The LHSAA has called a special meeting where member principals will have the opportunity to vote on a new playoff format that’s different from the public-private school split. The new playoff proposal would end the split in Classes 5A and 4A and it would create metro and rural divisions in Classes 1A though 3A. It would also combine classes B and C. Chairman of the High School Relations Committee Michael Boyer says in football the number of state championships would be reduced from nine to eight…
cut 19 (14) “…one yet”
A date has not been set for the special meeting.

The dates are set for the Saints 2016 schedule. New Orleans will open the regular season at home against Oakland, they’ll also host Atlanta for a Monday night game on September 26th and visit Carolina on Thursday November 17th.

The visitation for former Saints star Will Smith is from two to seven PM today at the team’s training facility in Metairie. Funeral services are also scheduled today former Saints and LSU running back Hokie Gajan who died this week at the age of 56 from cancer. Sportswriter John Ed Bradley played with Gajan at LSU and says Hokie was an original and will be greatly missed…
cut 5 (09) “….heartbreaking”

Two of Louisiana Tech’s games have been moved so they can be shown on national television. The Bulldogs home game against Western Kentucky has been moved to Thursday, October 6th and the regular season finale at Southern Miss has been moved to Friday November 25th. Details on what networks will carry those games will be announced at a later date.

And after taking two of three from Vanderbilt last weekend, LSU visits Missouri for a three-game series starting tonight.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has called for a special meeting so member principals can vote on a new playoff proposal. School Relations Committee chairman, Mike Boyer, says the expanded public/private split to other sports vote is causing problems for the LHSAA, so they want to give principals another option…:
Cut 18 (19) “available”

The funeral for WWL Saints Color Analyst and former LSU and Saints player Hokie Gajan, is today in Madisonville. Gajan lost his battle with cancer this week at the age of 56. Sportswriter and Gajan’s former LSU teammate John Ed Bradley says Gajan was reliable on the field, and he never gave up…:
Cut 6 (06) “be there”
The visitation begins at 10 at St. Anselm Catholic Church and the funeral mass begins at 3 p.m.

The LSU Spring game is tomorrow and fans will get to see if the Tigers passing game has actually progressed as Coach Les Miles claims. Brandon Harris is the returning starter at quarterback. Purdue transfer Danny Etling is the new back-up QB. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham…:
Cut 16 (20) “Anthony Jennings”
The game begins at 3pm.

The New Orleans Saints schedule is ranked the 4th toughest in the NFL. They’ll face off with the challenging teams in the NFC West and AFC West. The bye week is very early for the Saints this year, and they also have just two primetime games. One is against rival Falcons in the Superdome on Monday Night Football, they also end the season against Atlanta on the road. They open the season against Oakland on September 11th.

Tonight the NFL releases the regular season schedule for the Saints and all 32 teams. At this time we know, New Orleans will play its division rivals twice and they’ll also have games against the Rams, Seahawks, Lions, Cardinals, 49ers, Giants and teams from the AFC West. We’ll find out today when those games will occur.

The NFL Draft begins two weeks from today and it’s being reported that Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch visited the Saints. New Orleans has the 12th overall pick and the six-foot-seven Lynch is considered one of the top quarterbacks in this class.

The Pelicans season is finally over. New Orleans ended the 2015-16 campaign with a 30-52 record after losing to Minnesota 144-109 last night. Coach Alvin Gentry says because of all of the injuries, he would grade the season as an incomplete. Gentry declined to speculate whether there will be any changes in the front office.

The LHSAA’s executive committee voted today to hold a special meeting so principals can vote on a plan that would bring Classes 5A and 4A back together for football, ending the public-private school playoff split for those two classes. The proposal would also split classes 3A, 2A and 1A between rural and metro schools. It’s unclear when this special meeting will take place.

The LSU baseball team scored multiple runs in the first four innings and went on to beat Grambling 14-11 last night. Jake Fraley drove in three runs for the Tigers, Austin Bain won his third game of the season as he struck out six in two innings of relief. Wesley Drain hit his sixth homer of the season in a losing effort.

McNeese won its sixth straight last night as the Cowboys defeated Louisiana Tech three to one. McNeese will now get ready for a Southland series at 25th ranked Lamar this weekend. Lamar has won eight straight at home.

The LSU baseball team scored multiple runs in the first four innings and went on to beat Grambling 14-11 last night. Jake Fraley drove in three runs for the Tigers, Austin Bain won his third game of the season as he struck out six in two innings of relief. Wesley Drain hit his sixth homer of the season in a losing effort.

McNeese won its sixth straight last night as the Cowboys defeated Louisiana Tech three to one. McNeese will now get ready for a Southland series at Lamar this weekend. The Bulldogs are home to take on FIU.

LSU-Eunice is ranked number one in the latest junior college division two poll. The Bengals are 38-1.

The Saints regular season schedule will be released at 7 PM tonight along with the rest of the NFL teams. New Orleans will play their division rivals twice, and they’ll alsohave games against the Rams, Seahawks, Lions, Cardinals, 49ers, Giants and teams from the AFC West.

The LHSAA Executive Committee is meeting in Baton Rouge today and the split championships in football and several other sports is part of the discussion. LHSAA past president Todd Guice says the executive committee could call for a special meeting to have the principals’ vote again on the issue…
cut 18 (14) “….for that”
Guice believes a compromise could be reached that would bring the association back together again.

A disappointing season for the Pelicans ended last night with a 144-109 loss to the Timberwolves in Minnesota. The Pels suffered through numerous injuries and finished with a record of 30-52. Coach Alvin Gentry says because of all of the injuries, he would grade the season as an incomplete.

A witness saw retired football star Will Smith with a gun the night he was shot and killed, according to statements by the suspect’s lawyer. John Fuller says his client, Cardell Hayes, was acting in self defense. He questioned the investigation into the shooting and how a gun that belonged to Smith wasn’t recovered that night…:
CUT 2 (11) “that’s odd”
A lawyer for the Smith family said Smith did not ever brandish a weapon in the incident, and that the gun cops say he had never left a compartment in his vehicle.

The Pelicans did not go out with a bang in their last game of the season as they gave up 144 points to the Timberwolves last night. The Pels scored 109. The injury filled New Orleans team finishes the year with a 30-52 record. They had only seven healthy players Wednesday night.

The LSU baseball team defeated Grambling Wednesday 14-11 in Alex Box Stadium. With the win, the No. 9 Tigers improve to 22-11 on the year, and the Grambling Tigers dropped to 15-17.

Also last night, McNeese State, coming off a memorable win over LSU the night before, topped Louisiana Tech 3-1. The Pokes have won six in a row.

The LHSAA Executive Committee holds its spring meeting today, and they’ll continue to discuss the expanded public-private school playoff split that’s been in place for football and will impact other sports next school year. Todd Guice, LHSAA past president, says he still hopes that something can be done to end the split…:
Cut 17 (05) “found this”
A bill that seeks to end the public-private split is waiting to be heard on the House floor. There’s been talk of creating another organization where public and private schools could both compete.

The attorney for the family of Will Smith said the former Saints star was shot 8 times and the lawyer for the accused shooter is spreading lies about what happened. Michelle Southern reports…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

Funeral arrangements have been set for former football star and Saints analyst Hokie Gajan. Visitation will start Friday at 10 AM at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Madisonville. Eulogies will begin at 2:30 and the funeral mass will be at 3 PM.

The rain has moved out of Baton Rouge and they will play baseball at Alex Box Stadium tonight. The Fighting Tigers will host Grambling at 6:30. LSU was held to just two hits last night in a seven to nothing loss to McNeese.

The Cowboys are in action again tonight as they’ll host Louisiana Tech. It’s the end of an eight game road trip for the Bulldogs.

The Pelicans season ends tonight as they face Minnesota in the regular season finale. Coach Alvin Gentry will hold an end of season media availability tomorrow. Jake Madison, with Bourbon Street Shots, expects Gentry to be back next year despite this disappointing season. Madison also doesn’t see the team signing a big name free-agent, instead they’ll look to improve their roster in the draft…
cut 28 (14) “…the team”
Tip-off for tonight’s game is at 7 PM.

After getting shutout seven to nothing last night by McNeese, the LSU baseball team will try again tonight against Grambling. The Tigers were held to two hits as McNeese pitcher Austin Sanders held LSU to just one hit in six innings to improve his record to 3-2. Cowboys first baseman Connor Crane hit his sixth home run of the season and drove in two runs.

UL Lafayette crushed Tulane nine to two. Joe Robbins and Brian Mills combined to drive in seven runs as the Cajuns improved to 22-11 on the season. UL Lafayette’s game at UNO tonight has been postponed because of rain and it has been rescheduled for May 17th.

Also last night, South Alabama edged Southeastern Louisiana two to one, Arkansas defeated ULM 3-1.

It’s being reported that ESPN’s College Gameday will be at LSU’s season opener in Green Bay at Lambeau Field against the Wisconsin Badgers.

The Pelicans close out the regular season tonight in Minnesota. It’s been reported former McNeese star and Detroit Pistons player and executive Joe Dumars could be hired to replace Pelicans GM Dell Demps and current Milwaukee Bucks general Manager John Hammond will also be added to the Pelicans front office staff. But Jake Madison, with Bourbon Street Shots, doesn’t see that happening…
cut 17 (11) “…this year”
New Orleans is 30-51 on the year.

Louisiana Tech’s Vernon Butler has been invited to attend the NFL draft. He’s the only college player from Louisiana who will be in Chicago to hear his name called. The defensive lineman is expected to be a late first round or second round pick.

Former Zurich champions Vijah Singh and KJ Choi have committed to play in the tournament this year which will take place April 28th to May 1st.

A recent discovery could change the whole dynamic of the Will Smith murder case. Police say a loaded 9mm gun was found in the former-Saints defensive end’s vehicle. Legal analyst Chick Foret says the perspective on the charges against Cardell Hayes may continue to change as more evidence comes to light…:
CUT 12 (07) “to be determined”
Surveillance video also shows that a hit and run that took place prior to the shooting appears to be Smith rear-ending Hayes before driving off.

The Saints are holding an open casket visitation for guests wishing to pay their final respects to Smith on Friday from 2-7 at the team’s indoor practice facility in Metairie.

Funeral arrangements have also been announced for beloved Saints color analyst Hokie Gajan. The Baker native lost his battle with cancer Monday night at the age of 56. A balloon release for Hokie will take place tonight in Madisonville — then visitation will be Friday at St. Anselm Church in Madisonville. A funeral mass will follow at 3 p.m.

What happened to the LSU baseball team last night? McNeese came to play and they ended up blowing out the No. 9 Tigers 7-0 as the Cowboys extend their win streak to 5. This is the first win over a top 10 opponent for McNeese. LSU will host Grambling tonight. The Cowboys head home to take on Louisiana Tech.

The 22nd ranked Ragin Cajuns defeated NO.22/24 Tulane last night, 9-2. Nicholls State takes on Southern tonight in Baton Rouge.

ULM was edged by Arkansas 3-1 last night. Southeastern fell to South Alabama 2-1.

The Pelicans disappointing season ends tonight. The expectation was another trip to the playoffs, instead a mountain of injuries crushed the team’s playoff chances. Because of the injuries, Jake Madison a writer with Bourbon Street Shots, does NOT expect the team to fire general manager Dell Demps or head coach Alvin Gentry…:
Cut 16 (13) “this year”
The Pels will take on Minnesota.

A recent discovery could change the whole dynamic of the Will Smith murder case. Police say a loaded 9mm gun was found in the former-Saints defensive end’s vehicle. Legal analyst Chick Foret says the perspective on the charges against Cardell Hayes may continue to change as more evidence comes to light…:
CUT 12 (07) “to be determined”
Surveillance video also shows that a hit and run that took place prior to the shooting appears to be Smith rear-ending Hayes before driving off.

The Saints are holding an open casket visitation for guests wishing to pay their final respects to Smith on Friday from 2-7 at the team’s indoor practice facility in Metairie.

Funeral arrangements have also been announced for beloved Saints color analyst. The Baker native lost his battle with cancer Monday night at the age of 56. A balloon release for Hokie will take place tonight in Madisonville — then visitation will be Friday at St. Anselm Church in Madisonville. A funeral mass will follow at 3 p.m.

What happened to the LSU baseball team last night? McNeese came to play and they ended up blowing out the No. 9 Tigers 7-0 as the Cowboys extend their win streak to 5. This is the first win over a top 10 opponent for McNeese. LSU will host Grambling tonight. The Cowboys head home to take on Louisiana Tech.

The 22nd ranked Ragin Cajuns defeated NO.22/24 Tulane last night, 9-2. Nicholls State takes on Southern tonight in Baton Rouge.

ULM was edged by Arkansas 3-1 last night. Southeastern fell to South Alabama 2-1.

The Pelicans disappointing season ends tonight. The expectation was another trip to the playoffs, instead a mountain of injuries crushed the team’s playoff chances. Because of the injuries, Jake Madison a writer with Bourbon Street Shots, does NOT expect the team to fire general manager Dell Demps or head coach Alvin Gentry…:
Cut 16 (13) “this year”
The Pels will take on Minnesota.

Tributes are flowing today for former LSU and Saints running back and radio analyst Hokie Gajan. The football star died last night at the age of 56 from cancer. He was born in Baton Rouge, played at Baker High and starred at LSU. He blocked for former LSU running back Charles Alexander, when he was a Heisman finalist. Alexander says Gajan always put the team first and never worried about being in the headlines…
cut 11 (11) “…good guy”
After his career at LSU, Gajan appeared in 45 games for the Saints and still ranks second in franchise history for yards-per-carry. After his playing career, he served as a scout for the Saints and in 2000 he was named the color analyst for the team on WWL radio.

Ex-Saints running back Pierre Thomas used social media to share some of his thoughts about his former teammate, Will Smith, who was killed in a shooting late Saturday night. Thomas had dinner with Smith just before he died. Thomas says the images at the murder scene will never leave him and asks when is the senseless killing going to stop.

A preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing Smith, Cardell Hayes, will take place April 28th. Surveillence video has surfaced that shows there could have been a hit-and-run accident involving Smith and Hayes’ vehicles before the shooting.

Those wishing to pay their final respects to Smith can do so this Friday at the Saints indoor practice facility in Metairie. The team is hosting a public visitation from two to seven PM.

In other Saints news, the team has reportedly exercised the fifth-year contract option for safety Kenny Vaccaro. The move likely keeps Vaccaro in Black and Gold through the 2017 season.