Ascension Advocate 10-08-2025

Darlene Denstorff

AROUND ASCENSION

Trunk-orTreat planned

Small-business owners of Ascension Parish are hosting Nightmare on Highway 30

Trunk-or-Treat from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Tanger Outlets in Gonzales.

The event will include candy, prizes, haunted bus and costume contest.

Arc plans Halloween event

Arc of East Ascension is holding its Truck-or-Treat drivethru Halloween event Oct 15 at its Gonzales Center

The group is looking for trucks to take part in the fifth annual event. To volunteer or sign up your vehicle, call (225) 621-2000 or email info@thearcea.org.

Cancer awareness program planned

Community Sisterhood is planning a Cancer Awareness

Month event from 3 p.m to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at Progressive Baptist Church, 36093 La. 73, in Geismar

Honoring Ozzy Osbourne

The music of Ozzy Osbourne will be performed Oct 11 at VFW Post 3693 at 42430 Church Point Road, Gonzales.

The tribute concert will benefit Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center at Barrow Neurological Institute. Admission is $20 at the door

Food distributions set Ascension Parish’s commodity distribution is set for the second Tuesday of each month in Donaldsonville and the second Wednesday of the month in Gonzales.

Distributions are from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Frank Sotile Jr Pavilion in Donaldsonville and the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

All recipients must be prequalified by visiting the Ascension Parish Health Unit 1024 E. Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales, or Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St., in Donaldsonville. Call Layne Melancon at (225) 4501006 or email layne.melancon@ fmolhs.org.

Blood drive Oct. 29

Ascension Parish Government is holding a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Ascension Parish Governmental Complex parking lot. For more information, call (225) 765-8843.

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS

Week 5 highlighted by Dutchtown comeback, wins by Spartans, Bulldogs, Lions, Tigers, Hurricanes

It was nearly a clean sweep in the parish with six of seven teams winning; the only blemish was a district game with parish rivals that went to the wire.

The Dutchtown Griffins trailed 28-14 at halftime, only to storm back with 21 secondhalf points and edged St. Amant 35-28. St. Amant (4-1) took its first loss of the season. The Griffins moved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in district play Junior quarterback Owen Fletcher led the comeback with a passing touchdown to Carter Hedden and 240 rushing yards along with two rushing touchdowns. Coach Guy Mistretta believes in this team and is inspired by the players’ will to win “Handling adversity is probably the one trait we discuss the most. You don’t know how your team will respond until they are put in a situation,” Mistretta said. “Our guys got better as the game went

on, we gained confidence as the game got to the fourth quarter

“The staff couldn’t be prouder, and we hope to build on this.”

A key player in the win and someone who has been consistent this season is senior Martell Rogers. The wide receiver does everything for the Griffins, including a game-sealing interception late in the game. Rogers also had an 81-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Mistretta said he sees a transformation in Rogers that is amazing.

“We are so proud of Martell, his growth has been amazing,” Mistretta said. “He was a guy early in his high school years figuring out where he would fit on this team. He is now a leader and makes plays

Spartan pride was on parade Friday as East Ascension High inducted its latest class to the Wall and Hall of Fame and crowned homecoming king and queen.

King Jason Blackburn and Queen Heidi Berthelot reigned over the festivities. While most of the Hall and Wall of Fame members had been announced in advance, one member was a surprise inductee.

Longtime EA educator Jamie Andrews was inducted into the school’s Wall of Fame for her 32 years of service to the school. Other inductees included Kent Schexnaydre, Levan Jackson, Valencia LeBlanc, Robbie Latuso and the Thaddaeus Pinell family

Longtime East Ascension High teacher James Andrews, third from left, is surprised Friday with a Wall of Fame induction for 32 years of service at the school. She’s holding her great-nephew Matthew Guedry.

ä More photos. PAGE

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PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP

St. John Primary and St. Theresa Middle School’s annual Festival of Friends entertained thousands with carnival rides, games, Cajun food and home baked goodies. The popular festival included a mini-pot jambalaya cooking contest and student dance performances while introducing a new activity bingo, during the two-day schools’ fundraiser

In addition to the fair, the schools will host a Monster Dash Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 25.

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Oubres meeting in Donaldsonville Oct. 10 for family reunion

BY WENDY LOUP

Contributing writer

Strengthening old bonds while meeting new members, the Oubre family will continue its large fall family reunion in Donaldsonville at the Lemann Memorial Center More than 1,000 people related to the Vacherie Oubre family will travel to Donaldsonville on Saturday, Oct. 11. The planning for the reunion is extensive and includes committees, subcommittees and several documents and spreadsheets, reunion organizer Myla Oubre said The Oubre family originated from Vacherie and are the descendants of Louis Alphonse and Miranthe Steib Oubre.

The Oubres have already planned and executed a large re-

union 10 years ago. It was a large project back then, as it still is today Myla Oubre said.

“Our last reunion was held in October 2015, so in keeping with tradition we decided to do it again in October 10 years later,” Oubre said. “In 2015, there were 2,500 people in attendance, so we were kind of prepared to deal with a large crowd.

“I formed a committee, and we just went at it We held monthly meetings, formed subcommittees, and kept everyone updated via social media,” Oubre added.

Oubre said communication has been the key to successful planning.

“I am constantly putting out communication to keep everyone informed,” Oubre added. “I created a document for participants

to fill out, and from there I created a spreadsheet to keep up with attendees.”

The Oubres started planning for the upcoming October reunion a year ago. Most of the family lives in Vacherie, but the Lemann Memorial Center met the family’s needs.

“Our biggest obstacle was finding a location that accommodates such a large crowd,” Oubre said. “Due to the vast number of people, the reunion is the only activity planned for the families. The reunion will be full of activities for everyone from bingo to line dancing.”

Oubre said one benefit for Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish and Baton Rouge will be the amount of family members staying in local hotels and visiting restaurants. The Oubre reunion is important to

Myla Oubre because it is an opportunity for the older relatives to meet new family members while reconnecting with the past generations.

“Life pulls us in many directions work, school, and responsibilities, but when we come together, we are reminded of what truly matters,” Oubre said. “It’s a chance to laugh, enjoy each other, tell stories and strengthen our bond.”

The Oubre reunions always provide stories and memories that will be told again and again, Oubre said.

“We had a family reunion in 1988, and if you ask anyone what they remember about that reunion they will say, ‘mud,’” Oubre said with a laugh. “The reunion was in Gravois Park in Vacherie, and it literally rained so much The entire park was muddy We were all

muddy, but we had fun.” Oubre said despite all of the work that goes into organizing large reunions, there are many positive aspects.

“I think my family will get a deeper sense of connection and Oubre pride out of this reunion,” she said. “Having so many loved ones travel from near and far shows just how strong our family bond really is.

“More than anything, we will walk away with a renewed appreciation for our roots, our traditions and the love that ties us together.”

Oubre and her family plans to continue many more large reunions.

“It has been overwhelming planning this, but nothing beats the joy of seeing my family truly enjoy themselves,” Oubre said.

in all three phases of the game.”

St. Amant QB Cooper Babin had another big night with 235 yards passing and three touchdowns. Wideouts Landon Blanchard and Jermichael Millien caught touchdown passes. The Gators will be right back at it with a big district game at Walker Dutchtown has a bye this week and will continue preparing for some tough games to come. Around the parish

Ascension Catholic 49, Episcopal 40

The Bulldogs won a shootout with the Knights on the road. They were led by senior running back Trevin Simon, who had 283 yards rushing, five rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown. His season total is up to 1,044 yards and 15 total touchdowns.

Coach Taylor James said he continues to be impressed by his senior leader and the play of his offensive line.

“Trevin was awesome, we leaned on him, and he answered the call every time we needed a play,” James said. “The offensive line had their best performance of the season; the young guys are starting to step up to go with our returning veterans. Our tight ends and receivers blocked all night. Trevin was not getting touched until 7-8 yards downfield on some players. We rushed for 350 yards and threw for nearly 150. The coaches were pleased with the effort and execution on offense.”

Sophomore quarterback Gregory Fernandez continues to improve each week and James sees the improvement.

“Greg played his best game of the season, he was poised in the pocket, able to get the ball to our playmakers in Simon, Johnny Viallon, Cy Landry, Jacob Julien and Kamryn Schexnayder,” James said. “Johnny is really coming into his own, he is not very big but he plays hard on every snap. I like how the skill guys compete and pull for each other, no matter who gets a touch.” Fernandez had a solid night with 66 yards rushing and 149 yards passing with two touchdown passing. Viallon had five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. The defense gave up forty points, but James is staying positive with his group.

“We knew coming into the season it would be learning curve, the offense we faced is tough to defend and coach Bourgeois and his staff do an outstanding job with it. We will continue to get reps, tackle better with angles and rally to the football,” James said.

Linebackers John Rob Daigle and Raif Melancon had 15 and 16 tackles respectively to lead. The Bulldogs (3-2) are done with nondistrict play and open district with an improved Ascension Christian team

“We need to continue to play complimentary football, be solid in all three phases as we start district play Everyone needs to understand their responsibilities. When the defense needed to step up in the second half, they did,” James said.

Prairieville 28, Walker 23

The Hurricanes picked up a huge district win over Walker in week five. Coach Mike Schmitt was excited about the win and the resilience of his team

“We are making strides every day We not only focus on football, but some off-the-field stuff as well, like grades, teamwork and focus,” he said” We have been able to get more technical with this group and we see progress each week, continue to build on this big win

QB Skylar Kelly had a big night in the victory and his coach likes what he sees.

“Skyler is really gaining confidence and learning the position He has some good weapons including several sophomores stepping up each week,” Schmitt said.

The Hurricane defense continues to impress the staff, and they stepped up again this week to help secure a victory

“Defensive end Brody Creel is senior leader and made a huge stop on fourth down We had some guys go down, other guys stepped up in big ways,” Schmitt said.

The Hurricanes (2-3) will face a very good East Ascension team at home this week

East Ascension 38, Live Oak 21

The Spartans (4-1) had an impressive win over a really good team in Live Oak. Senior linebacker Tony

Miles had a big night with three sacks and a fumble recovery Micha Levy added two interceptions, and Carson Landry added two sacks.

QB Zaylen Smith continues his good play with 231 yards passing and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Jayden Ursin had two touchdown receptions and an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

The Spartans travel to an improved Prairieville team in a district game. The focus will need to be on the Hurricanes and not look ahead to arguably the best rivalry in Louisiana high school football next week against St. Amant.

Other scores

Donaldsonville 36, White Castle 0

Tigers improve to 5-0 on the season, they have a tough 3 game stretch starting with Brusly this Friday on the road.

Ascension Christian 40, Houma Christian 0

The Lions are 3-2 and playing well this season. They will be on the road at Ascension Catholic on Friday

WEEK 6 SCHEDULE

n Donaldsonville at Brusly

n East Ascension at Prairieville

n St. Amant at Walker

n Ascension Christian at Ascension Catholic

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCORES AND STANDINGS

n Central 32, St. Amant 0

n Dutchtown 16, Lake 0

n Prairieville 26, Lowery 14

n Gonzales 33, Bluff 0

n Central 5-0

n Gonzales 4-0

n Galvez 3-1

n Dutchtown 3-2

n Prairieville 2-2

n Lake 1-3

n Bluff 1-3

n St. Amant 1-4

n Lowery 0-5

PARISH VOLLEYBALL RECORDS AND POWER RANKINGS

Division 1 n Dutchtown 14-9, No. 9

n St Amant 16-10, No. 15

n East Ascension 8-11, No. 31

n Prairieville 8-12, No.34

Division 4

n Donaldsonville 1-5, No. 39

Division 5

n Ascension Catholic 17-10, No. 6

n

AROUND

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Spook-Tacular Craft and Vendor Market

The outdoor event will feature arts and crafts from are vendors from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. on Oct. 18 and 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Oct. 19

Gonzales Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast set

The 35th annual City of Gonzales Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is Nov 4 at the PACE Center in Gonzales. This annual event brings together community leaders, faith-based organizations, and residents for a morning of reflection, unity and inspiration. Mayor Timothy “Tim” Riley has selected the guiding verse: “Finally all of you, be likeminded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” — 1 Peter 3:8

The event starts at 7 a.m. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting mayorsprayerbreakfast.eventbrite.com, or at Gonzales City Hall or the PACE Center For more information, call Jaycee Gill at (225) 647-7226.

Sweet potatoes, pecans on sale

It’s time for the annual 4-H sweet potatoes and pecan halves sale. Anyone interested in buying sweet potatoes or pecan halves can pre-order by Oct. 20 at the 4-H office. The products will be ready for pick up

from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov 19-20 at Lamar-Dixon Expo.

The sale includes sweet potatoes boxes of 20 pounds for $22 and 40 pounds for $35. A three pound box of peeled pecans is $30. To order, contact any Ascension Parish 4-Her the 4-H office or order online at lsuagcenter.com/ ascension4h. All proceeds benefit the Ascension Parish 4-H Foundation to increase scholarships and program. For more information, call (225) 621-5799.on Oct. 26.

Gonzales plans Fall Festival

The Price LeBlanc PACE Center will be the site of the Gonzales Fall Festival from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26. The festival includes an indoor truck or treat, pumpkin painting, music, carnival games, magic show and vendor market. Music in the Park date announced

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of free live music and family fun Nov 16 at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales for the fall Music in the Park fall session. Food truck and other vendors can email logan@ gonzalesla.com for registration information. All vendors must be licensed with the city

Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate. com or ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com.

EA celebrates royalty, Hall and Wall of Fame inductees