Despite playing a team three classifications higher, the LaSalle Tigers displayed flashing of light at the football jamboree last Saturday that should have Tiger fans excited about the 2025 season.
The fact that the Tigers were invited to participate in the Battle on the Bricks NRMC Jamboree at NSU’s Turbin Stadium in Natchitoches says a lot about the program and the fact they were selected to go against the Class 4A Grant Cougars says even more.
Football jamborees allow teams to participate in a half of a football game at real game speed complete with all facets of the game, including kickoffs and punts. The Battle on the Bricks featured two days of competitive football games with the Tigers’ game held at 2 p.m. on the hot Saturday in Louisiana.
On of the greatest takeaways from the game was the fact that the Tigers were able to move the ball against the larger team.
“I thought the boys played hard against a much bigger school,” Head Coach Hunter Johnson said after the game. “Grant has an enrollment of over 600 and we have less than 190. They did some good things that we can build on moving into the future and all the reps against tough competition in the pre-season will do nothing but prepare us for the season to come. It will also help all of the young guys for the future of the program.”
The highlight of the day came when quarterback Tuff Street connected with receiver Caiden Finley for a touchdown pass that covered 80 yards. It would be LaSalle’s only score of the day but allowed Tiger fans to see the potential of this year’s team.
This year’s team is filled with a great group of freshmen players that are taking the place of a void left by graduation last year. Those freshmen will find themselves in the mix for plenty of playing time this season on both sides of the ball and the jamboree allowed them to gain valuable experience prior to the official season opener this week.
There were also flashing of light on the defensive side of the ball, with several key tackles and pass breakups by LaSalle’s secondary. Despite losing the contest 28-6, Tiger fans shouldn’t get discouraged over the final score of this jamboree game as by the time district action starts, the Tigers will be a force to reckon with.
The real season begins Thursday night, September 4, as LaSalle will travel to Ferriday to take on a talented and loaded Delta Charter team for their season opener.
“Delta Charter has built a very good program and they have a massive starting line that is tough, physical and veteran,” Johnson said. “They also have some high-level skill position players that will present a challenge for us. They are a tough test for us to start off the season against and will be one of the most talented teams we play this season.”
The coach noted that his team will have their work cut out for them, especially coming off a short week where they played on Saturday and have to turn around and play again Thursday, but he expects to see the same grit and determination from his team he has seen all summer long.
“I expect our kids will fight hard and compete to give us a chance in the game,” he said. “I look forward to seeing our hard work during the offseason and preseason come to fruition to start the season against such a tough opponent.”
Let’s make the trip to Ferriday Thursday night to cheer these guys on. Make sure to follow The Jena Times Facebook and Instagram pages for LaSalle Tiger football updates.
Also this year, the Tigers can be found on the NFHS Network, which is new this year to LaSalle Athletics.
Hope to see you at the games.
