Final Season Review: Ring Bound?

Ethen Meyers • April 12, 2023

        Writing this final installment of the season feels unreal. The ups and downs of this season have really felt like a few seasons put into one. It doesn't feel like Willie Green is a 2nd year head coach. It doesn't feel like Brandon Ingram is 25 years old. Zion still only 21. Our two core pieces and one entering "prime" years and the other not even touching them. There is a lot to be positive about with this young squad despite feeling like the regular season was filled with negatives; Ingram and Zion both missing 50% of regular season games, Jose dealing with injuries, Nance and CJ playing through injuries. The season was a roller coaster that felt like a combination of the Jester and the Zephyr at Jazzland.


        None of that answers the question, are we ring bound? The easy answer is no, because we face two elimination games despite being 1st in the West at one point. We face two chances at season ending losses or season extending wins. There is hope, and that hope lies in the fact that the guys we do have always seem to play to the competition, and the competition only gets tougher. We tend to take the "challenge" heads on despite dropping key games. Last year I had no idea that the Pelicans would make the playoffs let alone give the defending champs a run for their money. The team certainly plays with a chip sometimes, but when that chip on their shoulder is heavy they tend to lean into it and play their best ball. We can only hope that is the case this post season.


        Ring bound or not, we still have a lot of upside on this roster with young guys and a whole lot of upside I hate to say I am still very optimistic about the Pelicans future. We have drafted well in recent years despite what people will say. We have young guys with confidence issues, not skill issues. Once Willie Green grows with these players I truly believe the sky is the limit. We saw what can happen when a players coach gets some experience under his belt with Monty leaving and winning in Phoenix. Will Willie Green follow suit? Do we have the duo that needs a smart veteran point to help us make the next step? Time can tell, and I will enjoy listening.


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NOLA Gold's win over Seattle secures 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings

By Tina Howell • April 28, 2025
After a weather-delayed kickoff, loyal NOLA Gold fans were treated to a rollercoaster of a match that ended with a well-earned 44-36 victory over the Seattle Seawolves at the Shrine. This win moved NOLA Gold into 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings. Coach Danny Lee said of the team's response to the delay, “We just had to control the controllables. Once we told the boys the definitive time for kickoff, we had a plan ready to go. In terms of game plan, we had to be a little bit more direct, and we had to kick and adapt quickly.” NOLA Gold set the tone early, taking an initial 3-0 lead thanks to a steady penalty kick from Dorian Jones. Though Seattle answered quickly with a try to make it 7-3, the Gold launched into a dominant scoring stretch. Isaac Te Tamaki powered across the try line to ignite the offense, followed by back-to-back tries from the relentless Jonah Mau’u. Jones continued to add points from the tee, stretching the Gold’s lead to 27-7. Just before halftime, the Seawolves found a breakthrough and scored at the buzzer, narrowing the margin to 27-14. However, NOLA emerged from the locker room with purpose. Xavier Mignot wasted no time reestablishing momentum with a try that pushed the lead to 34-14. Seattle fought back with intensity, capitalizing on back-to-back tries to bring the score to 34-24. But NOLA responded with composure, as Jones added another penalty to keep the visitors at bay, 37-24. The closing stages of the match saw both teams exchanging blows. Seattle’s try was met by a decisive moment from Joe Taufete’e, who muscled through defenders for a critical score. Luke Campbell’s conversion extended the lead to 44-29. Though Seattle scored one final try at the buzzer, it wasn’t enough. With a final score of 44-36, NOLA Gold walked away with a crucial five-point win in front of a roaring home crowd and strengthens their postseason hopes with a firm grip on 3rd place in the East. Their next match will be on the road against the San Diego Legion on May 4th at 4:00 PM CT. For tickets and more details, please visit www.nolagoldrugby.com

10th annual Covington Antiques and Uniques Festival

By Tina Howell • April 24, 2025
The 10th annual Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival will be held this Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at the Covington Trailhead Museum. This two-day, juried festival features over 60 vendors offering an eclectic mix of antique furnishings, period collectibles, architectural salvage, and vintage-inspired fine crafts, as well as a live auction, car show, good food, music, and more. The Covington Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve the city’s culture, character and community. Founded in 2015, the festival is coordinated with the support of the City’s Department of Cultural Arts and Events. As the festival grows and evolves each year, their goal remains the same- to offer a first-class juried event that reflects the unique charm and history of the city of Covington. The festival is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more details, please visit https://www.covingtonheritagefoundation.com/
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