Haynes-Thomas Jefferson in ‘Magnet Bowl’ highlights Thursday high school football schedule

While Haynes Academy and Thomas Jefferson are competitive on the playing field, both schools are very competitive in the classroom where both thrive and produce outstanding students and outstanding results.

The competition extends from the classroom to the playing field again Thursday night in the appropriately titled “Magnet Bowl” between two of the outstanding Magnet school institutions in our area and in Louisiana.

The Yellow Jackets and the Jaguars do battle at 6:30 p.m. at Hoss Memtsas Stadium.

Haynes (1-2) recorded an 8-6 win over West St. Mary for its lone victory. The Yellow Jackets have dropped contests to Springfield (46-20) and East Jefferson (32-0).

Thomas Jefferson (0-3) is in search of its first win after losses to Cohen (42-19), Patrick Taylor (30-21) and Centerville (40-7).

Since 2009, Thomas Jefferson leads the series 8-6.

The rivalry has been contested on even terms with the two teams splitting the last four meetings, alternating victories. Last season, Haynes defeated Thomas Jefferson 23-14 while Thomas Jefferson won 13-0 in 2021. Haynes won 18-14 in 2020 while Thomas Jefferson won 13-0 in 2019.

Thomas Jefferson won three straight from 2017-19 while Haynes won consecutive meetings in 2015-16. The Jaguars won three straight from 2010-12 while Haynes won in 2009 and in 2013. The Jaguars took a 22-15 decision in 2018 and won 29-7 in 2017. Haynes was victorious 29-12 in 2016 and 18-12 in 2015. Thomas Jefferson won 23-6 in 2014. Haynes took a 19-7 win in 2013 and Thomas Jefferson won 19-16 in 2012 and 27-9 in 2011 and 34-14 in 2010. Haynes took a 28-16 victory in 2009.

Haynes coach Ben Powell is set to experience his fourth Magnet Bowl.

“I think you never want to put your season on one game but it is the rivalry on the schedule,” Haynes coach Ben Powell said. “It is that way in every sport our schools compete in. There is a trophy presentation at the end of the game with administrators. The kids are excited. The records really don’t matter. The home team almost always wins. The kids at both schools are academically oriented.”

Lochlen Claverie has been strong on both sides of the ball. He did not play last week but he returns for Haynes. Trey Burns has been excellent up front on both sides of the ball.

Kenny Bush is in his fifth-year coaching against Haynes.

“It’s always a real good game,” Bush said. “We battle back and forth. We win, they win. Both schools enjoy playing one another. The kids play very hard and it goes down to the very end. It is very important for our kids and coaches. Our kids are really into to it and want to win. We are winless this year. To win this week would be huge to get our season going in the right direction.”

Offensively, Brice Wilkerson has played very well for Thomas Jefferson with close to 300 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Wilkerson has a touchdown pass and he has played both quarterback and running back. Senior Quinn Eden has been a standout as well, making big catches.

“Bryce has done an excellent job for us,” Bush said. “Eden has been a go-to guy.” One of the memories that sticks out is a most recent game we lost to Haynes. We were at home and had six fumbles and it cost us the game. Turnovers are always a factor. We have to minimize those.”

Powell is sure of one thing to expect.

“It’s a fun game, there is always something weird happens,” Powell said. “This is my fourth year and there are always interesting twists and turns during the game. The name ‘Magnet Bowl’ tells you everything you need to know about it. There is quite a history here. I’m sure everyone will go into the trick bag.”

While the end result matters, what happens at the end of the night matters most to both coaches.
“We want that trophy back to Gretna Blvd.,” Bush said.

“It means a lot to take that trophy back to Division Street,” Powell said.

Louisiana Prep Football Schedule for Thursday, Sept. 20
Benton at Airline
Byrd at Captain Shreve
Collegiate (BR) at Glen Oaks
DeQuincy at St. Mary’s
Douglass vs. Riverdale, 6:30 p.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium
Dunham at Ascension Catholic
East Jefferson at Central
Episcopal at Port Allen
Haynes Academy vs. Thomas Jefferson, 6:30 p.m. at Hoss Memtsas Stadium
Independence at Pearl River
Loreauville at North Vermilion
Mangham at General Trass
Oberlin at Merryville
Opelousas Catholic at Southern Lab
Tara at West Feliciana
Willow School at St. Mary’s