Alexandria Senior High and Tioga High School battled neck and neck for most of the 2025 football season to see who would claim the Golden Boot award for raising the most money through Rapides Cancer Center’s Kick Cancer program.
The program involves Rapides Cancer Center partnering with Rapides Parish’s eight football-playing high schools to raise money for the American Cancer Society, as well as each program, through every successful field goal ($20 each) and Point After Try ($10) during the season and playoffs.
The two schools entered the playoffs tied, but ASH wound up prevailing in the closest finish in Kick Cancer’s four-year history, edging Tioga with $770 to Tioga’s $690. ASH connected on 57 PATs and 10 field goals.
“We are honored to earn this award again,” said ASH football coach Thomas Bachman. “We place an emphasis on winning Kick Cancer because it not only means we had success on the field, but it also means we are helping make a difference off the field in the fight against cancer.”
This is the fourth straight season ASH has claimed the Golden Boot. Combined, Rapides Parish schools raised a record $4,460 for the American Cancer Society during the 2025 season. Overall, more than $17,000 has been raised for the ACS since Kick Cancer began.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of Rapides Regional Medical Center,” said Kristin Franks, senior development manager for American Cancer Society. “The American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it for everyone relies on communities coming together to raise awareness and critical funds for research, advocacy, and patient support services. With the generosity of our sponsors and our community, we're making meaningful impact for Louisiana cancer patients."
“We are continually amazed that our local schools raise the bar each football season for the amount of money we are able to raise for the American Cancer Society,” said Charla H. Ducote, Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Business Development at Rapides Regional Medical Center. “We congratulate Alexandria Senior High on a great season, as well as Tioga for pushing the Trojans. We continue to look forward to the day we can truly kick cancer once and for all.”
The six other schools in the parish — Bolton, Buckeye, Holy Savior Menard, Northwood, Peabody and Pineville — are receiving a minimum donation of $500, with an equal donation made on their behalf to ACS.