Long-Time Central Coach Making Strong Race
Sid Edwards
Long-Time Central Coach Making Strong Race for Mayor-President - Coach Sid: Top Priorities Are to Fight Crime, Tear Down Abandoned Buildings, Fix Traffic
CENTRAL — During Coach Sid Edwards’ 16 seasons as head football coach or athletic director at Central High School, his teams were arch rivals for the Zachary High Broncos. Central won five of the first seven meetings, but since Zachary began a run of State Championships in 2015, Central won only once.
2007 Zachary 28 Central 0
2008 Central 28 Zachary 12
2009 Central 58 Zachary 0
2010 Central 16 Zachary 9
2011 Zachary 42 Central 38
2012 Central 45 Zachary 28
2013 Central 35 Zachary 0
2014 Zachary 22 Central 21
2015 Zachary 49 Central 27
2016 Central 20 Zachary 19
2017 Zachary 21 Central 0
2018 Zachary 49 Central 17
2019 Zachary 55 Central 30
2020 — Did not play —
2021 Zachary 47 Central 14
2022 Zachary 42 Central 28
COACH SID EDWARDS, Republican-endorsed candidate for MayorPresident, is well-known to football fans in Zachary. He was head coach and Athletic Director for 17 years at Central High School, one of the chief rivals of the Zachary High Broncos.
CENTRAL — Coach Sid Edwards, a long-time friend and rival of Zachary, was a surprise candidate for MayorPresident. Now the former head football coach and Athletic Director at Central High School, appears to be the leading candidate to head the parish government in the Nov. 5 primary.
A conservative, Coach Sid has won the unanimous endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party.
Coach Sid is a family man who has been married to his wife Beanie for 37 years. They have four children, including two suffering from autism, and three grandchildren.
Sid is the winningest coach in the Capital region with nearly 200 career wins. He was named NFL National Coach of the Year, Louisiana 4A Coach of the Year, and Coach of the Decade. He has won two State Championships in football and one in basketball. He has coached 10 years at Catholic, 7 at Redemptorist, and 17 at Central. He is now Dean of Students and head coach at Istrouma High. But Zachary leads Sid 9-6!
BATON ROUGE — A few years ago, Coach Sid Edwards became fed up with the corruption and lies of the politicians. He decided to devote himself to the young men he mentors as a high school football coach. He became apolitical.
But something happened early this year that made him change his mind. “I had a young freshman who was my
starting cornerback. He was a great kid. 4.0 average. 22 on the ACT in the 8th grade. He turned 15 on Christmas Day. Then on New Year’s Day, he and four of his buddies were gunned down on Evangeline Street. My guy died! I
knew then that I had to get involved. The political leadership in City Hall was failing and my kids were dying. Four Istrouma kids have been killed this year!” Coach Sid’s platform is based on five things:
1-CRIME — “An all-out war on crime. Raise police pay. Attract the best and hire 100 new police officers. Build a new parish prison and a psychiatric hospital to care for the mentally ill roaming our streets.”
2-BLIGHT — “I will clean up Baton Rouge. Cut the grass. Pick up the trash. Tear down the thousands of abandoned and blighted buildings. I will bulldoze the trap houses — more than 100 abandoned buildings used for drugs and prostitution.”
3-TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK —
“We will widen Airline from the old bridge to I-12 to get traffic off the new bridge and off I-10. Create a system of inner city expressways to speed the flow of traffic on our surface streets. You will be able to drive around Baton Rouge once again. ”
4-ECONOMIC DEVELOP-
MENT — “The way to grow economically is to solve Nos. 1, 2, and 3. Until we attack those, we cannot expect business to locate here. Solve them, and they will come automatically.”
5-ZERO-BASED BUDGET —
“Forget the old budget. Everybody will start at zero. Now set priorities and fund them starting with police, fire, EMS, courts, roads and streets.”
We’re celebrating 120
Louisiana,
Coach Sid’s Teams Fought the Broncos During 16 Seasons in Classic Rivalry
Sid Edwards
Coach Sid Targets Crime, Would Add 100 Police Officers, Raise Trap Houses
ZHS Junior Khaliyah Claiborne Selected for Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge
The ZCSD and Zachary High School are excited to celebrate ZHS junior Khaliyah Claiborne for being selected for a coveted spot in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge for the 2024-2025 school year.
YEA BR shared that they reviewed over 95 applications, and Khaliyah stood out to them as exceptional. They are eager to see her ideas come to life as YEA BR develops and launches student businesses this year through the Academy!
“The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a groundbreaking and exciting program that transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Through the year-long program, students in grades 6-12 generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their very own companies.”
Khaliyah will be mentored by some of Baton Rouge’s most suc-
cessful business leaders and educators. There will be a CEO roundtable, a community pitch, and graduation from the program during the spring.
The program is hosted at the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business, which gives Khaliyah access to LSU faculty from the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship and Information Systems, fellows of the system, LSU Innovation Park, a prototyping center, and the LSU Student Incubator for networking space and counseling. Graduates of the program qualify for LSU credit if enrolled at LSU within four years.
The YEA is excited about this outstanding cohort of young entrepreneurs and what they will learn and accomplish this year. The Zachary Community School District is looking forward to seeing what Khaliyah develops and her success in this highly esteemed and competitive program.
Broncos Edge Carencro High 34-33 to Improve to 3-1
Coach Joni Stephens Honored as Guest Captain of ZHS Football Game
Zachary High School is now 3-1 to start the season after just sneaking past Carencro High School.
The Bears took the lead at the half, 27-21, but the Broncos scored on their opening drive. Da’vekio Ruffin broke tackles left and right to kickstart the offense and Nate James finished it with six by fighting his way to pay dirt. Zachary missed the extra point, which tied the game at 27-27.
In the fourth quarter, Ruffin delivered once again for the Broncos and rushed for a touchdown. The play put Zachary up 34-27. The Bears made it interesting but Zachary held on for the 34-33 win.
The ZCSD School Board and Zachary Athletics were excited to recognize Ms. Joni Stephens (Coach) as the Guest Captain of the ZHS Broncos’ September 20th Friday night home game. She is a teacher and coach at Copper Mill Elementary School and has served our district for over 20 years. The Guest Captain is treated to a pre-game meal overlooking the stadium in the Academic Athletic Center and then escorted to the sidelines to be introduced and to walk out with the ZHS Football Team captains, (Caleb Gonzales, Sean Hamilton, Camorie McKnight, and Cliff Webb) and officials for the coin toss. The Guest Captain can also watch the game from the sidelines or in their reserved seats with their guests.
Coach Stephens was nominated by our community and fellow employees for being such a dedicated teacher and coach. Copper Mill Ele-
Dr. Van-Vi Richardson has joined the staff of Lane Family Practice and is now accepting new patients!
For a same-day appointment, please call 225-654-3607.
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mentary’s principal, Mrs. White-Allen shared, “For many years, Coach Joni Stephens has been a dedicated PE teacher at Copper Mill. She has also been the heart of the athletic program at Copper Mill, developing it from the very beginning and providing a stepping stone for studentathletes in Zachary. Coach Stephens has dedicated her career to helping students develop fundamental skills across a wide range of sports, including basketball, track and field, volleyball, and softball. Coach Stephens’ commitment goes beyond physical education, as she instills in her students the importance of character, resilience, and teamwork. She encourages them to take pride in both their school and community, building their confidence and fostering courage, especially in moments of defeat. Her passion and dedication have created a lasting impact, with students feeling not only her expertise but also her genuine care for their personal growth and success. Copper Mill Elementary is fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher and coach. Her work and commitment throughout the years can best be showcased in the outstanding student athletics at Northwestern Middle School and Zachary High School.”
Those who nominated her shared that “she is selfless.” Another said, “It is because of her and her love of students and sports that CME has the athletic program that it does. The students love her!”
Thank you, Coach Stephens, for all that you do for our students each day!”
Team Captians and Guest Coach: Joni Stephens, Caleb Gonzales, Clifton Webb, Sean Hamilton, Camorie McKnight. Photo credit Taylor Watson-Lee
Tre’Sept returns ball from kickoff for a Touchdown. Photo by Sharron Ventura Photography
Donovan Beathley makes a solid open field tackle to save the play for the Broncos. Photo by Sharron Ventura Photography
Your Parks, Our Purpose
Together, we have created a national Gold Medal winning park system for East Baton Rouge Parish. How? A history of consistent investment, supporters who imagine
BUSINESS DIRECTORY | CLASSIFIEDS
REAL ESTATE
3BR 2 Ba Mobile home for rent $900 month $900 deposit 1 year lease. You pay utilities. 225-7197821
HELP WANTED/ SERVICES OFFERED
Experience Labor Workers Needed in the Felicianas call 225-955-7584
NOW HIRING. Cashier and Kitchen help needed. 5am2pm. Apply in person at TMC Concessions, 4347 High Street, Zachary (Next to Chris’s Specialty Meats) or call (225) 2865744.
MISCELLANEOUS/ ITEMS FOR SALE
Cross Creek Cowboy Church. Sundays breakfast 9:30, service 10:30. 21160 Plank Road, Zachary. Come as you are. Crosscreekcowboychurch.com
I will pay cash or your junk cars and remove any scrap metal. Call (225)276-4273.
a.m.
GRAND OPENING + RIBBON CUTTING
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo + Greenwood Community Park Oct. 5 | 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
MAGNOLIA MOUND PUMPKIN PATCH Magnolia Mound Oct. 6 | 1-4 p.m.
FARR PARK OPEN HOUSE
Farr Park Equestrian Center Oct. 6 | 10 a.m.-noon
VIBIN’ YOGA Zachary Community Park Oct. 8 + 22 | 6-7 p.m.
FALL INTENSIVE PROGRAM: MEAN GIRLS Independence Park Theatre Oct. 11 | 7 p.m. Oct. 12 | 2 p.m. + 7 p.m.
SPOOKY SPECTRUM Highland Road Park Observatory Oct. 12 | 6-10 p.m.
GEAUX FISH! CATFISH RODEO Howell Community Park Oct. 12 | 7:30-11:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY TRIVIA Jefferson Hwy Park Oct. 16 | 6:30-8 p.m.
HOWL-O-WEEN Forest Community Park Oct. 18 | 5-8 p.m.
SUNSHINE SOCIAL: FLANNEL FRENZY Milton J. Womack Park Ballroom Oct. 18 | 6-9 p.m.
GHOSTIE FEST! Drusilla Lane Park Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-noon
BOO AT THE ZOO
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Oct. 19-20 + 26-27 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
ROLLER JAM Perkins Road Community Park Oct. 19 | 2-5 p.m.
GREAT FAMILY CAMPOUT
Flanacher Road Park
Oct. 19-20 | 3 p.m.-10 a.m.
FULL MOON FETE
Independence Community Park Oct. 26 | 4-8 p.m.
October 1, 2024
Please submit calendar notices to: rachal2743@gmail.com.
Wednesday, October 2, and every
Wednesday night: Community Music Jam, 6:30 p.m. at the West Feliciana Parish Library, 5114 Burnett Road, St. Francisville. Get together with local musicians to play and practice. Visit https://www.wfplibrary.org/events for more information.
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 3: Registration for OLLI at LSU, Felicianas Chapter, Fall classes. Register at https:// ce.lsu.edu/olli/. Email rhonda.young4@ gmail.com for more information.
Saturday, October 5: The Second Annual Walk for Life in the Felicianas. Hosts: Landmark Bank and Feliciana Bank. Participants will gather at Landmark Bank on St. Helena Street (Highway 10) in Clinton. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the Walk at 9. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, please email ACS@ landmarkbankla.com or call 225-6833371.
Saturday, October 5: County Fair and Rodeo at the Zachary Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Zachary. The market will celebrate its 5th Birthday with door prizes and birthday cake. Enjoy fair games and a 1 p.m. Cake Walk that will award baked goods prizes. The Dan Klein stick horse rodeo for children ages 3 through 7 will start at 10 a.m. For more information, contact zacharyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Saturday, October 5: The Clinton Bicentennial Celebration, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown Clinton, will feature vendors, booths, entertainment, bands, a Boy Scout color guard, and, at the Courthouse, Clinton native and guest speaker Dr. V. Elaine Thompson, historian and author of Clinton, Louisiana: Society, Politics, and Race Relations in a Nineteenth-Century Small Town. Event organizer: The Clinton is Home Foundation. For more information, or to sponsor or volunteer, please email clintonishome@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/clintonishome.
Saturday, October 5: Dan Klein’s Wild West Stick Horse Rodeo for children ages 3 through 7 includes Barrel Racing, Bronco Busting, Goat Tail Pulls, and a Duck Chase. In addition, for Buddy Barrel Pickup, parents will ride the stick horses to pick up their child, who then rides pillion (behind them) to compete in that event. Place: “the little park” that abuts Zachary Town Hall. Time: Sign up is at 9 a.m., and the rodeo “starts promptly at 10.” Competitors may use a stick horse that Mr. Klein provides or may bring their own “if they think he’s faster than ours.” The admission fee for all over age 7 is $5; those 7 and under enter free; and the fee for children who compete is $10. All children who sign up to compete receive “a bag full of goodies” with their contestant number. All proceeds benefit Zachary Rotary Club. For more information, or to help sponsor this event, please call Mr. Klein at 225-978-5104.
