🏈 Coach Bannister Reflects on a Heartfelt Season with the Mustangs! 🌟

Editor’s Note: The following message from Avoyelles High School Head Football Coach Corey D. Bannister is printed as it was released on the Avoyelles Mustangs Athletics Facebook page.

Message from Coach Corey D Bannister
Our 2025 season came to a close with a tough home playoff loss in the first round. While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the outcome we hoped for, it doesn’t define the heart, grit, and growth this team showed all year.
We finished with a winning regular season record of 6-4, earned District Runner-Up, and secured a playoff berth, a testament to the relentless work and belief of our players, coaches, and community. I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished together.
To my players, especially our seniors, thank you for your dedication, toughness, and leadership. You’ve left your mark on this program, and I’ll never forget you.
To my coaching staff, your sacrifice, loyalty, and daily commitment to building something special at Avoyelles does not go unnoticed. And to the significant others of each coach, thank you for your patience, support, and understanding through the long hours and late nights.
To our administration, thank you for your leadership. To the faculty and staff of AHS who truly supported us and believed in our mission, thank you. To our Parent Club, volunteers, and the generous businesses and individuals who backed us financially your support fuels our program.
And to everyone who reached out after the wins, thank you. But to those who reached out after the losses, your encouragement meant even more. As I’ve said before, the pain of defeat is greater than the joy of victory, but it’s also what drives us to be better.
This season was another step toward our ultimate goal: bringing a state title to Avoyelles. The work doesn’t stop here. We’ll evaluate every aspect of our program and do what’s necessary to keep climbing.
Thank you, #MustangNation, for riding with us. The future is bright.