The Plain Dealing Lions entered the 2026 season with the state’s longest losing streak. They closed it Friday night with a 54-32 victory over Magnolia School of Excellence at home.
Plain Dealing finished 2-8 in Jerry Byrd Jr.’s second year as head coach. The Lions snapped a 49-game losing streak dating back to 2021 with a 22-0 victory over Pine Prairie in Week 6.
Magnolia School of Excellence finished 0-10.
“I think we’ve taken a step forward, definitely,” Byrd said. “We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing and find ways we can improve what we’re doing and how we’re doing it and keep improving every year.”
The Lions scored 10 more points against Magnolia than in the previous nine games combined.
Ja’marion Baker-Shepherd and Jerry Harris, the team’s lone seniors, played their final games.
“Those two guys led the way for us, and fullback Tyrone Davis,” Byrd said. “They did a good job running the ball and the offensive line did a good job of creating holes for them to run through.”
Baker-Shepard scored “four or five” touchdowns,” Byrd said. Harris scored a two-point conversion. Davis scored a touchdown.
Junior Clyde Byrd got in on the fun, fielding an onside kick and returning it for a touchdown.
“He’s one of those kids that thinks he can play every position, and now he’s really going to want me to put him at running back,” Coach Byrd said with a laugh.
Jerry Byrd said it was an enjoyable season.
“The main thing is that these kids have been this way all year, win or lose,” he said. “They love each other. They love playing the game of football. They’re a joy to coach, They’re a fun group to coach, win or lose. Just really proud to be their coach.”