LHSAA Delays 2024 Postseason Football Bracket Release Amid Legal Dispute

by: Vincent Cacioppo // GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has announced a delay in releasing the 2024 postseason football brackets due to ongoing litigation involving Baton Rouge’s University Lab School. This pause in the postseason lineup could potentially impact all 307 high school football programs across the state, creating uncertainty as the playoffs approach.

The dispute arises from recent penalties against the Cubs football program. Following an investigation, the LHSAA determined that the Cubs had fielded ineligible players throughout the season, resulting in the forfeiture of all seven wins and leaving the team with an official record of 0-9.

However, University Lab has taken legal action, seeking a temporary restraining order against the LHSAA to challenge the ruling. If the school’s appeal succeeds, the forfeited wins could be reinstated, allowing the Cubs to regain eligibility for the playoffs.

Legal challenges of this nature are not new to the LHSAA, with several schools previously securing restraining orders to contest LHSAA penalties. However, the current court date for University Lab’s case is set for November 18, 2024, after the playoffs are set to begin, which adds further complications to the postseason schedule.

The LHSAA has stated that all eight postseason brackets will remain on hold until the legal proceedings conclude and the issue is fully resolved.