The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Orangefield Bobcats will host the Bridge City Cardinals in Bayou Bowl XII, the classic cross-community rivalry that is a season thriller with playoff hopes on the line. Both teams will get a chance to size each other up prior to the contest during the 4th Annual Bayou Bowl Scholarship Banquet.

The banquet will be held on Monday, Nov. 5, and is hosted by the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce. Chili is on the menu.

Ticket buyers get a chance to dine with the two teams, enjoy motivational speakers and talk a little smack before the contest. Table sponsorships offer reserved seating. Proceeds from the event award an Orangefield and Bridge City football player a $1,000 scholarship.

“The banquet brings the communities together in a common cause,” said Jerry McInnis who has chaired the event since it was organized by the BCCC in 2009. “A senior on each team will describe what it means to anticipate playing in this important game... for a senior it may become the last they will play.”

The 2012 banquet will be held in the new Bridge City Elementary School cafeteria starting at 7 p.m.

Former Bridge City Cardinal and Tulane University football player, Cody Sparks, will be the guest speaker of the event. Sparks played in Bayou Bowls III, IV and V (2003, 2004 and 2005).

Sparks received All-State football honors his senior year at Bridge City where he also lettered in baseball, basketball and track and field. He was a member of the Academic All-State Team and went on play both defense and offense for Tulane.

“Cody Sparks was the hardest working athlete I ever saw in high school,” McInnis said.”His drive and determination resulted in him being one of the most decorated athletes in Orange County. I am looking forward to hearing the thoughts that he will share with our current group of athletes.”

According to McInnis, Cardinal and Bobcat cheerleading groups will lead the audience in their favorite cheers. The OHS Sophisticats and BCHS Strutters will also perform. A portion of the proceeds from the banquet are donated to the performing groups.

The coaching staffs will nominate three players from each team for the $1000 scholarships, and a committee from the BCCC will make the final selection for the scholarships. The winners will be announced at each school’s athletic banquet, McInnis said.

Table sponsorships are $200 and seat six. Individual tickets are $12 each and may be purchased through the BCCC or at the door of the event until sold out.

For table sponsorships contact Jerry McInnis, 882-2237, or Bette Smith at 670-8566.

“This is going to be a night that people should not miss,” said McInnis.