The “Showdown on the Bluff” high school football kickoff set for 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 29-30, at Southern University’s A.W. Mumford Stadium has stirred up significant excitement. Superintendent LaMont Cole is among those leading the charge.
“This is a glorious day here on the Bluff,” Cole said during a press conference on Aug. 27 to promote the event featuring 11 EBR Schools and six games. “We are excited to be here. I am so honored that one of the first exciting things we get to do under my tenure as superintendent is partner with the only HBCU system in the world, Southern University.”
Coaches and players from each of the EBR Schools were represented, as well as Southern University Chancellor John Pierre and School Board members Carla Powell-Lewis and Cliff Lewis, a former Southern assistant.
“This is an example of what can happen when two great institutions get together and work collaboratively to help develop minds, bodies, spirits and leaders,” Chancellor Pierre said. “It’s a healthy competition that starts this football season. It’s well worth noting that history will be made this year. We’re so proud because we have many university alums that’s part of the EBR school system that are leaders. The young men that are going to perform (Thursday and Friday) they are also being formed into leaders.”
Cole, a Southern graduate, along with at least five head coaches, emphasized to players the importance of showing what their coaches, teachers and families have taught them about fair play, class and character.
“I want all of you to play extremely hard,” he said. “I want all of you to go on the football field and compete and do your very best to win the game. But more importantly, as students, I want you to win in life. And what you do, how you carry yourself, how you represent your schools, your families and our school system is going to influence and dictate who you are and how to choose to represent yourself in life.”
The games will be broken into 12-minute halves. Admission is $15.
Thursday
·Game1: Capitol vs. Collegiate
·Game 2: Northeast vs. Broadmoor
·Game 3: McKinley vs. Woodlawn
Friday
·Game 1: Tara vs. Glen Oaks
· Game 2: Scotlandville vs. Belaire
· Game 3: Liberty vs. Istrouma
