Port Allen honors NFL alumni Tracy Porter and Andre Hal Jr. with jersey retirements in annual rivalry game

PORT ALLEN – The Brusly Panthers dominated the 54th Sugarcane Classic Friday night, defeating the Port Allen Pelicans 42-6 at the stadium at Port Allen High School in a game that showcased both the annual rivalry tradition and Port Allen's commitment to honoring its athletic legacy.

The decisive victory marked Brusly's continued success in the series while Port Allen celebrated a historic night with the retirement of two jerseys belonging to NFL alumni who helped put the school on the national map.

Historic Jersey Retirements

Before kickoff, Port Allen High School retired the jerseys of two of its most distinguished graduates who went on to stellar NFL careers.

Tracy Porter, born August 11, 1986, in Port Allen, was honored for a career that included one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history. Porter was a multi-sport standout at Port Allen High, earning All-District honors in football, basketball, and track while claiming a state title in the long jump.

Despite being lightly recruited, Porter earned a scholarship to Indiana University, where he became a four-year starter and one of the Big Ten's top defensive backs, finishing with 16 interceptions. The New Orleans Saints selected him in the second round (40th pick) of the 2008 NFL draft.

Porter's career-defining moment came during the Saints' 2009 Super Bowl run, when he made a crucial interception in the NFC Championship game against the Minnesota Vikings and then sealed Super Bowl XLIV with a legendary 74-yard pick-six against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. He later played for the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, and Chicago Bears.

Andre Hal Jr., a 2010 Port Allen graduate, was also honored for his academic and athletic achievements. Hal earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Vanderbilt University in three and a half years while serving as a three-year starter who helped lead the Commodores to three consecutive bowl appearances for the first time in Vanderbilt history.

Hal was drafted in the seventh round (216th overall) of the 2014 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, where he spent his entire five-year NFL career. He transitioned from cornerback to safety during his professional career, earning second-team All-SEC honors during his senior season at Vanderbilt.

Hal overcame significant personal challenges during his career, including a diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2018, which he successfully beat before returning to play later that season. He retired from the NFL in April 2019 and has since built a successful career in real estate while continuing his community involvement.

Military Honors

The pre-game ceremony also included military honors, with an honor guard presenting flags representing all six branches of the armed forces – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Major Warren Ledgern offered the invocation, while retired U.S. Army Captain Leonard Parker raised the flag for the national anthem, performed by the Port Allen High School Band of Blue.

Enhanced Security Presence

The evening featured a comprehensive security presence that included the West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security, West Baton Rouge Fire Department, and the WBRSO Sheriff's Posse with horse-mounted deputies. The multi-agency coordination reflected the commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all attendees at this cherished community tradition.

Game Action

The contest was dominated by Brusly from the opening quarter, with the Panthers establishing a commanding 22-0 lead after the first period. By halftime, Brusly had extended their advantage to 28-0, effectively putting the game out of reach.

The Panthers continued their dominance in the second half, leading 42-0 entering the fourth quarter before Port Allen managed to avoid the shutout with a late score, making the final margin 42-6.

The game was played on Port Allen's new turf field, marking the first Sugarcane Classic on the upgraded surface. The improved playing conditions were evident throughout the evening, with players and spectators noting the enhanced quality of the field compared to previous years.

Community Connections

The game also featured special moments that highlighted the deep community connections between the schools. Port Allen's mascot "Pelly" the Pelican made a special appearance with members of the Port Allen High School Class of 1965, who were celebrating their 60th reunion.

The reunion attendees had requested the mascot's presence and learned that Pelly needed a new costume. The generous Class of 1965 stepped up to help fund the new costume, with Kim Bryant coordinating the effort to make it happen.

"The mascot was more than happy to grace us with his presence at the reunion. Marvin is a sweet kid," said Elaine Rodriguez Pearce, a member of the Class of 1965, referring to the student who portrays Pelly.

The gesture exemplifies the ongoing connection between Port Allen High School alumni and their school, showing how graduates continue to support current students and school traditions decades after graduation.

Tradition Continues

The Sugarcane Classic, which dates back to 1966, represents one of West Baton Rouge Parish's most cherished athletic traditions. The annual matchup between the two parish schools draws community support from across the area, with fans from both Brusly and Port Allen turning out to support their teams.

Despite the lopsided score, the game maintained its significance as a community event that brings together residents from across the parish for a night of high school football under the lights.

Looking Ahead

Port Allen will look to regroup from the defeat as both teams continue their 2025 seasons. The Pelicans' upcoming schedule includes volleyball action Monday at St. James High School, with their home opener set for Wednesday against McKinley and a Thursday matchup against Zachary High School, with game time at 5:00 PM.

The jersey retirement ceremony served as a reminder of Port Allen's proud athletic tradition and the potential for current student-athletes to follow in the footsteps of Porter and Hal, who transformed their small-town success into national recognition.

Both honored alumni have expressed interest in giving back to their community, with Porter indicating plans for future community involvement that could benefit current and future Port Allen student-athletes.

The 54th Sugarcane Classic may have belonged to Brusly on the scoreboard, but the evening ultimately celebrated the rich athletic heritage and community spirit that defines West Baton Rouge Parish high school sports.

Photos courtesy of Elaine Rodriguez Pearce, and Shoot to Thrill Photography

Game coverage by John Summers, WBR Independent