Catholic-Baton Rouge Forfeits Multiple Football Titles Following LHSAA Investigation

by Hunter Bower // GeauxPreps.com

BATON ROUGE – Catholic High of Baton Rouge has been forced to forfeit two state football championships and two runner-up titles following an investigation initiated by the LHSAA.

As reported by The Advocate’s Robin Fambrough, Catholic was fined and ordered to forfeit its Division I state championship titles from 2017 and 2020 as well as its runner up finishes in 2018 and 2019.

The school’s athletic director, Ben DiPalma issued a statement this afternoon discussing the violations and title forfeitures:

“In March of 2021, the LHSAA informed Catholic High School that it was under investigation regarding alleged violation 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,” said DiPalma. “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 Runner-up titles would be revoked.”

DiPalma continued, “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.”

The school chose not to appeal the decision by the LHSAA Executive Committee. The ruling comes just a few months following the resignation of former head coach Gabe Fertitta, who recently accepted a job at the University of Louisville.