Sam Houston will get an extra week to prepare for its District 3-5A opener, while Washington-Marion’s home opener this week has changed location.

The Broncos were scheduled to host Thibodaux this Friday, but the football game was canceled as the Tigers are recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Ida. Sam Houston is all too familiar with the situation as it had to sit out the entire 2020 season because of Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Sam Houston head coach Chad Davis said he was not able to find a replacement game.

Sam Houston will host New Iberia on Sept. 24. The Broncos evened their record last week with a 42-13 win over LaGrange.

W-M will play its home opener at LaGrange’s John J. Mims Stadium. The Charging Indians will host Peabody.

W-M’s Robert Lavergne Stadium remains under repair from last year’s hurricanes.

The Charging Indians had a bye in Week 1 and opened the season last week with a 21-14 win at Northside.

COMMITMENTS: While high school baseball is in its offseason, there is plenty happening. Five area players recently committed to Division I universities.

On Monday, Barbe second baseman Donovan Lasalle announced his intention to play for Oklahoma State.

Three Southwest Louisiana athletes committed to Louisiana Tech — St. Louis Catholic catcher Jake LaRocca, Rosepine shortstop Jake Smith and Barbe third baseman Grant Comeaux. All three led their teams to state championships in May.

LaRocca hit .331 with 35 RBIs and threw out 13 base runners, while Smith batted .421 with 32 RBIs, 45 runs scored and 12 steals.

Sam Houston sophomore third baseman Griffin Hebert committed to Louisiana-Lafayette.

SECOND CHANCE: Former Washington-Marion High and Baylor basketball player Mark Vital is getting another shot at his NFL dream. The tight end signed with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad Monday.

Vital spent one week with the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad early this month.

Vital, a 6-foot-5 forward and two-time Big 12 all-defensive team member in basketball, helped lead the Bears to the 2021 NCAA Division I championship. He had 11 rebounds and eight points in the finals and averaged 5.6 points and 6.7 rebounds for the season.