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

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Lio lose Out 27 Years of Frustratzons, Stun Tigers for 3-AAAA Laurels November 12, 1976. Over 9,000 people jammed Tiger Stadium for the annual shootout between Ouachita and Neville. Emotions ran high prior to the game as the district champion- ship was on the line. The fireworks started early in the first quarter when Lynn Sullivan kept the ball on an option and galloped 71 yards to the Tiger 9. The next three plays netted 5 yards, and a missed field goal left the Lions scoreless. Following a second Lion field goal attempt, the Tigers marched 56 yards in the second quarter for their only score of the night. Late in the first half, Ouachita found itself in striking distance when Tommy lVlathieu returned a Neville punt 28 yards to Tiger 20. But a holding penalty and a Tiger interception halted the scoring threat. That ended the half, with the Lions trailing 0-7. The third quarter proved to be a defensive struggle as both teams had trouble mounting any type of offen- sive scare. The fourth quarter began with the Lions needing a score to advance to the play offs. Ouachita's big break came with 4:56 remaining in the game, when lVlike Tannehill recov- ered a Tiger fumble on the Neville five yard line. Gary Taylor plunged over from the one, three plays later, and the Lions were behind 16D Varsity Football by a single point. The decision to go for two was easy. Rusty Lucas took the snap and pitched to Brian Johnson who was immediately met by four Tiger defend- ers short of the goal line. Thinking quickly, Johnson tossed back to Lucas, who went untouched into the end zone: Ouachita 8, Neville 7. The Lions faithful roared their approval! Tension mounted when Neville returned the kick-off to midfield. On a second down and 10 situation, safety Gary Taylor stripped the Neville tight end of the ball and Mark Blackwelder stepped in to intercept for the Lions. With Neville having no remaining time-outs, the Ouachita offense worked the clock, picking up two crucial first downs. As the final seconds ticked off, hundreds of Lion fans flooded the field to rejoice with their Lions. Twenty-seven years of frustrations were over! Ouachita had prevailed, 8-7. The win upped the Lions' record to 7-3 overall and a perfect 5-0 slate in district contests. The District 3-AAAA Championship belonged to the Lions! But more importantly, the victory earned Ouachita a berth in the State Playoffs.

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