Kick Cancer set for year four with Rapides Parish Schools
Alexandria, LA — The 2024 high school football season was memorable for many reasons, including the first Rapides Parish school to play for a state championship inside the Louisiana Superdome.
The quest for an equally historic season gets under way this week with start of the regular season. It also marks year four of Rapides Cancer Center’s Kick Cancer partnership with Rapides Parish’s football playing high schools.
Last season, Alexandria Senior High captured its third straight Golden Boot Award by raising the most money for ACS with $830 thanks to 75 PATs and 4 field goals. Schools will earn $20 for every field goal made during the regular season and postseason, and $10 for every successful Point After Try (PAT) following touchdowns. Each school receives a minimum $500 with a corresponding donation made to the American Cancer Society. Last season, Tioga High School also raised more money than the minimum contribution with $560 from 46 PATs and 5 field goals.
In the first three years of Kick Cancer, ASH, Bolton, Buckeye, Menard, Northwood, Peabody, Pineville and Tioga have combined to raise $13,000 to help cancer patients and to help find a cure for cancer.
“While we had a successful season on the field, the fact we helped raise money to fight cancer and support cancer patients is more important,” said ASH coach Thomas Bachman, whose Trojans finished 13-1 and state runners-up. “Cancer impacts everyone, directly or indirectly, and this is a great way to for the young men who play football to understand the impact they can have in our community by raising money for the American Cancer Society.”
The annual cancer death rate in Central Louisiana is 175.3 per 100,000, which is on par with the state’s death rate. However, the cancer death rate for the country is 155.6. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Cenla, followed by breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. All are higher than the national average.
“Rapides Regional Medical Center is dedicated to supporting our community, especially when it comes to its health,” said Charla H. Ducote, vice president of public relations, Marketing and Business Development at Rapides Regional Medical Center. “We know the impact cancer has on our area. Fighting and preventing cancer is one of the major components of annual community benefit plan.
“We are proud to continue this program with our local high schools to raise money for the American Cancer Society, to raise money for their own programs and to raise awareness of the need for cancer screenings in our area."