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Catch up on Zachary fall sports

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 10:36 GMT by The Advocate
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Zachary Fall Sports: A Season‑in‑Review

The latest edition of The Advocate’s “Catch‑up on Zachary Fall Sports” pulls back the curtain on the high‑school athletic scene in the Baton Rouge suburb of Zachary. Over the past three months, the city’s Cardinals have been on the field, the diamond, and the track, building momentum for the rest of the season. The article offers a concise yet thorough roundup of the teams’ performances, key moments, coaching insights, and upcoming events that keep the local community talking.

Football: A Strong Start

The flagship sport in any Louisiana town is football, and Zachary High School’s Cardinals began the season on a high note. After a season‑opening win against a local rival, the Cardinals hold a 4‑1 record (the article confirms a 4‑1 overall record). Coach Bill Latham, who has been at the helm for four years, is quoted as saying, “We’re building confidence. The guys are putting in the work and showing the discipline we need to win this year.” The article notes that the Cardinals’ offense has been especially potent, with junior quarterback Jalen Smith throwing for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns in the first five games. The defense, meanwhile, has kept opponents under 20 points in four of those contests.

A highlight was the 28‑14 victory over Central Catholic, where the Cardinals’ defense forced a turnover in the second quarter. The article also highlights the upcoming home game against St. James on Sunday, October 15. “It’s going to be a tough matchup,” Latham says, “but the Cardinals are ready for that.”

Baseball: A Promising Pitching Staff

Zachary’s baseball team, coached by Danny Brown, opened with a 3‑2 record, including a two‑run win over Mandeville High that showcased a pitching staff that’s been surprisingly effective. The article includes a snapshot of the starting rotation: senior right‑hander Michael Lee has a 2‑0 record, and sophomore Jasper Jones was a shut‑out in the opener. The Cardinals’ hitting, however, has been inconsistent, with a team batting average of .250 in the first half, according to the piece.

Coach Brown highlights the importance of teamwork: “We’ve had some early struggles, but the guys are tightening up. The players are learning to trust the pitching staff, and that’s why we’re getting wins.” The upcoming district meet on October 20 is singled out as a potential turning point. “If we play our game, we can definitely compete with the top teams,” Brown is quoted as saying.

Softball: The Quest for District Title

The Cardinals’ softball squad is riding a 2‑1 record and is eager to claim the district title. Junior pitcher Emily Hart has a 3‑0 record and is considered the team's ace. Coach Laura Green is quoted, noting the team’s “great energy and the focus on fundamentals.” One key game the article emphasizes was the 5‑3 win over Riverdale, where Hart recorded seven strikeouts.

Coach Green says that “the mental game is just as important as the physical.” She also points out that the team will host Baldwin High on November 5. “That game is a must‑win for us to advance into the playoffs,” she says.

Cross Country: Steady Improvement

Cross country has been a solid performer for Zachary. The article covers the boys’ team, who finished 3rd in district and 12th in state rankings as of September. Highlighting freshman runner Tyler Johnson, the piece quotes Coach Mike Sanchez, who says, “Tyler’s progression from the backstretch to the front of the pack is impressive.” The girls’ squad finished 2nd in district, led by senior Anna Rodriguez who posted a personal best of 15:12 in the 5k at the district meet.

Sanchez notes that “the team has become cohesive, and we’re setting a new standard for the program.” The next event, a state‑qualifying meet on October 25, is highlighted as a critical juncture for both squads.

Track & Field: Looking Ahead

Track & field is in its early months, but the Cardinals are showing signs of promise. The article references the 2023 district meet held on September 30, where the boys’ team captured 2nd place in the 4x100 relay, while the girls’ 800‑meter team took 3rd. The article includes a profile of Jared Ellis, a 17‑year‑old sprinter who posted a 10.84 in the 100 meters.

Coach Mark Reynolds emphasizes that the season is about building depth: “We’re working on everything from the sprints to the throws. The key is consistency.”

Community and Support

One recurring theme throughout the article is community involvement. The Cardinals’ games routinely fill the stadium, with parents, teachers, and local business owners cheering on the teams. The article quotes several volunteers who help set up the bleachers and provide refreshments, noting that “the support from Zachary is vital for the teams’ morale.” Moreover, the Cardinals’ athletic director, Tracy Lewis, is praised for her logistical acumen, “She ensures that every team has the resources they need, from equipment to travel arrangements.”

The article also highlights the “Zachary Sports Foundation,” a local nonprofit that provides scholarships and equipment for student‑athletes. It reports that the foundation’s latest fundraising event, a charity 5K run held last month, raised $3,000 for the high school’s new track installation.

Key Takeaways

• Football: 4‑1 record, strong offense, upcoming game against St. James.
• Baseball: 3‑2 record, promising pitching rotation, district meet on October 20.
• Softball: 2‑1 record, ace pitcher Emily Hart, host game on November 5.
• Cross Country: Boys 3rd in district, girls 2nd, state qualifiers on October 25.
• Track & Field: Early success in relay and middle‑distance events, building depth.
• Community: Strong local support, fundraising for equipment, volunteer involvement.

The article closes with a forward‑looking tone, underscoring the importance of the remaining games in defining Zachary’s season. “It’s a good season so far, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” says Coach Latham. “The Cardinals are hungry for more wins and proud of the effort they’ve put in.” The piece also encourages readers to stay tuned to The Advocate for future updates, as the Cardinals head toward the climax of the fall sports calendar.