The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has stripped Catholic (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) of its 2017 and 2020 Division I high school football championships. In addition, the LHSAA also stripped the school of its runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2019, plus levied a fine against the school.
Catholic didn’t appeal the sanctions, which are not made public by the LHSAA.
Below is a statement from Ben DiPalma, the school’s athletic director:
“In March of 2021, the LHSAA informed Catholic High School that it was under investigation regarding alleged violations within the school’s football program that potentially occurred in 2017. Catholic High School administrators worked diligently with the LHSAA to aid them in their investigation in whatever way possible.
The investigation concluded in May of 2021. It was determined that Catholic High School’s 2017 and 2020 state titles, and the 2018 and 2019 state runner-up titles would be revoked.
CHS respects the confidentiality policy between the LHSAA and member schools and will not comment further. As this matter is now closed, CHS looks forward to moving on to the 2021 football season and postseason under new head coach, David Simoneaux.”
Earlier this year, Gabe Fertitta resigned as the program’s head coach to take an assistant job at the University of Louisville.
Due to the LHSAA ruling, the school’s High School Football America national rankings from 2017 through 2020 will also be vacated.
2020 – No. 28
2019 – No. 42
2017 – No. 76
