For Immediate Release
Contact: Patrick Wesley / patrick.wesley@shreveportla.gov
Date: September 4, 2019
SHREVEPORT – The City of Shreveport will host a press conference for the 2019 Landers Dodge Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase at 10 a.m. (CST) on Monday, Sept. 9, in the club level of Independence Stadium.
Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, local dignitaries, high school officials, media, sponsors and football fans will have an opportunity to hear participating coaches speak about their respective teams, as well as their Battle on the Border opponents. The press conference will be streamed live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gridironbattle/.
Battle on the Border IX features local, regional and national powerhouse high school football programs from four states, including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. The Battle on the Border consists of five games over two days, providing a slate of weekend games for high school football fans. The 10 participating teams read like a Who’s Who of high school football programs spanning across the southern region.
Tickets for the Battle on the Border start at $10 for advanced general admission / $15 game day. One ticket is good for all five showcase games! For more information on the Landers Dodge Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase, visit www.thebattleontheborder.com.
2019 Landers Dodge Battle on the Border High School Football Showcase Schedule: Friday, Sept. 13, 2019
West Monroe Rebels (West Monroe, La.) vs. C.E. Byrd Yellow Jackets (Shreveport, La.) – 5:30 p.m.
In the first game of BOTB IX, it’s a matchup of old rivals when the West Monroe Rebels clash with the Byrd Yellow Jackets. The Rebels posted an impressive 14-1 record in 2018, with their only blemish coming in a 27-24 loss to the Zachary Broncos in the LHSAA Class 5A State Championship. West Monroe had shut out its first four playoff opponents en route to the appearance in the championship game. In 2018, the Byrd Yellow Jackets returned to their winning ways of the past. The Yellow Jackets went 7-3 in 2018, losing to the Evangel Eagles in the second round. Byrd coach Mike Suggs, the dean of area coaches, will be in his 22nd season as the Yellow Jackets’ head man.
North Little Rock Charging Wildcats (Little Rock, Ark.) vs. Catholic Bears (Baton Rouge, La.) – 8 p.m.
The North Little Rock Charging Wildcats will be making their second appearance in the Battle on the Border. The Charging Wildcats defeated Evangel Christian Academy 35-20 in last year’s Battle on the Border. North Little Rock went 12-1 in 2018 with their only blemish coming in a 27-7 setback to the Bryant Hornets in the Class 7A State Championship. A perennial powerhouse in Louisiana, the Catholic Bears will be making their debut in the Battle on the Border. After winning LHSAA Division I titles in 2015 and 2017, Catholic lost 49-7 in the 2018 finals to the John Curtis Patriots.
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019
Deerfield Beach Bucks (Deerfield Beach, Fla.) vs. Zachary Broncos (Zachary, La.) – 11 a.m.
The Deerfield Beach Bucks and Zachary Broncos will be making their first appearances in the Battle on the Border IX. Deerfield Beach posted a 12-2 record in 2018, losing 49-21 in the Class 8A state semifinals. Zachary won back- to-back Class 5A championships in 2017 and 2018, and the Broncos have won three out of the last four state titles. Coach David Brewerton has guided Zachary to the playoffs in each of his first five seasons, reaching the semifinals or finals in every season.
Westlake Lions (Atlanta, Ga.) vs. John Curtis Patriots (River Ridge, La.) – 3 p.m.
The Westlake Lions, high school of Carolina Panthers Cam Newton, are making their first appearance in the Battle on the Border. Over the past three seasons, the Lions have compiled a 27-11 record. The John Curtis Patriots have captured a record 26 state championships, and are coached by J.T. Curtis, Jr., who is the winningest active coach in the country. Curtis is also a member of the National Federation of High Schools’ Hall of Fame. The Patriots beat the Bishop Lynch Friars 21-14 in last year’s Battle on the Border VIII en route to a perfect 14-0 season. John Curtis defeated Catholic of Baton Rouge 49-7 in the 2018 LHSAA Division I State Championship game.
Captain Shreve Gators (Shreveport, La.) vs. Woodlawn Knights (Shreveport, La.) – 7 p.m.
This matchup features two local teams making their debuts in the Battle on the Border. Captain Shreve is coming off an 8-4 campaign in 2018, which was the Gators’ first winning season since going 6-5 in 2009. Captain Shreve returns the bulk of its team and is looking to contend for the District 1-5A title. After posting a 9-4 record and reaching the Class 4A quarterfinals in 2017, the Knights slipped to a 5-7 record last year. First year head coach, CJ Byrd will lead the Knights with high expectations of improving the program.
NOTE: All games are Central Standard Time