RSS Feed

In an age, and a sport, where stars are encouraged to seek the spotlight, the Abbeville High Wildcats are doing things their own way.
The Wildcats are off to a 6-2 record on the season and are one of two remaining unbeaten teams in District 5-3A with a 2-0 league mark.
The secret to their success? Putting the team above individual accolades.
The Wildcats have five ballcarriers with more than 140 yards, and their leading rusher has just over 600 yards on the season. Halfbacks Edmar Simon III, Justin Montgomery and Ta’Zavian Andrews are of similar size and build, each bringing their own skill set to the game. Quarterback De’Zavien Maze and bruising fullback Zaylun Williams have had only 41 carries between them, but each contributes when called upon.
And it doesn’t matter to any of them who is getting the ball on a particular play, or who has the most carries or yards in a game.
“It speaks to the pillars and the things we stake this program on, and the number one thing is unselfishness,” head coach Roderick Moy said. “Any of these guys, any of these four backs, if I stood them back there and gave them the ball 30 times, could be, and could possibly put up Blake Saddler numbers, for lack of a better term, but they know they’re needed elsewhere.
“Those guys help us a good deal on special teams. Trey is our starting cornerback. Zaylun is on the defensive line for us and handles all our kicking responsibilities. We split that up so we can be the best team we can possibly be, and to those guys’ credit, they handle it very unselfishly. In any other program they could probably go back there and dot the I and carry the ball 25 times and get all the accolades they want.”
Saddler set an Abbeville High team record in 2021, rushing for 2,127 yards and more than 20 TDs in helping the Wildcats reach the quarterfinals.
Abbeville’s top five rushers could approach that total this season. The five have combined for more than 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns through eight games.
“Coach Moy makes sure we’re all on the same page, and we’ve all got our minds on the team, the team, the team,” Andrews said. “Everything is about the team. When people start branching off and doing their own thing, that’s when we start making mistakes and we start breaking up. We’ve seen it for ourselves, every time we stay together and we play as a whole, as a team, we win and we succeed. So we just try to stay on that path. We know we’re brothers, and nothing can break a brotherhood if we just stay together.”
“We’re very unselfish,” Williams said. “It doesn’t matter how many carries each one of us has, we’re just going to root each other on.”
Simon, a junior, leads the Wildcats with 601 yards and nine touchdowns on 62 carries. Montgomery, a sophomore, has 76 rushes for 528 yards and four TDs. Andrews, a senior, has carried 41 times for 252 yards and a TD. Williams, a senior who helps anchor the defensive line, has rushed for 178 yards and four touchdowns on 22 runs. And Maze, a sophomore, has 19 carries for 144 yards and a touchdown, while throwing for 181 yards and two touchdowns.
All without a peep about getting more carries.
“It speaks to the people they are,” Moy said. “We don’t have any complaints. They want to do the best they can. Without a true fullback, because Zaylun is very limited with the time he can give us, those guys go back there at a hundred fifty pounds and block for each other. That’s the thing that I really appreciate the most, not only are they unselfish and don’t complain about their carries, they go help each other. One time we’re going this way and I’ve got to lead for you, and vice versa.
“They’re all doing it as a team, and they’re happy to see each other succeed, which speaks to the type of people they are. That’s what speaks to me the most.”
Montgomery said it’s a matter of knowing that each one of the backs has similar talent and they carry the same energy.
“We all have enough talent to share the ball, so we don’t get jealous or anything,” he said.
The runners all get excited when a teammate is having success, he said.
“It’s like we’re taking turns,” Montgomery said.
“Just being able to share the ball with the other guys is very amazing,” Williams said. “We’re really unselfish. It really doesn’t matter how many yards the other guy’s got, because we know what we can do to help the team out.”
Maze said he’s happy to see the team succeeding after losing a lot of talented players from last year’s team, which returned to the playoffs for the second straight year. Abbeville, which plays at St. Martinville (2-6 overall, 1-2 district) on Friday in a district game, is No. 15 in the latest LHSAA Division II non-select power rankings and could earn a home playoff game by moving up just a hair in the next two weeks. The top 14 teams play at home in the first round of the non-select playoffs, which feature 28 teams per division.
“The seniors are doing pretty well, and it’s good to have a bunch of people that we can depend on to carry the ball, and be able to run the rock, instead of just depending on one person,” Maze said, adding he’s bolstered by the team’s support in only his second year playing quarterback. “It’s nice for them to be able to trust me.”
Simon said that having players with different talents gives the Wildcats options each game.
“We have a lot of guys that can do a lot of different things,” he said. “We all have different talents. Knowing that this guy can come in and do the same thing that this guy can do, nobody really has a problem with sharing the ball.”
It’s all about doing things for the team, Simon added.
“It’s just about being patient and not being selfish, doing it for the team and wanting to win games,” he said. “We all have one goal. First it’s district, and then every team wants to win the state championship.”
St. Martinville has a lot of talent, though the record doesn’t show it, he said. Kaplan beat the Tigers last week by running the ball, carrying 63 times for 380 yards. Abbeville took notice of that.
“As you can see with what Kaplan did, they ran the ball and kept the (St. Martinville) offense off the field,” Simon said. “I feel like if we can do the same thing, we can get the win.”
“Just keeping them on the sidelines offensively” is the key, Williams agreed.
And it starts up front for the Wildcats, Simon noted.
“Those guys are amazing,” he said. “Just like Coach Moy says, any time we need something we can always count on our offensive line to get it for us.”
“It makes a huge difference (having the offensive line playing well), because all they’ve got to do is make a small gap for any one of us, and we’re gone,” Williams said.
Andrews said having a bevy of backs who can carry the ball helps keep everyone fresh and makes the run game potent throughout the game.
“At times you’ll be in the game for 10 minutes straight or something like that, and you need a breather, and if you don’t have anybody else that can run the ball like you or as good as you, then you’re not really going to get out of the game,” he said. “But we’ve got so many guys that have speed and power, anybody can play anywhere, and that’s the versatility of this team.”
Staying disciplined and not turning the ball over will be the keys to winning on Friday, Andrews said.
“We need to keep our heads up and go in there with a focused mind, and just go in there and play focused,” Montgomery said.

ERATH — A Mass to celebrate the life of Gerald Don Touchet, 85, will be held at 1:30PM on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, Louisiana with Father Clinton Sensat officiating.  He will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum following his cremation. 
Visitation will be at the Church Hall from 9 a.m. until the time of services with a rosary at 11 a.m.
Gerald, a resident of Erath, passed away on October 24, 2023.  Gerald was born on September 9, 1938, to Stanley and Artha Touchet.  He was a 1958 graduate of Abbeville High School.  Gerald was employed for 33 years by Odeco, Incorporated which was later bought out by Murphy Oil Company. He was a proud member of the Erath Volunteer Fire Department for many, many years and loved the comradery and brotherhood that he found there.  His greatest joy was watching his family grow and thrive.  He loved spending time with his sons and their families, and he was at his happiest when he was visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sue Landry Touchet, his brother Timothy “Tim” Touchet of New Iberia, his two sons Joe Don Touchet and wife Yvette of Erath, and Michael James Touchet and wife Theresa of Erath, his seven grandchildren, Rynn (Annalise), Payne, Rylee, Austin, Rhett, Nathan, and Kathryn, and three great grandchildren, Aurora, Adela, and Anna Touchet. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Artha Touchet, and two of his siblings Carrie Touchet Powers and Larry Touchet.    
Serving as pallbearers will be Rynn Touchet, Payne Touchet, Austin Touchet, Rhett Touchet, and Nathan Touchet. 
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Kathryn Touchet, Rylee Touchet, and Eddie Langlanais.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Catholic Daughters or the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath is handling the arrangements - (337) 937-0405.

It’s fascinating to think that many people know the name “James A. Herod” because of a school in Abbeville, but very few are aware of the significant impact that Rev. James A. Herod had on education, particularly in the black community of Abbeville.
Thankfully, Pastor Walter August, an Abbeville native and current pastor in Houston, is changing that.
With the help of the Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana, more and more Abbeville citizens are learning about the remarkable life and legacy of Rev. James A. Herod than ever before.
It’s remarkable to think that Rev. Herod passed away in 1948 at the ripe old age of 88 years old, but his influence still reverberates today.
Rev. James A. Herod and his wife, Josephine Robinson Herod, were both passionate educators who wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.
Rev. Herod served as the second pastor at St. Mary Congregational Church in Abbeville, which also happened to be the first building where he taught.
In 1955, a new school facility for first through 12th graders was built on Martin Luther King Drive and named James A. Herod High School in honor of Rev. Herod’s contributions to education in the region.
Then, in 1991, when the old African-American high school closed, the school board renamed East Abbeville Elementary to James A. Herod Elementary as a way to continue honoring Rev. Herod’s legacy.
This past Friday, Pastor August, members of the Nehemiah Projects, and city and parish officials gathered together to open a new residential museum that’s dedicated to Rev. James A. Herod.
The museum is located at the Abbeville house where Rev. Herod and his wife lived in the early 1900s. This 100-year-old wooden house has been beautifully restored and is situated at 601 East St. Victor, just near the Abbeville library.
During the ceremony, Pastor August shared his gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in such a meaningful project, saying, “Out of all of the things I am a part of in Abbeville, this is the most significant thing I can ever do as a contribution back to the city. I am grateful.”
He also reflected on Rev. Herod’s remarkable story, noting that he attended James A. Herod High School and had seen Rev. Herod’s name countless times, but didn’t know who he was until a few years ago.
The Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana completed the renovations of Rev. James A. Herod’s former home, and that artifacts from town history that Rev. Herod himself created are now lining the walls in memory of a truly remarkable man.
Rev. Herod journeyed down to Louisiana many years ago, where he met an Abbeville woman and settled in the community with a mission to empower individuals through preaching and teaching. This would become his enduring legacy.
According to the Vermilion Parish archives, Rev. James A. Herod was a well-respected figure who was known as the Father of African-American Education.
He devoted his life to teaching and ministering to African American students in Vermilion Parish, working tirelessly to create a sense of pride and equality throughout public education. It’s clear that his contributions to the community and to education have left a lasting impact that continues to inspire and uplift individuals to this day.
Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White noted that it’s high time to celebrate all of the cultures and history within the community. She, like many others, attended Herod in elementary school, but had no idea just how much Rev. James A. Herod had impacted education in the city.
During the museum’s opening ceremony, three graduates of Herod High School took a walk down memory lane as they thumbed through the 1954 yearbook and reminisced on their wonderful times in school. It’s clear that Rev. Herod’s legacy continues to inspire and connect individuals from all walks of life.
Vermilion Parish School Superintendent Tommy Byler also shared some news, noting that James A. Elementary School students in Abbeville will soon have the opportunity to go on field trips to the James A. Herod Residential Museum.
If you’re interested in learning more about Rev. James A. Herod, taking a tour of the Herod House, or dedicating a brick to build the Legacy Walk in honor of those who attended a Herod school, taught at a Herod school, or were impacted by the life of Rev. Herod, be sure to visit the website www.thenpai.org, email l.trahan@thenpai.org, or call the Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana office at 337-740-6724. Do note that tours require 24-48 hours notice to plan the best possible experience, and some restrictions may apply.
Lastly, Pastor August shared some poignant words about Rev. Herod’s legacy, noting that his name, family, and history will never be buried again. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Rev. Herod’s contributions to the community, particularly for black men who came to Vermilion Parish.
“When comparing apples to apples, no one has had the same impact on African Americans like Rev. James A. Herod did,” said Pastor August.

December 2, 1931 – October 19, 2023

Dr. Fred Wesley Thomas, of Abbeville, died Thursday, October 19, 2023, at home, each hand being held by a loving daughter and stepdaughter. Born December 2, 1931, in Orange, Texas, Dr. Thomas lived an extraordinary and fascinating life, having a positive impact on countless people for almost 92 years. His memory will be treasured by thousands of patients, many business partners, more friends that can be counted, and a devoted and loving extended family. A calm and dignified man, he also possessed a gentle and lively sense of humor. He had that rare and precious gift of listening, a critical trait for his career as a physician, but also for his relationships with people from all ages and walks of life. He was always curious about everything and everyone he met. The only child of Dr. Fred Williams Thomas and Luella Parker Thomas, Dr. Fred had an unusual childhood. His mother having died when he was 9, his father serving as the dentist at Jackson State Mental Hospital and Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, Dr. Fred was raised at those institutions. Perhaps that is why he was so accepting of all people, regardless of their circumstances. His father’s illness left him on his own as a teenager, and he worked his way through high school in St. Francisville, finding time to serve as editor of the school newspaper that he founded, and to share honors as the class co-valedictorian. He attended McNeese State University, where he excelled academically, again serving as the editor of the college newspaper.
In 1953 he married Gladys Cockerham of Dequincy, with whom he was married for 42 years. He entered Louisiana State Medical School in New Orleans and during those years, Fred and Gladys started a family, with the birth of their two daughters, Christy and Cindy. Dr. Thomas was a standout student, ranking 5th in his medical school class of 101 students in 1957. Joining the U.S. Army while still in medical school, Dr. Thomas served his country for 5 years, stationed at military hospitals in Denver, New Orleans, and El Paso. Dr. Thomas was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Captain in June, 1961.
Dr. Thomas began private medical practice in Bridgeport, Alabama, for two years, before he moved to Many, Louisiana, where he enjoyed over 20 years at a busy family practice. In addition to his medical career, Dr. Thomas found time to serve his community in various roles, including as chairman of the Sabine Parish Water Works District and as elected member of the Sabine Parish School Board. He was a member of the Many First United Methodist Church, the Lions Club, the Civil Air Patrol, the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Louisiana State and American Medical Associations, and the American Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Thomas did not limit his energy to just work. He was enthusiastic about his hobbies too, which included flying his airplane, fishing, boating, and water-skiing with his family on Toledo Bend Lake. He enjoyed gardening, antiquing, and was a voracious reader, and whether it was world events, or a jingle from his childhood, his memory was extraordinary. In 1983, Dr. Thomas moved to Baton Rouge, where he practiced medicine at the LSU Student Health Center, serving as Chief of Medicine. He loved being a doctor, but was also engaged in various medical, nursing home, and business pursuits, with which he was actively involved until the end of his life.
In 1997, Dr. Thomas and Nancy White Herpin were married at First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, where they remained members for the rest of their lives. In 2004, he and Nancy moved to Abbeville, where they made their home a beautiful and peaceful place where their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren loved to gather. As busy as Dr. Thomas’s life was, he never seemed to be in a rush, always having time to devote to his family. Dr. Fred and Nancy enjoyed traveling the world, spending time with family and friends, and most of all, being together. It was obvious to anyone who knew them how deeply they were in love. Dr. Fred and Nancy celebrated 26 joyful years of marriage until she passed away May 22, 2023, with Dr. Fred by her side holding her hand.
Dr. Thomas is survived by his daughters; Christine Thomas Dowden, Cynthia Thomas Gates and her husband Jim; stepson Daniel Herpin and his wife, Gay; stepdaughters, Shannon Herpin Kimble and her husband, Alvin, and Stephanie Herpin LeBouef and her husband, Cobb; grandchildren, Michael Dowden (Amy), Julie Dowden Nally (Tom), Rachel Gates Hebert (Kenny), Mollie Gates, Kate Herpin Trahan (Trae), Ross Herpin (Brittany), Chip LeBouef (Elizabeth), Leah LeBouef Servat (Ryan); fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild on the way.
In lieu of a formal funeral service, the family will have a private memorial Saturday, October 28, 2023.