Military Appreciation Night in ‘The Jungle’; Photos by Andrew Woolfolk

The Lake Anna community showed up in force Friday night, October 9, for Louisa County High School’s Military Appreciation Game. Community pride was on full display as thousands filled the stands of the Louisa home stadium, The Jungle, to cheer on the Lions and honor local service members.

Since that game, the Lions have carried their momentum through a successful October, defeating Orange County in their October 24 Homecoming matchup to move to 8–0 on the season. The win continued an undefeated streak that has energized both the town and the lake community.

But football isn’t the only way the county is leading. Across schools, classrooms, and neighborhoods, the same collective energy continues to define Louisa County’s culture of excellence. That leadership extends to the coaching staff itself. Louisa County Varsity Football Coach Will Patrick, a former standout athlete at James Madison University, was inducted into the 2024 JMU Athletics Hall of Fame this fall.

Louisa’s emphasis on leadership, both on and off the field, is also reflected in the work of Superintendent J. Douglas “Doug” Straley II, who has guided Louisa County Public Schools (LCPS) for nearly three decades. Under his direction, the division has become a model for community engagement and student success.

Straley was named Most Spirited Superintendent in America by Varsity Brands in 2018, Region V Superintendent of the Year in 2020 and 2023, and Virginia Superintendent of the Year in 2024.
“As Superintendent, my mantra revolves around the concept of service and community,” Straley told The Breeze. “It’s all about being able to serve my community.”

A Louisa County High School graduate himself, Straley began as a teacher, coach, and athletic director before becoming Superintendent. His experience in athletics reinforced his belief that school events—like Friday night football—help unify residents through shared values of effort, teamwork, and pride.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Straley launched #LouisaLeads, a countywide initiative promoting collaboration and resilience. The message quickly spread throughout the region, embraced by local leaders, businesses, and residents from downtown Louisa to Lake Anna.

“It is the spirit of unity that has been pivotal in navigating challenges and achieving milestones,” Straley said.

That sense of spirit is also visible on the sidelines of The Jungle. For years, Louisa fans were joined by Bubba the Lion, the school’s live mascot who attended home games from 2005 until his passing. Bubba became a beloved figure in the community—representing Louisa’s pride and resilience. Today, a large inflatable lion stands in his place, continuing the tradition for a new generation of fans.

As Lake Anna’s population grows, more families are joining that story—attending games, supporting local students, and contributing to the county’s strong sense of identity.

“I love my community. I love Louisa,” Straley said. “My belief is that I want our students to have the best possible experience in education.”

With two games remaining before playoffs, the Lions’ record mirrors the community that supports them: strong, steady, and full of hometown pride. For more on Louisa County football, go to https://lchs.lcps.k12.va.us.

Jen Bailey

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