By GEORGE MAHL

I must say that Labor Day weekend was filled with some unusual and some predictable games.

First, I have to congratulate Major League Baseball for not taking their ball and going home. Had the players walked out, it would not only have been bad for the league, but for America as well. It looks like the big loser in all of this New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. “The Boss,” as he is known by some, will now share revenue with other clubs. This may make the Yankees owner upset, but it gives teams like Kansas City and Pittsburgh a chance to sign coveted free agents in the off-season. I could name several teams that can be classified as winners in the deal. But the real winners are the fans. I guess you could say that Minnesota and Montreal have a reason to rejoice because there will be no contraction until at least 2006. However, there is a good chance that the Expos will not be playing north of the border next season. Groups in Washington, D.C. and Portland have expressed interest in moving the financially strapped club. I have never been a big fan of teams relocating, but what else can you do when Minor League Baseball teams may surpass the Expos in attendance this season. By the way, the Oakland A’s look to be the team to beat for the remainder of the season. I would not mind seeing an Oakland vs. Yankees American League Championship Series. Good news for Tulane fans … the Green Wave is undefeated. Bad news is the season has just begun. Who was that team I saw playing Virginia Tech on Sunday afternoon? I know it wasn’t the team that dominated Illinois in the Sugar Bowl. If it was, then the Bayou Bengals may have a tough road after playing the likes of The Citadel and Miami (Ohio). Maybe I should run for political office seeing I am only one of a few that like both Tulane and LSU athletics.

Finally, I saw some very exciting jamboree games last Thursday and Friday night. The smell of hot food, the sounds of the bands, and the enthusiasm in the stands made each game feel like a regular season game. It only will get better from here on out if you are a high school football fan. I’m excited about covering Lutcher vs. East St. John Friday night. Hopefully, that game and the other games will be just as competitive.

GEORGE MAHL is a staff reporter whose primary responsibility is area sports coverage. Feel free to contact him at 985-652-9545 and suggest story ideas.