The annual matchup between the Ruston Bearcats and the Neville Tigers is always a much anticipated showdown in high school football. Dating back to 1940, Ruston was Neville’s first opponent on the field that year and the teams have played every since. The rivalry reached its zenith in the 1980s when the Bearcats and Tigers met twice in the Superdome with the Class 4A state title on the line. This game marks the 91st meeting between these teams.

MVP

Josh Diarse

Neville

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Marcus Hayes

Ruston

Marcus is a 1-year letterman on the varsity football team. Marcus is involved in several other extra activities such as the interact Club, Bearcat Mentor and the Honor Roll club. He scored a 33 on the ACT and plans to pursue a degree in Business after graduation.

Hawkins Boyer

Neville

Hawkins is a two year lettermen for the Tigers. Hawkins also serves as this year Student body president and is a member of the Key club, and the team’s leadership council. Hawkins hold a 3.90 GPA and plans to study Engineering after graduation.

HALL OF FAME

Gerald Cobb

Ruston

Charlie Brown

Neville

In 30 years as the Tigers head Coach, Coach Brown won three state titles in six championship game appearances and also won 11 district titles. Coach Brown was inducted into three state Hall of Fame. Brown passed away in 2011, But he will be remembered at Neville as much for the lives he touched as he is for his football record.

GAME SUMMARY

After entering halftime with a nine-point lead, Neville continually rose to the high pressure occasion, in holding Ruston scoreless in the second half until the final minute. Neville made the plays they had to in order to defeat Ruston 30-14. On the 91st meeting between these two programs ,Neville wasted no time setting the tone in the third when Great American rivalry MVP Josh Diarse broke a 59 yard run for the score. Ruston QB C.J Willis threw and ran for a touchdown for the only Ruston points.