The Written History

In the ensuing pages and paragraphs, you see will see the history of football in Leesville. This history was crafted through the review of news accounts, yearbooks, and individual knowledge of the sport in the City of Leesville, primarily at Leesville High School. The history is generally told in the context of decades or periods of time. Much research could still be done, and any help in correcting or adding to this story is appreciated. There is no agenda, other than to chronicle the story of Wampus Cat football. Many names and accomplishments are listed, as are coaches. Maybe someday, we’ll have a list of every player, coach, and manager. Right now, we have what we have and we are including what will best tell this story. No one and no record was intentionally skipped.

Pre 1929

The first games recorded for Leesville playing football goes back to 1910, in our inaugural meeting with Deridder. In the early years, prior to the establishment of a mascot called “Wampus Cats,” the team from Leesville is noted as playing against DeRidder a number of times and against other teams in this area. Leesville had games against Hornbeck, Florien, and Glenmora. Something caused football to come to an end in 1922, but ground truth on why the school stopped playing the sport is undetermined. In 1920, there was a shooting after a game in Glenmora, when two Leesville residents got into a fight over expenses related to the game. One of the residents died, and the other, whose name was listed in the press at “Mr. Henry Beason” was investigated but not charged in the murder. At any rate, football stopped in 1922 and re-commenced in 1929. Beason was listed in the news as the Assistant Principal of Leesville High School and the “manager” of the football team. A coach by the name of Beason appeared as the school’s head coach in the 30s.

1929 to 1944: The Early Years

During the induction of Mr. Porter into the LHS Sports Hall of Fame, the famed Leesville native told the crowd that the football program was so poor that players had to share cleats. When the offense came off the field, the players took off their cleats and gave them to the defense to wear. He said that he didn’t have to take his off, however, because he was a two-way player, plus he played in the band for the half-time show.

Presumably because of the US involvement in the Second World War, football was abandoned for the 1944 season, but re-started in 1945. The town again turned to Coach Turner as he organized the Cats and was the head coach for a brief time.

Post World War II

The 1960’s

Sports history books are replete with examples of great players who simply were not great or even good coaches. There are also many examples of great coaches who never played the games they went on to the coach. The case of LHS and LSU great Ted Paris returning home to coach turned out just as the townsfolk and fans would have hoped—a venture into success that was unprecedented to that time.

Paris’ teams were always competitive, with the first few years teetering in the .500 percent range. By his fourth year, he had built a program that would finally push the Cats over the edge and into the high school playoffs. One of the stars of those years was George Smith, a star running back who would gain over 1,000 yards in 1961 and go on to star at Tulane University.

The roster of the 1963 team was filled with great players and achieved something none other had done—a district title and a berth in the State Playoffs. Coach Paris’ team had great players such as Paul Nicholas, RJ Fertitta, Roy Trahan, Richard Schwartz, Ronald Holsomback, James Well, Billy Salim, and John Martinez and Jackie Self. The first ever playoff game in LHS History was played at Wampus Cat Stadium, on Saturday, November 23rd, 1963. Leesville lost to their rival DeRidder, a week after beating the Dragons in the season finale. Some controversy had swirled around the fight for the Hooper Trophy in the regular season, as Deridder was accused of playing its second string, anticipating a playoff the ensuing week. DeRidder came into the regular season game with a record of 8-0-1, and upon losing, added a blemish to their season mark, while the Cats moved their record to 9-2.

The Dragons would get their revenge the following week, beating the Cats 34-19 in front of what was probably the largest crowd in LHS History. Portable benches were brought in from Fort Polk and placed in the end zones to allow for the overflow crowd. This game was recorded on tape and maintained and has been digitized. It can be viewed on Youtube. In the game, Richard Schwartz threw 2 touchdowns to John Martinez and running back sensation Paul Nicholas scored the other touchdown on a short run. Nicholas gained over 1,000 yards on the season for the Cats.

Sadly, both Martinez and Nicholas would lose their lives in Vietnam, both as Marines, and both in 1967. Future State Representative and fellow Wampus Cat player James Armes, a member of the class of 1969, had Highway 171 in Leesville re-named in Paul Nicholas’ honor in 2016.

RJ Fertitta from the class of 1964 played for Louisiana College and earned multiple years of All-District, All-Region, and Honorable Mention All-State honors.

The 1970’s

The 1970s ushered in a new era of LHS football. The fall of 1970 would see the Cats playing on a truly integrated team. In November of 1969, Vernon High School and Leesville High School were merged into a single school and the Parish was integrated, as per Federal mandates. The tumult of those days is a topic for another historical page, but let it suffice to say here that the inclusion of African American athletes forever changed and improved the landscape of Wampus Cat football. The 70s brought no victories over DeRidder and no playoff appearances for the Cats. For the entire decade, the Cats scratched out only two winning seasons (1972 and 1977).

Despite the shortage of wins, LHS football in the 70s was an exciting and intense brand of football. In the early 70s, the Mapu brothers (Jimmy, Raymond, John, and Jackson) roamed the field and sidelines and All District teams for what seemed like years. Lorenzo Garner, in the first class of Vernon-Leesville students to go all four years at Leesville High School, was a star and exciting running back. Garner would be the first Afri-can-American athlete to earn “All District” Honors as a Wampus Cat. Vernon coaching legend Foster Thomas worked as an assistant for two years, making him the first African American coach at LHS. Thomas would serve many years as Assistant Principal and is credited by many for helping Leesville transition through the turbulent days of integration. A bone crushing linebacker/offensive lineman named Charlie Hanks played with Garner and was a two-way All District selection in 1972 and was signed by the University of Houston to play at the college level. Some other key players from the early 70s included Jerry Haynes, Joe and Donnie Gilbert, Paul Sliman, Glover Carter, Perry Morrow, JT Buckley and Ronald Fertitta. The coach in the late 60s and early 70s was Guy Barr.

Doug Creamer was hired as head coach in 1971 and took the Cats to one winning season in three attempts. Creamer resigned in the late Fall of 1973 and was replaced by Julius “Gerry” Robichaux. In two seasons, the Cats were 3-17 under the Cajun coach, and went 0-10 in 1975, losing to DeRidder in a downpour 50-0. Creamer and Robichaux’s teams were loaded with talent, but wins were few in the first 5 years of the decade. Julien Stevens III, Sam Fertitta, Hubert Knight, Max Antony, Mike Anderson, the West brothers (Bill and Rick), Dennis Driscoll, Ray Macias, Greg Stracner, Lou Moses, Leo Casearez, and Ralph Ortiz were key players and award winners in those days. Anderson, Driscoll, and Bill West were named all district in multiple years, as was Jimmy Mapu.

Like Ted Paris, Richard Schwartz was a star player at Leesville and was able to return home to coach the Wampus Cats. The mess Schwartz inherited from Robichaux was turned around in two years, and the Cats achieved a 6-4 season in 1977, just missing the playoffs. Schwartz assembled a team of former star Wampus Cats and a Vernon Lion to lead the Cats for his 3 year tenure; star running back George Smith, dual threat quarterback Vic Ortiz and Vernon Lion All State quarterback Mike Mallet were assistants for the Cats, as was Rolf Kuhlow, an intense native of Germany who served as defensive coordinator.

The Big 1980’s

The decade of the 80s produced big and new things for Wampus Cat football. In the second game of the year in 1980, the Cats broke a 10-year losing streak to DeRidder. On a hot night in DeRidder, future LSU signee Oscar Joiner would return a punt 88 yards and dash 77 yards for another touchdown to lead the Cats out of the Hooper Trophy desert. The game was a big enough deal that Superintendent of Schools C. Creighton Owen allowed LHS Principal H. Lynn Russell to close the school the ensuing Monday. 1981 graduate Moe Pointer would become a letterman at Southern University and earn a tryout in the Canadian Football League.

The spring of 1981 was a turning point for LHS football. The decade of the 80s would be an inverted image of the 70s in many ways, with winning becoming the rule and losing the exception. Jerry Foshee was hired after Ronnie Stephens was relieved in May of 1981. Foshee turned the tide quickly and enjoyed two winning seasons. The Cats went 13-7 in his two years and established themselves as a contender in AAA football in Louisiana. In his junior campaign, Oscar Joiner averaged over 12 yards a carry and pushed himself on to the national stage of recruiting as a prized running back.

History always has a context and this is important to note: For many years, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) post season was a scarce event. Until the late 1990s, playoff appearances were extraordinarily rare. The first two or sometimes only the first place team in a district would advance to the post season. The Cats had many winning seasons where in which they didn’t get into any official post season simply because they weren’t first or second in their district. Since the late 1990s with a power ranking system, the playoffs are still important, but much less scarce.

In Andre’s first year, the Cats went 8-3 and tied for first in the district. On a momentous Novem-ber day in 1983, the Wampus Cats won their first-ever post season game against Abbeville The team was led by Percy Burns, Sam Hoecker, Al Capello, Mark Clay, Odell Miller, Dexter Gatewood, Steve Gunn, Chris Robertson and a host other Cats who reached a pinnacle unmatched by any others since football began in Vernon Parish.

Success continued in 1986 and 87. In 1986, the Cats won the district title outright and advanced to the quarterfinals, losing to Ruston at home on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Coach Andre’s team was filled with stars and intense competitors. Brian Estep and Robert Jenkins were named First Team All State; Estep signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play with Tulane and Jenkins signed with Gram-bling. Other key players on the 86 team included Dennis Mitchell, Teddy Berry, Clint Batteford, Vince Fuller, Jeff Mitcham, Mike Smith, Warren Estey, Stacy Cooper, Demetrius Payton. Tony Rush, Chuck Abrams, Cliff Buckner, and Sean Mayfield. In February of 1987, Coach Jack Andre resigned and re-claimed his former position at Patterson High School. Brownie Parmeley was hired to replace Andre.

In 1987, the Wampus Cats achieved their highest win total to date, finishing the season at 11-2, again advancing the state quarterfinals. The Cats won the district and slashed through the playoffs, again falling to Ruston in the quarterfinals, only this time in Lincoln Parish, and not at Wampus Cat Stadi-um. The “program” of Wampus Cat football had become strong, achieving 7 straight winning seasons and 4 straight 10 win seasons. The 87 season saw two athletes sign with LSU (Vincent Fuller and Ray-mond Smoot), one with Northwestern State (John Mawae) and one with Northeast Louisiana (Andy Belamy). Other stars of the team included Joe Williams, Stan Watley, Wayne Martin, Andre Page, Jason Guintini. It should also be noted that enrollment at LHS in those days was heading towards a high point of 1,200 students; Fort Polk had its largest contingent of soldiers and most families in those days chose to attend Leesville when the Army brought them to Polk. These high numbers would eventually drive Leesville to be classified at the 5A level, which changed the landscape of competition.

The 1990’s: Changing Landscape and a Night at the Dome

The 1990s began with a hope for a return to the glory days of the mid-80s, but the 1990 season didn’t quite work out that way. Jack Andre was hired for a second time to be the head coach but results were markedly different this time around. The Cats finished with a 3-7 record in Andre’s fifth year as the Cat’s coach. Ray Mason was a star player for the team, but literally no data is available or dis-coverable for any Wampus Cats winning any honors in the 1990 season. Andre’s second tour at Leesville was uneventful, other than an important shut out win against DeRidder and retention of the Hooper Trophy.

An important point about the 91 season was the LHSAA forcing Leesville to move up to play at the 5A level. In those days, the LHSAA computed classification size by using a two year average of enrollment. In the ensuing year, LHS’s population went down significantly as the 5th Infantry Division was moved out of Fort Polk and the force size was cut by roughly half.

For 1994, the season record was 7-3 and LHS tied for champions of the District. The black and gold finished the year ranked # 10 in the Louisiana Sports Writer’s Association poll. Cecil Collins finished his second year rushing for over, 1,000 yards and was on the All State team for the second year. In the playoffs, the Cats beat Haughton in the first round and Collins recorded 230 yards on the ground. Perpetual nemesis Wossman eliminated the Wampus Cats in the second round. Other stars for the season were Andrew Mageo, Matt Morrow, Antountel Goza, Shermaine Jones, Anthony Ford, Dennis Fetting, Matt Glasper, Virgil Ruffin, Andre Middlebrooks.

1995 was a year for the record books. The Wampus Cats would go 13-2 on the year and make their first and still the only appearance in the State Championship game. Coach Danny Smith’s Cats ran through the first four rounds of the playoffs with little trouble, trouncing Opelousas, Carroll (Monroe), DeRidder, and Breaux Bridge. Salmen of Slidell defeated the Wampus Cats soundly in the State title game, but the year was a great success. Cecil Collins was named “Mr. Football” for the year in Louisiana and finished his career with a 3,000 yard senior year and almost 8,000 yards for his career at a Cat. Cec-il would sign a scholarship with LSU and would go on to burn brightly, but briefly in the SEC. Collins had a brief time at McNeese and was drafted by the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Collins stands to this day as the greatest, most successful, and most decorated running back in Wampus Cat history. Cecil remains in the top 5 all-time of running backs in the State of Louisiana.

But, Mr. Collins was not alone in his 1995 campaign. He was joined on the All-State team by Greg Rone, a bruising, two-way athlete who earned his All-State honors as a linebacker. Dennis Fetting also earned All-State accolades as an offensive lineman. Shermaine Jones, Robert Carter, Sig Milerski, and Ced Clemons were some of the other key players on the 95’s squad. Clemons would go on to play at Tulane as a 3-year letterman and later return to LHS as a football and track coach.

Odd intersections of history occurred in the 1995 season. The Cats were able to revenge the 1963 loss to the DeRidder Dragons in the playoffs. And on the night of the State Championship game, the last remaining member of the first class of Wampus Cats—Sam Fertitta, Sr—passed away at his home in Leesville.

In the year after the state title run, the Cats fell off, but still had a winning season and made the playoffs. The senior laden team of the previous year left quite a void, but Danny Smith’s Cats kept winning. Key players in 1996 were Adrian Burns, Xavier Burrell, Mike Lewis, Wes Bailey, Greg Manns, and LeMarcus Thurman. Burrell would finish his career with over 2,000 yards on the ground and remains in the top 10 all-time of Wampus Cat running backs; Xavier earned two varsity letters at Louisville.

In 1997 and 1998, the Wampus Cats took a significant dip in terms of winning and losing. Back to back 3-7 seasons would end the career of Danny Smith as a Wampus Cat head coach. The departure of Danny Smith would be a landmark event, as he had been on staff since 1982. For the 97’s season, key players were Ronnie Robinson, Robert Carter, Andre Thurman, Dwayne Thibodeaux and Derek Jones. Thurman had over 100 tackles on the season, and Carter had 90. Quarterback Dustin Smith passed for over 1400 yards and 11 touchdowns.

2000’s

The 21st Century started with excitement for the black and gold. Coach Kevin Magee was hired in 2000 and took the Cats through some tumultuous and exciting times. The 2000 season saw a jaw-dropping playoff run for the team from Leesville.

Some fans and coaches disparage the “Power Rankings” system that allows for and creates a playoff system wherein which most teams over .500 gain entry. In brief, a 32 team, post season tournament is created and usually, a handful of 5-5, 4-6 and even 3-7 teams gain entry, based on a number of variables. In 2000, the Cats finished their inaugural season under Coach Magee with a 4-6 record and were seeded 28th in the group of 32. Usually, teams with losing records don’t last very long, if at all, in the post season. Coach Magee’s Cats won not one, but TWO playoff games, upsetting a #5 and a #12 seed, en route to a quarterfinal berth that was played at Wampus Cat Stadium on a cold night in Novem-ber. LHS did fall to Assumption and future NFL star Brandon Jacobs, but their wins at Walker and Woodlawn of Baton Rouge were awe-inspiring.

All Stater Justin Brown was a multi-purpose threat for the Cats and signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Northwestern State University. Brown earned All-District honors on offense, defense and as a kick returner. Other stars on the team were Kenny Hughes (grandson of 40s star and Junior High coaching legend CA Hughes), Chris O’Bryan, Tommy Edwards, Cody McKenzie, Darnell Thompkins, Kenny Jones, Lorenzo Garner (son of 73 graduate and star running back Lorenzo Garner, Sr), Roderick Lawhorn and Martin Driscoll (son of 70 graduate and McNeese signee John Driscoll).

The 2002 team season saw the Cats achieve a winning record and make another trip to the post season. The season also saw a first round exit, this time at the hands perennial State power John Curtis. Keith Zinger continued to gain State and national acclaim as he was named All-State for the second year; Keith had a long career at LSU, playing first for Coach Nick Saban and then Coach Les Miles. Zinger was one of only two players to play on both national championship squads (2003 and 2007). Chris White, Cordell Upshaw Josh Quayhagen, Gilbert Frances, Andy Hughes, Chris Nash, James Burkers, Michael Toney, Michael Cools, and Justin Goins were other standouts for the Wampus Cats in the 2002 season.

Disruptions from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina put the 2005 season in turmoil. The annual fete with DeRidder was canceled because of the immediate impact of Rita. On the year, LHS finished 3-6 and Coach Magee resigned to take a position elsewhere at the end of the season. Justin Ford, Bernardo Henry, Frank Larry, Wes Bouves, future LSU letterman David Detz, and Brandon Sharper were some of the top Wampus Cats during the season. No playoff appearance was earned during the 2005 year.

Parish coaching icon Johnny Cryer was Leesville’s head coach for a single year, 2006. Coach Cry-er had seen many levels of success coaching around southwest Louisiana, including most prominently in Pickering and Rosepine. In his year at Leesville, the Cats had a winning record, going 6-4 in the regular season and losing in the first round of the State playoffs to Breaux Bridge. Cryer’s stars from the 2006 team included his son Josh Cryer, an all-district performer on both sides of the ball, Jacoby Kaiama, Damion Smith, Michael Harris, Cornelius Jackson, Michael Smith, David Detz and a sophomore running back named Michael Ford. In Ford’s sophomore season, he would rush for over 1,300 yards and catch the attention of coaches around the country.

In 2008, the Wampus Cats achieved their first 10 win game of the decade and first since 1995. The Cats won the district outright, won their first round playoff game against St Michael The Archangel, and lost in the second round to Zachary amidst questionable officiating The explosiveness from the previous year continued and on fast forward with the healthy return of Michael Ford. On the season, Ford rushed for over 2,900 yards; he put up mind-boggling numbers in single games, rushing for 448 against Tioga and 335 against Sam Houston—the top two, single game efforts in Wampus Cat history. Trevante Stallworth threw for over 1,400 yard and tossed 14 touchdowns on the season, finding Mark Demetrius and Levander Liggins as his top targets on the year. Ford and Linebacker Devin Moran both earned All-State honors on the year.

Other key players were Javal Chancy, Levander Liggins, Allen Perry, Kendrick Mitchell, Tiasham Burnett, Cody Lefort, Michael Dennis, Daniel Winnfield, and Demetrius Atwater. Quarterback Zach Squyres threw for over 2,400 yards and 26 touchdowns on the year.

2010’s: The Second Decade

After the 2010 season, Feaster took a job at a larger school, and Jimmy Adams was hired as the head coach; the 2011 team went 4-6. In his senior year, Zach Squyers continued to put up impressive passing numbers; the strong armed Leesville native put up 1,800 yards and 11 TDs in his senior year. Squyers finished his career at LHS with almost 7,000 yard and 75 touchdowns through the air, making him the most prolific passer in Leesville history. Without question. His favorite target on the year would be Clinton Thurman, who equaled Liggins’ single season record of 57 catches in a single season.

Some of the stars of the 2011 season included All Stater Clinton Thurman. Other key performers were Diontay Thurman, Adam Woods, Colton Honeycutt, Jeremiah Cross, Jacob Chambers, Derrick Blackshire, Juwan Lewtry, Jamall Harris, Dalton Harville, and Mason Delapp. Tight End Adam Woods earned a walk-on spot at Louisiana Tech as a long-snapper.

In Causey’s first year (2016), the team went 6-4 in the regular season and earned a hard fought playoff win from Beau Chene on the road, giving the Cats their first playoff victory since 2010. The season was full of ups and downs, but a seminal moment comes to mind that should be recorded for the storybooks. In the Homecoming game against Lagrange, the Cats were down 14-0 early in the 4th quarter, and pulled out a dramatic come-from-behind-win, turning the season on a dime. The Cats went on a 3 game winning streak and earned the playoff bid; more importantly, the team bought into Causey’s broader game plan. Stars from the 2016 team included: Cory McCoy, who finished his career with over 4,000 yards rushing and signed a National Letter of Intent to play with McNeese State University. McCoy would earn multiple varsity letters and an All-Conference accolades for the Cowboys. Other key players included: Elijah Mundy, Jaelyn Edwards, Jacob Adams, Daquan Davis, Andrew Croker, and Theron Westerchil.

The 2018 season was one for the ages. The Wampus Cats ran the table in the regular season, winning all 10 games, then won three games in the playoffs, decimating strong teams from Woodlawn and Assumption and winning a heart-stopping come-from-behind game against St. Martinville. At the quarterfinal game, the Wampus Cats went at St. Martinville like prize fighters, trading body and head blow. LHS recovered two second half onside kicks on a rainy night and on the road and pulled out one of the most dramatic wins in the school’s history. Leesville made it to the Semi-finals for only the second time in school history and won 13 games for only the second time. The Cats fell to Warren Easton on a rainy night in New Orleans but had more fans in the stands than the home team.

Coach Causey’s defensive team was led again by Matt Pajinang, and the offense was led on the field by sophomore quarterback Jacob Mount, who, like Vargas, put up eye popping numbers. The offense was dynamic, however, with D’Ante Gallashaw gaining over 1,400 yards on the year, and earning All-District, All CENLA and all SW Louisiana honors. The team was filled with talented athletes and gritty fighters. Of note in this year was the offensive line, nicknamed the “Pancake Posse”, and the focal point for giving Mount the time he needed to run Offensive Coordinator Justin Scogin’s offense The line created holes for both D’Ante Gallashaw and his younger brother, Caleb. Three of the starters on the line signed national letters of intent to play at the next level. Starting tackle Matthew Anderson was named First Team All-State and signed with the University of Nebraska. Other notable stars form the team included Montae Lynch, Duwon Tolbert, Brett Pope, Noah Allain, Khrystian Hoffpauir, Peyton Lipps, Caleb Westfall, Ben Ward, Talyn Adams, Nick Green, Darius Allen, Aaron Hunter, Ruben Jeane, Jacob Feliciano, Nigel McCoy, Darius Sawyer, and Efosa Evbuowon. Lynch and Tolbert signed at the collegiate level with Tyler Community College. Coach Causey was named State and District Coach of the Year.

In his time at LHS the success of Coach Causey’s teams has resulted in an in and out nature of assistant coaches. Success breeds success and success usually results in opportunities. A number of Coach Causey’s assistants have gone on to other jobs with more potential for advancement. Others have come in and brought important years if not decades of experience. Coach Mark Mawae, a skilled offensive coordinator and a member of “Leesville’s First Family of Football” was promoted to Principal of Leesville High School, where he leads with skill at this writing. Coach Ryan Russo, after several years at Leesville, took the position of Head Coach at Pickering High School, where he took the Red Devils to a first round playoff appearance; former Cat standout Logan Morrison joined Russo as Offensive Coordinator at Pickering after a 3-year stint at LHS. Former Wampus Cat star player Bo Cryer was with Coach Causey for 3 years as the offensive line and strength coach and contributed greatly to the team’s success, prior to taking a similar post at North Desoto High School.

Re-joining the Cats staff since Causey’s arrival was Justin Scogin, who studied under David Feaster for almost a decade; Scogin’s fingerprints are on every significant offensive rec-ord at LHS in the past decade. Also joining was Dan Welch, a seasoned offensive line coach from Texas who had retired to Louisiana after a 30 year successful stint in Texas. Other coach-es who have contributed to the success in the Causey years include Travis Provo, Sedric Clemons, David Wheeler, Ryan Russo, Dustin Smith, Jacob Chambers, Kyle Walter and Logan Kreyenbuhl.

First Team All-State Award Winners

History of the Hooper Trophy – from Brian Trahan and Daniel Green

The DeRidder-Leesville football rivalry has been known as the Hooper Trophy Series since the 1962 season, and been one of many highlights and fierce games on the gridiron.

In the early 1960s, Leesville resident L.S. ‘‘Buck’’ Hooper, a graduate of Leesville High School, and his wife, Agnes Lewis Hooper, a graduate of DeRidder High School, decided to donate a trophy for the football rivalry. The Hoopers decided that the school winning the most games for every 10 sea-sons, or the first team to win six games, would take permanent possession of the trophy for its school. The winning team each year gets temporary possession of the trophy.

Leesville won Hooper Trophy I for the seasons from 1962 to 1972. DeRidder claimed the Hooper Trophy II for the years 1973 to 1979. Leesville captured Hooper Trophy III for the 1980 to 1987 seasons. DeRidder then won the Hooper Trophy IV series, six games to four. DeRidder defeated Leesville 14-12 1997 in Leesville and beat the Wampus Cats 25-7 in 1996 in Leesville.

The Hooper Trophy IV series began with two straight DeRidder wins, 17-16 in 1988 and 14-7 in 1989. Leesville won 15-0 in 1990. DeRidder scored a 16-12 win in 1991, while Leesville won 13-12 in 1992. The 1993 matchup saw DeRidder win 24-14, while Leesville would take the next two games, 28-0 in 1995 and 15-6 in 1995.

After the death of ‘‘Buck’’ Hooper, the two principals at that time — Bob McLamore of DeRidder High School and Richard Reese of Leesville High School — decided to continue the Hooper Trophy, with the two schools buying the trophy.

Wampus Cats Stadium & Gilbert Field Courtesy of Former LHS Principal, Billy Crawford, Class of 1964

For the last 60 years the Leesville High School complex has been located at its present address, 502 Berry Drive. Wampus Cats home football games have been played in Wampus Cat Stadium all these years.

LHS students before 1960 attended the “school on the hill” on West Texas Highway. The school building is still standing and has housed several educational purposes over these years. The Gym also stands, where basketball games were played until a new gym was built a few years later. Former Coach Billy Bennett and players during basketball season would drive over after school each day to practice.

Down the hill from the gym was Gilbert Field, where the Wampus Cats football teams played their home games from 1937 until 1960. If driving westerly down the hill in front of the gym, the vacant site is located in the left corner.

A large sign-Gilbert Field-was lighted over the en-trance. Thirty-two floodlights blazed down for the cheering crowd, making the field as light as day, and the beginning a new era of sports in Vernon Parish.

This athletic field began as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. Mr. F.E. Hernandez, general manager of the field, directed the project. Other members of the Athletic Board were: Brown Mooneyham, President; Mrs. Joe L. Hunt, Secretary; Jean M. King, Treasurer; A.B. Cavanaugh, member-at-large. The WPA was a New Deal Program that gave employment to millions of unemployed Americans during the Great Depression (1929-late 1930’s). During its eight-year existence, WPA put some 8.5 million people to work at a cost to the Federal Government of approximately $11 billion-($215 Billion in 2020 value).

The field was not used just for football. It was used for P.E classes and hosted other events such as the Vernon Parish Invitational Softball and Track Tournaments; all High Schools in Vernon Parish were invited.

The Cats moved to Wampus Cat Stadium in 1953 and all home games have been played the venerable stadium ever since. At the entrance to the north end of the stadium is a plaque with the names of players on the squad in the Fall of 1953.

In the history of Wampus Cat football, the numbers of five players have been retired. The names and numbers of each of these stars are affixed on the Press Box of the stadium. Eddie Fuller, Kevin Mawae, John Mawae, Raymond Smoot, and Kavika Pittman are the only Wampus Cats ever to have been so honored.

The Rich History of Leesville High School

Hopefully, this book on the history of Wampus Cat football will inspire others to craft histories of other aspects of the Old School on the Hill. The school in Vernon Parish has been both an incubation center and a launching pad for many great citizens in our State and country. LHS has also been the home of many great organizations, events and served as a focal point for the entire community.

Graduates of Leesville High School have achieved positions of esteem and acclaim in State and Federal government. At this writing, two Wampus Cats are on staff the White House, one as the Chief Information Officer of the Federal government (Suzette Kuhlow Kent, Class of 1986), and one on the National Security Staff (Brigadier General Jon Howerton, Class of 1985). Army Major General Ronald Clark (Class of 1984) remains on active duty as a senior officer at US Indo-Pacific Command.

Wampus Cat athletes have achieved great things in all other sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, track and field, cross country, swimming, powerlifting, and others. Without question, the presence of the Wampus Cat Marching Band, cheerleaders, majorettes, dance line, flag lines, JRTOC and other auxiliary organizations make Leesville High School a special place.

So much history could be written on all these topics, and this author hopes others will endeavor to document what has taken place. Not mentioning or deep-diving into these topics is not meant to disparage nor take away from the other wonderful things that have taken place at Leesville High School.

Wampus Cats on The Air

One of the great joys of Wampus Cat football has always been being in the stands, primarily at home, and also on the road. The Cats have always had a loyal following, some years more than others, but there’s always a core group that will travel to games or drive over to Gilbert Field or Wampus Cat Stadium to see a game. For those who couldn’t make the games, however, the Cats have had long standing radio broadcasts that have been a fixture for the Wampus Cat family.

The Totals

Though the Cats have never won a State Title, the team is a winner, just like the city and parish are winners. For every game that is accounted for, the Cats have won 461 and lost 444. In time, we hope to fill the holes of unaccounted for and lost seasons and maybe provide a complete picture. What we have provided to date is anything and everything that is available. There are few things more exciting than a Friday night at Wampus Cat stadium and there isn’t a town or a community anywhere that loves its team more than Leesville. True fans hope for a state championship, and the truest fans will continue to flock to the old school on the hill. LHS has accomplished many things, recorded many wins, graduated many stars, many college players, produced a fair share of NFL players and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It’s been good.

Once a Wampus Cat, ALWAYS a Wampus Cat. The story will continue!

Special Thanks

This effort came to fruition because of the help, advice and encouragement of a lot of people.
The Bible I read tells me to acknowledge the Lord in all of my ways, so I will start with Him. The Lord Jesus saved my soul and is without a doubt, my only Lord and my redeemer. I am so thankful to all the gifts of God not only my life but in the life and existence of our country, our state, and our city.

Brian Trahan, former editor of the Leesville Leader got this project kicked off by starting the research on team and individual stats and records. I simply picked up his work and took it to a mostly full conclusion. Ac-claimed Sports reporter Daniel Green provided key inputs and thoughts on the program and I appreciate his time and assistance. Former Wampus Cat greats Bobby Bordelon and Sam Hoecker have compiled a lot of stats through the years and their work greatly contributed to Brian’s first tally and then added to my work.

My former English teacher, Tresa Abramson pitched in with important editing help. Leroy “Buster” Lambert, LHS Class of 1972 helped me with edit and some important personal memories. Nick Pollacia, Jr and Len Stevens helped me understand the origins of the KLLA and KJAE broadcasts of the games. Local broadcaster Rick Barnickle helped me piece together some of the other media stories. Former Wampus Cat Coach and Superintendent of School Richard Schwartz provided some key data points.

A litany of friends and family members helped me piece together myriad pictures that appear in these pages. I wish I could thank them all, but you know who you are. I am grateful.

My precious daughter, Emma, designed the cover of the book. I am so thankful for her time and talents!

The ones who helped me most: Every Wampus Cat player, coach, and manager who ever donned the black and gold. Every band member, majorette, flag line, dance line, drum major, and band director whoever assembled the Wampus Cat band on a Friday night to add to the great atmosphere of Wampus Cat Stadium and Gilbert Field. The cheerleaders, without a doubt! Every member of the Quarterback Club, the Booster Club and the Gridiron Club who helped support our program. All the fans who have loyally sat through good years and bad years, who have traveled to places like Franklinton, San Augustine, Mexico City, DeRidder, Many, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreve-port, Monroe, Rayne, Welsh, Jennings, and all points in between to cheer on our beloved Wampus Cats.

Dedication

This effort and this book are dedicated to my sweet and beautiful wife and favorite Golden Cavalier Carolyn, and our adorable daughters, Laura and Emma. Long before Carolyn and I found each other, I was a Wampus Cat and an avid fan of the black and gold. Through the entirety of our marriage and as long as our girls have been around, they will all attest to my unadulterated and unfiltered loyalty to my school. I am grateful they have understood and put up with my intense passions! Our girls have strict instructions that if I pass away before the Cats go back to the State Championship, they are to go to my gravesite and listen to the game on a transistor radio (or a reasonable facsimile) and they are to take my helmet. I would instruct them to take my letter jacket to the gravesite, but I will be buried in it.

I also would like to dedicate this work to my sister, Mae Ann and her son, Joseph Creighton Ledet. My sister was a Wampus Cat in every sense of the word. She left a long-lasting mark on Leesville High School, and she departed us way too soon. Mae, too was a Golden Cavalier, and proud member of the LHS Marching Band. She was the beloved Librarian at LHS. Joseph is a good man, and I love him dearly.

Finally, I dedicate this book to my parents, Creighton and Gloria Owen, both members of the LHS Class of 1942 and the Wampus Cat Marching Band. Mom and dad were Lee-Ville people, through and through and they loved LHS.

About The Autor

The author of this book wore # 89 and played tight end for the Leesville Wampus Cats. He earned three varsity football letters. He played defense but wasn’t very good. He was also the backup quarterback. He earned four varsity letters in track and three in cross country.

The author was reared in Leesville by two Leesville High School graduates and married a beautiful member of the LHS Danceline, also known as the Golden Cavaliers. #89 has two daughters, and he is very proud of both; his daughters did not attend LHS, but they loved him enough to ensure their high school beat the DeRidder Dragons in basketball on not one, not two, not three, but four occasions. Two of the wins occurred during the high school playoffs, which made the wins all the more delectable for the adoring father.

The author is a proud veteran and retired military officer; he completed college a few times. He and his wife reside in Leesville and he attends every Wampus Cat football game he can. He also helps with radio announcing and other civic activities, including the Leesville High School Alumni Association.

#15 is Earnest Bess; #89 is the author