The 2022 LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tonight in the Cesar’s Superdome as eight champions will be crowned over the next three days. This year’s Prep Classic features some familiar teams like Oak Grove, Ouachita Christian, Lafayette Christian, St. Charles Catholic, and Union Parish. But Brother Martin is making its first appearance since 1989, Ruston’s is back in the Dome for the first time since 1998 and North DeSoto is making its first-ever appearance. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine is excited to see new teams in the Classic…

Cut 16

The Pelicans extended their win streak to five with a 104-98 win over the Pistons last night. Behind a 29-point 10-rebound performance from Zion Williamson, the Pels improve to 16-8 on the season. With the Suns blowout loss to the Celtics, New Orleans is now alone atop the West half a game ahead of Phoenix and Memphis. The Pelicans will host the Suns Friday and Sunday in a playoff rematch double-header to control the West. Tip-off tomorrow night is set for 7:30.

LSU senior safety Jay Ward has announced he will be entering this year’s NFL Draft. Ward says he still plans to play in the Citrus Bowl against Purdue. Purdue Head Coach Jeff Brohm announced he will be leaving the Boilermakers to take the head coach job at Louisville, his home town, meaning the Tigers will be facing an interim head coach in Orlando. Three more Tigers have announced they’ll be joining Wide receiver Jack Beche and Cornerback Damarius McGhee in the transfer portal. Cornerback Raydarious Jones, Defensive End Desmond Little, and Tight End Kole Taylor have all announced they will be seeking transfers from LSU. Cornerback Mekhi Garner has accepted his invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl and will be declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Saints running back Mark Ingram will likely miss the rest of the season with a slight MCL tear suffered in Monday Night’s loss to the Buccaneers. Coach Dennis Allen says the injury occurred on a critical 2^nd and 8 late in the game in which Ingram pulled up one yard short of the first down with the injury. The Bucs went on to get the stop on 3^rd and one and make the rest of their two-touchdown comeback.  Ingram will not require surgery, but will almost certainly miss the rest of the season with only 5 weeks left.

The Saints suffered a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to the Buccaneers Monday night. Up 13 with just over 5 minutes left, the Saints allowed 2 long touchdown drives, and the Bucs scored the game-winning touchdown with 3 seconds left. Coach Dennis Allen says he was pleased with the team’s ability to move the ball, but was frustrated by the missed opportunities…

Cut 15

LSU star Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte announced he’s staying for his senior year at LSU. The projected first round pick has opted not to go to the NFL draft this year in hopes of winning a championship with the Tigers. There were rumors of tensions between Boutte and the new LSU coaching staff, but Tiger Rag Assistant editor William Weathers says the relationship grew and Boutte’s decision signifies that…

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Wide Receiver Jack Bech announced he will be entering the transfer portal

Louisiana Tech star Wide Receiver Tre Harris has entered the transfer portal. Harris had 65 receptions this year for 935 yards and 10 touchdowns on his way to earning first-team All-CUSA honors.

UL-Lafayette forward Jordan Brown has been named the Sun-Belt Conference Men’s Basketball player of the week. Brown led the Cajuns to a pair of wins over Loyala and New Orleans last week averaging 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over the two games. Brown was named the Sun Belt Preseason Player of the year and the Cajuns were given the best odds to win the conference in a preseason coaches poll. They now have a 7-1 record and sit at first in the Sun Belt. They will play host to Samford this Saturday

The Pelicans sit half a game back from first in the Western Conference after Sunday’s win over Denver and a Phoenix loss last night. New Orleans is the hottest team in the West, having won 11 of their last 13. The Pels will have a chance to move into sole possession of the West tomorrow night with a win in Detroit and a Suns loss. New Orleans will play host to the conference leaders Friday and Sunday in an important back-to-back this weekend.

LSU will face number-one-ranked Georgia Saturday in the SEC Championship. The defending national champs have been in the SEC Championship game four of the last five years including a loss to Alabama last year. LSU Coach Brian Kelly doesn’t think their familiarity with the game will give them an advantage but knows they’re a talented confident team….

Cut 18 (19) “…that as well.”

Kickoff in Atlanta is at 3 p.m.

The USMNT held on to a 1-0 victory over Iran to advance to the knockout round of the World Cup. Forward Christian Pulisic suffered an abdominal injury while scoring the lone goal in the 38’ minute and was subbed off at the end of the first half. The US held on to advance and will face the Netherlands Saturday.

After the loss to the 49ers, the Saints are 4-8 on the season and sit at last in the NFC South, but the division-leading Buccaneers are only one game ahead of the Black and Gold. With 3 of the last five games of the season against division opponents and a Monday night matchup against the Bucs next week, New Orleans is still in the hunt for a playoff berth, but Coach Dennis Allen says the team isn’t worried about the standings…

Cut 20 (15) “…has to be.”

The Pelicans got their 12^th win of the season over the Thunder last night, moving them to third in the Western Conference. Without CJ McCullom and Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson led the team with 23 points, 8 rebounds, a career-high 8 assists, and 3 blocks. The Pels will host Portland tomorrow at 7:00.

The Lady Tigers will look to remain undefeated tonight as they host Southeastern. LSU has moved to 11^th in the nation after a 99-68 win over UAB and hopes to continue their streak against the 4-2 Lions. Tip-off is set for 7:00.

LSU suffered a disappointing 23-38 loss Saturday to Texas A&M. Tied 17-17 in the third quarter, the Aggies scored 21 unanswered points to pull away and secure the game before a late touchdown from LSU. Coach Brian Kelly says the team knows they didn’t play up to standard and isn’t worried about a let-down game in the upcoming SEC Championship…

Cut 16 (18) “…their standard.”

The Saints fell to 4-8 yesterday after a 13-0 loss in San Francisco. The defense did a good job of slowing down a high-powered 49ers offense, but New Orleans beat themselves with costly turnovers and penalties and two trips inside the 5-yard line that resulted in no points. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the game was winnable…

Cut 12 (7) “…way to lose it.”

The Saints are 4^th in the NFC South but sit only one game behind the division-leading Buccaneers ahead of their Monday Night matchup next week

Tulane finished their regular season with a 27-24 win over Cincinnati to secure home-field advantage in the AAC title game against UCF. The Knights are one of two teams to beat Tulane this season. Rumors have swirled with reports that Green Wave Head Coach Willie Fritz may be leaving for Georgia Tech in the offseason. The reports were later retracted and Fritz said that right now he’s just focused on preparing his team…

Cut 27 (15) “…this morning.”

Liberty coach and former Mississippi State head coach Hugh Freeze has agreed to be the next Auburn Head Coach. He will replace Bryan Harsin who was fired earlier this year and become Auburn’s third Head Coach in the last four years.

The Pelicans will host the Thunder tonight. OKC has lost 4 of their last 5 but the Pelicans are hoping to bounce back from a 132-111 loss to the Grizzlies last week. The Pels will be without CJ McCullom for the second straight game and all-star forward Brandon Ingram is doubtful. Larry Nance and Naji Marshall are both questionable for the matchup, but 2020 first-round draft pick Kira Lewis is available for tonight’s game after missing last season with an MCL sprain. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m.

LSU’s preseason All-American receiver Kayshon Boutte missed the team’s final home game against UAB Saturday night. Boutte was seen warming up but didn’t take the field during the game. Coach Brian Kelly said it was due to the flu bug the team’s been dealing with over the last couple weeks that has also affected Harold Perkins and Jayden Daniels. Kelly says the team has been fortunate so far.

Cut 17 (15) “…play for us.”

The Tiger’s men’s basketball team defeated Akron 73-58 to advance to the championship of the Cayman Island Classic. Sophomore guard Adam miller led the team’s dominant performance with 23 points. The Tigers will play the winner of Rhode Island-Tulane tomorrow at 6:30.

The Saints got a much-needed win Sunday over a struggling Rams team. They’ll have a difficult task ahead this Sunday as they travel to San Francisco. The 49ers are coming off a 38-10 win over the Cardinals last night and have won their last three straight.

UL-Lafayette quarterback Ben Woolridge will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. He earned the starting spot after sophomore Chandler Fields went down with an upper bowl injury. Fields has reclaimed the starting spot with Woolridge sidelined, but Coach Michael Desormeaux couldn’t overstate the importance he still has on the team as a leader and mentor…

Cut 20 (17) “…to him.”

The Pelicans dominated the Warriors last night on their way to a 128-83 victory. The Pelicans took advantage of a Golden State team without Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green and came out to an early lead, and controlled the whole game. Brandon Ingram led the team with 34 points, and guard Davonte Graham provided a 19-point spark off the Bench. The Pelicans will travel to San Antonio tomorrow.

LA Tech defeated ULM 79-58 at home last night. The Bulldogs’ depth was on display as five players scored double figures. After a back-and-forth first half the ‘Dogs were able to pull away in the second, making 10 of their last 13 attempts. The Bulldogs hope to keep this momentum against Alabama A&M tomorrow night while the Warhawks will look to bounce back in Omaha Friday.

On a day that saw several top-ranked college football teams play close games, sixth-ranked LSU easily defeated UAB 41-10 in the final home game of the season. Coach Brain Kelly said the team played well in a late-season game against a team they should beat.

Cut 16 (14) “… has shown.”

The Tigers will wrap up the regular season in College Station Saturday.

The LSU Men’s basketball team opened the Cayman Island Classic with a 77-61 win over Illinois State. The Tigers improved  to 4-0 on the season behind a spectacular 33 point performance from fifth-year senior KJ Williams. They advance to the semi-finals tomorrow at 12:30 against Akron.

SLU will host Idaho in the first round of the FCS Playoffs Saturday. The Southland Conference Champion Lions will make their fifth FCS playoff appearance in program history and second time in back-to-back years. Kickoff in Strawberry Stadium is at 6 p.m.

The Saints ended their two game losing streak behind a three touchdown performance from quarterback Andy Dalton in a 27-20 win over the Rams yesterday. Dalton and the offense were clicking for the first time in weeks, throwing for 260 yards and no interception and completing passes to nine different receivers…

Cut 19 (19) “…win today.”

The USMNT opened their 2022 World Cup with a 1-1 draw to Wales. After coming out to a 1-nothing lead in the first half, Wales tied the game with a penalty in the 82nd minute. The US will face England on Friday.

The 9-7 Pelicans will host the Warriors tonight. The defending NBA champs have had a slow start to the season and will be without Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green tonight. Meanwhile the Pelicans will look to bounce back from a loss to the Celtics before going on a two-game road trip.

LSU will honor 17 seniors on Saturday night before they face UAB in the final home game of the season. One of those seniors is defensive end Ali Gaye. The native of Gambia says his parents will attend their first game in Tiger Stadium…

Cut 17 (16) “…seeing that.”

Kickoff in Death Valley is set for 8:00

Nicholls will host Southeastern tonight at 6:00 in the 50th anniversary of the River Bell Classic. The Colonels look to bounce back from a disappointing 24-17 loss to Lamar last week to put them at 3-7 on the season. The Lions sit at 7-3 and could win their third Southland Conference Championship with a win in Thibodaux.

Tulane suffered their second loss of the season to UCF last week at home. Now losing a three way tie for the top spot in the American-Athletic conference, the 21st-ranked Green Wave hope to get back on track tonight as they host 6-4 SMU.

Kickoff in Yulman Stadium is at 6:30.

ULM has won in back-to-back weeks to improve to 4-6, but they face a big test Saturday as they head to Troy. The Trojans have won their last seven games and are holding opponents to just 16 points a game. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden emphasized the importance of the championship level defense the Trojans have…

Cut 19 (19) “…every week.”

The LSU Men’s basketball team will look to continue their perfect start tonight as they host UNO. The Tigers lead the series between the two schools 7-1.

ULL hosts in-state rival LA Tech who’s coming off a solid outing against No. 23 Texas Tech while the Bulldogs look to redeem the close loss by disrupting the Cajuns perfect 3-0 start.  

ULM kicks off a four-game road trip with a visit to No. 15 TCU tonight who hopes to bounce back after an upset loss at the hands of Northwestern St. earlier this week. 

All three games will tip-off at 7:00