September 4, 2014
DENHAM SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IS ON THE AIR!!!
Its Year 20 of Denham Springs High School Football radio broadcasts as a Jon Fine Production, commencing tomorrow night, as the Jackets play host to Woodlawn HS. Sport-N-Center Jackets Warmup comes your way at 6pm. Catch all of the action on Fox Sports Radio—1210AM—Baton Rouge and on the net at JonFineProductions.com. For more information, please see a press release below.
THE DRU NETTLES SHOW
Livingston Parish News Potential Pulitzer Prize winner Sam Muffoletto –keep on writing those stories about The Dru Nettles Show, Sam!--makes an appearance tonight on The Dru Nettles Show.
The Dru Nettles Show airs Thursdays, 6pm—7pm, on Cox 4 Television, Baton Rouge. Replays of the program can be seen on Fridays at 11am and Saturdays at 1pm. It is co-hosted by DSHS Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Dru Nettles and yours truly, Jon Fine.
In addition to Sam Muffoletto, other guests on this week’s program include Jackets senior football player Elton Knight and DSHS Strength Coach/Linebackers Coach Daniel Desselle. The sponsor of the week is Brian Abels of Boyer, Hebert, Abels and Angelle. Brian is also is the color commentator on Yellow Jackets Football broadcasts. There will be an extensive interview with Coach Nettles on the show, which airs 25 hours before the Jackets kick off their 2014 season—the 10th year under the tutelage of Coach Nettles.
SPORTSCENTRAL
Join Hosts Sid Edwards and Steve Johnson on SportsCentral, tonight, 5pm—6pm, on WUBR, 910AM (CBS Sports Radio) Baton Rouge… on the net at PelicanSportsTV.com… and the Tune In App: search WUBR… from Coach’s. Tonight’s guests include Wildcats assistant coaches Ken Hilton, David Simoneaux and Josh Johns.
MAGNIFICENT
Congratulations to Denham Springs HS for another first-class Denham Springs HS Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony held last Thursday at Forrest Grove Plantation in Denham Springs. Kudos to the 8 inductees. And, thank you Dapper Dru Nettles, Jim Spring, David Bourque, Butch Wax, title sponsor Sport-N-Center and many others for making this happen. This might be the best high school atletics hall of fame procession in the country… no hyperbole!!
GOLDEN TOR FOOTBALL
Sulphur HS Football broadcasts can be heard Friday nights on SportsRadio-1310-KEZM-Lake Charles, once again, this year. Broadcast time is 6:45pm. Bruce Merchant and Clopha Boudreaux are on the call. Catch them on the net as well at KEZMOnLine.com.
BATON ROUGE AREA BROADCASTING SCHEDULE:
Thursday, September 4: 5pm—6pm: SportsCentral… with Sid Edwards and Steve Johnson
WUBR, 910AM (CBS Sports Radio) Baton Rouge
PelicanSportsTV.com
App: search WUBR… from Coach’s
Thursday, September 4: 6pm—7pm: The Dru Nettles Show… with Dru Nettles and Jon Fine
Cox 4 Television
Baton Rouge… note new replay times: Friday, September 5 at 11am and Saturday, September 6 at 1 pm
Friday, September 5: 6pm: Denham Springs HS vs Woodlawn HS
Jon Fine, Brian Abels, Josh Ward
Fox Sports Radio, 1210AM, Baton Rouge… and on the net at JonFineProductions.com
SportsRadio 1310 Radio, Lake Charles Programming of Interest (also heard on KEZMOnLine.com):
Friday, September 5: 6:45pm: Sulphur HS at St. Thomas More HS
Bruce Merchant, Clopha Boudreaux
Saturday, September 6: 9AM—10AM: All Things Football with Scott Holtzman
Monday, September 8: 8AM—10AM: The Locker Room with John Goodman and Jim Gazzolo
WE THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR UTMOST TO PATRONIZE SPONSORS OF OUR PROGRAMMING. THIS HELPS US TREMENDOUSLY IN SUSTAINING OUR WEEKLY LINE-UP AND WILL ASSIST US IN ADDING MORE PROGRAMS IN THE FUTURE. KINDLY MAKE AN EFFORT TO LET SPONSORS KNOW YOU HEARD THEIR BUSINESS MENTIONED ON OUR BROADCAST(S).
THE WIZARDRY OF OS
Assistant Basketball Coach and Head Swimming Coach at Central High
After the first week of football we can reflect. There is what we hoped we knew as Tiger fans and now what we know now.
We hoped losing 5 starters to the first round of the NFL Draft in the last 2 years would hurt the A&M offense for at least the beginning of the year. We know now that Kevin Sumlin has too good of a system, recruits too well, and coaches too well on offense for that to happen.
We hoped Cam Robinson was overrated and Lane Kiffin would destroy Alabama's offense from within. We know Robinson is legit and Saban is too good. We still need to wait and see to determine if the Tide are good enough to win it all. But they will be in the mix for sure.
We hoped losing an All-SEC running back and the top offensive lineman in the draft would slow down Auburn. It took a while for the defense to get their feet under them, but the offense at Auburn will be tough to stop.
As for LSU, we hoped many things. For the first two and a half quarters, we were afraid none of them were true. Since the comeback, I have heard and read many things that people think they know about this year's team. Some I agree with and others I don't.
Many were disappointed by what they saw in Leonard Fournette. I am the exact opposite. I thought he looked great for the first time out. I am not being sarcastic. This isn't the NBA where you can isolate a great player and let him go. Fournette is a running back that needs some support. Forget the numbers and look at him as a talent evaluator.
On kickoff return the only time he was slowed down was on the first return which required him to run across the field. After that, all the returns were middle returns. On the 5 returns he went for 13, 19, 25, 27, and 33 yards. Do you see the quick learning curve? If there was a crease he ran through people and made a crease. If LSU can get any blocking, teams will not be kicking to him for long.
As for the lack of success in the run game, did you watch the game? The offensive line was flabbergasted for the first three quarters. Keep in mind Hilliard (who does look awesome and everyone is gushing over) had only 7 carries for 17 yards through three quarters. Through three quarters Fournette had 8 carries and 21 yards. It was in the fourth quarter when LSU went to three wide receivers that Hilliard ran wild on his final 11 carries. Fournette had one carry in the fourth quarter.
Another conclusion I have heard is that Jennings was shaky for three quarters and then turned it around. I thought Jennings looked the same the whole game. The difference in the end was he was given a chance by the coaches. I thought the coaches entered the game hoping to win this game with the exact same plan they had against Iowa. Then they adjusted and the offense took off.
The stated or implied conclusion I disagree with the most, though, is that inexperience was the reason for the poor performance for 3/4 of the game. Huh?
The offensive line is starting all upperclassmen except Pocic. Senior Travis Dickson had LSU's only turnover. On Wisconsin's first touchdown, Hunter and Alexander were both unblocked and filed the same gap leaving a huge hole. Hunter, Alexander, and White all took turns allowing the Wisconsin quarterback, running backs, or wide receivers to break contain.
As a result, I don't know what you call that other than a poor performance for three quarters. The good news as I said last week is that the team is loaded with talent at every position except defensive tackle. That position and middle linebacker are still the biggest holes.
So what should do I think I know for this week? I think LSU will spend the game attempting to get the run game right. Anyone expecting major offense changes are still kidding themselves. Harris may play in the first half a series or two, but that will be it until the offense gets rolling. This is not a two quarterback system.
As for the NFL, boy was I wrong about the Saints. Bailey cut. Dimke gone. 2 fullbacks on the roster. Warren cut and Dixon kept. Griffin released and maybe to the practice squad. About the only thing I got right was Meachem was cut, but the Saints only kept 5 wide receivers.
The good news is Loomis and Payton are like great chess players as they are always thinking 3-4 moves ahead.
All in all the roster is what we thought it would be, and it is time to play football. I am concerned about the opener. On the road, against a rival hoping to bounce back from a poor season is tough. The Falcons are good, and I think they are being underrated by many who are overreacting to their poor season last year. Entering last season the Falcons were overrated based off of their previous season where everything went their way. As for this year, I think they will be around 7 or 8 wins with Sunday being one of their best chances. A victory of any kind for the Saints would be a tremendous way to start the season.
HEY REF
I know most of the attention this week is focused on LSU’s come from behind victory over Wisconsin and the anticipation to the first week of the 2014 high school football season. But I must take a short detour and bring up what I feel is something all sport’s fans should concentrate on and that is drug use by athletes and owners of professional teams.
In just the past few days NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has come down hard and rightly so in the punishment he’s handed out to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. Some are saying they Goodell is making an example of Irsay and that the punishment doesn’t fit the crime in the owner’s case. Many are saying had it been a player in this case then Goodell would one hand out a slight slap on the wrist.
And on one hand they’re probably correct as the Colt’s owner admitted in court to driving while not only drunk but also to having prescription painkillers (Oxycodone and Hydrocodone) in his system when he was pulled over in March while trying to drive in Carmel, Ind.
The Commissioner dealt out a suspension of six games and the maximum fine of $500,000
What to some is a huge fine is mere pocket change for Irsay since his team was listed in Forbes Magazine last month as worth a cool $1.4 BILLION. Of course the fine won’t come out of his pockets, no some way it’ll come from what’s known as “operating expenses”. The same kinda thing that banks and mega corporations do when the President, CEO or any high ranking officer is caught with the ‘ole hand in the cookie jar.
But in this case for Irsay to be barred from the team’s games, facilities and meetings will hit him harder than the company paying a huge fine. Irsay believes in an owner being “hands-on” just about every aspect in the day to day goings on. And of course some will be on the other side of this issue and say Goodell went too soft on what amounts to one of his 32 bosses.
And now let’s look at Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker banishment of the first four games this season after losing an appeal on the “positive” drug test he took this past spring. Since Monday was Labor Day the league didn’t announce the final outcome till Tuesday afternoon. I’m happy that he wasn’t allowed to play even though a select few “experts” like Donavan McNabb claim the punishment was too severe since Wes is a first time offender.
That may be in his world but in “Hey Ref’s” world there are no “first” timers. Seems some players feel they can get away with using drugs and not get caught. But I will stand behind this commissioner 1,000% whenever he deals out the maximum allowable punishment when it comes to abusing drugs and/or alcohol.
With the spotlight on athletes at an all-time high and the money being paid out to these guys now more than ever these athletes need to stand up and NOT USE DRUGS! Whether they like it or not kids worship them as heroes and everything they do makes enormous impressions on these young minds.
The reason I feel it important to put a little attention in this area is simple; I find our society is lacking in educating the young athletes in worldly things. Such things like how to balance a checkbook. With the millions in player salaries heaped upon athletes as young as 19 or 20 not knowing how to invest and make certain the money will outlast a player’s time on the field in number one with this writer.
Too many of today’s athletes find themselves broke and living under interstate highways after they’ve played their last game. I can see why the professional leagues are clamping down hard; once it (drug use) gets a strong foothold they won’t be able to clean it out. I will continue to write and warn kids about the evils of drug and alcohol abuse at every turn. It’s also good to see an owner dealt with harshly because kids need to see that no one, no matter how rich can get away with it…
Till next week…
PRESS RELEASE
DENHAM SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IS BACK ON THE AIR!
The 2014 school year marks the 20th year of the last 20 that Jon Fine (Sports) Productions has had the privilege of producing and calling play-by-play for Denham Springs HS Football radio broadcasts. In 2014, the broadcast slate will include all 10 regular season Denham games, and every playoff game. Broadcasts will air on Fox Sports Radio-1210AM-Baton Rouge, with “Sport N Center Jackets Warm Up” starting at 6:00 pm Friday nights. All broadcasts can also be heard on the Internet at JonFineProductions.com (click Listen Live on the Denham Springs Football PBP page). The first broadcast is Friday, September 5, as the Jackets play host to Woodlawn HS.
Jon Fine is serving his eleventh straight year calling radio play-by-play for Denham Springs HS sports. He is joined by Brian Abels, who returns for his second season on color commentary. Josh Ward joins the broadcasting crew, working with Brian Abels, on the pre-game, half-time and post-game shows.
“Sport N Center Jackets Warm-Up” will include an interview with Jackets Athletic Director/ Football Coach Dru Nettles and that Friday night’s opposing coach. Randy Smith’s popular retrospective, “Yellow Jackets Memories”, will air on the pre-game this year. Ward and Abels will also offer a preview of that night’s game and other pertinent information.
At half-time, the “Gerard Landry—Landry Markets Half-Time Report” will include a brief interview with Coach Nettls. An interview another prominent Denham Springs community and/or sports figure will air. Randy Smith will have his popular Jackets retrospective, “Yellow Jackets Memories”.
During the “Jack Fridge—Livingston Waste Post-Game Show”, Ward will once again speak with Coach Nettles on the air. There will be post-game reports from Live Oak (Head Football Coach Tut Musemeche) and Walker (Anthony Schiro). Plus, there will be a game recap, final stats and a look ahead.
We are especially appreciative of the loyal commercial and name mention sponsors we have had on Jon Fine Sports Productions’ Denham Springs HS play-by-play broadcasts throughout the years. Many have been with us on a year-in, year-out basis. We certainly hope you’ll have the opportunity to patronize these businesses and let them know you heard about them on DSHS Football radio broadcasts (and/or The Dru Nettles Show).
In addition to producing Denham Springs HS broadcasts, Jon Fine Sports Productions also produces The Dru Nettles (Television) Show. Co-hosted by Yellow Jackets Athletics Director and Head Football Coach Dru Nettles and Fine, The Dru Nettles Show is in its third season and airs Thursday nights, 6pm—7pm on Cox 4 Television, Baton Rouge (with replays on Fridays at 11am and Saturdays at 1pm).
Denham Springs HS football broadcasts air on Fox Sports Radio, 1210AM, Baton Rouge. Before being bought by Clear Channel in 1998, the station was Christian Country, Bayou, 1210AM-- located on Hatchell Lane in Denham Springs. This station was owned by Jeff and Nancy David. Jeff David is the Owner/Publisher of The Livingston Parish News.
For more information on Denham Springs HS Sports programming and Jon Fine Sports Productions, please visit JonFineProductions.com.
The Rotary Club of Livingston Parish
Rotary Bull
By Ivy Graham
“Service Above Self”
Please visit our website at www.rotaryclublp.org.
This week’s meeting:
• This week’s meeting will be held at Big Mike’s. Fellowship begins at 11:30. The meeting is from 12:00-1:00. This week’s guest speaker is the Parish President, Layton Ricks. I am certain he is visiting us simply because we are his favorite service club in the parish. However, he may also be sharing with us exciting updates and going ons in and around Livingston. If you want to be in the know; this is not the meeting to miss!
Last week’s meeting:
• Last week Mr. Alex Theriot, a founding member of this very club, shared his story with us. He began with telling us how he came to live in Denham Springs, the friends he made, the business he grew, and ended with the value and place he always believed Rotary had in the this community. We all hoped we made him proud by continuing and growing the club he created.
•Our club has a brag jar. Better bring your dollars folks!
• Animal Shelter project creeps forward.
Proposed Members (any names in this section have asked to be a member of our club. If any member has an opinion regarding accepting or denying the application of the names below please notify leadership.)
• Gary Lacombe
Upcoming Events/Projects:
• Nothing
We better get planning!
Note from the President:
• September is New Generations month. We spend this month infecting the minds of our youth… you like rotary; you love rotary; you want to be a Rotarian!!! And the cycle continues
Guest Speakers and General Membership Meeting Dates:
• Sept 12 – Guest Speaker, Carl Herrick, Sandler Training
• Sept 19 – Guest Speaker, Marcel Dupre, Rotary Youth Exchange
• Oct 10 – District Governor, Ms. Proctor
• Nov 14 - Patrick Beauchamp, Farm Bureau
Brags:
• Keith Stark wanted to give a huge shout out to Jon Fine for being the best looking campaign contributor thus far. He also challenged those in the audience to become the next best looking contributor. However, all believed they could not look better than “Is So.”
• Devonna Ponthieu visited our club an announced her candidacy for the Justice of the Peace for Ward 1. If you live out in Watson, be prepared for an exciting justice of the peace race!
• Remember! The Dru Nettles show airs on Thursday @ 6pm on Cox 4. Set your DVRs so you don’t miss it!!
• Jonathan Whitman has been selected to attend a due diligence meeting in Chicago! While he could not even explain what may or may not be happening in Chicago, we are proud? Just kidding! Of course we are proud!
• Jon Fine endorsed Jerry Denton for his status as Fine Human Being.
• Jerry Denton shared a prayer with the club. He prayed his opponent’s race would lag behind and he prayed for the city should he loose.
• Kay Landry had exciting news to share! The Board of Realtors has found and hired the perfect member coordinator – Casie McMurray! We all know this will be a perfect fit for all parties. Congrats!
• Russell Beall visited our club to announce his candidacy for judge of division A of the 21st judicial district. Based on the high caliber of candidates, this race will be one to watch!
Members:
• Your quarterly dues have been distributed. Please kindly and timely submit your payment to Lisa Casas.
• Shirts for sale only $7.00 for members. These things are selling like hotcakes!
JON IS PROUD TO WORK AS A MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE FOR SPORTSRADIO-1310-KEZM-LAKE CHARLES, IN ESTABLISHING THE “DOLLAR A HOLLER” MARKETING PROGRAM AND HELPING SELL BARBE HS BASEBALL AND SOUTH LAKE CHARLES PLAYOFF BROADCASTS
AND AS A MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE/ CONSULTANT FOR SPORTSCENTRAL ON WUBR,910AM (CBS SPORTS RADIO), BATON ROUGE.