The Byrd Yellow Jackets advanced to the regional round of the Class 5A playoffs before falling, 38-21, to the eventual state runners-up Barbe Buccaneers in Lake Charles.

The Yellow Jackets finished the 2012 season with an 8-3 record. Byrd captured a share of the District 1-5A title with a thrilling 31-30 win over Airline on sophomore kicker Jake Wyss’ 23-yard field goal. The Jackets then defeated the Natchitoches Central Chiefs 41-13 in the Bi-district round of the playoffs before falling to Barbe in the regional round. Barbe would go on to beat District 1-5A foe Parkway, and defending state champion West Monroe before losing in the state finals to Archbishop Rummel.

The No. 15 seeded Byrd Yellow Jackets lost 38‐21 to the No. 2 seeded Barbe Buccaneers in Lake Charles. Barbe quarterback Kennon Fontenot completed 18 of 28 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed for another score to lead the Bucs. Wide receiver Trey Quinn had 10 receptions for 147 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

THE SEASON

The Byrd Yellow Jackets just completed another fine season. After losing 40 seniors off of the 2011 state semifinalist team, little was expected of the 2012 Yellow Jackets. However, this group of Jackets proved the pundits wrong by posting a 7- 2 regular season record and winning a share of the District 1-5A title. The Jackets’ eight wins marked the fifth time in seven years that Byrd has won eight or more games.

2012 Schedule and Results

8/24 vs. Huntington (Jam) .......... W, 35-6
8/31 at West Monroe ................... L, 14-38
9/8 vs. Marshall, TX ................... W, 49-28
9/13 vs. Fair Park ........................... W, 50-0
9/20 vs. Ruston .............................. W, 16-9
10/5 at *Haughton .................... W, 27-21
10/11 vs. *Parkway ......................... L, 14-44
10/19 vs. *Southwood (HC) ........... W, 38-6
10/26 at *Captain Shreve ............. W, 37-14
11/2 at *Airline ............................ W, 31-30
11/9 vs. **Natchitoches ............. W, 41-13
11/16 at **Barbe ............................. L, 21-38
* District 1-5A games ** Class 5A playoffs

More From 1130 The Tiger