Dec. 11, 2007

THIBODAUX, La. - The eighth annual Bayou vs. River Region All-Star Game will be played in John L. Guidry Stadium this Friday December 14 with kickoff at 7 p.m.

The all-star game pits talented prep athletes from H.L Bourgeois, Ellender, South Lafourche, Assumption, South Terrebonne, Thibodaux, Central Lafourche, E.D. White, Terrebonne, and Vanderbilt to represent the Bayou Team, while the River Region's squad consists of standout high school athletes from Destrehan, East St. John, St. James, Hahnville, St. Charles, West St. John, Lutcher, and Riverside.

St. Charles Catholic head coach Frank Monica will head up the River Region, while Chris Bergeron of E.D. White will coach the Bayou team.

This year's contest will mark the second straight year that the River Region has participated in the game. Prior to the River Region joining the game, the all-star bout slated Terrebonne Parish schools against Lafourche/Assumption Parish Schools with the Lafourche/Assumption winning all six previous engagements.

Last season, the Bayou area defeated the River Region 36-20 on the backs of Phillip Livas (South Terrebonne) and James Steib (Thibodaux) who were named Co-MVP's for the Bayou team. Livas ran for 201 yards and a touchdown, while Steib was 6-of-9 passing with one touchdown through the air and two by way of ground. For the River Region, Daron Batholomew (West St. John) took home MVP honors for rushing seven times for 54 yards and a touchdown while also catching three passes for 78 yards.

Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants and alum of Assumption holds the all-time rushing record in the game with 230 yards set in 2000. Holding the punting record for the all-star game is current Nicholls quarterback Zach Chauvin with a 41.0 average after punting five times for 205 yards in 2005.

The game is more than just an opportunity for prep players to get noticed and make it to the next level, but it is also a scholarship opportunity. The Thibodaux Lion's Club and HTV 10 in Houma are the coordinators of the event and strive to award not only student-athletes, but support group members as well. Last season alone, the Thibodaux Lion's Club distributed a total of $10,500 in scholarships to student-athletes and cheerleaders that participated in the game.

If you have questions concerning the game or would like to make a charitable donation to the game, please contact John Ford at (985) 859-9179. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $6.00.

#####