July 16, 2026

PORT ALLEN — A group of former West Side Bulldogs players and coaches have brought youth football back to Port Allen, and they already have about 80 kids on the field.

The Port Allen Jr Pels launched this summer as a reboot of the old West Side Bulldogs program. Practices run Tuesday through Thursday from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Port Allen High School, with kids ages 5 to 12 welcome to sign up.

Carl Wright, who organized the relaunch, said the program is about keeping kids active and giving them structure.

"Just teaching them discipline, hard work," Wright said. "Just trying to get them out of the streets. Just keeping them occupied."

The coaching staff is made up entirely of former Bulldogs who came back to build something for the next generation. Troy Beals, Savaas Dunn, Mekhi Brewer and Johntrei Stevens are among the coaches volunteering their time on the field.

"All the coaches are former players, former coaches from West Side Bulldogs," Beals said. "Hey, I'm starting the team back up, bro."

The Jr Pels also have a cheer squad, coached by Jcha Johnson, Journee Robinson, Eryn Bridgewater and Adlyn Scott.

The program is largely self-funded. Coaches have been paying out of pocket for equipment and running fundraisers to cover costs. Players are asked to bring their own helmets, t-shirts, shorts and cleats.

The team needs at least 30 sets of shoulder pads and 30 helmets before their first game on Aug. 15. Wright said the cost puts a strain on families who are already gearing up for back-to-school.

"Not a lot of these kids, you know, school right around the corner, they gotta buy school supplies, school uniforms," Wright said. "I turn around right and buy shoulder pads and helmets, and that's pretty much a lot."

Asked what the program needs most, Wright did not hesitate.

"Community," he said. "I need the community. That's the main thing."

Port Allen Mayor Terecita Pattan said programs like the Jr Pels are important for the city's young people.

"It helps with structure and team building and bonding," Pattan said. "Just working together with the coaches, the parents and the kids, I think is all very important."

Pattan said the community can make a difference by showing up.

"Community can always help by not just donating, but supporting them, going to the game, seeing what they need and just being very supportive," she said. "The community that supports, I think is the key to the kids' success. At least they will know people care for them."

How to sign up

The first game is Aug. 15, and the team is accepting new players ages 5 to 12 until then.

Practices are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Port Allen High School.

Families can reach the program at Pajrpels@gmail.com or on Instagram at @portallenjrpels.