1949 Season

Coaching Staff

Head Coach - Bill Maxwell

Assistant Coach - Leroy Aldredge

Overall Record:  8 – 2 – 2

1949 Season Summary

The 1949 season was Jena High School’s second year of organized football. The Giants completed the regular season with a record of 8–1–2 and advanced to postseason play. Including the Hardwood Bowl, Jena finished the year 8–2–2.

Jena opened the season with a 6–6 tie against Columbia, scoring once in the first half and allowing Columbia to tie the game in the third quarter. Rex Andrews scored Jena’s touchdown, and Ray Thompson was involved in setting up scoring drives. Neither team converted an extra point.

The Giants followed with a 32–12 road win at Farmerville, scoring four touchdowns in the first quarter before playing reserves for much of the game. Players mentioned in scoring and defensive accounts included Doyle Carter, Junior Smith, Allen Coleman, Albert Lutrick, Coy Scarber, Vance Cupples, and Gerald Davis. Farmerville scored twice against Jena’s substitutes.

Jena then defeated Mangham 32–0, controlling the game statistically and holding the Dragons to one first down. Allen Coleman scored on the ground and through the air, connecting with Junior Smith, while Ray Thompson added a rushing touchdown. The defense limited Mangham throughout.

The Giants continued with a 39–0 win over Clarks, despite being outweighed along the line. Ray Thompson, Doyle Carter, Allen Coleman, Albert Lutrick, and Crillon Payne were involved in scoring, and Lutrick was credited with multiple interceptions. Jena again rotated players early.

A week later, Jena defeated Many 45–0, building a large early lead and clearing the bench. Doyle Carter opened the scoring, Ray Thompson scored multiple touchdowns, and Allen Coleman contributed both rushing and passing scores. Numerous players were credited with game action, including Johnny Hill, T. W. Terral, Kem Gryder, Robert Butler, Bo Wilson, and Gerald Davis.

Jena’s first regular-season setback came in a 19–13 loss to Winnsboro. The Giants trailed at halftime and were unable to recover despite narrowing the margin late. Contemporary accounts noted missed opportunities and turnovers.

The following week, Jena tied Winnfield 13–13 on the road. Ray Thompson scored both Jena touchdowns, including a long run in the third quarter. A blocked extra point by Jimmie Humphries prevented Winnfield from taking the lead late.

Jena returned to the win column with a 19–12 road win at Rayville, scoring the deciding touchdown in the fourth quarter. Ray Thompson scored twice, and Rex Andrews added an extra point to secure the final margin.

The Giants then recorded back-to-back shutouts, defeating Newellton 33–0 and Block 39–0. Against Newellton, Rex Andrews scored three touchdowns, with additional scores by Ray Thompson and Jimmie Coleman. Against Block, Thompson scored three times, while Wayne McMurray and Coleman also found the end zone. Defensive plays by Johnny Hill, Gerald Davis, and Jimmie Humphries were noted in coverage.

Jena closed the regular season with a 51–6 win over Olla-Standard, earning a berth in the Second Annual Hardwood Bowl. Ray Thompson accounted for three touchdowns in the game, increasing his season total.

In the postseason, Jena lost 20–0 to Oakdale in the Hardwood Bowl. The Giants outgained Oakdale statistically but were unable to convert scoring opportunities. Turnovers, field position, and Oakdale’s defensive play near the goal line determined the outcome.

The 1949 Giants finished the season 8–2–2, with multiple shutout victories, two ties, and a postseason appearance. The record, scores, and contemporary reporting form the documented account of Jena High School football’s second season.

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