Story by Wes Merriott

The final week of the regular season has brought South Bossier to the edge of history. The Parkway Panthers (9-0) travel to Evangel Christian Academy (7-2) on Friday night with everything on the line — an undefeated regular season, a district championship, and a potential No. 1 playoff seed. One side will celebrate, the other will wait for the bracket reveal.

Parkway Panthers football team entering the field with the American flag, surrounded by cheering cheerleaders and a cloud of colored smoke.
Parkway looks to earn it’s first undefeated regular season since 2013 Friday night on the road versus the formidable Evangel Christian Academy. SOBO.live file photo

The Setup

Parkway punched its ticket to this moment with a 58-42 shootout win over Benton. Quarterback Kaleb Williams threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns, while the Panther ground game added 267 more. Two late interceptions sealed the win and preserved Parkway’s perfect record.

A football player from Parkway High School wearing a black beanie and jersey with the number 1 walks on the field during a night game, with teammates in the background.
Parkway senior QB Kaleb Williams, seen here warming up at half-time in Benton last week, has had a tremendous senior year. Williams has thrown for 2,182 yards over 9 games, thrown 32 touchdowns, and only 2 INTs. SOBO.live file photo.

SOBO.live has covered every step of the journey, and veteran sportscaster Shane Cheatham says this one feels different.

“It’s been 12 years since Parkway’s last undefeated season. You can feel the energy in South Bossier right now,” Cheatham said.

Evangel, meanwhile, enters after a narrow 24-22 loss at Lafayette Christian — a setback that ended a seven-game win streak but didn’t dampen their confidence. The Eagles are still tied atop 1-5A and will host Friday’s championship clash.

Parkway’s offense has been explosive all year, averaging over 50 points per game and showing the versatility to outscore or outlast any opponent. Evangel brings speed, power, and pedigree — a program built on championships and capable of flipping a game in a single series. Still, the Eagles have shown cracks, trailing both Captain Shreve and Haughton at halftime before rallying late in those wins.

A football player wearing a red jersey with the number 88 stands on the field, looking focused. The background features a scoreboard and a blurred car.
Parkway’s Gary Burney stares down his defender after scoring a touchdown Week 7 versus district rival Airline. Burney will be a critical factor Friday night. SOBO.live file photo.

More Than a District Title

A win would mean more than just hardware. With Ruston holding the top spot in Division I Non-Select, a 10-0 Parkway finish could vault the Panthers into the No. 1 playoff seed. Power ratings are tight, and a district title on the road might be enough to tip the scales.

Head Coach Coy Brotherton knows his team is walking into a playoff atmosphere.

“This is going to be a fun, loud, playoff-type football game,” Brotherton said. “Two of the best offenses lining up against each other, but the defense will decide the outcome. It’s going to be a fun game.”

A football coach in a red jacket gestures towards an official on the field during a night game, with players in the background.
Coach Brotherton calls out a great play last week in Benton, where the Panthers put up a double-digit victory. SOBO.live file photo.

History on the Line

The last time Parkway stood in this position was 2013, when quarterback Brandon Harris led the Panthers to a 9-0 regular season, a 1-5A title, and a trip to the Superdome for the state championship. They fell short of the crown that year, but that team set the standard. Now, a decade later, Parkway has a chance to match that feat in a new era of Division I football.

What Evangel Brings

  • Quarterback play: Evangel’s offense runs through standout QB Peyton “Pop” Houston, a strong-armed, creative passer who can extend plays and punish blown coverages.
  • Explosiveness: The Eagles thrive on tempo and deep shots. If Parkway’s safeties get caught flat-footed, it could be costly.
  • Big-game experience: Evangel knows how to handle bright lights and high stakes. Expect an aggressive, high-energy start.

Why Parkway Should Like Its Chances

  • Offensive balance. Williams spreads the ball to Antonio Gladney, Gabriel Gray, and Gary Burney, while running backs Braxxton Black and AJ Johnson can take over late.
  • Track-meet tolerance. If the game turns into a shootout, Parkway has already proven it can win those.
  • Turnover edge. When Parkway needs the ball back, it finds it. The defense has been opportunistic all year, creating key takeaways in crunch time.
A football player wearing a black and red Parkway Panthers uniform celebrates on the sideline during a game, with a cheering crowd in the background.
Coach Brotherton has multiple weapons to choose from Friday night, including Freshman RB AJ Johnson, seen here scoring in Week 7 versus Captain Shreve. SOBO.live file photo.

The South Bossier Blueprint

  1. Start fast, then steal a possession. Hit early and put Evangel on the back foot. Hidden yards and field position will matter late.
  2. Bracket Evangel’s top receiver. Don’t let Houston get easy vertical throws.
  3. Run at their nickel. When Evangel lightens the box, pound the football and wear them down.
  4. Be ruthless in the red zone. Field goals won’t win this game. Not coincidentally, Coach Brotherton’s style favors aggressive playcalling.
  5. Finish strong. Parkway has to manage timeouts, play clean football, and own the last six minutes.

What Could Swing It

  • Deep shots over the top. If Parkway’s safeties bite on play-action, Evangel can score fast.
  • Penalties. False starts, unsportsmanlike conduct, and pre-snap miscues could swing momentum in a loud environment.
  • Turnovers. One mistake inside the 20 could decide it.
A high school football game scene with two players in action, one in a black jersey and the other in a white jersey, competing for possession near the end zone, surrounded by a cheering crowd.
Parkway will have to shine defensively and avoid costly penalties from inattentive officials. Sophomore safety Dallas Loche was penalized in Week 8 for this play. SOBO.live file photo.

The Final Word

This is the moment South Bossier has been waiting for — a chance at perfection, pride, and proof. Evangel will punch back, but Parkway’s offensive rhythm, depth, and belief in its own rise make the difference.

“Parkway’s run has brought everyone together,” Cheatham said. “Friday night’s matchup is something folks will be talking about for a long time. No matter what happens, it’s a great night for our kids, our schools, and our SOBO community.”

Prediction: Parkway 41, Evangel 35.
The Panthers finish 10-0, claim the 1-5A crown, and head into the playoffs as a legitimate contender for the Division I Non-Select title. History calls — and Parkway looks ready to answer.

Where to Watch

In Person: Evangel Christian Stadium -7425 Broadacres Rd, Shreveport, LA 71129

On Facebook: SOBO.live Facebook Page (Great for mobile apps)

On YouTube: SOBO.live YouTube Channel (Best for TV)

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