Sports

Jackson Soileau, of Sacred Heart, finished in fourth place at this week’s LHSAA State Cross Country Meet at Northwestern State University. Last year, he finished in third place in the competition. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Three miles and a breath

News Staff

Thursday, November 20, 2025

By: TONY MARKS Editor RAYMOND PARTSCH III LSN Sports Editor NATCHITOCHES - Students from across Louisiana ran the grueling three-mile course across Northwestern State University as the LHSAA State Cross Country Meet was held on Monday, November 17.

Sacred Heart quarterback Ellis Fusilier (2) stays on his feet as he fights for additional yards in the Trojans’ first-round playoff loss to Westminster Christian Academy of Lafayette last Friday night. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Gabled

News Staff

Thursday, November 20, 2025

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE — The blue painted “S” “H” “S” at midfield, much like the grass on the field, was starting to fade after a long football season.

Sports Headline

Late blocked punt leads to Basile playoff loss

News Staff

Thursday, November 20, 2025

By: DARREL LEJEUNE LSN Editor BALDWIN — On a dusty field more suited for a rodeo than a playoff football game, the Basile Bearcats saw their season come to a tough end last Friday night, falling 28–22 to the West St. Mary Wolfpack in the opening round of the Division IV Non-Select state playoffs.

Ville Platte Lady Bulldog head coach Rhonda Thomas (right) presents a framed jersey to her former high school teammate Renotta Edwards (left). Edwards’ jersey is now retired and is on display in the school’s trophy case. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Former Lady Bulldog has jersey retired

News Staff

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - A dominating presence on the basketball court at the high school and collegiate level who went on to coach her Oakdale Lady Warriors to two state championships in three years (2023 and 2025) achieved a milestone of her career on Saturday, November 8, as Renotta...

Pictured from left are Lance Chapman, chief financial officer of The Evangeline Bank and Trust Company; Claudia Ortego; and Tony Marks, editor of the Ville Platte Gazette. Not pictured are Garland Forman and Richard Guillory. (Gazette photo by Kathy Longino)

Football contest winners are named

News Staff

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Winners of the Ville Platte Gazette’s football contests are announced. Claudia Ortego, with a record of 49-11, won the readers’ contest. Tammy Matte, with a record of 45-15, placed second; and Steven Vidrine placed third with a record of 41-17.

Tommy Murray (13) makes a diving stop against Church Point’s Luke Baudoin (17) in Ville Platte’s 49-6 loss against the Bears in the regular season finale. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Down but not out

News Staff

Thursday, November 13, 2025

By: TONY MARKS Editor CHURCH POINT - It was a game where both teams were vying for playoff positions. Church Point knew it was in the playoffs but was trying to secure a higher seed. Ville Platte was trying to find a way to stay in the playoff conversations despite the outcome of the game.

Sacred Heart’s Ashton Duos ran for 110 yards and collected 2.5 tackles for loss in the Trojans’ Week 10 win against Berchmans Academy.

With win over Saints, Trojans earn a home playoff game

News Staff

Thursday, November 13, 2025

By: TONY MARKS Editor The Sacred Heart Trojans ended the regular season with a 42-6 win over Berchmans Academy on homecoming night last Friday. Ashton Duos led the Trojans with 110 rushing yards. He also accounted for 2.5 tackles for loss.

Sports Headline

Mamou ends season with win over Pine Prairie

News Staff

Thursday, November 13, 2025

By: TONY MARKS Editor Mamouu and Pine Prairie ended the football season with the Green Demons getting a 58-0 win over the Panthers. Pine Prairie only gained 20 yards of total offense on its home field. Fifteen of the yards came on 18 carries, and the other 5 came on 1 pass completion.

Sports Headline

Bearcats head to Baldwin for 1st round of playoffs

News Staff

Thursday, November 13, 2025

By: DARREL LEJEUNE LSN Editor The Basile Bearcats will hit the road Friday to face the West St. Mary Wolves in Baldwin in the opening round of the Division IV Non-Select State Playoffs. Basile, representing District 4-1A, enters the postseason with a 5-5 record and a number 19 seed.

Basile’s Kye Smith (21) attempts to make a stop against a Hamilton Christian playmaker in the Bearcats’ 39-13 home loss against the Warriors. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Hitting the low notes

News Staff

Monday, November 10, 2025

By: TONY MARKS Editor BASILE - It was a game that was vital for Basile’s playoff hopes. Not only would a win give the Bearcats the District 5-1A title, but it would also give the team a higher seed in the playoffs that start next week.

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