Ascension Advocate 12-10-2025

Gonzales lights up for Christmas

BY WENDY LOUP Contributing

A Taste of Christmas

Ascension Catholic went on the road to face top ranked Westminster Christian in the Division IV semifinals with one thing in mind: knock the door down. The Bulldogs have been to the semifinals two of the last three years, only to fall short. ACHS dominated the game and came away with a 4514 victory

The Bulldogs will face the second seeded Riverside in the finals at 3:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 11.

“This team has been close several times to playing for a state championship, we talked about knocking the door down, play our game and give us a chance to play for a state championship. I am proud of this group of players, coaches and support staff. Our support from the school, the parents, community, supporters of the program has been phenomenal,” coach Taylor James said.

James in his first season as the head coach takes the Bulldogs back to the Caesars Superdome for the first time since 2017-18 when the Bulldogs went in back-to-back seasons.

ACHS (11-2) jumped out to 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind running back Trevin Simon’s two touchdown runs. Simon finished with 367 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Those numbers pushed his season total to 3,768 rushing yards and 57 rushing touchdowns. He passed Xavier Ford, of Leesville, for the single season rushing record and touchdown record. Ford had 3,467 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns. These numbers are phenomenal, and James continues to be amazed by what his senior has accomplished.

“He is so humble and continues to give credit to his teammates and coaches,” James said. “Trevin is one of our leaders and hardest workers. He takes care of his business in the classroom; a college program will be lucky to have him on their campus. All he talks about is finishing and our team will have that opportunity against a very good Riverside team.”

The Bulldogs added three touchdowns in the second quarter to stretch the lead to 33-0 at the half. Simon added two more touchdowns and quarterback Greg Fernandez added a 37yard rushing touchdown. The Bulldog defense forced four punts and did not allow a first down until late in the second quarter

Linebacker John Rob Daigle

planning its Snow Ball for babies and toddlers at two branches this month.

The winter soiree for the library’s tiniest stars includes music, dancing, photo ops and a keepsake. Come cozy and casual or dressed to impress in your holiday best.

The events are at 10 a.m Dec. 13 at Dutchtown and Dec. 17 at Galvez.

Need pecans cracked?

The Arc of East Ascension is offering to crack pecans for 50 cents a pound

Drop off pecans from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1122 S East Ascension Complex Blvd. in Gonzales.

For information, call (225) 621-2000

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 a m 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 the Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St Contact Layne Melancon at (225) 450-1006 or layne.melancon@fmolhs.org Girl Scouts Louisiana East hosts babysitting workshop

Girls in grades five to 12 are invited to a free course led by the Louisiana Firefighters Foundation teaching important safety and responsibility skills.

The workshop will be from 9 a.m to 3 p.m Dec. 13 at the Girl Scout DreamLab, 3005 W. Cabela’s Parkway, Suite J, in Gonzales.

Most of the Cadette Babysitting Badge steps will be completed during this workshop, which is free, but preregistration is requested at tinyurl. com/37bet5x3.

Christmas lunch

Country Kitchen, 615 E. Ascension St., is opening up its Gonzales buffet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m Dec. 25. Visit countrykitchengonzales.com/ascensioncommunity-christmas

Fire departments plan Santa parades

Many local fire departments are set to escort Santa throughout the districts, some caroling along the way Area parade routes include:

Saturday Dec. 13, starting at 3 p.m.

n Parks at Dutchtown, Oak Run, Clare Court

n Dutchtown Meadows

n Cypress Ridge

n Kling Road, Hidden Point, Shadow Lake Drive, Chester Diez to Babin Road Babin Estates to KC Road back to La. 74; Sterling Ridge, Twin Oaks, Moss Point, Oak Knoll Drive, Lakes at Dutchtown and Oakburne Drive

n Deck Boulevard and Louis White Road

n Legacy Hills

n Dutchtown Villas and Highland Drive

Sunday, Dec 14, starting at 1:30 p.m.

n Rivergate

n Old Mill

n Plantation Creek

n Eaglesway

n Twin Lakes

n Thurston McCrory Road

n Francine Circle

n Stoney Point

n River Oaks Road

n Anderson and Stevenson roads

For information or to volunteer visit your department’s website or Facebook page.

Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 3880215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@ theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday

Blanchard, Joshua Barber Christopher Anthens, Kole Folse, Dayveon Geason, Hayden Turner and Peyton Ledet provided pressure all night against an offense that averaged nearly 50 points a game. The second half saw both teams score two touchdowns each. Simon added two rushing touchdowns and Westminster QB Steven George threw touchdown passes to Evan Lemon and Damien Thomas for the final tally

We played a complete game, the players executed the plan, and our offensive and defensive lines were good. Our defense backs were challenged all week, and they answered the call,” said James.

Bulldog defensive back Jacob Julien snatched his sixth interception of the season. Corners Cy Landry and Kamryn Schexnayder were tasked with covering the speedy receivers and answered the call.

Defensive back Shane Aucoin along with linebackers Daigle and Raif Melancon tackled Crusader back Kyle Horde, who is 6-2, 225 pounds. Simon played in the secondary and provided athleticism and leadership.

Melancon led with 12 tackles followed by Daigle with 11. Anthens and Folse led with two tackles for loss and Blanchard had one. Landry had four breakups.

James understands what his team will face this week and the challenges they present. “Riverside is a complete team; they are well coached and have outstanding athletes,” James said. “Our guys will prepare and compete just like they have all season long. This team is not just satisfied with getting to the dome, they want to finish it, but they understand the challenge. All we can ask for is for a chance and we have that.

“Our school, fans and supporters will be there to support us on Thursday for sure. The players have done everything we have asked of them, they will have an opportunity to do something that hasn’t been done since 1992.”

Tale of the tape

Riverside Rebels (12-1)

Head coach: Lee Roussel

Key players: RB Jayden Obiekwe, QB Brock Bourgeois, OL/DL Ahmad Cage, OL Gabe Galvez, WR/DB Kenric Johnson, WR Chris Becnel, DL Camyrn Green, LB Ethan Bourgeois, DB Jace

RIVER PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125

The Rebels only loss has come to 5A Terrebonne, add in impressive wins over Newman, Ouachita Christian and Vermillion Catholic. The Rebels made the championship game in 2023 losing to Southern Lab. Coach Lee Roussel is a former offensive line coach at Nicholls and has had success in building this program as a state contender every season. QB Brock Bourgeois is a three-year starter and has several offensive weapons in Ebiekwe, Johnson and Becnel amongst others. The offensive line is big and strong led by Galvez. Cage is a four-year starter on the defensive line, and they have strength at each level with Green, Ethan Bourgeois and Trosclair Special teams have been solid all season long; the return game is dangerous. The kicking game is solid. Riverside has been ranked in the top three teams all season and the expectation was to make it back and win a state championship.

ACHS Bulldog (11-2)

Head coach: Taylor James Key players: RB Trevin Simon, QB Greg Fernandez, OL/DL Vaughn Blanchard, TE/DL Christopher Anthens, DL/RB Joshua Barber, DL Kole Folse, DB Jacob Julien, DB Shane Aucoin, WR Johnny Viallon, WR/DB Cy Landry, LB John Rob Daigle, LB Raif Melancon

The Bulldogs under first-year head coach Taylor James started off the season 2-2. One of those losses was to Dunham, who will be playing in the D3 select state championship game Since that point, the team has continued to improve and gain its identity Simon is the single season rushing and touchdown leader in Louisiana high school football history Simon has broken several ACHS rushing records this season. The Bulldog offensive and defensive lines are a strength of the team. QB Greg Fernandez has operated the offense and is threat to run. The receivers are solid and have been capable blockers on the perimeter Defensive back/receiver Cy Landry has stepped up this season. The defense has improved and has 2-100 plus tacklers in John Rob Daigle and Raif Melancon. Jacob Julien leads the secondary with six interceptions. The defensive line has veterans in Blanchard, Anthens and Barber Folse has been active on defense. The trio started since their freshman and sophomore seasons. The kicking game is solid with Daigle (punter) and Mikie Blanchard (kicker). n Thursday Dec. 11 n 3:30 p.m. n TV: Cox Channel 4 (YurView) n LHSAA Network App (Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, and Roku)

Cajun Con draws wrestling, comic and pop culture fans

Community news report

Wrestlers Victoria and Butterbean signed autographs and met with fans Saturday and Sunday during Cajun Con at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center

Billed as “a gumbo of culture,” the event is South Louisiana’s newest comic and pop culture convention, celebrating comics, animation, gaming and cosplay

The two-day event brought fans of all ages together with artists, celebrity guests and over 170 vendors. The event was created by actor and voice artist Scott Innes, known for voicing Scooby-Doo characters, and award-winning marketer Nichole Elmore.

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Holiday train stops in Gonzales

The CPKC Holiday Train stopped in Gonzales on Dec. 2. The train, which was lit with brightly covered Christmas light display, parked along East Ascension Street and included a performance by Emily Ann Roberts.

The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Nov 20-26: NOV. 20

JOHNSON, JOSHUA WAYNE: 43028 Amen Court, Gonzales; 48; unlawful sales to persons under 21, keeping a disorderly place

LASSETTER, DONALD NORWOOD: 8345 John Leblanc Blvd., Sorrento; 40; security required, resisting an officer, driving on divided highways, operating vehicle while license is suspended operating while intoxicatedfirst, failure to appear-bench warrant

GOLDSBERRY, MELANIE KAYE: 12199 Central Park Drive, Geismar; 59; simple obstruction of a highway of commerce, when passing on the right is permitted, emanation of excessive sound or noise, horns and warning devices, general speed law, reckless operation, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, operating while intoxicated-first

NOV. 21

LUCAS, JACKALYN MARIE: 41068 N. 1st St., Ponchatoula; 30; probation violation

TABOR, DANNY L.: 18092 Bill Morgan Road, Prairieville; 45; careless operation, expired motor vehicle inspection, no

motor vehicle insurance, operating vehicle while license is suspended, vehicle turning left at intersection, negligent homicide

NOV. 22

CARTER JR., ERIC CAPOTES: 6625 Snowden Drive, Baton Rouge; 28; violations of protective orders, resisting an officer, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles-commission of any other felony KELLOGG, THOMAS PAUL: 37172 Windemere Ave., Geismar; 51; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia ANDREWS, KEIRODLYN R.: 39068 Venus Ave., Darrow; 41; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, theft less than $1,000, possession of Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, contraband defined-certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft less than $1,000 WILSON, DEANDRE MARQUISE: 619 E. Hamilton St Gonzales; 25; aggravated second-degree battery battery of a police officer, disturbing the peace/language/ disorderly conduct, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, resisting an officer, resisting a police officer with force or violence

(injury), battery of a police officer-injury medical attention, aggravated battery

ODANIEL, SHANE T.: 16560 Ole Homestead Lane, Prairieville; 43; aggravated assault, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling

WILSON, CARL: 1100 S. Foster Drive No. 12, Baton Rouge; 63; Interfering with emergency communication, domestic abuse battery NOV. 23

NARCISSE, KIANNA: 21049

S. Bank Lane, Vacherie; 29; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (clonazepam)

WOMACK, AIDAN MATTHEW: 39398 Madison Ave., Prairieville; 18; domestic abuse battery-pregnant victim

GONZALEZ, JOSE: 435 Knightsbridge Drive, Hamilton, Ohio; 24; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, operating while intoxicatedfirst

GASPARD JR., CHARLES: 7121

Ithaca St., Metairie; 56; driver must be licensed, registration-commercial vehicles-expired plate, violations of registration provisions, switched license plate, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor

vehicles, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, reckless operation, operating while intoxicated-third

NICHOLAS, NICOLE: 800 Riverview Complex No. 204C, Donaldsonville; 34; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, three counts failure to appearbench warrant

GOODLOW III, PALMER LEE: 5565 Morris St., Carville; 45; distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (oxycodone)

NOV. 24

IRWIN, THERESA: 41090 Dean St., Gonzales; 38; domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace/drunkenness

YOUNG, KELSEY NICOLE: 38525 Camellia Cove Road, Gonzales; 34; disturbing the peace/ violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, simple criminal damage to property

$1,000 to $50,000, battery of a dating partner, aggravated assault upon a dating partner

HENDRICKS, SHAWN P.: 10037 La. 22 No. 6, St. Amant; 52; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

PURVIS, CHARLES ALEXANDER: 43000 Rose Road, Gonzales; 43; soliciting for prostitutes, telephone communications/improper language/harassment

TRUITT, DONTRAVIOUS: 35617

Sam Baker Drive, Geismar; 35; failure to appear-bench warrant

MAIDA, ALESSANDRA A.: 10664 Florida Blvd, Walker; 29; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000

MOURET, TATE JOSEPH: 2191 La. 1 S, Donaldsonville; 32; violations of protective orders

WALKER, KEVIN DARNELL: 128 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 42; state probation violation, theft less than $1,000

NOV. 25

PIZZOLATO, CHAD M.: 1805 E. Bayou Road, Donaldsonville; 53; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

HENRY, TYRIK JAMAR: 134 Evangeline Drive No. 210, Donaldsonville; 26; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, domestic abuse battery

CHRISTY SR. CHAD E.: 38308 La. 929, Prairieville; 53; domestic abuse battery

VALENTINE, SHATARA MONAY: 800 Riverview Complex No. 105c, Donaldsonville; 34; simple assault, disturbing the peace/language/disorderly

conduct NORTH, KRYSTAL JANELL: 416 Barcelona Drive, Donaldsonville; 20; traffic-control signals, headlamps on motor vehicles; motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, flight from an officer LAMBERT, MATTHEW TUCKER: 45225 Paul Road, St. Amant; 37; resisting an officer, failure to appear-bench warrant, failure to appear-bench warrant, bicycles-front lamps/ rear lamps/ side and rear reflectors

GEORGIEV, ALEXANDER A.: 16622 Autumn Ridge Drive, Baton Rouge; 72; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct

NOV. 26 GREEN, TYRELL: 9313 Water Tower Road, Convent; 32; four counts failure to appearbench warrant, vehicle license required, operating vehicle while license is suspended JOHNSON, WILLIAM CHANNING: 605 E. Cornerview St., Gonzales; 47; failure to appear-bench warrant

LUCKETT, ALONZO: 15557 Old Newport Ave., Baton Rouge; 18; driver must be licensed, careless operation, hit-andrun driving