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If you had told John Thompson back in August, when he took over as Kaplan’s new head coach, that his team would finish 7-5 and lose in the second round of the playoffs, he probably wouldn’t have believed it.
But that’s exactly what happened for the first-time head coach. Thompson took over the Kaplan program and switched from the Wing-T offense to a spread offense just a month before the season started.
The No. 20 Pirates made it to the second round of the Division III Non-Select playoffs, but lost 40-27 to No. 4 Kinder Yellow on the road last Friday.
“I knew when I took over this job back in August, it would be a challenge,” said Thompson after the playoff loss. “I can not say enough about the players, the coaches, and the fans. Everyone did their part to make it a great season. I am proud of the players.”
Kaplan’s new spread offense produced some strong stats over 12 games.
The Pirates came close to reaching 1,000 passing yards. Quarterback Sabe David, a three-year starter, finished with 943 yards in 12 games.
Jeremy Roy was David’s top target, ending the season with 26 catches for 435 yards. On Friday, he caught seven passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.
When they weren’t passing, the Pirates relied on running back DaMarion Cormier, who rushed for 1,200 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.
This year, the Pirates also made their extra point kicks count.
Gannon Smith scored 43 points for Kaplan, most of them as a kicker. He was the team’s second leading scorer, behind Cormier’s 116 points.
The Pirates entered Friday’s game with a strong offense, but struggled to move the ball early on.
Kaplan trailed 32-7 at halftime, but the Pirates outscored the Yellow Jackets 20-8 in the second half to keep things close.
At halftime, Thompson kept his message simple: don’t give up.
“I told them to keep chopping the wood,” Thompson said, explaining how he motivated his players to score 20 points in the second half.
“We didn’t lose the game; we just ran out of time. They only scored once in the second half, so we simply ran out of time.”
The Pirates had trouble running the ball. Cormier carried it 14 times for just 31 yards, but he still managed to score three touchdowns.
Jayden Hargrave ran for 30 yards on six carries, while Jeremy Roy added 29 yards on nine carries.
David finished his high school career by completing nine of 19 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Kinder totaled 476 yards of offense, with 211 rushing yards and 265 passing yards.
So what’s next for Thompson, now that he has a full year to get ready for the 2026 football season?
The answer is simple: the weight room and conditioning training.
Thompson said that with the new offense and defense planned for 2026, his players will be faster and stronger.
“We are going to be a different team,” he said.

LEROY – The North Vermilion Lady Patriots picked up right where they left off with a 48-20 victory over the Beau Chene Lady Gators in the Lady Pats Thanksgiving Classic on Monday.
 The Lady Pats (2-0) return three starters from last year’s 29-3 squad that reached the quarterfinals of the Division II Non-Select playoffs.  Reigning District 4-4A and Vermilion Parish MVP Makenzie Marceaux and rebounding machine Stevie Brasseaux are back for their senior campaign, while junior point guard Reagan Semien appears focused and ready to elevate her game.
    “Kenzie was the District MVP last year,” said Lady Pats’ head coach Jack LeBlanc.  “Stevie came out of nowhere.  She wasn’t even a projected starter, but she got her shot, ran with it, and had a phenomenal season.  As a sophomore, Reagan ran the point.  She’s been working extremely hard with a personal trainer during the offseason.  She’s going to have a breakout junior year.”
  Super sophomore Ashante Rose joins the starting five this year after being the sixth man as a freshman.
 “Ashante gave us that spark coming off the bench last year,” LeBlanc continued.  “She’s going to start this year, but she got hurt in the opener against Cecilia.  She’ll be out for a few weeks.”
 LeBlanc expects heavy contributions from the junior class.  Chloe LeBlanc, Charli Knickerbocker, and Ellery Dupuy will be relied upon to play the role of last year’s seniors.
   “Those girls have been playing together since middle school,” LeBlanc said.  “They can play multiple positions, they’re intelligent, highly coachable, and do all the right things.  They’re great kids.  Those three are expected to fill the void from the girls we lost last year.”
  With the core from last season returning and the potential of his newcomers, LeBlanc expects to continue competing at a high level.  He also realizes his team has gone from the hunter to the hunted. As district champs, the Lady Pats have a target on their backs.
   “The expectations are high,” LeBlanc said.  “We played some of the top teams in the state this summer and went toe-to-toe with them.  I don’t expect any drop off.
 “I expect to compete for another district championship, but we’re not sneaking up on anybody this year.  We play STM twice, Teurlings has everybody back, and Northside has a new coach.”
Against Beau Chene, the Lady Pats jumped out to a 9-3 lead after one quarter.  They expanded it to 23-12 at the break before putting the game away in the third quarter with a 19-0 burst that spanned the entire frame and built a 42-12 advantage.  The Lady Gators won the final quarter 8-6 to provide the final margin as NV let off the gas.
    Marceaux led all scorers with 16 points.  Semien was right on her heels with 15 while Brasseaux tossed in five.  Chloe LeBlanc dropped four points, Gabby Caruso notched three, Livi Broussard and Rhyan Dubois each scored two, and Dupuy added one.
  In other Lady Pats Thanksgiving Classic action, the Abbeville Lady Wildcats fell to the Westlake Lady Rams 50-32.  Armani Bashay led the Lady Cats with 12 points.  The Kaplan Lady Pirates fell to the Northside Lady Vikings 42-20.  Ajia Comeaux led the Lady Pirates with 13 points.  The Erath Lady Bobcats fell to the Catholic High of New Iberia Lady Panthers 40-31.  Kayleigh Perro led the Lady Bobcats with 11 points.
 The tournament continued on Tuesday with Abbeville tackling Beau Chene, North Vermilion challenging Kinder, Kaplan facing Church Point, and Erath taking on AES.

Dustin Dale Gaspard, a singer from Vermilion Parish, put everything he had into his performance on “The Voice,” but his run on the popular show ended Monday night.
Coach Niall Horan enjoyed Gaspard’s version of “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes, but after the Knockouts Round, he chose Kirbi to move forward.
Gaspard, from Cow Island in Vermilion Parish, shared his Cajun roots with the world through his song choices, musical skills, and stories about life in Acadiana.
On Monday’s show, Gaspard had to miss rehearsal because of a health issue. As a member of Team Niall Horan, he also missed the chance to meet singer Joe Walsh.
After being eliminated, Gaspard told South Louisiana why he missed rehearsal. He explained that he had COVID the week before and had to quarantine in the lead-up to his performance.
“I wish I had not caught COVID,” Gaspard said in his live Facebook post on Monday. “It is what it is. Do not bite your nails in an airport. That is a big lesson I learned here.”
Gaspard said he was not sad at all that his time on TV had ended.
“I am happier than anything in the entire world,” he said. “Vocally, I am the best I have ever been. I feel great. I feel hungry.”
“There is a lot more ahead of me. I am honored to connect with anyone who has been touched by my music. I am so very grateful.”
He also thanked everyone from The Voice and all his supporters in Louisiana.

There is a new, albeit familiar, face helping to lead the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce.
Claire Broussard has been named the chamber’s new executive director. She will replace Lauren Trahan, who stepped down from the role during the summer.
Broussard has been involved with the chamber as a board member and other capacities for several years.
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Chamber Board of Directors, the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance Board and the FUEL Vermilion Board,” Broussard said. “I currently serve as Chair of the Abbeville Cajun Christmas Celebration. I am also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Abbeville, an organization that reflects my passion for service and community.”
Broussard is familiar with many in the community, one she is proud to call home.
“In true Vermilion Parish fashion,” Broussard said, “I’ll go ahead and answer the question we all like to ask: “Who’s your mom and dad?” My parents are Jim and Diane Meaux Broussard and I’m proud to be from a family with deep roots right here in Vermilion Parish.”
Broussard’s own personal experiences will help shape what she brings to her new role. She has been involved with the American Cancer Society for more than 15 years, serving on the Black and White Gala Committee and as an ACT Lead with ACS CAN (Cancer Action Network) for Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District.
“As a 16-year breast cancer survivor, I’m deeply passionate about advocacy, awareness, and the importance of giving back. Through these roles, I’ve seen firsthand how compassion, leadership, and teamwork can create lasting change, and that same spirit is what I’m excited to bring to the Chamber.”
Focusing on those who make up the chamber and beyond will be a driving force for Broussard.
“As a small business owner, I understand the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering relationships that help our community thrive,” Broussard said. “My experience in the tourism industry has given me first-hand knowledge of how visitors fall in love with Vermilion Parish. From our amazing food to our beautiful downtowns, charming local shops, and most importantly, our unmatched southern hospitality, Vermilion Parish always leaves a lasting impression.”
Board member and Chamber Vice President Carl Toups said he feels Broussard will bring a fresh perspective to the role.
“I’m beyond excited to welcome Claire Broussard as our new Executive Director to the Vermilion Parish Chamber of Commerce,” Toups said. “Claire’s energy and familiarity with our vision are exactly what is needed to elevate and promote all things Vermilion. Big things are ahead for our businesses, our community, and our beloved Vermilion parish!”
Broussard said she looks forward to building momentum with each and every board member.
“I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated Board of Directors and our wonderful Assistant Director, Judy Mire, who continues to do an incredible job supporting our members and events,” Broussard said.
There is one upcoming event, along with a long-standing program, that already has Broussard’s focus.
“I’ll be jumping right in with two big projects: this year’s Women’s Leadership Luncheon (coming up Dec. 12 at Magdalen Place) and Leadership Vermilion, as we prepare to welcome our new class in January,” Broussard said. “I want to give a big thank you to the Women’s Luncheon Committee for the amazing job they’ve done getting this year’s event ready. I can’t wait to celebrate alongside everyone!”
Broussard urged members to be on the or upcoming educational workshops, Lunch & Learns, and Breakfast Sessions designed to help you strengthen your business, gain new insights, and build relationships that make a difference.
“Looking ahead, my goal is to add even more value to your Chamber membership by offering new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together,” Broussard said. “If there are topics or ideas you’d love to see the Chamber cover, please let me know.
“I want this organization to reflect the needs and voices of our members.”
She wants to hear from those members.
“Please know that my door and inbox are always open,” Broussard said. “I can’t wait to hear from you, whether you have ideas to share, questions to ask, or just want to grab coffee and chat about what’s next for Vermilion Parish.”