on the board and a basketball-like score of 55-48.

There was one long run or beautiful pass after another.  An offensive show of major proportions!

Lafayette sailed out to a 21-0 lead in the first half, and from then on, Central played catch up.

Central scored seven times: 

•A 31-yard run by Max Gassiot

• A 30-yard pass from Jacori Platt to Keithon Womack

•A 1-yard run by Brody Knapps

•A 9-yard run by Tristan Rose

•A 10-yard pass from Max Gassiot to Brody Diel

•A 3-yard run by Gassiot

Austin Adams was successful on six of seven extra point attempts.

However, for all Central’s offensive heroics, it was not quite enough to overcome Lafayette Christian, which had even more.

Lafayette Christian now stands at 4-1, as does Central.

Starting Friday, the winner of the game will be awarded The Mayors Cup in ceremonies after the game. The winning school will be able to display the trophy for the coming year, as a symbol of the superiority of one city over the other.

The details of the new rivalry and all the benefits of victory are expected to be announced at a news conference scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 at Dearmans’ restaurant, 7633 Jefferson Hwy.

Mayor Evans is betting his Central Wildcats, the defending Division I non-select State Champions, can handily defeat Woodlawn. But Mayor Yates says not so fast! 

Under terms the Mayors have agreed to, the Mayors Cup will also be on display for part of the year at

City Hall of their respective cities.

Central High and Woodlawn High have a long history of playing each other, going back to the 1950’s.  Both were rural schools on the outskirts of Baton Rouge and had much in common.

The City of Central incorporated in 2005, and the City of St. George incorporated in 2024.  They are the two newest cities in the state.

The two cities are both organized on a privatized model with a private, non-profit organization, IBTS, providing services.

Heading into Friday night’s game, Central is 4-1 and Woodlawn is 3-2.

They will meet at 7 p.m. Friday night, Oct. 10 at Woodlawn High School, located at 15755 Jefferson.

Head coach for Central High School is David Simoneaux.  Head coach for Woodlawn is Tramon Douglas.  Douglas was just named head coach in July.  He replaced Marcus Randall, who now serves as Athletic Director.

This is David Simoneaux’s third year as head coach at Central.  He has won State Championships at Central, Catholic, and Catholic of Pointe Coupee.

Mark is an 8th degree black belt in the “Sigung” (style head) of White Dove Kung Fu.

Wendy is a 4th degree Black belt and a full instructor in White Dove Kung Fu. In addition, their son, Chas Jones is a black belt instructor in the school. Chas started his training at the age of 8 some 40 years ago.

Both Mark and Wendy are Keichu Black Belt Hall of Fame members and they have been ranked members of the United States Karate Alliance.

Wendy served the United Methodist Church as the Administrative

Assistant to the Baton Rouge District Superintendent and also served at the Louisiana United Methodist Conference office.

In 1984-1985, Mark worked on the security team for the musical artist Prince during his Purple Rain Tour, along with some of his fellow Kung Fu practitioners.

Mark is a ministry assistant at Blackwater Unted Methodist Church. All of their instructions are in a Christian atmosphere. Mark is a former recipient of the “William T. May” award. This award is given to businessmen of high moral and ethical standards by the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation at the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. 

For more information about the Martial Arts programs, email sigungwhitedovekungfu@gmail.com or just come by during class times.

The newly-remodeled Blackwater Community Center at 10000 Blackwater Road will host a variety of activities for Central and surrounding communities.

During the day, it will have a large homeschool and after school care program with many activities for children. In the evenings, there is volleyball league on Wednesdays and Sundays and Martial Arts every Monday and Thursday. There is also a Qi-Gong (Chinese therapy) class on Wednesday nights in the Blackwater Fellowship Hall at no charge. There will also be basketball, baseball and pickle ball.

It is said that the most wonderful journeys begin with one step. Mark and Wendy invite you to step into The Blackwater Center and begin your journey! For more information, call Blackwater United Methodist Church at 225-261-4646.

WOODY JENKINS: A few months ago, Coach Sid and I were riding on Plank Road in 70805 looking at all the problems. We passed the McDonald’s, the first McDonald’s in Baton Rouge.  He said, “Turn right here. That’s where Tony’s Seafood began as a fruit stand. Turn right here on Cannon Street!” 

We drove down Cannon Street to the place where he grew up. He said, “I wonder if Mr. Brooks is still there? He was our next-door neighbor.” We stopped at a vacant lot. “Our home used to be there,” Sid said.  Pointing next door, he said, “That’s where Mr. Brooks lived! I think he is still alive.”

Sid knocked on the door, and there was Mr. Brooks! He was 97 years old and still living in North Baton Rouge! At first, he didn’t recognize Coach Sid. Then he did and was so happy to see him. He invited us in. Mr. Brooks had just experienced a miracle. He and his wife were both diagnosed with cancer and given two weeks to live. She took the chemotherapy but passed away two weeks later.  He refused chemotherapy.  He had an ugly cancer on his face that the doctors said was inoperable. He showed us pictures. It was an ugly sphere the size of a satsuma.  

The family was praying for him. Then one night he felt something strange happening to his face. When he woke up, the cancer had simply fallen away.  I have the before-and-after pictures, and they are amazing.  He reminded us of the power of prayer. Mr. Brooks said he and his daughter were the only whites left in the neighborhood, but he loves it.  His neighbors treat him very well, he said.

Coach, Mr. Brooks wanted to come today, but his health wouldn’t permit it. However, he is watching. 

After living a few years on Cannon Street, the Edwards moved away . By the time, young Sid was 16, he was already dreaming of being a coach. However, people thought he was too young even to coach the neighborhood team. They were reluctant to trust their children with such a youngster. 

However, he finally got a team to coach and they became winners.

Not long afterwards, Sid got a chance to coach at Catholic High. Again, they said he was too young. 

Coach Sid has such a great record as a high school coach with 202 victories — one of the greatest records in Louisiana football history! However, when you look at his record as the 9th grade coach at Catholic High, it’s even more amazing! As a 9th grade coach, his record was 105 victories and four losses!

I’d like to tell a little bit more about Coach Sid, but as I do, I’d like to ask a few people to come up. Let’s see. First, how about Neil Weiner, the coach at Dunham High School. And how about Joe Richey who was on the 2002 Redemptorist basketball team that won the state championship and is the son of my best friend, Dan Richey. And how about Coach David Brewerton of Zachary High School. Finally, Kyree Paul and Jeremiah Coleman, two of the stars of the current Istrouma team. Finally, former Metro Councilman Darrell Glasper, please come up. 

It’s really amazing to think about those early days in the 1990s when Coach Sid was at Catholic High. There was a young man so typical of those he coached, Neil Weiner. Neil went on to have a great success as an assistant coach for Coach and this year at Dunham he was undefeated and ended up in the Dome. Neil, tell about Coach Sid. 

NEIL WEINER (Dunham head coach): “First of all I’m happy to do anything for Coach Sid.  Just 15 years ago, he was named a High School Legend of Louisiana and National Coach of the Year. Another great legend, Boots Garland, said that high school coaching is about passing the buck but Sid, you have won everywhere you have been and you give credit to everyone. Today we are happy to honor you and tell you how proud we are of you and all you are going to do for Baton Rouge.” 

WOODY JENKINS: Next is Joe Richey, an outstanding player on the Redemptorist team that won the State Championship. You know, it was in a two-year period that Coach Sid had three state championships — two in football and one in basketball. This morning Joe drove all the way from Lake Charles to be here. Joe is a great coach, a great husband, and a great father, but he’s also battling Stage 4 cancer. He’s fighting for his life right now. Say a few words, Joe. 

JOE RICHEY (member of Coach Sid’s State Championship basketball team in 2002): “My dad Dan Richey asked me a question once. He said, ‘What is it like before a game in the locker room with Coach Sid? What does he say that makes you so dominant?’” 

“I told him you just have to be in the locker room to see, to understand. Coach Sid is a masterful motivator. I told him I would take a bullet for Coach. I would run through a brick wall for him.”

“I moved to Lake Charles to attend McNeese, and I’ve lived there since high school. At Redemptorist, I didn’t play football just basketball in my junior year. We played Sam Houston High School at home in the semifinals and won. So I am in my first class at McNeese. I’ve got a green Redemptorist shirt on and there are eight or nine guys looking at me. I said, ‘What’s up?’ One said, ‘We went to Sam Houston and y’all whipped our ass!’ They talked about the game. It’s funny. They said they were really intimidated playing such a great powerhouse on Plank Road. I said, ‘You know Redemptorist was always a basketball school until Coach arrived, and he made it a football school too.’ I’m so happy to be here today. I love you guys!”

WOODY JENKINS: Coach Sid’s transition team is full of great people who’ve made a wonderful contribution to Baton Rouge. Co-chairmen is former Metro Council Darrell Glasper. Our other co-chairman Sen. Rick Edmonds is not able to be here today because of a previous engagement. I’d like to ask Darrell to come and pray for Joe Richey

and the struggle he is going through.

DARRELL GLASPER (co-chairman of Transition Team): led a prayer by the entire assembly to heal and restore Joe Richey from Stage 4 cancer.

WOODY JENKINS: As editor of the Central City News I’ve had the opportunity to watch Coach Sid speak to his teams over 150 times. I’ve noticed he never talks to them about football. He talks about being a good son, a good father, a good member of the community. He started a group called Men for Others at every school where he’s been. During the summer and throughout the year, the football team helps people. They may be painting an elderly person’s home or cutting grass or something that needs done. Service above self.

You might be surprised that Coach Sid prides himself in not being an expert on football. In fact, one of the funny things during the campaign occurred when he was speaking to the Reagan luncheon. He said, “I don’t know much about the x’s and the o’s, and he pointed to one of his assistant coaches in the room, and said, “Coach, on a scale of one to 10, how much do I know about football?” The coach hesitated and finally said, “Coach, about a five!” There was laughter. But do you know what Sid Edwards does? He surrounds himself with great assistants — a great offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and special teams coordinator.  And that’s exactly what I think he’ll do as Mayor-President. 

Someone else I’d like you to meet is David Brewerton. He’s an example of someone who’s coached under Coach Sid, but who also competes against Coach Sid. One of the things that I’ve enjoyed watching is his former assistant coaches trying to beat their old mentor, Coach Sid.

I want you to meet Coach David Brewerton, who has won many state and district championships at the great Zachary High School.

DAVID BREWERTON (head football coach at Zachary High): “I had the pleasure knowing Sid Edwards a long time. He coached me in the sixth grade and the ninth grade. Then he hired me right out of college. He had a profound impact on my life.” 

“I was 23 years old in my first year coaching for Sid. It was Thanksgiving day at my parents house. He said come pick me up. I said well what’s wrong, Coach. He said nothing wrong. Just come pick me up. I go pick him up and said where are we going? He said head to North Baton Rouge. I figured we’re going to Redemptorist. He said turn in behind Tony’s Seafood. I pull around the back and all of a sudden people start coming out of the back loading boxes into the back of my truck. I said what are we doing? He said it’s all right, you’ll see. He said pull out. He said take a right, then a left, then a right and pull into the driveway. I said you’ve lost your mind. He said, ‘You trust me?’ I said yeah I trust you. He said OK, grab one of those boxes out back and go knock on the door and hand it to the person who answers. I said now wait, I’m a South Baton Rouge boy and I’m a little nervous. He said go back and get that box and hand it to him. I said OK. I grabbed the box and knocked on the door. The door opened. It’s our starting middle linebacker Chris Williams! He said,
“Hey Coach, how are you?” And I’m looking at the situation inside the house. It was hard. ‘So how are you doing Coach?’ Then his mom walked out and said, ‘Hi Coach!’ I told her Coach Sid is in the truck and here is Thanksgiving dinner. She said, ‘Coach, I’m ashamed to tell you, but they turned off the electricity. I don’t have a way to cook it.’ I said it’s already cooked. It’s heated up, ready to eat. She said thank you so much. I turned around and walked to my truck, got in the truck, and I couldn’t turn the key. I just sat there.  Coach Sid said, ‘Brew, the good coaches out there understand the x’s and the o’s, but the great coaches go out of their way to understand the people they coach and to love them. You have to understand that if you’re gonna understand this profession!’” 

“That’s just one story out of thousands I could tell you about this man. Coach Sid, I want to congratulate you tonight, but Baton Rouge, I’m congratulating you too, because what you did was a wonderful thing.  People gravitate to this man sitting right here.  It doesn’t matter who they are. He brings unity, a vision, and a blueprint for every challenge we face. Get ready for a great ride!

WOODY JENKINS: I’d like you to meet a couple of Coach Sid‘s current football players at Istrouma High School. They’re pretty awesome — All-State All-District. These guys are going to play college ball and go as far as they want to go. Kyree Paul and Jeremiah Coleman.

KYREE PAUL: “I want to thank you Coach Sid for all you did for me and all you did for our team!”

JEREMIAH COLEMAN: I’m so thankful to you for everything you did for us, Coach!” 

So Baton Rouge you’ve got a winner. Congratulations! Let’s get it done.