Saints Week 1 Preview

Travis Himel • September 7, 2024

Week 1 Saints vs Panthers

   Saints fans… The 2024-25 season is officially underway! Fans seem to be split on expectations this year. Some believe we could go far as underdogs while others can’t seem to find hope. Nonetheless, Saints fans will always agree on one thing. We want to bring home a Lombardi trophy! How likely is that this year? We can only wait and see. Here’s what you can expect from the Black & Gold:


 This Week’s Matchup:

   In Week 1 this year we have a home opener against our division opponent, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers finished last season with an underwhelming 2-15 record. They also finished their season on a 3 game losing streak. Last year the Panthers went 0-9 on the road. However, the Panthers brought in a new head coach to hopefully fix many of their offensive issues from last year. Three Offensive Linemen will get their debut start for the Panthers this Sunday. Alongside them will be two new Wide Receivers, Rookie Xavier Legette and new acquisition Diontae Johnson. QB Bryce Young is looking to have a much better campaign this year after a disappointing rookie season. 


 Series History:

   In the last 10 seasons, the Saints are 12-8 against the Carolina Panthers. A slightly closer series than I would like to see. The Panthers were swept by the Saints last year after sweeping the series the previous season. Each team is looking to get off to a hot start for the 2024-25 season.


 Your Saints:

   The Saints are coming off of a fairly good preseason as far as player development and installing a new system under new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiac. I expect a bigger year from QB Derek Carr and RB Alvin Kamara. Expect Chris Olave to rack up another 1,000 yard season while Rashid Shaheed looks to get over the 1,000 receiving yard threshold. This Saints defense has me excited! This could statistically be one of the best Saints defenses we’ve ever seen.

   When healthy, the Saints defensive front can make a big impact in the run game while defensive Captain Demario Davis looks to build upon a Hall of Fame worthy career. The defensive back group is one of the best in the NFL on paper. Rookie Kool-Aid Mckinstry looks to learn from the veterans and step right in to fill his role in this defense after the Saints traded up in the 2nd round to draft him. The Saints could have a successful season as long as the offense can get down the field and score when called upon. If the offense and defense can feed off of each other, we could end with a very good record. The NFC South is up for grabs along with hosting a playoff game. We all know there’s no louder stadium than a playoff game in the Dome!


 Injuries:

   The Saints expect to start the season very healthy with very few players hurt. A.T Perry, Willie Gay, and Nick Saldiveri are questionable while Khalen Saunders is listed as out for this game.

Prediction:

   I predict the Saints to get off to a good start with the defense picking up where they left off last year. The Panthers will have little time to run their offense and will have trouble getting downfield. I predict the Saints to start the season 1-0 with a score of 24-9!

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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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