EBR Schools kicks off football season with ‘Battle on the Bluff’ Jamboree

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Football season is officially underway for East Baton Rouge Schools, and it’s starting with a celebration of community and competition. On Monday, district leaders, city officials, coaches, and student-athletes gathered at A.W. Mumford Stadium for a news conference to preview the highly anticipated Battle on the Bluff High School Football Jamboree.

Superintendent LaMont Cole said the event is about creating opportunities for students to shine both on and off the field.

“There’s going to be people they’re recruiting and making sure that we give you an opportunity to go and extend your education past the K-12 experience,” Cole said.

The jamboree will bring together 12 teams from across the district for two nights of action-packed competition on Thursday, Aug. 28, and Friday, Aug. 29, at Mumford Stadium.

Mayor Sid Edwards said the event is a rare chance to unite Baton Rouge schools and families around one of the city’s biggest traditions, Friday Night Lights.

“We’re different schools and different teams, but to come together at this iconic university to have this is just rare,” Edwards said.

For coaches, the jamboree is also a chance to showcase months of preparation. Darius Matthews, head football coach at East Feliciana High School, said his team is ready to bring its energy to the field.

“We’re basically a team with a lot of speed, a lot of effort, and we dominate the field,” Matthews said. “If everybody wants to see a great game, get here at 5:30 on Thursday.”

Event organizers say the jamboree is expected to become a signature tradition for Baton Rouge, bringing together fans, families, and scouts while celebrating the city’s student-athletes.

Lester Ricard Jr., EBR Schools Athletics Supervisor, said this is the perfect chance for young athletes to perform on a big stage.

“Come see these young people who have put their hearts and souls into being great athletes. This is going to be a great opportunity for them to come out and display their talent,” Ricard said.

The Battle on the Bluff officially kicks off Thursday night at A.W. Mumford Stadium. Tickets are available through EBR Schools, and organizers are expecting a packed crowd.

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