The sequestered jury in the murder trial of former Saint Will Smith heard nearly 11 hours of more emotional testimony Thursday from five witnesses, including the longtime friend of the suspect. Kevin O’Neal was the passenger in the alleged killer’s vehicle in the April incident. He said at no time was Cardell Hayes angry or aggressive, and that they were both scared of Smith. He even suggested Smith brought on his own demise.

LSU defensive lineman Ed Alexander, linebacker Devin White and punter Josh Growden have been named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, the league announced Thursday.

Rumors have been swirling about LSU’s reported top choice for offensive coordinator. Lane Kiffin of Alabama was reportedly going to be the new head coach at Houston, but there is nothing official yet about his future according to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.

In the NBA, it was a hard game to watch for Pelicans fans last night as they fell to the 76ers, who snapped a 23 road game losing skid with the 99-88 win.

The non-select state football championships begin today in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. One of the more anticipated match-ups is tomorrow afternoon’s Class Four-A championship as Karr takes on Neville in a rematch of last year’s title game won by Neville. Karr Head Coach Brice Brown says they need a good game from running back Santee Marshall..:
Cut 17 (18) “off balance”
The Allstate Sugar Bowl Prep Classic concludes Saturday night with the Class 5A championship game as Landry-Walker faces West Monroe. Landry-Walker Head Coach Emmanuel Powell expects an intense game..:
Cut 19 (18) “dangerous situations”
In class 3A Lutcher will face Amite, 2A Sterlington takes on Madison Prep, And in Class 1A, it’s Logansport versus Haynesville.