A New Era for the Ouachita Lions
The Ouachita Lions roared to a LHSAA Division I nonselect championship in 2025, a triumph that has set the stage for an ambitious 2026 campaign led by Leonard Caesar, the newly appointed head coach and athletics director.
Caesar arrives with a proven track record as an offensive coordinator, having helped the team average 31.4 points per game in the previous season and drawing inspiration from mentors such as Mike Collins and Allen Wise.
The roster will feature returning standouts Alex Smith, Larry Cooper and Lester Watts, with Watts slated to take over as the starting quarterback for the upcoming year.
Key players such as Seneca Battle and Nolan White are expected to add depth, while the team will also welcome back Montrell Conner, who previously guided the offense at Mississippi Valley State.
The schedule presents a tough slate, highlighted by a matchup against Sterlington, the two‑time reigning DIII non‑select champion, and a home game in Ruston that will test the squad's resilience.
Community members, alumni and local officials are watching closely, hopeful that the momentum from the 2025 title will carry the Lions to another dominant season.