By Jim Henderson

Contributing Writer

The Bogalusa Lumberjacks captured their first District 8-3A title after defeating the Independence Tigers 47-6 in the regular season finale for both teams.

The victory improved Bogalusa to 7-2 and moved them to 4-1 in the district race, tied with Loranger for first place entering the post season. The LHSAA will announce the playoff pairings for all classes this afternoon, with the Lumberjacks expected to host a first-round playoff opponent Friday.

Independence finishes 5-5.

Bogalusa quarterback Brian Williams led the Lumberjacks with three touchdown passes. Running back Darrin Holmes scored two rushing TDs and was on the end of a Williams’ touchdown pass and a two-point conversion score.

“I knew we were ready to play from the week of practice that we had in preparing for this game,” said Lumberjacks’ coach Craig Jones.

“Our defense stepped up to the plate tonight. These guys were ready to go and play some ball. Our preparation was outstanding and the kids told me they were ready to play some ball. Our defensive line and linebackers did a terrific job. We dictated the line of scrimmage and held them scoreless for three-and-half quarters,” Jones added.

Bogalusa began its scoring barrage in the opening quarter when Williams lofted a 61-yard touchdown pass to Trevonne Mingo. The PAT was missed, leaving the Lumberjacks with a 6-0 lead and 8:05 remaining to play in the period.

Moments later, Bogalusa struck again capping a seven-play drive when Williams rifled a 10-yard touchdown pass to Chris Rivera. Cordero Brown took a pitch and then tossed to Darrin Holmes to score the two-point conversion, increasing the Lumberjacks’ lead to 14-0 heading into the second period.

Bogalusa extended its lead when Holmes scored on a 1-yard touchdown plunge, culminating an eight-play drive. Aaron Taylor’s PAT attempt was missed and the Lumberjacks moved to 20-0 midway in the second quarter.

The Lumberjacks went to its passing attack on the next series ending a six-play drive when Williams hooked up with Dayshawn Harris on a 25-yard touchdown pass. Harris ran in for the two-point conversion to make it 28-0.

Bogalusa added one more touchdown just before the half when Holmes went around the right end and scored on a 20-yard scamper. Taylor booted the extra point to give the Lumberjacks a commanding 35-0 advantage at the half.

Bogalusa kept the momentum in the third quarter. The Lumberjacks hammered the Independence defense with its punishing ground attack and capped an eight-play drive with a 25-yard touchdown run by Holmes. Taylor missed the point after attempt and the Lumberjacks led 41-0 going into the final period.

Bogalusa added an insurance touchdown in the fourth quarter when Williams connected with Holmes on a 39-yard touchdown pass to make it 47-0 with 6:15 remaining.

Independence avoided the shutout when quarterback Oscar Briggs scored on a one-yard keeper. The two-point conversion failed leaving the score 47-6 with 2:12 to play.

“Bogalusa came out and took it to us,” said Independence coach Keith Carona, whose team was eliminated from postseason play for the first time in 26 years.

“They (Bogalusa) have a great chance to make a nice run in the playoffs. They controlled the line on both sides of the ball. Offensively, we struggled. We had some four freshmen in the lineup, but we competed. We just got to take a week or two off and get back in the weight room and try to get stronger for next year,” Carona said.