LRN PM Newscall December 12

If you get behind the wheel after having one too many, you will be caught, and you will be arrested. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

The Haynesville Golden Tornado captured their 18th football state title on Thursday — and it was a very special one for their coach. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

______________________________________________________

Between now and New Year’s Day, there will be extra police on the roadways looking for drunk drivers, as the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is now underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there’s traditionally an increase in drinking and driving during the holiday season.

Cut 3 (07) “…and New Year’s.”

Fischer says the holiday season has traditionally been deadly on Louisiana roadways due to drinking and driving, and last year was no different.

Cut 4 (13) “…alcohol-related crash.”

Fischer says if you plan on having a good time at your holiday gatherings, by all means do so – but have a plan to get home safely.

Cut 5 (06) “…a designated driver.”

___________________________________________________

If you have nothing better to do this weekend, you’ll want to prepare for some brutally cold weather coming through the state late this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the weekend will start off mild, but the winds of change will blow into the state Saturday night.

Cut 6 (11) “…50s all day.”

Keim says on Sunday night across the state, temperatures will drop like a rock.

Cut 7 (09) “…the coastal parishes.”

Keim says while those of you in the northern half of Louisiana should cover your pipes if you haven’t already, those of you in the southern half should be okay for the time being.

Cut 8 (07) “…long, long duration.”

________________________________________________

Haynesville claimed its 18th football state championship Thursday after beating Mangham, 39-37. The Golden Tornado have the second-most football state titles in Louisiana, just behind John Curtis. Head coach David Franklin says this year’s team will always be special to him.

Cut 9 (11)  “…they put forth.”

Haynesville had made it to the state championship game in the last three seasons but came up short. This year, the team was able to finish the job. Franklin says the character of his players this season allowed the team to flourish.

Cut 10 (14) “…on the cake.”

Making it to the Superdome has now become the standard for Haynesville over the years. Franklin says his players never backed down from the high expectations.

Cut 11 (10) “…lot of pressure.”

_____________________________________________________________

Ouachita Parish is back in the state title game for the first time since 1994. The Lions take on their in-district rivals in the Ruston Bearcats in the early game Saturday. Ouachita head coach Benjy Lewis says that his team knew it had a chance to be special after losing a close game to Ruston in week six.

Cut 12 (14) “…started it.”

Ouachita Parish’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, but the Lions found a way to end up in the Superdome. The Lions dropped four of its five district games in the regular season, but Lewis says that his players thrive off of adversity.

Cut 13 (10)  “…better for it.”

Ouachita Parish is seeking its first state title since 1989.

Ruston is making its fourth straight state championship appearance and is looking to capture its ninth state title in school history. Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh says last season’s 42-0 loss to Central is something that’s motivating the players this season.

Cut 14 (15) “…for this year.”

Despite losing a talented senior class, the Bearcats were able to still win their district and get back to the Dome. Baugh says this year’s senior class may go down as the best in school history.

Cut 15 (15) “…expect that.”

Kickoff between Ruston and Ouachita Parish is noon Saturday.