Ouachita Parish High School - Roarer Yearbook (Monroe, LA)

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Playoff Hopes Put On Line With a 4-0 district record, Ouachita appeared to have a playoff spot wrapped up. But a loss to Neville would throw the district race into a three-way tie for first. If that happened, a new point system would go into effect, and Ouachita might possibly miss the playoffs. Neville had to beat the Lions by at least six points to clinch a berth. Entering the game, Ouachita had two major obstacles. First, the game was to be played at Tiger Stadium. The second barrier was a 27 year hex the Tigers held on the Lions. Ouachita had not beaten Neville since 19495 but more than just whipping Neville rode on this game. The district crown was at stake, one the Lions wanted to wear badly. 16 Football

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iita A NE' N ix ff- .4 Q ff' I . it LEFT: Andrea Benton receives personal and friendly service at CENTRAL BANK, You can't beat that! So drop by any of their locations at 300, 3500, and 8019 DeSIARDp 700 LOUISVILLE, 1101 N. EIGHTEENTHQ 1900 JACKSON in MONROE or 2600 CYPRESS and 201 TRENTON in WEST MONROE, for service that can't be beat. Lions Regroup, Head for Showdown With Neville Ouachita regathered its poise against North Caddo, and emerged 21-0 in a non-district contest. The Lions scored on their first possession as senior Tommy Mathieu raced 64 yards for the opening score. Junior receiver Eddie Gayden hauled in a 21 yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Lynn Sullivan pulling the Lions ahead 14-0 after one quarter. Sullivan added a final score on a 56 yard interception return in the second quarter. Ouachita then faced three district foes, beginning with Bastrop. The Lions used a brilliant defensive effort and a 71 yard Sullivan-Swihart scoring strike to top the Rams in their homecoming, 90. The Lions completed their own unique homecoming with a 7-0 win over West Monroe. This victory placed Ouachita in a showdown battle against unbeaten Carroll. Both the Lions and Bulldogs placed perfect 3-0 district records on the line, along with Carroll's number four ranking in the Louisiana sports- writers poll. Playing on a cold rainy night, Ouachita used two fourth-quarter touchdowns to stun the Bulldogs 12-6. Senior Gary Taylor burst 13 yards with a senior Rusty Lucas pitch for the Lions' first score of the evening. With a 6-6 tie, seniors Jack Laird and Jeff Marchefski blocked their second punt of the night. Marchefski recovered the ball in the endzone for the Lions' second and winning TD of the game. Lion fans rejoiced as Ouachita held the lead in District 3-AAAA, with a 4-0 record. After Carroll, the Lions journeyed to Baton Rouge for a non-district encounter with Central High. Once again Ouachita employed comeback tactics taking a 21-10 triumph in the Chief's homecoming. Tommy Mathieu raised the tally twice on runs of 53 and 90 yards, with fellow senior Brian Johnson grinding out a third score. The victory extended Ouachita's winning streak to five in a row with arch-rival Neville remaining in the season finalef Varsity Football 15

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Lions Bring Home Honors Honors were plentiful in 1976 as Ouachita placed five players on the all-district team and one on the all-state team. Scott Ingram was selected first-team All-State defensive tackle for his efforts throughout the year. Robbie Stewart, Joe Frandsen, Mark Blackwelder, Scott Ingram, and David Busby repre- sented the Lions on the 3-AAAA All' District team. Coach Tom Causey was voted Coach-of-the-Year in the district while Stewart and Ingram were picked as players of the year on offense and defense respectively. At the annual football awards banquet LEFT: Junior Mike Tannehill cracks a smile as hours ofhard work produce a letter jacket. FAR LEFT: These six seniors proved to be the heart of the Lions in 1976. From left to right are David Busby, Gary Taylor, Tommy Mathieu, Mark Blackwelder, Robbie Stewart, and Scott Ingram. ABOVE LEFT: Coach Causey presents Mr. Bob Stewart with several seniors were recognized for their outstanding service to the team throughout the season. Award winners were Scott Ingram, MVP and team captain, Tommy Mathieu, Speciality Award, Gary Taylor, Coaches Award, Brian Johnson, Best Offensive Back, Mark Blackwelder, Best Defensive Back, and Scholastic Award, Robbie Stewart, Best Offensive Linesman, and David Busby, Best Defensive Linesman. A special award was presented to Mr. Bob Stewart for his excellent service to the Lion football team and the Lion Booster Club. a letter jacket for his enthusiastic support of the Lions. TOP: Connie McCain, Kim Stites, Susan Ensminger, Cindy Bennett, and Pam Puckett flash big smiles and small footballs after the banquet. Football 16A