The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank for once again being the title sponsor for this year’s Football Pick’em contest. Tyler Insurance Agency is the anchor sponsorship for a second year in a row.  These two businesses love football and love to see you win.   

We also want to thank BOM, Red River Council on Aging, David Beard Builders, 4B Garage, Jimmy Keel-Greg Tilley’s, Pathway Tire, and Tray Murray-State Farm for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. If you would like to be a Pick’em Partner, email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com for more details. Only a limited number of slots remain.

Another week. Another winner.

Keith Smith was this week’s winner of the Football Pick’em Contest and he walked away with $100!

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2025 Football Pick’em Contest anchored by Tyler Insurance.

START PICKING NOW – This week’s contests –>   2025 Pick Em Form

Picks close Thursday at 4pm.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE, and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected college and high school football games (ties will be broken by tiebreaker consisting of guessing the total points scored in one of our weekly contests).

The American Bank and Tyler Insurance Agency Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted during the regular season, starting with Week 1 games (August 28-31) and running through mid November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ if you’re not already signed up for the easily navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could be our first winner!

Week 1: Charles Crockett
Week 2: Michael Birdsong
Week 3: Lori Lee
Week 4: John Perkins
Week 5: Lessonna Clark
Week 6: Randy Thomas
Week 7: Ken Roberts
Week 8: Billy Smith
Week 9: Ben Ledbetter
Week 10: Don Birdsong
Week 11: Keith Smith

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for pumpkins, costumes, and community fun! Across Red River Parish and beyond, local churches, schools, and organizations are hosting a variety of Fall Festivals and Trunk-or-Treats to celebrate the season. From games and candy to hayrides and family activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a look at where you can join in the autumn festivities this year.

Fairview Baptist Fall Fest, Saturday, Nov 15 from 4-6pm. Games, food, giveaways, activities, candy, prizes, and cake walk. 

After a frosty start to the week, Red River Parish is in for a much warmer stretch of weather heading into midweek. Grab the sunglasses and maybe even shed the jacket — fall’s cold snap is giving way to sunshine and spring-like temperatures.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 — Sunshine Steals the Spotlight

Wednesday will be a beautiful day across the parish, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures. Afternoon highs will climb to around 78°F, a welcome change after the recent chill. A light breeze will keep it comfortable, and the evening will stay mild with lows around 53°F. It’s shaping up to be the perfect midweek mood-booster for anyone tired of cold mornings and heavy coats.

Thursday, Nov. 13 — Feeling More Like Early Spring

Thursday will bring another round of sunny skies mixed with a few light clouds, as temperatures soar even higher. Expect a high near 81°F, with a warm and easygoing feel throughout the day. It’s a great day to get outside — ideal for errands, football practice, or an afternoon walk. The evening will stay pleasant with lows around 56°F.

Looking Ahead

This midweek warm-up won’t last forever — another cool front is expected by the weekend. But for now, Red River Parish is getting a mid-November gift: two straight days of sunshine, warmth, and perfect outdoor weather. Enjoy it while it lasts!

A new study published in the journal Sleep Health suggests that catching up on sleep during the weekend may provide more than just a feeling of refreshment—it could help protect your heart.

Researchers analyzing national health data from over 3,400 adults found that those who regularly slept less than six hours on weekdays but added two or more hours of sleep on weekends had a significantly lower rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study, led by researchers Hong Zhu, Shouquan Qin, and Meng Wu, used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found a consistent link between weekend sleep recovery and lower instances of heart problems such as stroke, angina, and coronary artery disease.

“This study shows that for people who are chronically sleep-deprived, especially due to work or lifestyle demands during the week, getting extra sleep on weekends may offer measurable heart health benefits,” the authors wrote.

The findings come at a time when many Americans struggle to meet the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Sleep health experts have long emphasized consistency as the cornerstone of good sleep hygiene. However, this research provides reassurance that modest weekend catch-up sleep—especially of two hours or more—can offer cardiovascular protection for those unable to meet sleep guidelines during the workweek.

Still, experts caution against treating weekends as a complete fix.

“Weekend sleep-ins should not be a long-term substitute for healthy, consistent nightly sleep,” the researchers noted. “Irregular sleep patterns can cause ‘social jet lag,’ disrupting circadian rhythms and potentially harming metabolic health.”

The takeaway? If you find yourself short on sleep during the week, an extra hour or two on the weekend may offer real health benefits—but don’t make it a habit to always burn the candle at both ends.

For those aiming to protect both their heart and energy levels, sleep experts continue to recommend maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a restful sleep environment.

Sleep a little longer this weekend—your heart may thank you.

We are entering the season of anticipatory waiting. There is lots of movement in this season. We travel. We welcome out-of-town guests. We hurry to the door when Amazon arrives. Soon the Liturgical churches talk about the waiting of Advent. Lowes, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby have gone all Christmas all the time. They have been anticipatory waiting since September! Before you dive head long into your ritual chaos, I wanted you to ponder Sue Monk Kidd’s When the Heart Waits. She wrote:

“One afternoon as the children watched television and I folded laundry; we heard a terrible thud against the patio door. I turned in time to see blue wings falling to the ground. A bird had flown into the glass.
None of us said a word. We looked at one another and crept to the door. The children followed me outside. I half-expected the bird to be dead, but she wasn’t. She was stunned and her right wing was a little lopsided, but it didn’t look broken—bruised, maybe.

The bird sat perfectly still, her eyes tiny and afraid. She looked so fragile and alone that I sat down beside her. I reached out my little finger and brushed her wing.

A voice came from behind me, “Why doesn’t it fly off, Mama?”

“She’s hurt,” I said. “She just needs to be still.”

We watched her. We watched her stillness. Finally, the children wandered back to the television, satisfied that nothing was going to “happen” for a while. But I couldn’t leave her.

I sat beside her, unable to resist the feeling that we shared something, the two of us. The wounds and the brokenness of life. Crumpled wings. A collision with something harsh and real. I felt like crying for her. For myself. For every broken thing in the world.

That moment taught me that while the postures of stillness within the cocoon are frequently an individual experience, we also need to share our stillness. The bird taught me anew that we’re all in this together, what we need is to sit in one another’s stillness and take up corporate postures of prayer. How wonderful it is when we can be honest and free enough to say to one another, “I need you to wait with me,” or “Would you like to me to wait with you?”

I studied the bird, deeply impressed that she seemed to know instinctively that stillness is healing. I had been learning that too, learning that stillness can be the prayer that transforms us. How much more concentrated our stillness becomes, though, when it’s shared.

The door opened again, “Is she finished being still?”

“No, not yet,” I said, knowing that I was talking as much about myself as the bird. We went on waiting together. Twenty minutes. Thirty. Fifty.

Finally, she finished being still. She cocked her head to one side, lifted her wings and flew. The sight of her flying made me catch my breath. From the corner of my eye I saw her shadow move along the ground and cross over me. Grace is everywhere I thought. Then I picked myself up and went back to folding the laundry.”

A spirit of unity and renewal will fill Red River Parish as churches across the community come together for a Parish-Wide Revival, scheduled for November 18–20 at 7:00 p.m. each evening in the Red River Junior High School gymnasium in Coushatta.

The three-night revival will feature a dynamic lineup of local ministers: Pastor Ben Taylor of Good Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church, Pastor Kalvin Douglas of House of Refuge Ministries, Pastor Trevor Blair of First Methodist Church Coushatta, and Pastor Chad Peterson, youth pastor of Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church.

Organizers invite everyone in the community to attend and take part in an uplifting time of worship, music, prayer, and fellowship. All are welcome.

Dinner will be served nightly.

For more information, contact Pastor Ben Taylor at (318) 471-2005, Pastor Kalvin Douglas at (318) 423-7906, Pastor Trevor Blair at (318) 780-0433, or Pastor Chad Peterson at (817) 266-7246.

Wesley Chapel Church will hold its 2nd Annual Veterans Christmas Wreath Service on Sunday, November 30, honoring the veterans laid to rest in the church cemetery. Following the service, each veteran’s grave will receive a Christmas wreath placed with care by members of the Wesley Chapel congregation. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a warm fellowship meal featuring soups and chili prepared by church members.

Santa will make a stop at Hall Summit’s City Hall Saturday, Dec 13 from 11am until 1pm. Cookie and hot chocolate will be served.

Amazon’s Black Friday Week starts Nov 20.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation urges North Louisiana hunters to test harvested deer for Chronic Wasting Disease.

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Superintendent’s List

Mabrey Beard
Emmett Berly
Saylor Bice
Braelyn Bonner
Jaylon Bradberry
Ebony Brown
Ivory Brown
Brayden Castello
Kyliee Cato
Jeremiah Dial
Judy Dial
Aaron Hester
Jade Johnson
Ava Jones
Ava-Marie jones
Lucien Jordan
Everett Lovell
Lillian Martin
Velviah McDonald
Jamason Morse
A’Brielle Sarpy
Jaceion Smith
Rilee Taylor
DKarri Warren
Jerimiah Washington
Braxton Wiggins
Nahla Wiggins
Valencia Williams
Rainna Wood

Principal’s Honor Roll

Carson Allen
Kayden Bamburg
Luke Barfield
Braylon Bradberry
Zy’Lynn Brisker
Brelyn Caldwell
Majestee Calhoun
Jrake Clark
Natalie Cole
Tucker Coleman
Skylar Crayton
Sage Demery
Jace Dewitt
Khalie Dixon
Noah Eason
Avierlle Frazier
Cameri Green
Aria Harris
Abryelle Jackson
Keyeon Jenkins Jr
Carter Johnson
Emily Langley
Chance Latson
Lyla Lemoine
Conner Lewis
Taven Lewis
Locklyn Lowring
Mariassa Luna
Michael Martin Jr
Damian McDaniel
Chloe Norris
Taylor Ochoa
McKinley Owens
Margot Palmer
Ariah Price
Samiyah Scott
Braylon Sibley
Dreden Speed
Drake Stevenson
Damian Taylor
Tanner Thomley
Laveah Washington
Chace White
Kaitlyn Williams
Tayla Williams

Honor Roll

Manar Al-Edresi
Karmyn Allen
Autumn Bamburg
Kenleigh Booker
Truett Brewer
Maddox Brown
Lane Canterbury
Kyree Christor
Nyasia Christor
Zurie Dixon
Zainobe Eze
Zyana Griffin
Thomas Hammonds
Caleb Kellogg
Aubrie Levi
Tremaine Levi Jr
Jose Lopez
Carah Manshack
Milley McCrory
Eden Newton
Sarah Peterson
Nolan Pottain
Khylie Sarpy
Bradlee Scott
Kortnee Smtih
Leman Smith
Zoriah Smith
Lilliana Welling

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – With the potential of a home playoff game on the line, Red River had plenty to play for against a winless Oakdale.

But it was the Warriors who played with fire and intensity early, building a first-quarter lead and trailing just 14-12 after the first period.

The Bulldogs (6-4) did put everything together in the 54-18 win, scoring 40 of the final 46 points of the game.

“We had to get out of our own way,” said Red River coach Travis Gary. “They came out with more fire than we did, but we turned it up in the second quarter.

“Ending the half with a pick-six was big time.”

Carl Lewis returned that interception 71 yards for a touchdown, constructing a 36-18 halftime lead.

Lewis also had a receiving touchdown to join Landon Wilson and Lathyn Lewis

Quarterback Malique Smith threw five touchdowns and ran for another in pacing Red River’s offense to a second straight 50-point performance.

The Bulldogs scored a season-high 58 points in the previous week in a win against Winnfield.

But defensive improvement from the first to second half was key to the large final margin as the Bulldogs shut out Oakdale in the second half.

Friday’s win was the fourth time Red River has held its opponent to 18 points or less.

Red River entered the night in play for a district title, but Mansfield sewed up the crown by itself with a 28-10 win against Many.

The Bulldogs finished second in District 3-2A.

Despite the win, Red River didn’t move up in the Division III Non-Select playoff brackets and will head to No. 14 Many in the first round of the playoffs.

The Bulldogs defeated Many, 34-6, just a couple weeks ago.

Early voting wrapped up this week in Red River Parish with 428 residents taking advantage of the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of the November 15 election.

According to data released by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, the early voters included 290 black voters, 134 white votes, and a small number identifying as other races. Of the total, 156 were male and 271 were female, showing strong turnout among women across the parish.

Party affiliation among early voters leaned slightly Republican, with 202 Republican ballots cast compared to 195 Democrat. Another 31 voters identified with other parties.

The early voting period covered precincts across all seven wards in the parish, with Ward 1 leading in participation and Ward 5 showing a noticeable boost in mail and absentee voting.

This election cycle features three items on the ballot–three propositions that will impact parish operations going forward.

Election officials remind residents that Election Day is Saturday, November 15, and polls will be open from 7am until 8pm. Parish voters who missed early voting are encouraged to verify their polling location and bring a valid photo ID to cast their ballots.

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank for once again being the title sponsor for this year’s Football Pick’em contest. Tyler Insurance Agency is the anchor sponsorship for a second year in a row.  These two businesses love football and love to see you win.   

We also want to thank BOM, Red River Council on Aging, David Beard Builders, 4B Garage, Jimmy Keel-Greg Tilley’s, Pathway Tire, and Tray Murray-State Farm for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest. If you would like to be a Pick’em Partner, email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com for more details. Only a limited number of slots remain.

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2025 Football Pick’em Contest anchored by Tyler Insurance.

START PICKING NOW – This week’s contests –>   2025 Pick Em Form

Each week the picking will remain open until 4 p.m. on Thursdays.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE, and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week, the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected college and high school football games (ties will be broken by tiebreaker consisting of guessing the total points scored in one of our weekly contests).

The American Bank and Tyler Insurance Agency Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over 10 regular-season weeks of the season, starting with Week 1 games (August 28-31) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ if you’re not already signed up for the easily navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could be our first winner!

Week 1: Charles Crockett
Week 2: Michael Birdsong
Week 3: Lori Lee
Week 4: John Perkins
Week 5: Lessonna Clark
Week 6: Randy Thomas
Week 7: Ken Roberts
Week 8: Billy Smith
Week: 9 Ben Ledbetter
Week 10: Don Birdsong

Monday, November 10

• The sunshine will be out, but it’s going to feel like early winter — high of only 53°F, with a low around 30°F.

• A freeze warning will probably be in effect, so expect frost and potentially icy spots overnight.

• Protect plants, pets, and plumbing if possible — this is a serious chill.

Tuesday, November 11

• A milder day arrives: sunny skies and a high near 66°F, but still cool overnight with a low near 46°F.

• Good recovery from Monday’s freeze, but still pretty brisk for mid-November.

✅ Tips to Stay Safe & Comfortable

• Bring in outdoor plants or cover them Monday night (temps near 30°F).

• Wrap up warm Monday — coat, gloves, and maybe a hat are smart.

• Tuesday is more comfortable but still cool — layer up for the morning and evening.

Stay warm, stay safe, and keep an eye on a freeze warning for Monday night!

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has approved new policy changes that will reduce the number of high school state assessments, marking the latest step in the state’s ongoing effort to streamline testing while maintaining high academic standards.

The initiative is part of State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley’s long-term strategy to cut down on testing time without compromising rigor or accountability.

“This surgical approach reduces testing while maintaining the validity and rigor of these vital assessments,” said Dr. Brumley. “It shows we can listen to our educators, improve the system, and uphold high expectations.”

Beginning with students entering ninth grade in the 2026–2027 school year, Louisiana high schools will shift to a comprehensive exam model for English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Instead of taking two separate exams in each subject, students will complete one comprehensive exam in ELA and math at the end of tenth grade.

Currently, high school students take six required state assessments — two in ELA (English I and II), two in math (Algebra I and Geometry), one in science (Biology), and one in social studies (Civics). The new policy will reduce that number from six to four, eliminating one ELA and one math test.

This change coincides with the rollout of new Louisiana Student Standards for ELA and math, ensuring a stronger alignment between instruction and assessment design.

The decision builds on the Louisiana Department of Education’s multi-year plan to reduce testing while maintaining academic integrity.

• In October 2024, testing time for grades 3–8 ELA and math was reduced by 20%, cutting redundant tasks.

• In March 2025, the state announced a 50% reduction in social studies testing for grades 3–8, shifting assessments to grades 3, 5, and 8 under the Freedom Framework standards.

• The department is now exploring additional reductions for science testing in grades 3–8.

State officials emphasize that while the structure of testing is evolving, assessments remain a crucial tool for measuring student progress and guiding school improvement.

“These responsible shifts reflect our commitment to balancing accountability with classroom instruction,” Dr. Brumley said. “We are reducing unnecessary testing while continuing to ensure Louisiana students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success.”

• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Hoarseness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Persistent infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

Celebrate the Christmas season in Louisiana’s oldest city! The 99th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival is set for November 22, 2025, through January 6, 2026, promising more than six weeks of lights, music, parades, and family fun along the beautiful Cane River Lake.

The season officially kicks off with “Turn on the Holidays” on Saturday, November 22, featuring a drone show and fireworks display to launch one of Louisiana’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Festival Saturdays will take place on November 29, December 6, 13, 20, and 27, each filled with live music, food vendors, and fireworks lighting up the Natchitoches sky.

The highlight of the season—the main Christmas Festival Day on December 6—will feature Coushatta’s own Vickie Johnson as the Grand Marshall of the Festival of Lights Parade, Mistletoe Market, live entertainment, and the iconic fireworks show choreographed to holiday music over Cane River Lake.

Families can also visit Santa Claus at his Riverbank House from December 7–23, 6:00–8:30 p.m. Admission is free, though Saturday visits will require an armband for Riverbank access.

Food vendors will be open on the Riverbank seven days a week, offering festive treats and local favorites. Admission to the Riverbank area is free Sunday through Friday, with vehicular traffic permitted Sunday through Thursday only.

Festival organizers have also announced that the 2025 Christmas season will be completely cashless—no cash will be accepted at ticket booths or by festival vendors.

From the dazzling lights to the joyful music and small-town charm, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival continues to shine as one of Louisiana’s most magical holiday experiences.

For the full schedule and ticket details, visit natchitocheschristmas.com

Red River Public Schools will be closed in observance of Veterans Day Tuesday, Nov 11.

Red River Parish Library will host Bingo fun Wed Nov 11 at 1pm.

Coushatta Christmas Market will be held Dec 13. Purchase your last minute gifts and treats from local vendors, take photos and enjoy your community. All vendors are invited to participate. NO vendor fees.

Congratulations to Nancy Nettles! She was selected as the LRCA 2025 Committee Person of the Year!

The 2025 Fun Run for Lydia benefitting Cure Sanfilippo Foundation will be held Saturday, Nov 22 at 10am at NSU. Register at https://give.curesanfilippofoundation.org/funrunforlydia. After the run, enjoy bounce houses, cake walk, delicious burgers, lawn games and activities and music from the DJ. Stollers, wagons and push cars are welcome.

Clara Springs will host a Kids Winter Retreat Fri Jan 3-0-31 for 1st-6th grade students. Registration will open Dec 1.

After 200+ years, the Farmer’s Almanac announced 2026 will be its last edition ever.

Betty Jean Ebey
February 19, 1938 – November 8, 2025
Private graveside services will be held Monday, November 10, 2025 at Bethany Cemetery in Coushatta.

Superintendent’s List

Jeremiah Avellaneda
Tylan Beavers
Ja’Nyla Caldwell
Kristionna Calhoune
Lamyia Carter
Tanner Cason
Victoria Cason
Payton Christen
Ke’Asha Clarke
Ty Cole
Delton Cornnor
Fa’Dasia Demery
Ava Dickey
Wylan French
Calib Grigg
Iva Hanson
Morgan Housley
Ja’Marrion Iverson
Chelsey Kellogg
Lathyn Lewis
Erah Lillo
Emily Luna
Emily Morgan
Mary Morse
Jailee Palmer
Ashlee Procell
Skylar Roberson
Joshua Thomas
Madilynn Vangundy
Madelyn Willis
Alyssa Young

Principal’s Honor Roll

Noah Adams
Manal Al-Edresi
Kolton Antilley
Zikeriyia Babers
Derrick Beavers
Darcey Bohannon
Destiney Bohannon
Warren Bowman III
Lauryn Bradley
Gaylon Brewer
Sha’Nyla Caldwell
Ja’Miria Carter
Stethan Chatman
Ah’Miya Clark
Kaleah Crawford
Leanne Czupich
Brent Danzy
Arian Demery
Raymond Eichorn
Patrick Ferriss
Gavin Franks
Serenity Gaddison
Ryder Gay
Kinya Gray
Jahari Griffin
Kodie Grigg
Trinitie Heyl
Taleha Hill
Zaria Jackson
Arie’l Jefferson
Cayden Johnson
Nevaeh Johnson
Aniyah Jones
Jamerica Jones
Matthew Jordan
Lisa Keith
Knute Lund
Karman Martin
Vincent Martinez
Joshua Mathews
Johnny Meshell
Logan Mims
Denelle Mitchell
Elijah Murphy
Randell Nash
Mi’yunia Nelson
Brooke Newton
Cherish Newton
Viktor Novosad
Brandon Palmer
Cole Pierce
Jakeb Pierce
Julianna Price
Cody Procell
Emmanuel Scott
Wy’Breshia Smith
Addilyn Steinert
Amarian Taylor
Jazmin Thomas
Zachary Thompson
Brody Tong
La’Kayla Wallace
Tayla Weathers
Jaskyla Williams
Hope Williamson
Porter Williamson
Landon Wilson
Rihanna Wilson
Brenton Winn
Markendria Winn
Jayda Woods

Red River firefighters, Sheriff’s deputies, and EMS were dispatched to a wreck this week at Hwy 1 and 509.  The early morning single truck accident resulted in the driver being transported to the LSU trauma center with burns to his side.  

Firefighters controlled and extinguished the fire, and deputies worked closely with them and EMS personnel to manage the scene safely and efficiently, ensuring emergency crews could provide the care and support needed.

The Louisiana State Police is the primary investigative agency for the incident.  

The Red River Sheriff’s office commented that “The cooperation between all agencies, law enforcement, fire, and EMS shows the strength of teamwork in Red River Parish. Each responder plays a vital role, and together we’re committed to protecting and serving our community with dedication and integrity”.

Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Red River knows that Friday’s home game against Oakdale won’t be its last of the season.
And if the Bulldogs play anywhere close to their potential, the result of the game probably isn’t much in doubt either as Red River (5-4) welcomes in a winless Oakdale (0-9) bunch.

The biggest question surrounding Friday’s game is whether No. 19 Red River can leapfrog into the top 16 and host a first-round playoff game.

But first-year coach Travis Gary isn’t concerned about all the different scenarios and won’t be rushing to find the scores around the state that will determine if Red River hops on a bus or not.

“I don’t buy much into it,” Gary said. “I understand where we are as far as ranking goes.

“If we move into a home game, great. But if not, then that’s fine, too. Because at the end of the day, we still have to beat them all whether home or away.”

If the playoffs started today, Red River would get a rematch with No. 14 Many, a team that beat 34-6 earlier this season.

While Oakdale won’t do Red River’s strength factor any favors, the teams that Red River need to jump for a home playoff game do have tough slates ahead of them.

No. 18 Rayville catches a tough Ferriday bunch.

No. 17 Pine will be heavy favorites against Springfield.

No. 16 Westlake will have its hands full with Jennings.

No. 15 Avoyelles is on a six-game winning streak but will collide with an undefeated Kinder squad.

And No. 14 Many will try a force three-way tie for the District 3-2A crown when they face district leader Mansfield.

Red River, who is about 0.5 power points out of playoff spot, will need to leapfrog three of those five times.

But for all the calculating and scoreboard watching that could take place Friday, Gary’s thoughts haven’t traveled past the team that’s for sure on their schedule – Oakdale.

“They have good athletes, and they have a new coach as they seem to be trying to find their way,” Gary said. “We have to play fast and score early and often.

“Starting the playoffs at home would be great for the community, but ultimately being on the road is inevitable. Our mindset is to line up and win no matter where we have to play.”

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced that federal SNAP benefits will begin rolling out again today, November 7, despite the ongoing government shutdown. The Department has also ended furloughs for SNAP staff and fully reopened all SNAP offices starting today.

Thanks to federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), eligible Louisiana households will receive approximately 50% of their usual monthly SNAP benefits, distributed on their regular payment schedule. Households that received emergency state-funded SNAP assistance earlier this month — especially those with elderly residents or individuals with disabilities — will also receive federal SNAP benefits starting today.

Unused benefits from previous months will remain active on recipients’ EBT cards and can be spent normally.

SNAP recipients do not need to reapply or take additional steps to receive the new benefits. However, participants are reminded to continue meeting basic program requirements, such as:

• Reporting changes in household circumstances

• Completing recertification paperwork when due

• Responding to any requests for verification documents

  • By mail: LDH ES Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 260031, Baton Rouge, LA 70826

  • In person: Any LDH ES parish office

  • By fax: 225-663-3164

WIC Services Continue Without Disruption

Louisiana’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is operating as normal after receiving contingency funds from the USDA. There have been no cuts or changes to WIC food packages or support services such as breastfeeding counseling and nutrition education.

Families enrolled in WIC are urged to continue attending scheduled appointments and using their benefits at authorized stores throughout November. LDH officials say they are closely monitoring funding but do not anticipate service interruptions at this time.

SNAP Staff Return to Work

With federal funds now available to reimburse state administrative costs, LDH has ended furloughs for SNAP employees, and operations at parish SNAP offices have resumed. Staff are now available to assist with applications, eligibility issues, and general program support.