Podcast Sparks Revival of Historic Varnado-Bogalusa Rivalry

Photo by Jaymes Jackson

What began as a podcast conversation has grown into a historic revival that reconnected two communities and reignited one of Washington Parish’s most meaningful rivalries.

On October 30, 2025, Bogalusa natives Andrew Moses and Kevin Magee, co-hosts of The Night Train Podcast, joined by Varnado native Daoren Roberts, used Episode 16 titled “Bringing It Back ft. Petey” to address the long absence of the Varnado versus Bogalusa matchup. Available on Spotify and Apple, the episode explored why the game mattered not only financially, but culturally, to Washington Parish and why its return was long overdue.

The very next day, the hosts took action. Calls were made to leadership within Bogalusa City Schools and the Washington Parish School District to ask a simple but powerful question: why can’t these schools play again? Both superintendents expressed support, noting there were no objections at their level. While many acknowledged past circumstances that caused the rivalry to pause, it was clear that enough time had passed for healing and growth.

With approval from superintendents, principals, and coaches, The Night Train Podcast announced on December 3, 2025, that Bogalusa High School and Varnado High School would officially meet again. The schools agreed to a two-game series featuring the MLK Classic on January 19 in Bogalusa and the Mardi Gras Classic on February 13 in Varnado.

To ensure students could be part of the moment, The Night Train Podcast raised more than $1,200 to purchase 150 tickets. Seventy-five tickets were given to each school, allowing students free entry to witness history. Planning soon expanded to include a full live broadcast of the game and podcast coverage. During the broadcast, special guest hosts Michael O'Ree, Varnado basketball legend Drew Meyerchick, and Night Train Podcast co-host provided live commentary throughout the game.

Pictured left to right: Drew Meyerchick, Kevin Magee, Michael O'Ree and Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith

The response exceeded all expectations. More than 19,000 viewers tuned in to watch the MLK Classic, while the Bogalusa Gymnasium was filled wall to wall with supporters from both communities. The crowd included respected leaders such as legendary football coach Gary Magee, Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith, and many longtime supporters of local athletics. Bogalusa also honored legendary basketball coach Kenneth Martin during halftime.

The Big Bad Lumberjack Marching Band Directed by Chad Harry energized the gym with a standout performance, joined by the Bogalusa High School cheerleaders, adding to an atmosphere many described as electric and nostalgic. It was a feeling not experienced by many since the early 2000s and one entirely new to this generation.

On the court, Varnado’s Lady Wildcats defeated Bogalusa 53-26, while the Wildcats boys team edged Bogalusa 48-45 in a thrilling finish that had fans on their feet until the final buzzer.

Bogalusa City Schools Superintendent Dr. Byron Hurst reflected on the night, saying, “Last night I experienced one of the most electrifying atmospheres in high school basketball. I hadn’t experienced that since high school. Great game, great atmosphere, great fans, and great sportsmanship. When we work together, we can accomplish great things.”

While not everyone supported bringing the game back, the students, schools, and communities proved the doubters wrong. The MLK Classic succeeded on every level and fittingly began with nothing more than a conversation and a dream.

Thanks to the efforts of The Night Train Podcast, Daoren Roberts, school leadership, and community supporters, a storied rivalry has been revived and a powerful example of unity has been set.

Those who missed the game can watch the broadcast and catch previous episodes by visiting The Night Train Facebook page under “Night Train Media,” subscribing on YouTube, or listening on Apple and Spotify.