1946 Tallulah High School State Champions

 

Almost 70 years ago arguably the finest football team ever to come out of Tallulah High School won the Class B State Championship. Back in those days there were only three classes: AA, A and B. The following is a group of newspaper articles about the season. At the end is a section showing where the players are today.

It was my pleasure to have been a member of this team. RPS May 2014.

 

 

                                                                                                                        Schedule:

 

EPILOGUE

 

Pels Bow To Trojans By Score Of 33 To 0

Good Offensive And Defensive Playing Enables Tallulah To Emerge Triumphant In First Game

Madison Journal September 27, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

Last Friday night at the local football field before a crowd of some 1500 football fans, the Tal­lulah High Trojans romped the L. T. I. Pelicans to the tune 33-0.

 

The first score came early in the first quarter when Wilkins drove off left tackle from the 10 yard line. This was made possible by Jones, fleet-footed halfback, driving from the 25 to the 10. Hancock held for conversion and Wil­kins kicked. Score 7-0.

 

Wilkins kicked-off for Tallulah, which was a beautiful end-over-end kick down to the L. T. I. 15 yard line where Stockwell return­ed the kick to his own 25 before being hit hard by three tacklers. After four desperate attempts for a first down the ball went over to the Trojans when Ogden skirted from the 25 yard line for pay dirt and 6 more points. Wilkins again converted, making the score 14-0.

 

Tallulah kicked-off to the Pel's 20 where they took over 1st and 10. The first quarter ended with the Pels in possession of the ball on their own 35.

 

The beginning of the 2nd quarter, found the Pelicans taking to the air in an attempt to even the score. The second attempt was intercepted by Ogden, who added 6 more points to the score. The score at the half being 20-0.

 

The Pelicans received at the opening of the third period and again attempted desperately to ral­ly, but could not penetrate the forward wall of the Trojan line.

 

The ball went over to Tallulah and Ogden carried the pigskin around his left end for 25 yards down to the Pel's 30. Keller, on a double reverse around right end chalked up 6 more points. Wilkins again converted making it 27-0.

 

Coach Payne then sent in a whole new team, who held back se­veral attempts by L. T. I. to score. The third quarter ended with the Pels trailing by a score of 27-0.

 

In the fourth and final period the Pelicans came back with re­newed determination, but it would take more than determination to even the score.

 

With only a few minutes in the remainder of the game, Wilkins carried the ball around his own left end on a beautiful 68 yard sprint to the Pel's goal for another score. The conversion was no good, the final score, 33-0.

 

Thus, the first contest of the season proved victorious for the Trojans.

 

Wilkins, Williamson, Jones, Kel­ler and Ogden lived up to their expectations as key-point men, and credit is given to the whole squad for making this victory possible.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah:            14 6 7 6 -33

L. T. I.                    0 0 0 0 -  0

Touchdowns: Tallulah; Wilkins, Keller, Ogden.

Conversions: Wilkins, Tallulah.

Substitutes for Tallulah: Hugh Holley, Verhagen, Parker, Williams, Bailey, Loe, Sevier, Washburn

 

The Trojans will clash with Oak Grove tonight at the local football field at 8 p. m.

The line-up is as follows:

Tallulah                           Oak Grove

Keller                 L. E.       Martin

B. Halbach        L. T.       Newsoom

McDonald        L.G.       Gaston

Curry                  C.           Vining

Elledge              R. G.     Miller

J. Halbach         R. T.      Sumner

Williamson       R. E.      Brasher

Hancock            Q. B.     Moore

Wilkins              R. H.     Nix

Ogden                F. B.      Sowell

Jones                  L. H.      Prisock

 

Joe Halbach, who has been on the injured list will return to the line Friday night. He was out of the first game due to an injured arm.

Joe Holley, Trojan quarterback, will not see action for the next three weeks due to an injured shoulder received in practice.

 

 

Trojans Again Triumph, Down Tigers 58 To 6

Keller, Jones And Ogden Spark Trojans On To

Victory With Outstanding Broken-Field Running
Madison Journal October 4, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

Tallulah again emerged victori­ous last Friday night when they trounced the Oak Grove Tigers 58-6. All attempts to stop the Trojans was futile, for they were not to be stopped.

 

Broken-field running was the outstanding factor of the contest. Once Keller, Jones and Ogden tuck­ed the pigskin under their arm it was almost sure to be six points. Defensive playing like offensive proved too strong for the Tigers. The Trojan line held like Gibraltar and only three or four times did Oak Grove penetrate into Tal­lulah territory. Once to score.

 

Similar to the first tilt against L. T. I., the Trojans wasted no time in establishing a foothold in the game. In the first few minutes of play, Bill Jones, fleet-footed half back rounded right end for 25 yards and pay dirt. Wilkins con­verted and the score was 7-0.

 

After four attempts, Oak Grove was unable to penetrate past the midfield marker, so they were forced to kick out of danger. Tal­lulah then started their drive once again. Jones passed to Williamson from the Oak Grove 35, who in turn lateraled to Keller who reached the 2 yard line before being brought down by several tacklers. Keller went over from the 2 but was called back due to a penalty against Tallulah for holding. This put the ball on the Tiger 17.

 

The ball went over to Oak Grove and Sowell fumbled behind his own goal but the whistle had blown calling the play back. Sowell was again forced to kick to Jones who was hit hard in his tracks as the first period ended with the Tigers on a short end of a 7-0 count.

 

In the second period Wilkins plunged through the line to bring up six more points for the Trojans. His conversion was no good and the score remained 13-0.

 

Nix of Oak Grove ran back Wilkins kick 15 yards, but was then penalized 15 yards for holding.

 

Again Sowell kicked out of danger to Jones who made his way to the Oak Grove 32 yard line. Keller on a beautiful double reverse from Jones side-stepped his way from the mid-field marker down to the 20, but again the play was called back. Tallulah was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness. Wilkins on two drives, plunged through the center of the line bringing the score to 19-0. His extra point was good making the count 20-0.

 

Then, due to difficulties on the field, Wilkins was removed from the game. Walker replaced Halbach at tackle who was moved to the backfield in place of Wilkins.

 

With just a few minutes left in the first half, the Tigers started a drive for the Trojan goal line, but was halted before advancing very far. With the ball in possession of Tallulah, Keller, on a single reverse around right end, clipped off 33 yards for another score. Wilkins attempt at conversion was wide, and the score was 26-0 as the half ended.

 

During the half the Tallulah High school band composed of 30 members performed on the field. First playing for the visiting team and then coming to the Trojan side and rendering the Alma Mater.

 

Once again play was resumed on the field as Tallulah, kicked off to Oak Grove, who came back and tried desperately to get back into the game. However, they could not, try as they may, get past the Trojan line.

 

Keller again handling the ball for Tallulah and with beautiful blocking all the way, ran wide around his right end on a 65 yard sprint which netted him six more points. Williamson's extra point was blocked, the score 33-0.

 

For the first time of the game, Oak Grove managed to penetrate into Trojan territory. On a pass from Nix, Martin, left end, picked up a first down after receiving the pass on Tallulah's 42 and made his way to the 30 before being hit hard. 

 

With first and ten for the Trojans on their own 20, Jones dashed through the whole Oak Grove squad on a spectacular 80 yard broken-field run, first to the right then reversing his field and down to the goal for another tally. Williamson's kick was low and the score, 39-0.

 

Oak Grove again took to the air in sheer desperation. Martin's spot pass to Nix was good for a first down. Martin then went off right tackle for another first. Nix again passed to Martin but Keller reached high to intercept on his own 35 and was brought down on the 40 yard line. The next play found Keller sweeping right end again, from the Trojan 40 all the way to the Tiger 8 yard line; a run of 65 yards. Jones then plowed through center dragging several would-be tacklers with him to make the score 45-0.

 

In the fourth and final period, Oak Grove again started their air assault. Martin's pass from the mid-field stripe was good to Nix down to the Trojan 20. Driving off left tackle, Martin made his way to the 8 yard line where Sowell went over for the lone score. The kick was blocked by Williamson making the score 45-6.

 

Halbach, who replaced Wilkins at right half picked up a first down on an off-tackle slant. A pass from Jones intended for Williamson, was intercepted by Moore on the Tiger 40 and made down to the Trojan 20 before being brought down. On the first play, Keller intercepted a pass on the Trojan 1 yard line and eluded tacklers down the side line to the Tiger 33 where Nix made a shoestring tackle. The ball was given to Ogden on an end-around play who crossed the goal for another six points. Williamson's kick was good. Oak Grove was trailing 52-6.

 

With about 2 minutes in the re­mainder of the game, the Tigers resorted to a ground attack, but again they were stopped by the Trojan wall. Once it looked like they might score again, but this threat was quickly subdued.

 

The final score came when Jones ran between left tackle and end from the Tiger 40 and streaked across the end zone. Williamson kicked the extra point bringing the score to 58-6.

 

Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Wilkins, Keller, Jones, Ogden.

Oak Grove: Sowell.

Conversions:

Tallulah: Wilkins, Williamson.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah             7 19 19 13-58

Oak Grove        0  0   0    6—6

Substitutes for Tallulah: Pearce Bailey, Dick Sevier, Lamar Loe, Warren Parker, Warren Williams

 

The line-up for tonight's game is as follows:

Tallulah                           Delhi

Keller                 L. E.       Robertson

Halbach, B.       L. T.       French

Washburn        L. G.      Newton

Curry                  C.           Nash

Elledge              R. G.     Brown

Halbach, J.        R. T.      Garrett

Williamson       R. E.      Williams

Hancock            Q. B.     Bryan

Jones                  L. H.      Lefevre

Wilkins              R. B.      Harold

Murphy             F. B.      Coleman

Harold Ogden, regular fullback for the Trojans will more than likely be out of tonight's game due to an injury received in last week's game.

 

              Trojans Continue Streak, Drop Bears 44 To 13

More First Downs Gained By Ground Attack Enables Tallulah To Continue Win­ning Streak
Madison Journal October 11, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

Tallulah High continued their winning streak last Friday night when they downed the Delhi Bears 44 to 13 at the local field.

             

In the opening minutes of play, Jones picked off 24 yards to the Delhi 37. Two plays later, on a pass from Jones, Ogden crossed the end zone for the first score of the football game. Wilkins attempt was blocked, and the score was 6-0.

             

Again Jones stepped off 29 yards down to the Bears 19, but a pass on the next play was intercepted by Lefevre, who ran it back 10 yards before being stopped.

             

Wilkins of Tallulah, on a double reverse, picked up 15 yards on the Delhi 19. Keller then fumbled on an end around for a 7 yard loss as the first period ended 6-0.

             

With Tallulah still in possession of the ball, Jones faded back to the Bear 30 to throw a pass, but elected instead to run, and swivelhipped his way to the goal for another tally. Wilkins kicked making the score 13 to 0.

 

Jones, on a right end play from the Bear 31, eluded tacklers down to the 10 yard line. Several plays later, Ogden went over standing up. The conversion was not good. The score, 19-0.

 

Trailing 19-0, Delhi made several attempts to penetrate the Trojan territory, but was forced to kick, which was blocked on their own 45.

             

Wilkins picked up 20 yards to the Bear 20, but lost the ball two plays later.

             

A pass from Harrell intended for Bryan was intercepted by Wil­kins on his own 40 and made way to the Bear 35 for a first down.

             

Then, as the first half ended, Harrell managed to cross the mid-field stripe from his own 35 to the Trojan 45 for the first time of the game. Score at the half, 19-0.

             

At half time, the Tallulah High School band paraded on the field, with drum major, Gene Wallace and majorettes Betty Dahlhauser, Babs Pollard and Greta Holt lead­ing the ceremony. They, like the band, are doing a splendid job at every game. After making several formations on the field, the band then render­ed the Alma Mater as all spectators stood. It might be well to mention that the band is expecting to make the trip to Bastrop tonight.

             

In the opening of the third period, Jones once again tore loose and fought his way from the Delhi 45 down to the 14 yard line. Wilkins carried from there for another score. His conversion was right between the uprights and the score was then 26-0.

             

 Lefevre, on a right end sweep from his own 20, reached the 36 before being hit, and hit hard by Jones. Coach Payne then sent in a new team who held the Bears for several plays, but Bryan, on a spinner play from Harrell stepped from his own 38 to the Trojan end zone for 6 points. Harrell’s attempt was blocked and they were still on the short side of a 26-6 score.

             

With the Trojan second team still in the game, Bryan, of Delhi, managed another first down on the Tallulah 29. Harrell's pass to Bryan was good, but was called back. Coleman then passed to Bryan from the 10, who scored again. Harrell kicked making it 26-13.

             
With a few minutes left in the third period„ Jones carried the pigskin from his own 24, side-stepping his way to the Bear 45 for a 1 and 10. Wilkins took over from there where he made his way to the 30. Keller carried on an end-around for six more points, but was called back due to a penalty against Tal­lulah who was penalized 15 yards for clipping. The third period ended with Tallulah out in front 26 to 13.

             

"Fisty" Wilkins off left tackle, crossed into pay dirt from the 20 for another score. His conversion was blocked, and the score was 32-13.

             

Keller again eluded tacklers from his own 45 down to the Bears goal line for another 6 points. Wil­kins failed to convert, making the count 38 to 13.

             

Delhi then took to the air again in an attempt to get back into the game. Playing heads-up ball, Jones intercepted a pass intended for Bryan on the Bears 40 and after being hit by several would-be tacklers, wiggled loose to cross into the end zone. Attempt at conver­sion failed, score 44 to 13.

             

Score by quarters:

Tallulah             6 13 13 12—44

Delhi                  0   0 13    0—13
Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Wilkins, Jones, Keller and Ogden.

Delhi Bryan

Conversions:

Tallulah: Wilkins

 

Thus far, Tallulah has chalked-up a total of 135 points to the op­ponents 19.

Standing in touchdowns made:

Keller                 5

Ogden                5

Jones                  6

Wilkins              6

 

Very little mention is given to the center of a football team, for people think of the backfield men as winning or losing a game. However, were it not for the accuracy and speed of the center in de­livering the ball back to the ball handler, the backfield would be useless. Hess Curry, center for the Tro­jan 11, has just that, and credit should be given where credit is due. Although not very large, he can well be called an "Iron Man" of football.

             

Not that the center is the most important player of the squad, for credit is to be given to the whole line. But the responsibility of running the plays correctly rests on the shoulders of the center.

             

              Undefeated Trojans Meet Defeat; 20-0

Harp And Bryant Get Loose; Pick Up First Downs and Touchdowns For Rams Contest At Bastrop

Madison Journal October 18, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

There was quite a change in weather last Friday night when the Tallulah High Trojans motored to Bastrop to encounter the Bastrop Rams. Throughout the grandstand could be seen blankets and coats of every description. It was real football weather and Tallulah was well represented.

 

Up until the kick-off Tallulah was undefeated, and had only 19 points scored against them, but the combination of Harp and Bryant proved too much for the Trojans. Like Jones, Harp was capable of reversing his field and digging his way loose from tackles.

 

At the kick-off, Tallulah received, but was unable to make any substantial yardage, so kicked on the fourth down. Right away the tams started their goal line drive. Then on the second play, Harp, left half, carried the leather from the Trojan 40 down to the end zone for 6 points. The extra point was good and Bastrop was in front 7-0.

 

Keller, on an end-around, fumbled on his own 30, which was recovered by Bastrop. Several plays later, Bryant, fullback for the Rams, took the ball from the Trojan 35 and ran 65 yards for another touchdown. The attempt failed making the count 13 to 0.

 

On a pass from Jones, Williamson made a first down on the Rams 35 yard line as the first period ended. Score 13 to 0.

 

The Trojans started a drive in the second quarter which took them from their own 35 yard line down to the Bastrop 25. Wilkins ran right end from the 35 to the Rams 45, where Ogden carried for ano­ther first to the 32. Jones threw to Williamson, who had it, but lost it as he turned to run. Jones again faded back to his own 36 yard line to pass, but instead ran with it as the first quarter ended with the Trojans trailing 13 to 0.

 

At half time the Tallulah High and paraded on the field, playing for both schools, which was followed by the Bastrop High band and Blue-Jackets, numbering 36. The Blue-Jackets performed a very impressive ceremony. Six in each corner and six on each side joining at the center of the field to form a pinwheel. They then circled from left to right while the band circled from right to left, and alternating.

 

Once again Harp carried the ball from the Rams 43 yard line over the goal for another score. The kick was good and the score was 20 to 0. Wilkins made his way from the Trojan 24 to the 33, but was forced to kick out of danger several plays later.

 

Jones received a punt from Harp on the Trojan 45 which bounced out of his hands into the hands of a Ram player who was coming fast to make the tackle, giving Bastrop the ball first and ten on the Trojan 45.

 

At the end of the third quarter Bastrop was still out in front by the score of 20 to 0.

 

In the opening of the fourth and final period Jones, through right tackle, eluded tacklers from the Trojan 35 to the mid-field stripe. Then on a pass from Jones, Williamson reached the Bastrop 22 yard line. With Jones again passing, and Keller receiving, the ball was taken to the Rams 4 yard line. Wilkins attempted to run right end, but fumbled on the 9, recover­ed by himself. The Trojans were knocking at the Rams door when the ball went over to Bastrop first and ten as the game ended.

 

Score by quarters:       

Tallulah                0 0 0 0 — 0

Bastrop               13 0 7 0—20
Touchdowns:

Bastrop: Harp, Bryant

Substitutes: "Fat" Walker, Lamar Loe and "Tubbs" Washburn.

 

After the game a riotous crowd gathered on the field where there was considerable commotion. However, this was quickly subdued, and everyone went about their business.

On the Trojan eleven this year are two brothers, Joe and Boone Halbach. Both of whom are playing tackle, Right and left respectively. Thus far this year, both have played bang-up football and their blocking and tackling on defense has really been something to watch, to say nothing for their offensive playing.

 

Other squadmen who have been playing heads-up ball include: Norman Murphy, Edsel Elledge and "Tubbs" Washburn.

 

Joe Holley, quarterback for the Trojans, has been given the O. K. by the doctor, so it is expected that he will see action tonight.

 

The line-up for tonight's game is as follows:

Tallulah                           Newellton

Keller                 E.           Johnson

Halbach, B.       T.           Barfield

Murphy             G.          Wilson

Curry                  C.           Barnes

Elledge              G.          Arnold

Halbach, J.        T.           Tatun

Williamson       E.           Ramsey

Hancock            B.           Doyle

Jones                  B.           McCain

Wilkins              B.           Tatun

Ogden                B.           Ray

 

Newellton Easy Victim for Trojan Eleven

Tallulah Forward Wall Stops Bear Advances To Again Emerge Victorious; Downing Newellton 46-13
Madison Journal October 25, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

In their colorful blue and gold uniforms, the Trojans returned to the spotlight Friday night when they swamped the Newellton Bears 46 to 13 at the local field.

 

Carl Lee Hancock, captain for the contest, won the toss and elected to receive. Right away the Trojans began to put pressure on the Bears.

 

Ogden carried through the center of the line for a first down, followed by Jones off right tackle for another first. Keller, on an end around streaked 45 yards for a touchdown, but                        he was called back due to a penalty for offsides. Wilkins picked up another first on the Bear 18 yard line. Unable to score in 4 tries, the ball went over to the Bears.

 

The Bears immediately elected to kick from their own 10 yard line, but Keller, rushing in fast, blocked the kick and fell on it over the goal line putting Tallulah in front by six points.             Wilkins' extra point was right between the up-rights and the score was 7 to 0.

 

Joe Holley, who had not seen any action so far this season due to an injury of the shoulder, replaced Hancock at quarterback.

 

Once again the Bears took possession of the ball. Doyle, on a try through center was thrown for a three yard loss by B. Halbach, who broke through fast. Doyle again carried the ball      picking up four yards before being brought down by Williamson. Tallulah was again penalized, this time 15 yards for unnecessary roughness. Even with this in their favor, the Bears               failed to penetrate the Trojan territory.

 

The Bears attempted to punt out of danger, but Keller again rushed in fast and blocked Doyle's punt. Williamson recovered for Tallulah giving them the ball first and ten on the Bear           15 yard line. Wilkins on the first play skirted left end for 14 yards and another tally. His attempt for extra point failed, making the score 13 to 0.

 

Johnson, for the Bears, tried right end, but was thrown for a six yard loss by Keller. Newellton again attempted to kick, this time B. Halbach broke through to block it. It was then              Tallulah's ball on the Bears 23.

 

Ogden, on a plunge through cen­ter, made his way to the 11 yard line for another first down. Jones took over from there, crossing the goal for another touchdown. Wilkins' kick was            good, and Newellton was now trailing 20 to 0 at the end of the first period.

 

Doyle, from his own 10, managed to elude tacklers down to the 38 yard marker before being brought down by several Trojan tacklers. Then for the first during the ball game, Tatum crossed into Trojan territory to the 48 yard line, only to kick again, giving Tallulah the ball 1 and 10 on their own 13.

 

Joe Holley, on a quarterback sneak, picked up a first down on the 23 yard line. Wilkins fought his from there to the 46 for another first, but was called back, Tallulah being penalized again, this time 5 yards for being offside.

 

Joe Holley, taking a fake kick his from Wilkins, picked up 16 more yards, moving the ball to the Trojan 39. After marching down to the Bears 10 yard line, putting themselves in position to score gain, the Trojans fumbled, recovered by Newellton. On a pivot play from Tatum around left end, to Doyle got loose from the 14 all the it  to the Trojan 40 yard line.

 

Again carrying the leather, Doyle moved from the 40 to the 23 for another first and ten as the first half ended with the Trojans in front 20 to 0.

 

The Tallulah High band, headed by drum major and majorettes, marched onto the field during the it half-time. First forming a circle, and rotating from left to right and then performing for the visiting spectators. For the final part of the performance they marched to the Tallulah side, forming a T and rendering the Alma Mater under the direction of the band director,  Mr. Gautreaux.

 

This is a very opportune time to mention the splendid work the cheer leaders, Ann Antley, Janet Buford, Valencia Ramagos and Martha Page Johnson, are doing for T. H. S. At every contest they can be seen, as well as heard, in front of the spectators rooting the Trojans on to victory.

 

Once again the two teams came on the field, and Newellton kicked off to the Trojan 20 yard line where Jones returned to his own 45.

 

From the 45, through center, Hancock made his way to the Newellton 28 for another first and ten. Keller dropped back to the 35 and let loose a spiraling pass to Williamson who took it in deep in the end zone for a T. D. Wilkins kicked and the Trojans were now in front 27-0.

 

Tallulah kicked-off to the Bears, and Keller rushed down the field like a wild bull to hit McCain hard before he could advance very far.

 

With Tallulah in possession of the ball, Keller again chucked a pass from the Bear 30 to Williamson in the end zone for another score, but was called back, Tallulah backfield being in motion. This gave them 1 and 10 on the 35.

 

Little Hue Holley, one of the "mighty midgets" for the Trojans, carried for a first down.

 

I'd like at this time to mention that Tallulah has two "feather-merchants" on the squad. Hue Holley, and Martin Verhagen, both of whom are only about 5 feet tall but have plenty of get-up and can really pass the pigskin for their size.

 

With the combination of Jones passing and Williamson receiving, Tallulah managed another score from the 12 yard line. The extra point was blocked, the score remained 33-0.

 

Gene Thomas, another small member of the Trojan squad, intercepted a pass on the Bear 33 yard line at the close of the third quarter.

 

In the opening minute of the final period, Jones side-stepped from the Bear 33 to the 13, but was again called back for being offside. It appeared this made him more determined, for he carried the ball from the 42 yard line, stiff-arming his way down to the end zone to make the score 30 to 0. For the point after touchdown, Jones ran through the line, but again Tallulah was penalized for offsides. The second attempt failed, leaving the score 39-0.

 

Wilkins got off a beautiful kick to the Newellton 15 yard line where it was taken by McCain who advanced only a few yards before being brought down.

 

Wilkins picked up a first down for Tallulah when he ran from his own 38 to the Newellton 28. Verhagen moved it 4 more yards around left end, where Williams added 6 more yards. Thomas took it from there and carried it to the 2. Williams went over into pay dirt from the 2, and the standing was 45-0. A pass from Williams to Sevier was good for the extra point. Tallulah was now in front 46 to 0.

 

"Fat" Walker kicked-off for the Trojans, but upon advancing on the ball he tripped a few yards from it. Despite this he got to his feet and managed to get off a very nice kick to the Bears 25 yard line.

 

With the Tallulah second team in, McCain of Newellton, on a reverse around right end, eluded tacklers from the Trojan 33 down to the goal line for the first Bear score of he game. Plunging through the center, McCain picked up the extra point bringing the score to 46-7.

 

Hue Holley fumbled on his own 44 and Newellton recovered for 1 and 10. Doyle ran 46 yards for the final score of the ball game. The attempt failed and Newellton was on the short end of a 46 to 13 count.

Score by quarters:

Tallulah             20 0 13 13-46

Newellton          0 0    0 13-13

Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Keller, Wilkins, Jones, Williamson, Williams.

Newellton: McCain, Doyle.

 

Conversions:

Tallulah: Wilkins, Sevier.

Newellton: McCain.

 

Substitutes: Tallulah: Joe Holley, "Tubbs" Washburn, "Bud" Smith, Robert West, Lamar Loe, Warren Parker, "Booge" Harrop, Armond Cox, Hue Erwin, "Fat" Walker, Hue Holley, Martin Verhagen Gene Thomas, Dick Sevier, Warren Williams and Hardy Cloutier. 

 

Tonight the Trojans meet the Rayville High school here at the  local field at 8 p. m.

The line-up for the two teams is as follows:

Tallulah                           Rayville

Loe                      L. E.       Meeks

Smith                 L. T.       Cannon

Washburn        L. G.      Chamblee

Curry                  C.           Carrol

Elledge              R. G.     Livingston

J. Halbach         R. T.      Smith

Williamson       R. E.      Halton

Hancock            Q. B.     Brunson, N.

Wilkins              L. H.      Clack

B. Halbach        R. H.     Hardy

Ogden                F. B.      Brunson, T.

 

 

Local Gridsters Defeat Rayville Hornets 26 To 7

Wilkins And Ogden Score For Trojans To Again Triumph Over Opponents At Local Field

Madison Journal November 1, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

Despite the fact that neither Kel­ler nor Jones were dressed out for last Friday night's contest, the Tro­jans proved the stronger of the two teams. Although averaging a hea­vier line and backfield, the Ray­ville Hornets were no match for the Trojan Eleven.

 

With the game less than 10 seconds old, Ogden on a plunge through center from his own 44, traveled down to the Rayville goal line for the first tally. Wilkins kicked and the score was 7 to 0.

 

Wilkins' kick to Tatum was fumbled and recovered by Williams on the Hornet 30, giving Tallulah 1 and 10 from there.

 

Going around right end, Ogden moved dawn to the 14 for another 1 and 10. Wilkins then carried to the two, and went over for another score. His kick was again good, and Tallulah was in front 14 to 0.

 

Brunson of Rayville returned the kick-off ten yards, and picked up an additional 4 yards before the ball went over to the Trojans.

 

On the second play, Wilkins, sweeping wide around his right end, ran 55 yards from his own 45 to chalk up another score. The kick was low, leaving the standing 20-0.

 

Skirting left end from the Ray­ville 30, A. Cox crossed the goal to score, but the play was called back, Tallulah being offside.

 

On a pass from Clack, Meeks moved to the Trojan 49 from his own 35, but another penalty was in­flicted. This time the Hornets being offside. Again taking to the air, Brunson .took in a pass on his own 48 thrown from the 33 for 1 and 10. Tatum then picked up 9 more yards as the first period ended.

 

 On two attempts to move, Brunson was thrown for a loss of 8 yards. Unable to move, he attempted to kick, which was blocked on the 41. Tallulah took over 1 and 1 10 from there. Washburn tried right end, but lost 5 yards on a fumble as the half ended. Standing; Tallulah 20, Rayville 0.

 

Half-time ceremonies consisted of the Tallulah High band, dressed in their blue and white uniforms, parading on the field, forming a T, and rendering "Anchors Aweigh" and the Alma Mater.

 

With play again resumed on the field, and the Hornets in possession of the ball, Self received a pass on the mid-field stripe, thrown by Brunson on the 30, but was un­able to penetrate further. Clack then elected to kick, where Hancock ran it back from the 8 to the 25 before being brought down.

 

On a brilliant 65 yard dash from his own 35 yard marker, Wilkins followed the side line, stiff-arming his way to the goal for another score. The kick was wide and the score was now 26 to 0.

 

Once again taking to the air in an attempt to get back into the game, Self took a pass from the 50 to the Trojan 32. Brunson, on the next play, fumbled but recovered as the third quarter ended.

 

A pass intended for Meeks was intercepted on the 40 by Williams who made his way to the Rayville 49. Williams faded back to the 40 and threw a high spiraling pass to Williamson who was waiting for it on the 24. It looked as though the Trojans would again score, but after fight­ing their way to the 9 yard line, the ball went over to Rayville 1, and 10.

 

With less than a minute in the remainder of the game, the Hornets started a determined drive for the Trojan goal. Brunson picked up a first down when he moved from the Trojan 48 to the 28. Brunson again made a first after receiving a pass to the 17. Tatum took over from there where in three plays he crossed the Trojan goal line for the only Hornet score of the game. On a plunge through center, he picked up another point making the score 26 to 7 as the game ended.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah:         20 0 6 0-26

Rayville:           0 0 0 7- 7

Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Wilkins, Ogden

Rayville: Tatum

 

Conversions:

Tallulah: Wilkins

Rayville: Tatum

 

Substitutes:

Tallulah: West, Thomas, Parker, Elledge, Bailey, Murphy, Walker, Sevier, Verhagen, Hue Holley, Har­rop, Cloutier, Laird, A. Cox, B. Cox, Donovan, Erwin.

 

Standing in points thus far:

Tallulah                                  207

Opponents                                59      

 

Tonight the Trojans will clash with the St. Aloysius squad at the local field.

 

Thus far this season, the St.  Aloysius eleven is undefeated and unscored upon. Their backfield is said to be very fast and shifty, and the forward wall is very sturdy. It is expected that this contest will be packed with excitement from start to finish.

 

The line-up for the two teams is as follows:

Tallulah                      St. Aloysius

Keller or

Loe                  L. E.    Bankston

Halbach, B.     L. T.    Koestler

Murphy           L. G.    Reddock

Curry               C.        Foley, C.

Elledge            R. G.    Tuminello

Halbach, J.      R. T.    Bailey

Williamson     R. E.    Logue

Hancock          Q. B.    Derivaux
Jones               L. H     Virgadamo
Wilkins or

Washburn        R. H.    Thomas

Ogden             F. B.    Foley, R.

 

 

Trojans Dwindle Flashes To Mere Spark; 26 To 7

Undefeated, Unscored on St. Aloysius Eleven Bowl To Mighty Trojans Before Capacity Crowd.

Madison Journal November 8, 1946

 

Before a capacity packed crowd last Friday night at the local football field, the Tallulah High Trojans dwindled the mighty "Flashes" of St. Aloysius down to a mere spark as they continued their winning streak 26 to 7.

 

Undefeated until Friday night's game, the "Flashes" were rated as the favorite, but the Trojans pro­ved themselves the better team, not only on offense, but defense as well. In your reporters opinion, this was by far the best tilt the Trojans have played thus far this season, beautiful broken-field running and blocking was the deciding factor of the contest.

 

In the early part of the first period Jones carried the leather from his own 35 down to the Flash 33. Then a pass from Jones to Williamson was good from the 20 to the 6 yard line, where Hancock plunged over for the first score the game. Wilkins' conversion was wide and the score was 6-0.

 

Receiving the kick-off for Aloysius, Foley returned from his own 30 to the Trojan 48 for a first and ten. Thomas took over from there and made his way to the 36, but was unable to penetrate any fur­ther; the ball going over to Tal­lulah first and ten.

 

On a right end sweep, Jones picked up 7 more yards before being brought down. Hancock made a first on the Flashes 22. Wilkins was thrown for a three yard loss as the first period ended, the Tro­jans out in front 6 to 0.

 

With St. Aloysius in possession of the ball on their own 47, Foley picked up a few yards to the Tro­jan 45. Thomas in an attempt to run around left end was thrown for a 5 yard loss by Keller, who broke through fast. Foley then fad­ed back to throw a pass which was intercepted by Jones on his own 33.

 

Unable to pick up any substantial yardage, the Trojans kicked to Vigadamo who was waiting on his own 22, and ran it back to the 41. Taking to the air, the Flashes tried three passes, one completed, taking the ball to the Trojan 34 but not being able to advance any further, the ball went over first and ten for the Trojans.

 

Bill Jones, fleet-footed half back for the Trojans, on a beautiful 65 yard run through the entire Aloysius team, ran from his own 35 down to the goal line for another score, putting Tallulah in front 12 to 0. Again the conversion fail­ed, making the count 12 to 0.

 

Once again the Flashes resorted to aerial attacks as Foley passed to Thomas on the 47 from his 35. Jones, on the second pass, intercepted on the Tallulah 30 and advanced to the 49 before being downed by several tacklers. Ogden picked up six more yards as he made his way to the 41. Jones took over from there making his way down to the 29 for 11 more yards as the first half ended, St. Aloysius on the short end of a 12 to 0 count.

 

The half time ceremonies consisted of the St. Aloysius Blue Jackets, numbering in the vicinity of 30 in strength, paraded on the field and forming first a "T" and then an "A". Followed by a form of two circles criss-crossing with the Drum Majorettes in the center. This was followed by the Tallulah High band forming a "T" and rendering the High School Alma Mater.

Since the beginning of the season, the band has been working endlessly under the direction of the band director, Mr. Gautreaux, to form a band that the school will be proud of, and it can be well said that they have achieved a great deal of success thus far. Their performances at every game have been enjoyed by every spec­tator. The drum major and major­ettes are something else to see. All who have seen Gene Wallace perform will agree that he can really twirl his baton. The strutting of the majorettes is also worthwhile seeing. They have that certain something which helps to boost mor­ale.

 

Play was resumed once again on the field with Tallulah in posses­sion of the ball. Keller, on an end around play, picked up a first down when he skirted from his 35 to the mid-field stripe. Wilkins, from the 45 dashed down the side line to pay dirt, and another score, Tal­lulah 19, St. Aloysius 0.

 

Ogden recovered an Aloysius fumble on the Flashes 27 yard line. Jones made his way to the 11 yard marker. After four downs the Tro­jans lost the ball, but quickly regained it as Aloysius was forced to punt.

 

On a pass from Jones, Wilkins carried to the Aloysius 20 yard line for a first and ten. Jones plunged from there down to the eleven yard marker, where Wilkins took over and advanced to the 7 for another first and ten. Jones again carrying the pigskin, crossed the end zone bringing the score to 25 to 0. Williamson's extra point was good and the standing was 26 to 0.

 

Receiving the kick-off on his own 10, Thomas ran up to the 32 where the Flashes had a first and ten as the third period ended.

 

Joe Holley, replacing Hancock at quarterback, picked up 6 yards to the 34. Tallulah then received a 15 yard penalty for holding, which gave Aloysius the ball on the next play.

 

Receiving a punt on the 35 yard line, Thomas raced all the way down the side line, to cross the Trojan end zone for the lone Al­oysius tally of the ball game. Foley's pass to Foley was good for the extra point. Aloysius was now trail­ing 26 to 7.

 

Jones' fumble on the Tallulah 38 was recovered by Aloysius. Once again trying to get back into the game, the Flashes took to the air, attempting four passes and com­pleting none, giving Tallulah the ball first and ten on the 28 yard line. Again Tallulah was penalized 15 yards, this time for unnecess­ary roughness.

 

A pass from Foley intended for Thomas was intercepted by Wil­kins on the 40, and run up to the mid-field stripe. Again Tallulah was penalized 15 yards for hold­ing. Holley, on a left end sweep, moved the ball to the 38.

 

Foley passed to Thomas, who reached the 47 before being brought down as the game ended. Thus, the undefeated, unscored upon St. Aloysius Flashes met defeat at the hands of the underdogs, the Tallulah High Trojans, to the tune of 26 to 7.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah:            6 6 0 14 -26

St. Aloysius:     0 0 0   7-   7

Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Hancock, Jones, Wilkins

St. Aloysius: Thomas

Conversions:

Tallulah: Williamson, Wilkins

St. Aloysius: Foley

Substitutes:

Tallulah: Parker, Washburn, Harrop, J. Holley

 

Welcome Grads!

Today is Homecoming at Tallulah High school, and activities have been conducted for the celebration.

 

Yesterday afternoon a parade was held in town, and last night a bon fire. The main feature of Homecom­ing will be the football contest be­tween Tallulah High and Neville High of       Monroe, which will begin at 8 p. m. at Legion Field. Just before the game begins, the Queen of Homecoming will be crowned.

 

The Queen and Maids are as follows:

 

Elizabeth Rabb                       Queen

Ruby Nell Ezell                      Maid of Honor

Lila Farr                                  Maid

Betty Jane Ammons               Maid   

Mary Louise Burge                 Maid

Janie Lou Watts                      Maid

Carolyn Ramagos                   Maid

Ruby Mclntyre                        Maid
 Following the game there will be a dance held in the gymnasium for high school students.

 

 

Tigers Claws Clipped By Warriors 27 To 0

Underdogs Again Prove Stronger by Beating Favored Neville Tigers in Non-Conference Tilt

Madison Journal November 15, 1946

 

Last Friday night, being Homecoming at Tallulah High, a special section was marked off in front of the stands for the Queen and Maids.

 

The queen, Elizabeth Rabb, carrying a bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums and fern trimmed with blue ribbon, was crowned before the start of the game by Captain Billy Keller. Each maid wore a corsage of yellow chrysanthemum with a T in the center, trimmed with yellow and blue ribbon, with a miniature football attached.

 

Although outweighed several pounds per man, the Tallulah High Trojans once again upset predictions by trouncing the favored Neville ,High Tigers to the tune of !., 27 to 0 before a crowd of some 2000 fans at the local field last Friday night.

 

The local eleven outplayed the heavier Tigers throughout the game, and only once did the Tig­ers seriously threaten to score, a touchdown that was called back.

 

The forward wall of the Trojans was impenetrable, try though they may, the Tigers could not score.

 

The first period was comparatively slow as neither team seemed able to get moving. Tallulah received the opening kick-off but was forced to kick. After an exchange of punts, the first quarter ended with the standing 0 to 0.

 

Receiving a punt on his own 18, Jones fumbled and was recovered by Neville, first and ten. After four attempts the Tigers were unable to pick up the 18 yards for a score, and the ball went over to Tallulah.

 

On a right end play, Jones picked up 7 yards, where Wilkins mov­ed to the 22 for a first and ten. On an end around, Keller ran 35 yards to the Tiger 41 for another first. Then on a 42 yard pass from Jones, Wilkins crossed the end zone for the first tally of the game. Conversion was wide and the score was 6 to 0.

 

After running Wilkins' kick up to the Tiger 35, Smallwood made a first on the Trojan 48. McElroy, running wide around end, raced from the 48 to the Trojan goal line for a score, but was called back due to a penalty against Nev­ille for clipping, 15 yards.

 

Tallulah was then penalized from the 15, where they received a punt, back to the 7 yard line for unnecessary roughness. Jones carrying the leather, dashed down to the 45. Again carrying the ball, Jones moved to the Tiger 45, where Wilkins took over from there and raced to the Neville end zone for another tally. His conversion was good and Tallulah was now in front 13 to 0.

 

Neville returned Tallulah's kick to the 35, and on the next play Jones intercepted a pass on the Trojan 37 as the first half ended.

 

Friday night s contest is one that will long be remembered by all who attended. The Trojans, although outweighed, outplayed the Neville Tigers from the start

 

There was quite a display during half time by both the Neville Pep squad and band and the Tallulah band. The Neville Pep squad, dressed in white, formed a star in the center of the field, then circled from left to right, followed by the Neville band, rendering a selection. The Pep squad drew the applause of everyone with their snappy marching.

 

One of the special attractions for Homecoming was the baton twirling of the Sergeant brothers, Gerald and Perry, two former drum majors of Tallulah High. Both boys were rated as tops in that field of entertainment. They, together with drum major Gene Wallace, drum majorettes and band 'performed a ' very impressive ceremony; The band forming an "N" and a "T", and rendering the School Alma Mater.

 

The second half found the Tigers in possession of the ball, but had to punt out of danger on the third play. Jones carried from the mid-field stripe to the Tiger 42, where Wilkins' pass to Williamson .was dropped. Jones then picked up a first down on the Neville 29. Wilkins took over and advanced to the 11. A pass from Jones on the 11 was good to Williamson in the end zone making the score 19 to 0. Wilkins' kick was directly through the uprights. Tallulah was now in front 20 to 0.

 

McElroy ran the kickoff from the 20 to the 47, where he was brought down hard. The next play, a pass, was intercepted by Ogden, who ran it to the Neville 37. Tallulah again took to the air as Wilkins passed to Keller down to the Neville 28 for another first and ten. Jones then plowed through the center of the line dragging the Tiger team with him to the 11 yard line. Wilkins stepped off the remaining 11 yards to cross over into pay dirt. This put Neville on the short end of a 26 to 0 count. Again Wilkins kicked directly through the uprights, bringing the score to 27-0.

 

Smallwood returned the Trojan kick off to the 32, and on the next play advanced to the 45 as the third quarter ended.

 

Hancock, on a fake kick, was thrown for an 8 yard loss. Wilkins punted from the 29 to the Neville 47, where Curry, on the next play, intercepted an intended pass on the mid-field stripe. Tallulah, also attempting to pass, had an interception on the Tiger 31.

 

McElroy completed a pass to Smith on the Trojan 32. Still attempting to score through the air, Neville again had a pass intercepted by Williamson on the 36.

 

Hancock stepped off a first down on the 50 yard marker. The warriors drive once again started for the Neville goal as Wilkins moved the ball to the Tiger 35. The next play found Wilkins passing to Keller for another first and ten on the Tiger 21. Still driving, Wilkins passed, this time to Williamson on the 11; 15 yard penalty moved the ball back to the 26 yard Iine as the game ended; Tallulah again emerging triumphant, 27 to 0.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah:            0 13 14 0 - 27

Neville:              0   0   0  0 -  0
Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Wilkins, Williamson

Conversions:

Tallulah: Wilkins

Substitutes:

Tallulah: Smith, Walker, Parker, Hue Holley, Erwin, A. Cox, Sevier, Harrop

 

 

Wildcats Tamed By Trojans, 26 To 13

Jones Drives Tallulah To Victory With Running, Passing, Hard Hitting In Tilt On Enemy Field

Madison Journal November 22, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

Last Friday night's football contest between the Tallulah High Trojans and the Winnsboro Wildcats was attended by approximately 500 to 700 spectators. The 'game' was filled with penalties and breaks from start to finish. Despite the fact that Tallulah appeared to be on the wrong end of the breaks, they came through with flying colors to defeat the Wildcats 26 to 13.

 

Before the start of the game the Winnsboro band played the Nationl Anthem.

 

Winnsboro won the toss and elected to receive. After three plays they fumbled and Tallulah recovered on the Wildcat 38. With the combination of Jones and Wilkins the ball was moved to the 5, where Wilkins plunged over for the first core. Kick was wide and the score was 6 to 0.

 

After being penalized five yards for offsides, the Wildcats completed a pass from their own 40 to Flowers on the Trojan 30. Hancock, several plays later, intercepted a pass on his own 47 and made to the Winnsboro 41. Jones then carried to the Wildcat 29 for another first and ten. Again the combination of Jones passing and Wilkins receiving took the ball to the 20. A penalty was inflicted against Tallulah for offsides, which after the next play gave the ball to Winnsboro.

 

Winnsboro, unable to penetrate the Trojan territory, was forced to punt. Tallulah took over on the mid-field stripe, where Keller moved to the 34 on an end around, but was called back, Tallulah being penalized 15 yards for holding.

 

Then from his own 30, Jones drove off tackle to the Wildcat 47. For the present time this was as far as the Trojans could advance. Wilkins' punt to the Winnsboro 3 yard line was called back; Tallulah penalized 15 yards again for holding. Wilkins again got off a spiraling punt from his own 20 to the Winnsboro 20. Thus the first period ended with Tallulah in front by the score of 6 to 0.

In the second period Jones was still running wild. Through center he moved the ball from the 17 to his own 29, from there to the 43, where Ogden moved 8 more yards. The combination of Jones to Wilkins advanced the ball first to the Wildcat 28, then to the 9, where Tallulah was again penalized five yards for offsides. Jones then carried the pigskin to the 4, where on the next play, plowed through the center for the second score. Wilkins’ conversion was good and the standing was now 13 to 0.

Receiving the kick on the Wildcat 10, Wiggins ran to the 19 where he was hit hard by "Bud" Smith. Smith incidentally, played a bangup game of football from start to finish. Although only weighing ap­proximately 150 pound's, and this being his first year, he handled his guard position like a veteran.

 

With approximately a minute and a half before the first half ending, Winnsboro attempted four straight passes, completing none. Tallulah in possession of the ball, Wilkins advanced from the 24 to the 32 of Tallulah as the first half ended with Winnsboro on the short end of a 13 to 0 count.

 

During the half time, the Tallulah High band marched on to the field, forming first a W for the Winnsboro spectators, then march­ed to the Tallulah side and forming a T. After rendering the Alma Mater, they crisscrossed across the field and marched back to the grandstand.

 

The Winnsboro High band was present at the game, but did not perform during half time.

 

With play resumed once again on the field, Winnsboro kicked off to Tallulah; Jones returning the kick to his own 35. Flowers, of the Wildcats, intercepted a pass from Jones on his own 40 and ran it back to the Trojan 40, where he was brought down hard by Smith.

 

              With the ball in possession of the Wildcats on the Trojan 14 yard line, Tallulah was penalized half the distance of the goal for offsides, which was 7 yards. Having first and 7 to go for a      touchdown, Winnsboro was knocking at the Trojan door. On the first play Wiggins was stopped at the line of scrimmage by Smith and Wilkins. Flowers, on the next play, moved to the        ½ yard line. From there it took two plays to cross over into pay dirt. The kick was good making the standing 13 to 7 in favor of the Trojans.

             

Winnsboro kicked off to the Tallulah 18 yard line where Bill Jones took it and made a spectacular run first down the center, then shifting to the side lines through the entire Winnsboro eleven to cross into the end zone after running 83 yards for a touchdown, but was called back, having stepped out of bounds on the 15 yard line. However, the spectators seemed to disagree with the decision of the officials. Never­theless, the ball was brought back to the 15. After a penalty of five yards against Tallulah for offsides, the ball was resting on the 20. Wilkins passed to Keller on the 13; Jones took over from there and passed to Wilkins on the 4. Jones again car­rying the ball, plunged through the line to chalk up another tally. A pass to Keller from Wilkins was good for the extra point. Tallulah was now in front 20 to 7.

 

Wiggins took the Trojan kick off on his own 16 and advanced to the 33 where Tallulah was penali­zed 15 yards for clipping. This put the ball on the Wildcat 48. Wiggins, on the next play, ran through the center of the Trojan line down to the end zone for the second Winnsboro score. The kick was wide, making the score 20 to 13.

 

Keller, on an end around, moved the ball from his own 15 to the 28, and Jones took over from there and stopped off another first and ten to the 40 as the third period ended.

 

Joe Holley, substituting for Hancock at quarterback, picked up a first down when he skirted left end from the 43 to the Winnsboro 38. Winnsboro then intercepted a Trojan pass on the 45, and again Tallulah was penalized 5 yards, for defensive holding.

 

After several plays by Jones, netting considerable yardage, he dashed from the Wildcat 30 to once again cross the goal line for another touchdown. The kick was wide, the score remaining 26 to 13.

 

A pass from Wiggins was inter­cepted by Holley on the Winnsboro 40. Keller on the next play was thrown for a five yard loss on an attempted end around. Unable to advance any further, the ball went over to Winnsboro, where Wiggins, on his own 35, wiggled through the Trojan line and was loose for a touchdown, when Jones overtook him on the Trojan 23. Wiggins was 15 yards in front of Jones when Jones started out to overtake him. Jones intercepted Flowers' pass on the Tallulah 13, and Tallulah advanced to the mid-field marker as the game ended.

 

Wallace Walker, who also play­ed valiantly during the game, was injured in the fourth quarter, and was carried off the field, receiving a big hand as he left. Jones, likewise, was injured in the second period, but returned to the game.

 

Missing from the Trojan roster due to injuries and the like were Edsel Elledge, Otho Williamson and "Tubbs" Washburn.

 

The Warrior line, like the backfield, played a brilliant game throughout. Hess "Iron Man" Cur­ry and the Halbach brothers were responsible for the stopping of plays time after time at the line of scrimmage. Thus holding the Wildcats to 13 !points.

 

Tallulah:            6 7   7  6 - 26,
Winnsboro:      0 0 13 0 - 13

Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Jones, Wilkins

Winnsboro: Flowers, Wiggins

Conversions:

Tallulah: Keller, Wilkins

Winnsboro: Wiggins

Substitutes:

Tallulah: J. Holley, Parker, Loe, Sevier

Tonight the Tallulah Trojans meet the Lake Providence High squad in Lake Providence. The Trojan squad will be composed of second stringers only. The varsity will not be dressed out for the contest.

The lineup for Tallulah is as follows:

L. E.       Loe

L. T.       Erwin

L. G.      Smith

C            Harrop

R. G.     Christian
R. T.      Bailey

R. E       Parker

QB         Thomas

L. H.      Williams

R. H.     H. Holley

F. B.      A. Cox

Substitutes: Ends, Sevier, Clou­tier; Tackles, West, Donovan; Guards, Laird; Backs, B. Cox, Verhagen.

 

 

Baby Trojans Downed by Varsity Panthers 19-7

Lake Providence Eleven Too Much For Tallulah Second and Third Teams In Non-Conference Game

Madison Journal November 29, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

In a non-conference game last Friday night the Tallulah High Trojan second and third teams were defeated by the Lake Providence varsity Panthers 19 to 7 at the Lake Providence football field.

 

Due to the fact that the Tallulah varsity team did not participate in the contest, the outcome of the game had no effect on the Tro­jan standing.

 

Being the last game of the season for the Panthers, the game was the Homecoming for Lake Provi­dence. The weather, although rather crisp, did not stop the spec­tators from turning out for the contest.

 

Lake Providence won the toss and elected to receive. There was little action in the first part of the first period. After an exchange of punts, Williams of Tallulah pick­ed up a first down on his own 36 yard line, but lost the ball several plays later.

 

Thames of the Panthers advanc­ed the ball for 9 yards as Tallulah was penalized 15 yards for clipping. The first quarter ended with the score 0 to 0.

 

With Lake Providence still in possession of the ball, the Panth­ers advanced the ball to the Tro­jan 9, where Bud Smith was in there to hit Cook hard. Smith again was one of the mainstays of the forward wall of the Trojans. Time and again he was in there fast to stop the Panthers cold. Unable to cross the Tallulah end zone through ground attacks, the Panthers resorted to aerial attacks, which also proved to be in vain. After four attempts the Tro­jans took over first and ten on their own 5 yard line.

 

On the first play, Williams moved the ball from his own 5 up to the 30. The ball was moved up to the 40 in two more plays but went over to the Panthers first and ten from there.

 

Cook carrying the ball, picked up a first down on the Tallulah 27, and again carrying the ball, moved to the 19 where Thames moved to the 11 for another first. Cook, on the next play, crossed the end zone for the first score of the ball game. The kick was wide and the standing was 6 to 0.

 

With Cox and Williams carry­ing the ball, Tallulah managed a first down after several plays on the 40 yard marker. Again Tal­lulah was forced to kick on the fourth down. Cook, on a wide sweep, moved the ball to the Trojan 48 from his own 24 for a first and ten. On a reverse from Guenard, Cook pick­ed up 9 more yards. Thomas, on the next play, recovered a Panther fumble on his own 41. Williams, on the next play, made his way to the mid-field marker as the first half ended.

 

During the first part of the half time ceremonies, three Tallulah trumpeteers sounded taps with the entire field in total darkness as the names of Lake Providence men who gave their lives for their country during World War II were read.

 

Following this the lights were again turned on and the Tallulah High band paraded onto the field, forming L P and then a T, and rendering the Alma Mater. Owing to the absence of drum major Gene Wallace, Betty Jane Dahlhauser, majorette, led the band in their performance.

 

The opening of the second half found the Trojans coming back into the game with determination and vigour. Lake Providence kicked off to the Trojans, who imme­diately started a drive for the Pan­thers goal line. On the first play, Holley moved from his own 25 to the 47, where Williams took over and advanced to the 40. With Wil­liams again carrying the ball, the third first down in a row was made on the Panther 28. Hue Holley, on a reverse, added another first when he picked up 10 more yards. With the ball now resting on the 18, Hol­ley carried to the 3, where Williams advanced to the 1 and then crossed over into pay dirt for the first Tro­jan score. A pass from Williams to Cox was good for the extra  point. This put Tallulah in front by the score of 7 to 6.

 

After receiving the kick off on his own 25, Cook moved through center to the 40. Tallulah was then penalized 5 yards for offsides. Again Cook moved the ball from the Trojan 40 down to the 10. Had it not been for the blocking of his own man, Cook would have scored another touchdown for the Panth­ers. One of his own men threw a block into a Trojan would be tackler, who in turn, was thrown into Cook, knocking him out of bounds.

 

The Panthers, in four attempts, were unable to cross the goal, and the ball was given to Tallulah on their own 5, first and ten. Lake Providence was then penalized 5 yards for offsides which moved the ball to the Trojan 10. Williams advanced to the 23 as the third quarter ended.

 

In the final period, Cook, behind good blocking, raced from the mid‑field marker for fifty yards to cross the end zone for another tally. The kick was low and the standing was 12 to 7 in favor of the Panthers.

 

Receiving the kick on the 34, Tallulah fumbled on the Lake Providence 40, where Deel carried the ball for 50 yards to the Trojan 10 yard line. Guenard on the next play, pushed over the goal to bring the standing to 18 to 7. The kick was good and Lake Providence was now in front 19 to 7.

 

Williams moved the ball to the Lake Providence 46 after driving off right tackle for 15 yards. Loe, after receiving the ball on a double reverse, fumbled on the 46, which was recovered by Lake Providence.

 

The situation reversed this time; Tallulah recovered a Panther fumble le on the Trojan 30. Williams, picked up a first down on the 47. A pass on the following play from Williams to Cox was good to the Panther 42 as the game ended.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah:                          0 0 7 0 --   7

Lake Providence:          0 6 0 13--19

Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Williams

Lake Providence: Cook, Guenard

Conversions:

Tallulah: A. Cox

Lake Providence: Thames

 

Tomorrow afternoon at 2:15, the Trojans will meet the Ferriday High team to determine the northeast championship in the class B division. However, should the Tro­jans lose this contest; it will mean a three way tie between Tallulah, Ferriday and Winnsboro. In order to determine the Northeast champ, a tie would have to be played off among the three teams.

 

L. E        Keller

L. T        B. Halbach

L. G.      Washburn

C            Curry

R. G       Murphy

R. T.      J. Halbach

R. E       Williamson

Q. B      Hancock

L. H.      Jones

R. H.     Wilkins

F. B.      Ogden

 

 

Trojans Capture NE Title Downing Ferriday, 35-7

Trojans Have Easy Time in Winning Northeast Louisiana Title in Class B Division

Madison Journal December

By Crayton Laughman

 

Thanksgiving day was a very important day for the Tallulah High Eleven, for it was the day they tangled with the Ferriday High Bulldogs in a contest at the Ferriday High field to determine whether or not the Trojans would be the Northeast Louisiana champions in  the class B division. The Warriors did, however, emerge victorious and are now the

champions in the Northeast divi­sion.

 

Ferriday, winning the toss, elected to defend the North goal with the wind behind them, also to kick off to Tallulah.

 

Jones receiving the kickoff on his own 20, raced back to the 49, where he was brought down by half the Bulldog squad. Jones again carrying the ball, moved to the Fer­riday 37 for another first and ten. Wilkins then took over and advanc­ed to the 25. Jones again tucked the ball under his arm and reached the 11, where Wilkins went over for the first score of the ball game. A pass from Wilkins to Keller was good for the extra point and the score was 7 to 0.

 

Still facing the wind, Tallulah kicked off to Ferriday, who advanced the ball to their own 38, where Murphy came in fast to make the tackle. A 5 yard penalty was then inflicted against Ferriday for offsides. After four attempts to advance the ball, the Bulldogs quick kicked to Jones who received the ball on the Tallulah 30 and reached the Ferriday 41. At this point Tallulah was penalized 15 yards for clipping. On an attempt around right end, Jones fumbled but recovered on the 30, where Wilkins on the next play, kicked out of danger.

 

Again unable to advance the ball into Trojan territory, the Bulldogs were forced to kick. From here the combination of Jones and Wilkins started the drive once again for the Ferriday goal. Jones around his left end made way to the Bulldog 45 from his own 45 for a first and ten. Wilkins took it from there to the 27 for another first. Jones then went off tackle to the 18, Wilkins to the 5, and Jones drove over through center for the second score. Wilkins' kick was good and the standing was now 14 to 0 as the first period ended.

 

Tallulah now defending the north goal, kicked to Ferriday. Wilkins' kick went over the goal and was brought out to the 20 and played from there. For the first time of the game, Ferriday managed a first down on their own 30, still however, not penetrating the Tro­jan territory. For four plays they hammered the Tallulah line, but were unable to advance any fur­ther, try though they may.

 

Again Ferriday quick kicked to the Trojan 30, where Jones fumbled twice but picked it up and advanced to the 40, where several tacklers brought him down. Jones again carrying the ball, dashed to the Ferriday 28 for another first.

 

Attempting a right end sweep, Ferriday was thrown for a five yard loss, when Joe Halbach broke in fast to stop the play. Another, a loss of six more yards which put the ball on the Bulldog 20, where they were forced to kick once again.

 

Wilkins carrying the ball, moved from his own 30 to the Ferriday 18, where Tallulah was again pena­lized, this time five yards for off-sides. Lancaster, quick kicking ar­tist for the Bulldogs was taken out of the game at this time, after having been knocked out seven con­secutive times. Wilkins again carrying, drug several tacklers with him to the Bulldog 12. Jones then passed to Williamson in the endzone for another tally. Wilkins' kick was again good and the standing was now 21 to 0.

 

At half time both bands performed on the field. The Tallulah High band was first to enter on the field forming an F for the Ferriday spec­tators, then forming a T for the Tallulah spectators, and rendering the Alma Mater. Following this the Ferriday High band marched onto the field in staggered formation, marching to the 50 yard line, where they formed one line, then crisscrossing to the Tallulah side and then the Ferriday side.

 

Play was once again resumed on the field as Tallulah kicked off to Ferriday. The ball was moved up to the 45 as Ferriday slipped there.

 

Unable to cross the mid-field marker, the ball went over to the Trojans first and ten on the Bulldog 48. Wilkins picked up another first down as he raced around right end to the Ferriday 16. Ogden, off left tackle, moved to the 12, where Wilkins reached the 4, going over from there on the next play standing up. He fake kicked and ran the ball over for the extra point putting Tallulah in front by the score of 28 to 0.

 

Wilkins again kicking off for the Trojans, rushed down the field fast to hit the ball handler hard on the Ferriday 20. The next play found Joe Halbach rushing in fast to stop the play at the line of scrimmage. Ferriday then received a penalty of 5 yards for offsides. Still unable to advance the ball, the Bulldogs were forced to kick. Jones was waiting for it on his own 44 and reached the 50 where he was brought down. At this time the Tallulah first team was taken out for a much needed rest.

 

Williams carried through center for 7 yards, but had to kick the next play. The ball was taken from the mid-field marker to the Trojan 20, then to the 13 on the following play. With third and 13 to go for a touchdown, the Bulldogs drove over for the lone tally of the game for Ferriday. The kick was good and Tallulah was now in front 28 to 7.

 

The starting team for the Trojans once again returned to the field, and Ogden received the kick off on his 15 and ran it back to the 44 before being brought down. Keller, on an end around, fumbled on the 40, where Hancock scooped it up and reached the 47. Jones took over from there and carried to the 31 as the third quarter ended.

 

Keller on another end around, streaked down to the 13, where Jones passed to Williamson, who reached high into the air with one land to make the catch. With Jones again passing, this time to Wilkins in the end zone for another tally, but was called back, Tallulah being offsides. Holley advanced to the 10 but the ball went over to the Bulldogs first and ten from there. Ferriday, upon receiving the ball, immediately kicked out of danger to the mid-field stripe. Wilkins started a drive of his own from the 47, and in four plays moved the ball to the 11. From the 11, Wilkins passed to Williamson for another tally. The kick was good and he standing was now 35 to 7.

 

The Bulldogs were still trying desperately to get back into the game as the last few seconds ticked swiftly by. Each time they attempted to plunge through the Trojan line they were sent back for a loss. As the whistle sounded ending the game, Tallulah fumbled on the 50, recovered by Ferriday.

 

Thus the Tallulah High Trojans emerged victorious, not only winning the contest but also capturing the Northeast Championship in the Class B division.

 

The Trojans will next meet the Oil City High Eleven to decide the Northern Champions of the State n the Class B division in the near future.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah:            14 7 7 7-35

Ferriday:             0 0 7 0- 7

Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Wilkins, Jones Williamson

Conversions:

Tallulah: Keller, Wilkins, Williamson

Substitutions:

Tallulah: Elledge, Joe Holley, Hue Holley, Parker, Loe, Bailey, Williams, Thomas, Verhagen, Erwin, Smith, Cloutier, Sevier

 

 

 

TROJANS WILL PLAY CANINES

District 'B' Crown Goes To Winner Of Tallulah, Ferriday Game

From Monroe Morning World November 26, 1946

FERRIDAY, La., Nov. 26.--(Special) --Two of the leading contenders for the northeast regional class B gridiron championship, the Ferriday High School Bulldogs and the undefeated, untied Tallulah Trojans, of Tallulah, will vie for honors at Corbett field here Thursday afternoon.

 

Ferriday and Tallulah have been football rivals since 1925 when Coach Hugh A. Bateman and Coach M. A. "Ma" Phillips, of Tallulah, began a series of inter-city competition for the state class B championship. Both mentors, Bateman, now principal and Phillips, also a principal, have long since given up active athletic activi­ties, but they are still interested 'n the outcome of this inter-city contest between two fine elevens.

 

At Louisiana College, around the middle twenties, Bateman and Phillips were classmates and roommates at Louisiana College, located at Pineville, La., and both then young men were members of Louisiana College's athletic teams, principally the foot-ball elevens. So they were friends, but later, they became friendly rivals, and from all indications, they still are, just that, friendly rivals.

 

Both Ferriday and Tallulah this season, as in past years, have classy clubs. Both have impressive records and once again the outcome of the Class B championship of the state and region hangs in the balance.

 

The teams have been hard at work all week and all indications point to a closely contested game here and also to one of the largest, if not the largest crowds of the year on Corbett field.

 

 

TALLULAH TROJANS WIN DISTRICT CLASS B TITLE

From Monroe News-Star November 28, 1946

FERRIDAY, La., Nov. 28.-(Special ---Coach Devon Payne's Tallulah High School Trojans sewed up the northeast Louisiana district Class B championship here Thursday afternoon by defeating the Ferriday High School Bulldogs 35 to 7.

 

Tallulah will meet the Oil City eleven, northwest district champs, in the state's semi-final cham­pionship playoff next Friday, but the site of the game had not been determined late Thursday.

 

Tallulah Hi in Win Over Ferriday Hi

Trojans Win Northeast La. Class B Football Title

Vicksburg Post-Herald November 30, 1946

 

Tallulah, La., Nov. 30, In Ferriday on Thanksgiving Day the Tal­lulah Trojans sunk the Ferriday Bulldogs to the tune of 35 to 7 to clinch the Northeast La., title in Class B competition.

 

It was Tallulah's ball game from the start as they received the open­ing kickoff and with the great ball running of Bill Jones and Noel Wilkins carried the ball across the goal line. Then on a fake place­ment Wilkins passed into the end zone to end, Billy Keller, for the extra point.

 

Ferriday received Wilkins kick-off and was forced to punt on the third down, due the great defens­ive playing of left end Billy Keller. After receiving the punt, again the two fast stepping halfbacks, Jones and Wilkins, and the line thrust by fullback, Harold Ogden, carried the ball to Ferriday's 7 yard line where Jones hit Bo Williamson in the chest with a pass on the one yard line from where he went over for the second score. Wilkins kick was good for one more point.

 

Wilkins again kicking off to the Bulldogs and this one was one of the best I've seen this year. It sailed over all the Bulldogs into the end zone and was brought out to the 20 yard line where the Bull dogs took over first and ten. It was see-saw then until a few minutes before the half ended. At this point Wilkins drove off tackle from his own 35 for 30 yards to Ferriday's 35 from where Bill Jones on two plays crossed into pay dirt. Wilkins kick was good to end action in the first half with Tallulah lead­ing 21 to 0.

 

The Trojans came back in the third quarter to score again with a plunge by Wilkins from the four yard line. Taking a pass Wilkins ran over standing for the extra point.

 

Two plays after the kickoff Coach Payne sent his entire No. 2 team in. This was when the Ferriday team took over and marched for their only score; With Lancaster running from Tallulah's 15 for 6 points. The extra point was good. Coach Payne then decided to give his first team another chance and they succeed­ed by scoring on a 12 yard pass from Wilkins to Williamson after a 60 yard march. This score ended all action and the game ended, Tallulah 35—Ferriday 7.

 

Tallulah will play Oil City, La., next Friday for North La., Cham­pionship. Where the two teams will meet has not been decided.

 

Scoring Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Wilkins 2, Williamson 2, Jones 1.

Points after Touchdowns:--Lancaster 1.

Wilkins 3, Keller 2.

 

OILERS, TALLULAH WILL PLAY TITLE CONTEST THURSDAY
Shreveport Times December 1, 1946

 

Oil City, Dec. 1 (Special)--With the North Louisiana class B title at stake, the Oil City Oilers meet the Tallulah high school team in Tal­lulah Thursday night, Dec. 5.

 

Tallulah defeated an outclassed Ferriday team 42-7 last Friday night for the Northeast championship, giv­ing them the right to play undefeated Oil City for the chance to play in the state finals. With the starting time 7:30 p.m., the game is expected to be an even battle all the way.

 

 

Oil City Set for North Louisiana Class B Contest

Northwest Champs Run Through Final Drill for Game Thursday

Shreveport Times December 3, 1946

 

Oil City, Dec. 3 (Special).-Unbeaten Oil City, the Northwest Louisi­ana class B champion, ran through its last heavy drills today in preparation for Thursday night's North Louisiana class B title contest in  Tallulah. Kickoff time for the encounter has been set for 7:30 p.m.

 

The Oilers, better known as the Tigers, skippered by Earl Nolan, one-time Centenary star, has a squad of 17 players, but uses only about four substitutes per game.

 

The teams record includes victories over Vivian, 13-12, Cotton Valley 6-0, Byrd juniors 27-13 and 13-0, Fair Park B team 27-0, Plain Dealing 31-0, Haughton 37-0, Mooringsport 6-0. Logansport 20-13, and Rodessa 27-0.

 

Sparked by Glenn Burton, triple-threat halfback and one of the fin­est passers in class B football, the squad depends more on speed than on weight for their power. Charles Bunting, fast right end and former serviceman who saw 16 months duty in the navy, has been elected captain of the 1946 eleven. Claude White, George Riley and James Decue make up the remainder of the starting Oil City backfield.

 

 Coach Nolan has several linemen who make up in speed and drive what they lack in weight, and several are being mentioned as allstate material. Clarence Boyter, Lee Ellis Martin, and Elvin Walling, the first two tackles and the last a guard, have all shown outstanding ability in games to date. Jack Green, a 145‑pound center, has not missed a minute of offense play all season, and Ernest Davis, guard and Alvin Densmore, end, are another pair of "iron men" expected to draw starting as­signments in Thursday's game.

 

Tallulah Wins North Louisiana Class B Grid Title

Shreveport Times December 5, 1946

Tallulah, La., Dec. 5 (Special).—scoring almost at will, Tallulah high  school defeated the Oil City Oilers, 46 to 12 here tonight to win the North Louisiana Class B high school football championship. Tallulah will meet the winner of the Slidell-Vinton contest to be played Friday night, for the state championship.

 

Bill Jones, an elusive halfback, and a leading contender for all-state honors, gave the big crowd many thrills as he scored five touchdowns for Tallulah. Riley (?) scored the other two, the first on a forward pass that netted a gain of 65 yards and the other on an end sweep that was good for about 70 yards. Wilkins kicked four extra points.

 

Oil city did not even threaten until the last quarter. With Tallulah reserves on the field in the final period the visitors made two scores.

 

At the second of the second half Jones took Oil City's kickoff and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown.

 

TALLULAH TRIMS OIL CITY, 46-12

Big Crowd Sees Trojans Cop North Louisiana Football Crown

Shreveport Times December 6, 1946

 

TALLULAH, La., Dec. 6.-(Special) --One of the largest crowds ever to attend a Tallulah High School football game was out Thursday night to see the Trojans cop the North Louisiana Class B championship when they defeated Oil City, 46 to 12.

 

Although the game was a little one sided the spectators saw some fine football. One of the most outstanding plays in the game took place in the third quarter when Bill Jones, the star of the Trojan team, took the ball on the kickoff and ran 85 yards through the entire Oil City eleven, for a touchdown.

 

Riley, halfback for Oil City, made their two touchdowns and otherwise played outstanding ball, but the Trojans were too much for him. Both of his scores were made in the fourth quarter of the game.

 

Jones made five touchdowns. "Fisty" Wilkins, fullback, kicked four extra points and made one touchdown. Hancock, quarterback, made the other touchdown for the Trojans.

 

Keller, left end and last year all-state, played outstanding ball on his end runs and tackles.

 

Tomorrow night Slidell will play Vinton for the South Louisiana cham­pionship. The winner of this game will play Tallulah for the Louisiana state championship.

 

 

Trojans Take North La. Title; Best Oil City 46-12

Jones' Swiftness And Fancy Ball Handling Again Proves Too Much For Opponents

Madison Journal December 13, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

It is with deepest regrets that a full account of last Friday night's game cannot be published. The story of the game, between Tallulah and Oil City, was written, but along with the notes, was destroyed by fire. However, a brief resume of the game will be found below.

 

A crowd of well over 2000 fans was on hand to see the Trojans defeat the Oil City Tigers 46 to 12 to win the North Louisiana Championship in the Class B division.

 

Bill Jones, star halfback for the Trojans, once again proved himself one of the State's fastest and shiftiest backs when he eluded tack­lers time and again and raced down the field to cross the enemy goal line to score for the Trojans.

 

Noel Wilkins, the boy with the educated toe, kicked the extra points along with making two touchdowns. The other Warrior scoring for Tallulah was Carl Lee Hancock, quarterback, who scored on a quarterback sneak.

 

The whole forward wall of the Trojans together with the backfield, played brilliant ball from start to finish, each block and tac­kle being executed according to schedule. The first score of the contest came early in the first period when Jones, after a Trojan drive deep in Tiger territory, drove over into pay dirt from the 20. Wilkins kicked and the score was 7 to 0.

 

Each time the Tigers were in possession of the ball, the Trojans held them for no gain.

 

Late in the first quarter Jones again went into the end zone bring­ing the score to 13. Wilkins' kick was again good and the standing was now 14 to 0.

 

Jones again in the second per­iod, behind beautiful blocking, raced 64 yards to chalk up another tally for the Trojans. The attempt for extra point failed and the score was 20 to 0. Wilkins followed up several plays later by scoring another tally for the Trojans. The kick was good putting Tallulah in the lead, 26 to 0.

 

During the half time ceremonies something new was added to the Tallulah High band. Mr. Gautreaux, the band director, dressed in full regalia including his tall white drum major hat, together with Gene Wallace, led the band in their performance. After marching onto the field, the band spelled out Trojans in sections, then ren­dered the Alma Mater before marching off the field.

 

With play resumed again on the field, Oil City kicked off to the Tal­lulah 18 where Bill Jones took it and raced 84 yards running straight down the center of the field to the mid-field stripe then reversing his field, and crossing the Tiger goal to bring the score to 32. Wilkins' kick was again good giving Tallulah a 33 to 0 margin.

 

Keller, on an end around play, set up another touchdown play to the 13. After advancing to the 4, Hancock, on a quarterback sneak, plunged over the goal. Try for extra point failed leaving the score 39 to 0.

 

The final score for the Trojans came in the final period, when Jones streaked from his own 45 down the field through the entire Tiger team crossing the goal stand­ing up. Wilkins again kicked the trailing extra point. The Tigers were now 46 to 0.

 

The Tallulah second team was then sent in giving the first team, a well deserved rest. After a drive to the Trojan 37, Riley went into the Warrior end zone to score for the Tigers. Attempt failed and the Tigers were now on the short end of a 46 to 6 count.

 

With just a few minutes remain­ing in the game, a pass thrown from the Tiger 40 was completed to the Trojan 20, and was carried over for another tally. Again the attempt failed, leaving the count 46 to 12 in favor of the Trojans.

 

It can well be said that this was a very unusual game due to the fact that Tallulah was forced to punt only twice during the entire game.

 

Winning this contest, the Trojans are now the North Louisiana champions in the Class B division, entitling them to play Slidell for the State Championship.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah: 14 12 13    7—46

Oil City:     0   0   0  12 —12

Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Jones (5), Wilkins Hancock (1).

Oil City: Riley (2).

Conversions:

Tallulah: Wilkins.

Substitutes:

Tallulah: Holley Joe, Holley Hue, Elledge, Smith, Parker, Lee, Thomas, Cloutier, Sevier, Erwin, Verhagen, Christian, Laird, Williams, Harrop, Cox, Bailey.     

 

Tallulah Scene of Class B Title Contest Friday

Shreveport Times December 10, 1946

Tallulah, Dec. 10 (Special).—The Tallulah high school Trojans who defeated Oil City last Thursday night 46-12 for the North Louisiana Class B championship will meet Slidell, the southern titleholder, here Friday night for the state crown. Starting at 8 p.m., the game will be played on the Legion field.

 

Bill Jones, 149-pound halfback, has been the main cog in the Tallulah machine all season and is being boosted for all-state honors this season. Noel Wilkins, 190-pound wingback and one of the hardest running and blocking backfield men in state class B competition, is also the team's punter. Wilkins and Billy Keller, all-state end last year, are both strong candidates for this year's mythical eleven.  Keller, who has shown improvement over his stellar play last season, is a six-footer weighing in at 170 pounds.

 

Out of 11 games played this season, the Tallulah boys lost only one game, a 20-0 setback at the hands of the Northeast class A champion Bastrop Rams. Scores for the season include: Tallulah 33, L.T.I. 0; 58, Oak Grove 6: 44, Delhi 13; 46, New­ellton 13; 26, Rayville 7; 27, St. Aloysius 7;27, Neville 0; 26, Winnsboro 13; 35, Ferriday 7; 46, Oil City 12.

 

TALLULAH HOST TO TITLE GAME

Trojans Meet Slidell For Class B Grid Championship Of State

Monroe News-Star December 11, 1946

TALLULAH, La., Dec. 11.-(Spe­cial)-The Tallulah High School Tro­jans who defeated Oil City last Thursday night 46 to 12 for the North Louisiana Class B championship will meet the Slidell Class B champs of South Louisiana here at Legion Field Friday night.

              ,

The Tallulah team in all probabil­ity will place at least three men on the Class B all-state team. Bill Jones, 149 pound halfback, has been the main spark plug this season. Tallulah rates Jones next to "Slick" Morton who played on the Class B championship team some ten years back. Jones is rated the fastest tailback in any high school of the state. Noel "Fisty" Wilkins, 190-pound wingback is a consistent ground gain­er and his punting has played a very important part in Tallulah's victories this season. Wilkins is powerful and hard to stop on his off tackle plays.

 

Last year's all-state left end Billy Keller who enjoyed breaking up Oil City's plays last week is a six-footer weighing 170 pounds. Keller is much better than last year and Slidell will be seeing lots of him Friday night.

 

Out of eleven games played this season, the Tallulah boys lost one game by 20 to 0 to the Class A Bastrop Rams.

The record:

Tallulah             Opponents

33                        L. T. I                   0

58                        Oak Grove        6

44                        Delhi                  13

0                          Bastrop              20

46                        Newellton        13

26                        Rayville             7

26                        St. Aloysius       7

27                        Neville               0

26                        Winnsboro       13

35                        Ferriday             7

46                        Oil City               12

 

The game will start promptly at 8 o'clock.

 

Officials for the game are to be selected from the Baton Rouge Offi­cials Association.

 

 

TALLULAH VIES WITH SLIDELL

State Class B Grid Title at Stake Tonight

New Orleans Times-Picayune December 12, 1946

Records of the teams:

Slidell                                                                          Tallulah

18          NOA                                  6                          33          L. T. I.                  0

13          Kenner                             7                          58          Oak Grove        6

25          St. MartinviIle               13                        44          Delhi                  13

18          Jefferson                         0                          0            Bastrop              20

13          St. Paul                             6                          46          Newellton        13

21          Varnado                          0                          26          Rayville             7

13          Catholic High                 7                          26          St. Aloysius       7

26          Vinton                              7                          27          Neville               0

                                                                                      26          Winnsboro       13

                                                                                      35          Ferriday             7

                                                                                      46          Oil City               12

(Special to The Times-Picayune)

Tallulah, La., Dec. 12.--Tallulah's High school Trojans tapered off today on Legion Field, fully realizing that they would receive their sternest test Friday night when they clash with the South Louisiana class B champions, the Slidell Tigers, for the state title. The kickoff is slated for 8 o'clock here.

 

Bill Jones 149-pound halfback, recognized to the principal spark plug of the once-beaten North Louisiana champs, was ready, from all indications, to lead his mates to their 12th victory and the class B banner of Louisiana. Jones is the widely heralded whirlwind who is rated the fast­est tailback in the state, and who is often compared with "Slick"' Morton who paced the class B championship team 10 years ago. Ready to aid Rapid William are two other all-state candidates. Noel "Fisty" Wilkins, 190-pound wingback who has been a con­sistent ground-gainer, and whose punting has played an important role in Tallulah's grid success and end Billy Keller, a 6-footer who starred last week in throwing back Oil City's powerful attack. Keller was an all-state left end last season.

 

Tallulah lost one game, 20-0, in 11 starts, bowing to the class A Bastrop Rams in midseason. Wilkins and Jones really exploded offensively in earning the North district title, trouncing Oil City, 46-12.

 

Slidell, defending state champions will he paced by the speedy elusive Eddie Mayfield. Mayfield will be making a strong bid for all-prep B team honors. When Eddie isn't toting the mail, Tommy Holden. Bernie Strouzfus or Captain Warren Allen handle the ball-carrying.

 

The South Louisiana cham­pions had to win three games in eight days in order to be ready for Friday's battle. In the last two tilts, Slidell edged Catholic High, 13-7, and romped over Vinton, 26 to 7.

 

13th Game Friday 13^th For La. Championship

Madison Journal December 13, 1946

Tonight at 8 p. m., the Tallulah High Trojans will clash with the Slidell High Eleven for the 13th  contest to decide the State Champions in the Class B division.

 

Slidell has been undefeated this season, defeating Vinton 26 to 6, to capture the Southern championship, earning them the right to play for State. This will be their first trip North to play for the crown.

 

The team as a whole averages 159 pounds, and boasts of having three all-state men last year, Gomez, 209 tackle; Mayfield, second string back, 141; and Par­ker, 175 pound halfback.

 

Tallulah was defeated once this year, and defeating Oil City 46-12 earned them the title of North La. champions, giving them the chance to play for the State title. The Trojan squad averages 150 pounds and has one all-state of last year, Billy Keller, end weigh­ing 165. Besides Keller are two honorable mentions; Joe Halbach, 145 pound tackle, and Bill Jones, 155 pound halfback.

 

 Being played on Friday 13th, this game should be packed with thrills and surprises from start to finish according to latest reports. A crowd from between 2000 to 3000 fans is expected to be on hand to witness the contest.

 

Following the game a dance will be held in the high school auditorium. Everyone is invited to join in the merry making.

 

 

Tallulah Defeats Slidell To Seize State Grid Title

Vicksburg Evening Post December 14, 1946

 

TALLULAH, La., Dec. 14 --Tallulah's mighty Trojans were undisputed Class B champions of Louis­iana's football world today after a crushing display of power and speed which completely eclipsed the south Louisiana champions from Slidell.

 

The Trojans walked off the field with a 38-0 victory tucked among their trophies, plus a lasting mem­ory of a brilliant grid machine that performed its respective roles like the wheels in a fine watch.

 

Bill Jones and Noel "Fisty" Wil­kins again contributed the brilliant highlights, while Captain Bill Kel­ler threw in a performance which ran circles around his opposing ends. Jones raced for two touchdowns and an extra point, galloping half the length of the field on one score. He made other long runs which gave the Trojans an edge and continually threatened the Sli­dell goal line.

 

The south-Louisiana Tigers threatened the Tallulah line only one time, and counted only six first downs, three of which came on successive penalties against Tallu­lah. The three penalties came late in the game and contributed to a 74-yard march by the Tigers to Tallulah's 16-yard line.

 

In scoring Jones and Wilkins shared honors, scoring touchdowns, with two each. Jones scored both of his In the first half, driving through three yards for the first and galloping 47 yards for the second. After the half he set up another score with a 30-yard sprint. Wilkins crossed the touchdown line.

 

Keller contributed to the next touchdown with a brilliant end-around and Fisty Wilkins did the rest with a 32 yard run. Wilkins intercepted a Tiger pass moments later on the 28 .and raced to the 14. Another end-around by Keller, brilliant drives by Jones and Wilkins put the ball one yard out. Hancock drove over on a quarterback sneak.

 

Williamson kicked the extra point making the score 31 to 0. Wilkins set up the final touchdown with a 13-yard run setting the ball On Slidell's 19. Again, however, It was Keller who did the sensational, running out to the sideIines faking an end-around, then heaving a pass to Bill Williamson for the touchdown. Wilkins kicked the point.

Starting Line-ups:

Tallulah             Position             Slidell

Keller                 LE                        Nunez

Halbach             LT                        Gomez

Elledge              LG                        Stoltzfus

Curry                  C                          Holdsworth

Murphy             RG                       Pierce

Halbach             RT                        Hursey

Williamson       RE                        Panks

Hancock            QB                       Broom

Jones                  LH                        Parker

Ogden                RH                       Mayfield

Wilkins              FB                        Allen
Score By Quarters:

Tallulah             6 6 19 7—38

Slidell                 0 0  0  0 —0

Scoring touchdowns: Tallulah—Wilkins (2) ; Jones, (2) ; Hancock; WiIlamson

Points after touchdowns — Wilkins, Williamson (place).

Officials for the game—Avants, (Tulane) referee; Higginbotham (LSU) umpire; Boyet (LSU) field judge; Madden (LSU) head linesman.

 

Tallulah Wins State Class B Title

BY JIMMIE ALEXANDER

(The Times-Picayune Staff Correspondent)

New Orleans Times-Picayune December 14, 1946

 

Tallulah, La., Dec. 14. – Two genuine Damascus brands of football weapons carved their names indelibly in Tallulah football his­tory when Billy Jones and Noel Wilkins produced a 38-0 trounc­ing over the Cinderella Slidell team before 4000 chilled specta­tors here Friday night at Legion Field.

 

By blasting the South Louisiana champions, Coach Devon Payne's eleven walked off the field with the state Class B banner for the first time.

 

The well-conditioned, never-quitting group of Trojans domi­nated the game every minute of the way, making 12 first downs to Slidell's four. Jones and Wilkins proved themselves to be among the foremost breakawayers in their league. The Tigers, who had to battle three foes in eight days, couldn't stand up to the on­slaught which the yardage-grabbing Aces threw at them.

 

Coach Howard Barker's Slidell team looked sluggish and played that way most of the time. Barker's boys played 14 games this season and the wear and tear of the grid grind showed clearly tonight. Tallulah was alert and "up" while Slidell, a great high school team, was decidedly weary from the start.

 

Tallulah tried hard to run up the score, substituting very sel­dom, and using the big guns who had helped the Trojans comet to their first state title.

 

The unstoppable scoring corps of Bill Jones and Noel "Fisty" Wilkins, operating behind a line which shot the opposition to smithereens, turned in all-state performances.

 

Starting lineups:

Slidell                 Position            Tallulah

Panics                LE                        Williamson

Gomez               LT                        B. Halbach

Stoltzfus            LG                        Elledge

Holdsworth      Center                Curry

Pierce                 RG                       Murphy

Hursey               RT                        J. Halbach

Nunez                RE                        Keller

Broom                QB                       Hancock

Parker                LH                        Jones

Mayfield           RH                       Wilkins

Allen                   FB                        Ogden

Slidell                 0 0  0   0—0

Tallulah             6 6 19 7—38
Scoring touchdowns: Tallulah, Jones 2. Wilkins 2 Hancock, Williams.

Extra points, Williamson, Wilkins.

First downs, Slidell 4, Tallulah 12.      

Penalties, Slidell, 33 yards; Tallulah, 85 yards.

Substitutions, Slidell, Wichard, Garrett, Wactor, Holden, Porter, Hinton, Bertram, Crawford, Giordano; Tallulah, Holley, Smith.

Officials –Referee; Avants (Tulane); headlinesman, Madden (LSU); umpire, Higginbotham (LSU), field judge, Boyet.

 

 

TALLULAH TAKES SLIDELL, 38 TO 0

Large Crowd Sees Trojans Cop Class B State Championship

Monroe News-Star December 13, 1946

 

TALLULAH, La., Dec. 13.--(Spe­cial)-Tallulah High School's classy Trojan eleven romped over Slidell, 38 to 0 here tonight to win the Class B football championship of Louisiana. The largest crowd ever to see a football game here was on hand to watch the lopsided Trojan triumph.

 

The South Louisiana champions were no match for Tallulah, which defeated Oil City for the North Loui­siana title. With "Fisty" Wilkins and Bill Jones carrying the mail in impressive fashion for the Trojans, the local club piled up an overwhelming margin of yardage and were never in danger.

 

The Trojans scored one touchdown in the first quarter and one in the second to hold a 12-0 advantage at the half and then poured it on with three markers in the third and one in the fourth with substitutes sprinkled throughout their lineup. Tallulah add­ed two extra points, with Williamson making one and Wilkins the other.

 

Wilkins scored two touchdowns, with Jones also tallying two, while Holly, Hancock and Williamson each adding one. Jones turned in a 50-yard run, while Wilkins consistently gain­ed 15 or 20 yards.

 

Besides Wilkins and Jones, Kellar, all-state end, and the Halbach broth­ers, Booney and Joe, tackles, were outstanding for Tallulah.

 

Allen was the standout player for Slidell.

 

The lineups:

Slidell                 Pos.      Tallulah

Nunez                LE          Kellar

Gomez               LT          B. Halbach

Stolzfus             LG         Washburn

Holdsworth      C            Curry

Pierce                 RG         Murphy

Hursey               RT         J. Halbach

Panks                 RE         Williamson

Broom                QB         Tallulah

Parker                LH         Jones

Mayfield           RH         Wilkins

Allen                   FB          Ogden

 

Tallulah Cops State Crown;

Romps Slidell Tigers 38-0

Jones, Keller, Wilkins Outstanding For Trojans

Madison Journal December 20, 1946

By Crayton Laughman

 

Friday night's game was one that will long be remembered by the ci­tizens of Tallulah, as well as the Trojans. It was the first time since 1934 that Tallulah High won the La. State Championship in the Class B division.

 

Although being the underdogs and being outweighed at least 8 pounds, the Trojans proved themselves the stronger of the two when they trounced the Slidell Tigers 38 to 0 before a crowd larger than any that has ever witnessed a high school football game in this part of the state. Even with an additional 1500 bleacher seats, the fans were standing from one end of the field to the other. Spectators started pouring into the stands around 6:00, and before 7:00 the stands were almost filled to capacity.

 

Billy Keller, Captain for the Trojans and Mayfield, Captain for the Tigers, met in the center of the field, and Mayfield won the toss and elected to receive defending the West goal.

Wilkins got off a nice kick to the Tiger 12 where Mayfield ran it back to the 26. After several plays the Tigers fumbled, and Tallulah recovered on the 29. Keller, on an end around, reached the 27 and Jones then moved to the 13 for a first. Wilkins took over and in two plays advanced to the 6. Slidell was then penalized for unnecessary roughness which moved the ball to the 3. Hancock tried for no gain and Jones on the next play plowed over to score for the Trojans. Wilkins' attempt for extra point was bad leaving the score 6 to 0.

 

Taking the kick on the Tiger 8, Allen advanced to the 44. Again a penalty of 5 yards was inflicted against Slidell, this time for backfield in motion. On an attempt around right end, Mayfield was hit hard by Wilkins after a 4 yard gain. Unable to advance any further, Slidell punted to the Trojan 13.

 

Taking the ball on the 13, Jones picked up a first down on the 27. Wilkins moved to the 37, where Ogden, trying to go off left tackle, fumbled, recovered by Slidell on the Tallulah 39. Again the Tiger backfield was in motion, causing them another loss of 5 yards. After two plays, a pass from Mayfield to Nunez was good to the Trojan 30, where Wilkins was again in fast to bring him down. At this time Tallulah was penalized 5 yards for offsides. Another pass by Mayfield was in­tercepted by Jones on the 20, but play was called back, Tallulah being

offsides. Mayfield attempting to run wide around his own left end was thrown for a 5 yard loss by Curry, who broke through fast. Again a pass to Nunez was good to the Trojan 25 where Wilkins again made the tackle.

 

Tallulah took possession of the ball on their own 26 and Jones on the first play, went off right guard to the 38, where Ogden advanced 3 more yards. This ended the first period with Tallulah in front by the score of 6 to 0.

 

With Tallulah still in possession of the ball, Keller on an end around, picked up 5 yards, Wilkins to the 49, where on a handoff from Jones, Ogden fumbled, recovered by Slidell.

 

Parker hit the center of the line for no gain, and Wilkins on the next play intercepted a pass on the 32 and raced to the Slidell 19 before being brought down by several Tiger tacklers. Wilkins again carrying the ball, moved to the 8, where Tallu­lah was penalized 15 yards for holding, which moved the ball back to the 23. A pass from Jones to Wilkins was complete to the 16, where Jones again passed, this time to Keller in the end zone, but was dropped. Once again Jones passed to Wilkins on the 7 yard line, but the ball went over to Slidell first and ten.

 

Allen on a fake kick, picked up 4 yards, and Mayfield advanced to the 19. Too much time in the huddle caused Slidell to lose 5 yards. Trying right end, Allen was thrown for a yard loss by J. Halbach. Being fourth down, the Tigers punted out of bounds on the mid-field stripe.

 

Jones, going around his own right end, traveled 47 yards through the entire team zigzagging down the field to cross the Tiger goal to again score for the Trojans. This now put the Trojans in the lead 12 to 0. An intended pass for the extra point failed, leaving the standing 12 to 0.

 

A fumble by Slidell was recovered by Tallulah on the Tiger 35.  Wilkins, on a fake reverse around his right end, dashed to the Tiger 16. Receiving a pass from Jones, Wilkins advanced to the 10, but not being enough for a first down, the ball went over to Slidell. After one play the first half ended with the Tigers on the short end of a 12 to 0 count.

 

The Slidell Green Jackets, num­bering around forty, paraded onto the field forming several formations, including an S for Slidell and a T for the Trojans. Following the Tallulah High band march­ed on the field, and after circling marched to the Tallulah side, where the flood lights were turned off, and certain members of the band had small lights on their caps which formed a Christmas tree. During this ceremony the band sang "Jin­gle Bells." When the lights were again turned on the band rendered the Alma Mater, under the direction of Mr. Gautreaux, the band master. The Tallulah band, as has been said before, has achieved much since the beginning of the season under Mr. Gautreaux's able direction, and is a credit to the school.

 

In the beginning of the third period, Slidell kicked off to Tal­lulah, where Jones took it on the 40. Ogden picked up 5, and Jones then, from his own 45 raced down to the Tiger 26, behind a beautiful block thrown by Boone Halbach. Wilkins carried from the 26 over left tackle to the Tiger 11. Keller 2 on an end around, sprinted to the 3. Ogden to the 2 and Wilkins pushed over for the tally. The kick was no good, and Tallulah was now in front by the score of 18 to 0.      

 

Receiving the Trojan kickoff on the 16, Mayfield made way to the 33. Fading back to throw a pass, Mayfield was smothered and thrown for a 5 yard loss back on the 28. Gaining no yardage on several tries, the Tigers punted to the Trojan 38. The Trojans, likewise not being able to gain substantial yardage, punted to the Slidell 22, this being the first time for the Trojans to punt during the game. The punt however, was called back, Slidell being penalized 15 yards for roughing the kicker. This gave the Trojans a first down on the Slidell 43.

Keller, on an end around, reached the 31 for a first. Wilkins from his own 31, raced down the center of the field, crossing over to the left sidelines, stiff-arming his way to the Tiger end zone, chalking up another tally for the Trojans. The kick was low and the standing was now 24 to 0.

 

Kicking off for Tallulah, Wilkins raced down the field to make the tackle on the Tiger 23. Then on the next play, Wilkins intercepted a pass on the 28 and reached the 14 before being downed. Again Kel­ler, on an end around, picked up 5 yards, but Tallulah was inflicted with a 15 yard penalty for the il­legal use of hands on the offensive. From the Tiger 21, Wilkins plowed down to the 4, where Jones took over and advanced the ball to the 1 foot line. Hancock, on a quarterback sneak, crossed over to score for Tallulah. This put Tal­lulah in the lead 30 to 0. Williamson's kick was good giving Tallulah a 31 to 0 margin.

 

Allen of Slidell advanced to the 41 from the 15 as the third period ended. A pass from Mayfield to Nunez on the Tallulah 44 from the 40 was complete, and Mayfield, on the next play, was thrown for a 4 yard loss by Wilkins. Kicking on the last down, the Tigers punted to Jones on the Tallulah 6, where he returned to the 20. Ogden pick­ed up 7 more yards to the 27. Wil­kins taking over carried to the 19, from his own 32, a run of 49 yards. A spiraling pass thrown by Keller to Williamson in the end zone was good for another touchdown, Wilkins kicked the extra point making the score 38 to 0.

 

Taking Wilkins' kick on the Ti­ger 10, Mayfield slipped and was down on the 11. Tallulah then drew 15 yards for unnecessary roughness. An intended lateral by the Tigers was fumbled but recovered, which caused a 10 yd. loss. Again Tallulah drew 15 yards for unnecessary roughness, And on the next play, 15 more yards against Tallulah for unnecessary roughness. Mayfield reached the Tallulah 21 from the Tiger 35, but after several plays the ball went over to the Trojans first and ten.

 

With just a few seconds left to play in the ball game, the Trojans picked up several yards, but time ran out on them, and the game ended with Tallulah in front 38 to 0, giving them the undisputed title of Louisiana State Champions in the Class B Division.

 

Jones and Wilkins could well be called Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, using the Davis-Blanchard style. Ball handling as has not been witnessed in quite some time, was de­monstrated by these two boys Friday night...Truly a great exhibition of football.

 

The same holds true for the forward wall of the Trojans. Try, though they may, the Tigers could not pierce the Trojan line. Outstanding in the forward wall for the Trojans were, Norman Murphy, guard; Joe and Boone Halbach, tackles, Hess Curry, center.

The Trojans rounded out the 1946 football season with a total of 412 points to their opponents 117 points.

 

Score by quarters:

Tallulah             6 6 19 7-38

Slidell                 0 0   0 0-0
Touchdowns:

Tallulah: Jones (2), Wilkins (2), Hancock (1), Williamson (1).

Conversions:

Tallulah: Williamson, Wilkins.

First downs:

Tallulah             12

Slidell                   4
Substitutes:

Tallulah: J. Holley, Washburn.

 

EPILOGUE

Where are the players today?

 

First Team

 

Substitutes