
Trailblazers Aim for State Title in 2026
Lake Charles College Prep’s football team is poised for a strong 2026 season, with key players back, new talent arriving, and coach Erick Franklin focused on scoring whenever the ball is in their hands.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Lake Charles, Louisiana across Football, Baseball, Basketball.

Lake Charles College Prep’s football team is poised for a strong 2026 season, with key players back, new talent arriving, and coach Erick Franklin focused on scoring whenever the ball is in their hands.

McNeese State University celebrated its fifth Victory Day, allowing children with special needs to experience a college football stadium. Sophomore quarterback Gavin Stout highlighted the event's emotional impact, while participant Nolen's touchdown and his mother Sarah Nolen's gratitude underscored the day's significance.

After capturing their first state championship, the Yellowjackets must replace several key players while relying on returning standouts to preserve their newfound legacy.

LSU reveals its full 2026‑27 men's basketball calendar, highlighting 17 contests against teams that reached the postseason last year, a historic Friday night SEC game and a diverse non‑conference slate.

Entering his senior year, Barbe’s Jelandon Gray builds on a dominant junior campaign that saw him throw for 2,446 yards and 31 touchdowns while adding 1,462 rushing yards and 15 more scores. Coach Skeet Owens highlights Gray’s toughness, work ethic, and the team’s decision to expand his running role.

Albert Simien, a top recruit from Sam Houston, has chosen Notre Dame after praising the school's treatment of his family and its tradition, with Coach Chad Davis highlighting his humility and talent.

At a Houston media event, McNeese State’s football leadership discussed the team’s goals for the 2026 campaign, emphasizing a disciplined culture, enhanced depth, and a strong rushing attack led by returning standouts.

At a luncheon in Lafayette, Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette baseball program celebrated its 2026 season and unveiled a packed 2027 schedule, featuring non‑conference series, Sun Belt matchups and neutral‑site events, while newcomer Drew Markle expressed appreciation for the local support.

The San Francisco Giants selected McNeese State All‑American pitcher Eric Nachtsheim in the sixth round of the MLB draft, capping a standout collegiate season that included a school‑record 129 strikeouts.

Amir Khan, known for his boombox‑driven sideline presence, is transitioning to a staff role at LSU, where he plans to help other student managers secure NIL deals.

McNeese State's baseball head coach Justin Hill has agreed to a four‑year contract extension, ensuring stability for a program that has captured multiple league titles and conference championships under his leadership.

The University of Florida announced the hiring of Todd Butler as an assistant baseball coach, highlighting his extensive SEC background, national championship pedigree, and proven record of developing MLB draft talent.

McNeese State University has named Ashton Feldhaus as its new women's basketball head coach, tapping a 30 Under 30 coach with portal‑recruited talent and championship expectations.

Initial doubts about Garwey Dual’s fit at Syracuse have given way to cautious optimism as his recent performances suggest a player ready to contribute on both ends of the floor.

The Cowboys clinched the Battle of the Border Trophy with a 21‑19 victory over Lamar, highlighted by key defensive plays and a decisive one‑handed pick‑six.
Sam Houston’s baseball team secured its first ever back‑to‑back state titles, defeating Dutchtown 4‑0 in Game 3 of the Non‑Select Division I series. Senior Carson Christ was named MVP, while Coach Chad Hebert’s season‑long goal set the tone for the historic run.

After a 30‑year championship drought, the Westlake Rams defeated Sterlington in a decisive game three, with Mason Conrad earning most outstanding player honors and Brent Anderson watching his son Brody celebrate the victory.
Five-star offensive lineman Albert Simien pledged to Notre Dame, boosting the 2027 class to a top-two national ranking and marking a pivotal victory over Texas A&M.

The Iowa Yellow Jackets clinched their first state football championship in 2025, delivering a 50‑43 win over the North DeSoto Griffins and celebrating a milestone for the community.

Senior pitcher Eric Nachtsheim from Reno has been selected to Baseball America's second-team All-American list, capping a season that also brought him accolades from Perfect Game, ABCA/Rawlings, and the Southland Conference.

Eric Nachtsheim, a senior right‑hander for McNeese, earns a second‑team All‑American selection from Baseball America, joining a distinguished list of Cowboy alumni who have received multiple postseason All‑American honors.

The top 20 prospect in the 2027 class pledged to Texas Tech after a standout year that helped his team capture a state championship.

The 2026 Cowboy Kickoff Dinner and Auction will take place on August 21 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, featuring former LSU national championship coach Ed Orgeron and current McNeese head coach Matt Viator. The event replaces the Bag Bingeaux tradition and will channel all proceeds toward the McNeese Football program.

McNeese State University’s athletics department has received a federal trademark for the Bayou Bandits® name, cementing its status as a permanent hallmark of the men’s basketball program and a symbol of regional pride.