Benton vs. Haughton, 5:45
Plain Dealing vs. Bossier, 7:15
Airline vs. Parkway, 8:45
The opening matchup in Friday’s Bossier City Lions Club Jamboree may be a little more meaningful than usual.
For the first time since the 2018 season, the Haughton Buccaneers and Benton Tigers aren’t playing each other in the regular season.
They will face off in two in the 73rd edition of the jamboree at 5:45 p.m. at M.D. Ray Field at Airline Stadium.
In the other “games,” the Bossier Bearkats and Plain Dealing Lions play at 7:15 and the Airline Vikings and Parkway Panthers go head-to-head at 8:45.
As usual, the jamboree is about more than just the action on the field. Jamboree queens from each school will be introduced and dance lines and cheerleaders will perform.
With all six parish public schools taking part, the jamboree generally attracts a large crowd.
While winning can help build momentum toward next week’s season openers, coaches are looking to see how their teams have progressed. All six competed in scrimmages last week.
Players making their first starts get an opportunity to get a feel for what the first game will be like. Fans get a sneak preview of their teams.
Haughton and Benton are both coming off tough seasons with 2-8 records.
With returning talent and some promising newcomers, both have high expectations going into the season.
Both teams return senior quarterbacks who have started the last two seasons, Haughton’s Taylor Weathersby and Benton’s Malachi Zeigler. They ranked first and second, respectively, in passing yardage in the parish in the regular season last year.
Haughton also returns the parish’s leading rusher, senior Brandon Craig, and receiver, Ethan Johnson.
Benton won last season’s regular-season game 48-40 so the Bucs will be looking for a little revenge.
Bossier is looking to for continued improvement in Gary Smith’s fourth season as head coach. The Bearkats were 4-7 last year and made their first starts playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Junior quarterback Montrevell Lewis passed for 1,410 yards and rushed for 1,340 in the regular season. His rushing yardage was only five less than Craig’s.
Plain Dealing will be looking to gain some momentum going into next week’s season opener against Northwood-Lena.
Airline and Parkway are considered strong contenders for the District 1-5A championship. The Vikings, who finished 7-4 last season, return senior quarterback Chase Williams.
Parkway, which finished 11-2 and runner-up in the district, has a new quarterback. Senior Bryston McCoy transferred from Arkadelphia, Ark., High after leading the Badgers to a state championship in 2024 and 11 victories last season.
The Panthers also return wide receiver Gary Burney, an LSU commit, and defensive end Rod Johnson, the All-Parish Defensive MVP last season.