Nagata jamboree adds third game

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The sixth annual Joe Nagata Memorial jamboree will have a new twist this season with the addition of the third game to the format.
The Nagata jamboree will be held Aug. 24 at St. Edmund’s Blue Jay Field.
The Iota Bulldogs will take on the Southside Sharks at 6 p.m. in the opening game.
Eunice High will face Opelousas Catholic in the middle game before the host Blue Jays take on the Notre Dame junior varsity in the finale.
According to jamboree chairman Paul Brown, the new format should bring an added excitement to the already successful event.
“Adding Iota to the mix made a lot of sense,” Brown said. “Their fan base is local and the team had a really good year last year so the jamboree fans will see good football.
Brown added that Southside has built a huge following during its two years of junior varsity competition.
Josh Fontenot is the Sharks head coach after a successful stint at Crowley.
Opelousas Catholic is joining the Nagata jamboree as former St. Edmund head coach Thomas David brings his Viking team to Blue Jay Field.
“Coach David was part of the beginning of the jamboree six years ago,” Brown said.
“His brand of football is exciting and they also have a good following of fans.”
Brown said he has been a great event bringing Eunice High and St. Edmund together to support local athletics.
“We are hoping for a great turnout and that the weather stays good.”
The threat of stormy weather last year forced the jamboree to be moved to Thursday night.
Sacred Heart of Ville Platte rolled to a 28-6 win over the Blue Jays, while Eunice claimed a 27-7 victory over Iota.
“We are making preparations for parking across at the Northwest Community Center,” he said. “We are bringing in additional stands on the visitor’s side.”
Brown said the fundraising has been good over the years with an average of more than $20,000 paid annually to both the Blue Jay and Bobcat booster clubs.
“We are blessed to have our own jamboree here in Eunice,” Brown said. “Hopefully we can keep doing this for quite a long time.”
Brown said the Nagata Jamboree has a special meaning to him because of the family connection.
“Growing up he was Uncle Joe as we went to my grandmother’s house for Sunday meals after mass.
“When I became a freshman he was no longer Uncle Joe – he became Coach Nagata.
“He was a good person and a great citizen as well as a revered and respected coach,” Brown said. “The lessons we learned from him still help us today.”
Nagata will be recognized at the jamboree as a recent inductee into the newly formed Eunice High Sports Hall of Fame.
The House United booster club meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Northwest Community Center.