After having originally committed to Memphis, home-schooled quarterback
Stevie Douglas had a change of heart and instead enrolled at Stephen F. Austin, where he is on a football scholarship.
After having played his senior year for Clinton, Douglas completed his home-school course work and graduation requirements in time to enroll for the spring semester at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Tex.
Douglas was recruited by several Football Bowl Subdivision schools but opted to further his education and football career at a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division 1-AA) university. The 6-foot-4 Douglas was considered one of the top home-schooled quarterback prospects in the nation.
VETERAN FOOTBALL COACH JIMMY SHAVER STEPS DOWNAfter 29 years, including 27 state playoff appearances,
Barbe (Lake Charles) football coach Jimmy Shaver announced his retirement.
"I have no idea what I'll be doing next fall," the 62-year-old Shaver said. "I guess I'll do whatever it is that old people do. But I think I need to step back and see that there is another world out there while I'm still healthy. It's time for me to relieve a little pressure, sit back and enjoy my eight grandkids."
Barbe finished 9-3 last season and won the District 3-5A title before losing to Hahnville in the state playoffs. Barbe made three semifinal appearances under Shaver, including as recently as 2008 when Barbe enjoyed its only undefeated regular season under Shaver.
Shaver compiled a 237-100 overall record at the school.
Barbe Principal Beth Frazer said she anticipates naming Shaver's successor at the Calcasieu Parish School Board meeting in March.
"Whoever follows him is going to have some very big shoes to fill," Frazer said. "He's just developed an outstanding program. What he has started, hopefully we will continue."
Shaver said he will oversee the football program until a replacement is named and will remain at the school as a consultant for the rest of the semester. He is a six-time winner of the Southwest Louisiana Coach of the Year award. No other coach has won the Lake Charles American Press-sponsored honor more than three times.
In another coaching move,
Southern Lab (Baton Rouge) coach Mike Roach has resigned after six years in his second stint at the school to become defensive coordinator at Alcorn State.