Katy Rigol
Writer
Katy is back in Slidell after just graduating from Northwestern State University of Louisiana with a degree in Communications. She has covered Louisiana’s esports scene extensively as a writer and currently works for New Orleans esports teams NOLA FLIGHT and Rabid Panda Gang.
Nicholas “nitr0” Cannella’s humble youth resembles many from Slidell, Louisiana. When I, a fellow resident of St. Tammany Parish’s largest city, discovered that a member of my favorite esports team was a local, I had what you might call a fangirl moment. But beyond embodying a real-life version of that Leo DiCaprio meme, pointing at the TV as I recognized local landmarks in Intel Gaming’s “Traces” mini-doc, I was truly inspired. I mean, here was an absolute esports icon and Tier-1 Counter-Strike professional, hailing from the very same mid-sized, Southern town across the lake from New Orleans. As someone who hoped to work in the esports industry myself, the whole revelation made these dreams seem more attainable. Cannella, who just recently retired and—as I like to say—put down his shield, met his future wife while both were attending Slidell Junior High. He’d hone his lucrative Counter-Strike skills after shifts at Lee’s Hamburgers on Gause Boulevard. Eventually, he’d attend (then drop out of) Louisiana State University, and for years after, Counter-Strike’s own “Captain America” served as a successful in-game leader for Team Liquid’s staple North American squad. As a fan of both Liquid and Nitr0, I’ve watched him play (and win) many times. But if I could sit down with the retired pro, maybe over some burgers at Lee’s, I’d like to simply ask what he thinks of Slidell. It’s undoubtedly special that a player as successful as Nitr0 still embraces his hometown and state. For folks like me, it’s truly inspiring. Follow me on Twitter @ratio_news
Early in my internship with NOLA FLIGHT, I had the opportunity to sit in and take notes on some key meetings. At the time, NOLA needed a new competitive Call of Duty team, so the staff had set up interviews with a handful of potential rosters. One of the players on one of these rosters was none other than Cayden “Shockzy” Pye. I don’t remember asking Shockzy anything in particular, but I do remember that he’d made a good impression. The whole group of four did, and so they joined NOLA. However, as most teams inevitably do, the group that I had taken notes on in that original interview eventually disbanded. Except, Shockzy quickly returned to NF— Why? “This kind of community,” he says appreciatively. “This love and support.” At the mention of NOLA’s passionate community, I can’t help but explain that I’m also a big fan of “The Shock God.” Of course, along with the highs of representing a loyal New Orleans fanbase comes the adverse lows of competing in a fickle Call of Duty scene, like when one of Shockzy’s peers suddenly joined another squad. “I landed in Texas and my teammate was gone.” He chuckles and adds, “I’m happy for him. I can’t be mad.” We talk about how Cayden started competing in his senior year on Black Ops 4, how he took “every chall” playing 2019’s Modern Warfare. We talk about the tournament runs and victories and losses: Boston and Toronto, opponents like MajorManiak and GodRX, the placings in Top 24, Top 8, Top 3 and so on. But when I ask the Shock God if he has any final comments about his career so far, he makes sure to shout out each of his teammates and staff. “Very tippable.” Follow me on Twitter @rationews
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Challengers is a competitive circuit for amateur teams and players to make names for themselves. This past weekend, NOLA FLIGHT took part in the circuit’s Last Chance Qualifiers, vying for a coveted spot at the upcoming Champs event in Las Vegas. For 19-year-olds “Nemensions” and “Craze,” NF mainstay “Shockzy” and formidable pickup “BigHead,” the previous weekend’s LAN in Toronto was their first playing together. This is where their incredible run arguably began, with wins over teams like Røkkr Academy and Detroit Deviance landing them a Top 8 placing. During the LCQ, NF would similarly upset 1st seed Boston Breach before beating more ex-pros in Vivid and Majormaniak. Only with a reverse sweep loss to *Orbit did the journey reach its falling action and somewhat disappointing conclusion. Esports organization Atlas Lions summarized the run on Twitter, “Everyone loves an underdog story,” adding, “An incredible run at both Toronto & the LCQ’s. You had our support & the full cod communities.” NOLA truly did have the support of the CoD community. Team WaR content creator Aroma, for one, cheered, “This NolaFlight team has the entire Challengers scene in a FIRM headlock.” “Everybody who’s anyone is rooting for @NolaFlightGG in finals tmrw,” CoD streamer “OhhhMac” remarked Saturday evening. The NOLA FLIGHT account gracefully opposed the whole “underdog” sentiment, speaking directly to the players themselves, “Many would say you completed upsets in Toronto and LCQ, but we say otherwise. Y’all did exactly what we as an Org know you could. You all belong.” *UPDATE: Orbit player Jimbo was subsequently caught cheating at the Vegas Champs event, resulting in Orbit's forfeit. Follow me on Twitter @ratio_news
Legendary esports orgs OpTic Gaming (est. 2006) and FaZe Clan (est. 2010) share one of the most storied rivalries in competitive gaming history. Today, their biggest battles often manifest in Call of Duty League playoff matches between franchise squads OpTic Texas and Atlanta FaZe. The former have a reputation for extremely passionate fans, but also national acclaim and historical renown for their past roster dynasty of Scump, Crimsix, Formal, and other esteemed players. FaZe, meanwhile, have recently proposed a new dynasty featuring 2022 MVP Cellium and “Tiny Terrors” Simp and Abezy. Now, I don’t need to give Saints’ fans any explanation as to why we root against Atlanta on Sundays, but could you just imagine if the Cowboys—“America’s Team” and state neighbors—became members of the NFC South? This hypothetical is somewhat of a pitch to the CDL (Call of Duty League) to give New Orleans a franchise spot, and to give fan-favorite Texas and infamous Atlanta some close competition. I am partial to NOLA FLIGHT as top contenders for the role, although a 25-million-dollar league entry fee far exceeds even the most generous of budgets. Putting that aside, a New Orleans team to complement the city's NFL and NBA counterparts would make sense for the league as whole. A Southern CDL division could include NOLA, Texas, Atlanta, and my beloved Florida Mutineers. If we’re expanding the league to 14 teams here, we may as well bring a team back to Chicago, too, as the legendary sporting city has been spurned by OpTic’s Chicago Huntsmen and OpTic Chicago, adding more lore to the history book. As of now, the Crescent City continues to merely sit in between one of the greatest rivalries in esports, waiting to get in on the action. Follow me on Twitter @ratio_news
I first started covering Louisiana esports as part of my coursework for “Beat Reporting” class at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Through our very first research assignment, I met my future internship supervisor Brandon Hutchinson, CEO of NOLA FLIGHT. And the rest is history. Despite the current market reset, esports is a promising, growing industry. During the COVID pandemic, its surge was massive. This is when NF (NOLA FLIGHT) was born, and New Orleans received its second-ever esports team. Crescent Esports would contrastingly shut down, leaving NF to carry on the torch of Big Easy esports. Although a handful of teams and companies have come and gone over the years, NF has remained steadfast. As manager of their Women’s Call of Duty team, I’m also heavily invested. For now, the headlines are the org’s top three placement at Challengers Cup #11 and their recent signing of a South American pro Rocket League roster. In addition to working for NF, I’m also Brand Director for Rabid Panda Gang, an up-and-coming team in New Orleans co-founded by NOLA FLIGHT alumnus Candice “Xenho” Wolfe. I’ve also spent a portion of my early career covering scholastic esports for Baton Rouge’s Cibergator Technologies. College programs like Loyola’s are especially gaining traction. It’s an exciting time for New Orleans esports, to say the least. Follow me on Twitter @ratio_news
When: Saturday, October 18th, 2025, 11:00 AM Where: FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN Channel: ABC Spread: Vanderbilt -2.5 O/U: 47.5 The Tigers will be playing Saturday morning in Music City. This matchup will tell us a lot! Vanderbilt, 5-1 (1-1), is entering into this contest coming off of a bye week. Vandy does appear to be a little beat up. Keep an eye out for this. The Commodores have the 4th best rushing offense in the SEC as well as the 5th best total offense in the SEC. Diego Pavia is the leader of this team. Pavia has over 1400 passing yards, over 300 rushing yards, and 16 total TDs. Sedrick Alexander and Makihilyn Young are the leaders in the running back room. The leading pass catchers are Eli Stowers, Junior Sherrill, and Tre Richardson. The defense is led by safety CJ Heard, edge rusher Miles Capers, and Bryan Longwell. This isn't your grandpa's, your dad's, nor your Vanderbilt. This is a high strung team. The Tigers are in for a fight. LSU, 5-1 (2-1), enters the contest coming off of a big win against South Carolina. Garrett Nussmeier appears to be healthy. The ball really jumped off of his hand last week. The Tiger signal caller will look to cut back on the interceptions. Caden Durham and Ju'Juan Johnson will take care of the backfield duties for the Tigers. Both Durham and Johnson had solid games last week. The offensive line will look to build off of the momentum from last week. Trey'Dez Green had a great game last week. It will be interesting to see how the Tigers use Green. Kyle Parker has stepped up big time in recent weeks. I would like to see Parker continue to be involved. Aaron Anderson appears to be good to go for this one. This is huge for the Tigers. The Tiger defense is a solid unit with talent at all 3 levels. Jacobian Guillory is the leader on the line. Whit Weeks, who is a bit dinged up, is the leader in the linebacker room. Tamarcus Cooley and AJ Haulcy are the leaders in the defensive backfield, but this defensive backfield is LOADED with talent! KEYS TO THE GAME - The Tigers shut down Diego Pavia last year. This defense had practice last week facing LaNorris Sellers. Let's see if the Tigers can make Pavia one dimensional. - Can the Tiger defense get off the field on 3rd down? - Can the Tigers keep the running game going? This will be a perfect way to start the day, Tiger fans. This looks to be a great game. Fun Fact: The 1st time these teams met was in 1902. LSU finished the season 6-1 with the only loss being to Vanderbilt. The Tigers went on to capture a co-conference championship. Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
The Tigers move to 5-1 on the season, 2-1 in SEC play. LSU goes 3 and out on the opening drive of the game. LaNorris Sellers fumbles on the 1st play of South Carolina's opening drive. Tigers recover the fumble. LSU goes on a 4 play 7 yard drive that is capped off by a Damian Ramos 28 yard field goal. LSU 3-0. South Carolina puts together a 9 play 46 yard drive, but William Joyce misses a 47 yard field goal. LSU puts together a strong 13 play 71 yard drive, but Ju'Juan Johnson fumbles. South Carolina recovers the fumble. South Carolina takes advantage by going on a 3 play 80 yard drive that was capped off by a Matt Fuller 72 yard rushing TD. SC 7-3. LSU punches back with a 6 play 72 yard drive that was capped off by a Trey'Dez Green 6 yard receiving TD. LSU 10-7. The teams trade punts. Then the quarterbacks trade interceptions. The teams trade punts again. South Carolina runs out the 1st half. South Carolina opens the 2nd half with an 11 play 46 yard drive that was capped off by a William Joyce 47 yard field goal. Tied 10-10. LSU responds with a 4 play 75 yard drive that was capped off by a Kyle Parker 43 yard receiving TD. LSU 17-10. South Carolina goes 3 and out. Garrett Nussmeier throws an interception. The teams trade punts. South Carolina turns the ball over on downs. LSU takes advantage by going on a 10 play 64 yard drive that was capped off by a Damian Ramos 22 yard field goal. LSU 20-10. South Carolina turns the ball over on downs. LSU kneels out the clock. Tigers win! LSU 20, South Carolina 10. Takeaways - The turnovers, especially in the end zone, have to be talked about. - This defense will keep LSU in games. This offense has to pull their weight. - TREY'DEZ GREEN!! Awards - Offensive MVP - Trey'Dez Green - This guy stepped up big time tonight. Hopefully this is a preview of things to come! - Defensive MVP - AJ Haulcy - This guy is climbing draft boards every week. Take it in, Tiger fans! The Tigers travel to Music City to take on Vanderbilt Saturday morning. Thank you for checking out my article. Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
When: Saturday, October 11th, 2025, 6:45 PM Where: The Real Death Valley, Baton Rouge, LA TV: SECN Spread: LSU -8.5 O/U: 44.5 LSU and South Carolina will meet for the 24th time on Saturday. LSU leads the series 18-2-1. LSU had 2 wins vacated. South Carolina South Carolina comes into this game with a 3-2 record (1-2 SEC). LaNorris Sellers is the leader of this offense. He is a dual threat quarterback, who LSU fans are very familiar with. Rahsul Faison is the leader in the running back room. The leading pass catchers are Vandrevius Jacobs and Nyck Harbor. This offense ranks last in total yards in the SEC and rushing offense. Sellers has been sacked the 3rd most in the SEC (14). The Gamecock defense is led by Fred Johnson; the linebacker has 25 total tackles on the season. Dylan Stewart is a very good edge rusher. Stewart has 3.5 sacks this season. The leader in the defensive backfield is Gerald Kilgore. Kilgore is tied for 1st in the SEC with 2 interceptions. The Gamecock defense is tied for 3rd in the SEC with 6 interceptions. This defense ranks 116th in 3rd down defense. Hopefully the Tigers can expose this. LSU LSU enters this matchup with a 4-1 record (1-1 SEC). LSU is led by Garrett Nussmeier. Hopefully Nussmeier was able to get healthy during the bye week. Caden Durham will likely be back for this contest. Durham leads the Tigers with 52 carries for 213 yards and 2 TDs. Aaron Anderson will likely be back for this one as well. Anderson has 23 catches for 305 yards. Barion Brown has 25 catches for 239 yards and 1 TD. The Tiger defense ranks 2nd in the SEC with 7 interceptions. Linebacker West Weeks leads the Tigers with 31 total tackles. Jacobian Guillory II leads the defensive line with 6 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. DaShawn Spears leads the defensive backfield with 2 interceptions, which is tied for 1st in the SEC. KEYS TO THE GAME Can the Tigers expose the Gamecock 3rd down defense? Can the Tigers expose the weak Gamecock rush defense? Can the Tigers contain LaNorris Sellers? This will be a solid matchup on Saturday night! Fun Fact: The 1st time these teams played was 95 years ago to the day. Thank you for checking out my article. Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
LSU drops one against Ole Miss. It is time to talk about this LSU offense. The teams trade punts to open the game. Ole Miss goes 3 and out. LSU goes on a 5 play 67 yard drive that was capped off by a Nic Anderson 7 yard receiving TD. LSU 7-0. Ole Miss answers with an 18 play 83 yard drive that was capped off by a Lucas Carneiro 25 yard field goal. LSU 7-3. Garrett Nussmeier throws an interception on LSU's next drive. The teams trade punts. Ole Miss fumbles the ball away on the following drive. LSU goes 3 and out. Ole Miss goes on a 5 play 70 yard drive that was capped off by a Kewan Lacy 15 yard rushing TD. Ole Miss 10-7. LSU punts on the next drive. Ole Miss goes on a strong 9 play 69 yard drive that was capped off by a Cayden Lee 2 yard receiving TD. Ole Miss 17-7. LSU kneels out the half. The teams trade punts to open the 2nd half. LSU goes on an 8 play 33 yard drive that was capped off by a Damian Ramos 39 yard field goal. Ole Miss 17-10. Trinidad Chambliss throws an intercept on Ole Miss' next drive. LSU takes advantage by going on a 6 play 16 yard drive that was capped off by a Damian Ramos 48 yard field goal. Ole Miss 17-13. Ole Miss responds by going on an 11 play 75 yard drive that was capped off by a Logan Diggs 6 yard rushing TD. Ole Miss 24-13. LSU punches back by going on a 15 play 80 yard drive that was capped off by a Harlem Berry 6 yard rushing TD. Ole Miss 24-19. Ole Miss runs out the clock on the Tigers. Ole Miss wins. Takeaways - On opening drives, LSU has run 19 plays for 62 yards and has thrown 1 interception. Something needs to change here. - No, Brian Kelly, LSU fans are not spoiled. This offense is yet again near the bottom of the SEC in rushing offense. - Brian Kelly's comments about practicing are getting old quick. You make too much money to not take accountability. Awards - Offensive MVP - Harlem Berry - Harlem was able to score a TD for the Tigers in a big game. His future is bright! - Defensive MVP - A.J. Haulcy - What more can you say about this guy?! A true leader on the field who FLIES to the football. The Tigers will look to heal up during the bye week. Thank you for checking out my article. Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
When: Saturday, September 27th, 2025, 2:30 PM Where: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS Channel: ABC Spread: Ole Miss -1.5 O/U: 55.5 This will be a battle in Oxford. This game features 2 teams with postseason dreams! Ole Miss Rebels Ole Miss comes into this game with a 4-0 record. The Rebels are looking to go 3-0 in SEC play. Trinidad Chambliss will get the start at quarterback. The former Ferris State star is a dual threat quarterback. Kewan Lacy and Logan Diggs are the leaders in the running back room. Lacy has 7 TDs on the season. Harrison Wallace III, Deuce Alexander, and Dae'Quan Wright are the leading pass catchers on this team. Zxavian Harris and Will Echoles are the leaders on the defensive line. Jaden Yates and TJ Dottery are the leaders in the linebacker room. Wydett Williams, Jr. and Antonio Kite are the leaders in the defensive back room. LSU Tigers LSU enters this contest with a 4-0 record. The Tigers are trying to move to 2-0 in conference play. Garrett Nussmeier will look to keep the momentum rolling in this game. Running back Caden Durham is a bit banged up. Ju'Juan Johnson and Harlem Berry will look to lead the running back room if Durham cannot play. Aaron Anderson is the leading pass catcher on this team. Bauer Sharp, Zavion Thomas, and Barion Brown are the other leading pass catchers on this team. West Weeks and Dahvon Keys are the leading tacklers on this Tiger defense. Tamarcus Cooley and AJ Haulcy are the leaders in the defensive back room. Jack Pyburn and Jacobian Guillory II are the leaders on the defensive line. KEYS TO THE GAME - Can the Tiger defense contain Trinidad Chambliss? - Can the Tiger offensive line hold up against this Ole Miss defensive line? - Can the offense stay balanced in this one? This will be a great game in this storied rivlary! Fun fact; The last time these 2 teams met while being undefeated was on Halloween night in 1959. Billy Cannon took care of it for the Tigers! Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
The LSU Tigers are now 4-0 on the season! Each team goes 3 and out on their 1st possessions of the game. LSU goes on a 13 play 45 yard drive that was capped off by a Garrett Nussmeier 1 yard rushing TD. LSU 7-0. Southeastern Louisiana turns the ball over on downs. LSU goes on a 7 play 44 yard drive that was capped off by a Ju'Juan Johnson 2 yard rushing TD. LSU 14-0. Southeastern Louisiana punts. LSU goes on a 7 play 74 yard drive that was capped off by a Ju'Juan Johnson 10 yard rushing TD. LSU 21-0. Southeastern Louisiana goes 3 and out. LSU goes goes on an 8 play 57 yard drive that was capped of by a Barion Brown 17 yard receiving TD. LSU 28-0. Southeastern Louisiana goes 3 and out. LSU goes on an 8 play 56 yard drive that was capped of by a Zavion Thomas 9 yard receiving TD. LSU 35-0. Southeastern Louisiana kneels out the half. Southeastern Louisiana punts on the opening drive of the 2nd half. LSU goes on a 7 play 87 yard drive that was capped off by a Bauer Sharp 23 yard receiving TD. LSU 42-0. Southeastern Louisiana answers back with an 8 play 75 yard drive that was capped off by a Deantre Jackson 14 yard receiving TD. LSU 42-7. LSU answers back with a dominant 16 play 81 yard drive that was capped off by a Michael Van Buren Jr. 1 yard rushing TD. LSU 49-7. Southeastern Louisiana goes 3 and out. LSU goes on a 6 play 58 yard drive that was capped off by a Kyle Parker 27 yard receiving TD. LSU 56-7. Southeastern Louisiana answers back with an 11 play 55 yard drive that was capped off by a Guillermo Garcia Rodriguez 37 yard field goal. LSU 56-10. LSU goes 3 and out. Southeastern Louisiana runs out the clock. Tigers win 56-10! Takeaways - Hopefully the Caden Durham injury is not too serious. - Ju'Juan Johnson is a playmaker. - 13 Tigers caught passes in this game. That is impressive! Awards Offensive MVP - Garrett Nussmeier - It was great to see Nuss let it fly in this matchup! Defensive MVP - Dashawn Spears - Spears led the Tigers in tackles. The Tigers travel to Ole Miss on Saturday. Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro