JENNINGS, La. — Football fans in Jennings face a conflict - root for the Tigers that call Louisiana home, or root for Clemson star Travis Etienne, the Tiger that calls Jennings home.
"Our hometown boy is playing against LSU," says Jennings resident Marie Smith, explaining why the town is so divided over Monday Night's College Football National Championship game. "He's a good player. I wish he was at LSU," Smith adds.
"I think if we could have had gotten him, we would have been super good. He's a good football player and I think he's gonna get what he deserves," says resident John Lejeune.
Etienne is one of the biggest stars to ever come out of Jeff Davis Parish and his popularity has die-hard LSU fans torn. Folks over at Parker's Workwear in Jennings even created a t-shirt to explain how fans are feeling. The shirts have been a hit, with over 600 being sold the last few weeks. Parker's employee Leona Derouen explains why they are so popular.
"Travis grew up in Jennings, he played in Jennings, everybody in Jennings loves Travis and everybody in Jennings loves LSU, so I mean regardless of who wins, there's gonna be a win."
Another shop that carries both LSU and Clemson merchandise consistently sold out of Clemson flags.
It's bittersweet for most residents like Mackenzie Gay, who says, "I mean I'm a Louisiana girl, I have to go for LSU. But it's also, I'm from Jennings, so I'm being supportive of our hometown."
Most of the residents say that they're rooting for LSU, but any way you look at it, the "Tigers" will win the National Championship game Monday night.
