Avoyelles Parish’s three football-playing high schools (a) won last Friday, (b) earned berths in the state playoffs, (c) will be on the road in Week 1 of the playoffs, and (d) all won their games
Avoyelles Parish's three high school football teams each won their regular season finales Friday night.
Avoyelles defender Antonio Edwards (69) strips the ball from a Bolton running back and races to the end zone during the Mustangs’ 30-7 victory over the Bears last Thursday. Unfortunately, although no whistles were blown, no flags were thrown and Edwards’ knee was never down, the return was called back and the touchdown nullified. {Photo by Connie Giovanetti}
The high school football regular season ends Friday with Avoyelles and Bunkie favored to defeat their foes while Marksville faces an opponent whose only loss is to a team that will most likely end
1970 COTTONPORT WILDCATS
It was the first year of “real” integration, and the Cottonport High Wildcats finished the historic year as the parish champions and its district champion, going 9-0 -- counting a loss to Ville Platte that became a win when Ville Platte had to forfeit its wins that season.
The members of that team were (front row, from left) Dick Callegari, Emile Celestine, Gary Bordelon, Lennie Lemoine, Greg Guillory, Kemp Thevenot, Peter Marchand, (middle row) Doug Chenevert, Chris Lemoine, Ike Riche, Robert Lemoine, Ralph Callegari, Roger Broussard, Andy Plauche, Todd Armand, (back row) Tommy Bordelon, John Davis, Billy Reason, Ronald Brouillette, Steve Galland, John Marchand, Mark Tassin, Rusty Jackson, Scott Merrick, Craig Riche, Larry Lacarte, Steve Ducote and Riley Francisco.
Two members of Cottonport High School's "fearsome foursome" backfield, fullback Todd Armand (left) and quarterback Steve Ducote, reminisce about the 1970 season. The other two members of the backfield were halfbacks Emile Celestine, who set a school rushing record, and Andy Plauche. Armand, Celestine and Ducote still live and work in Cottonport. Plauche has moved away from Cottonport.
Almost a half-century ago, a group of boys played a game -- and played it well.
Avoyelles Mustangs 30 (5-4, 2-2)
Bolton Bears 7 (1-8, 0-4)
Jena Giants 29 (8-0, 4-0)
Caldwell Spartans 26 (7-1, 3-1)
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