Forfeitures, Postseason Ban Alters LHSAA Football Playoff Picture
by Hunter Bower // GeauxPreps.com Owner
The playoff picture can change at any minute throughout the LHSAA football season.
Since the power ratings were implemented in 1999, teams have been ranked and seeded accordingly via the formula created by the association. One win or loss could change the playoff picture for a slew of teams as not only are wins counted in the formula but opponent wins are calculated as well.
The 2021 version of the football power ratings went through a drastic change on Tuesday as multiple schools were forced to forfeit games while one member received a one-year postseason ban.
Brother Martin topped the headlines as the Division I power ratings leader was forced to forfeit five games due to ineligible player issues. The forfeits dropped the Crusaders from the top spot down to last place.
The Crusaders will still be able to compete in the postseason as the Division I playoff bracket features all 12 schools ranked on the 16-team bracket.
School administrators have begun the process of appealing the ruling.
“We are currently exploring all of our options as it pertains to the appeals process as we advocate for our students, and we are working with the LHSAA in this regard, said principal Ryan Gallagher. “As of (Tuesday) morning, we have requested an Emergency Appeal Hearing, and we are hopeful that this request will be granted.”
Lake Charles Prep received a one-year postseason ban in football on Wednesday. The Trailblazers had recently climbed up the Class 3A power ratings to the 18th spot, just two places out from hosting a first-round home playoff contest.
The school’s athletic director Freddie Harrison issued the following statement regarding the ban:
“Lake Charles College Prep is committed to maintaining and ensuring the highest standards of compliance in our athletic program. We respectfully disagree with the sanctions issued by the LHSAA which will keep our football players from participating in the playoffs this season. While this is unfortunate, we will continue to maintain the integrity of our program, and we look forward to participating fully next season.”
Despite not being able to advance to the playoffs, the school will not be forced to forfeit any contests nor force any student-athletes to sit out for a certain amount of games.
Amite sat at the top of the Class 2A power ratings prior to Tuesday’s decision that forced the Warriors to forfeit its first two games of the season. The losses dropped the school to the sixth position in the ratings and awarded wins to Jewel Sumner and Patterson.
The LHSAA website also showed four M.L. King Charter games forfeited while Livingston Collegiate’s updated scheduled shows five contests forfeited. As of now, both schools would not be to compete in the postseason due to their position in the power ratings.
GeauxPreps.com has reached out to Amite, M.L. King Charter and Livingston Collegiate regarding the forfeitures and is currently awaiting for a response from the administration.