Destrehan forced to forfeit win, five assistant coaches disciplined

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has announced five coaches on Destrehan’s football staff have been disciplined and the program must forfeit its last win.

According to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), Destrehan will have to forfeit the South Lafourche game and the coaching cards of assistant coaches Lance Ledet, Daniel Luquet, Wayne Sentilles and Greg Boyne were revoked for the next two-games that will finish out the remainder of the regular season. Assistant coach Ryan Fournier’s coaching card was also revoked and he and his wife have been barred from attending Destrehan’s games for the rest of the year, including the playoffs. St. Charles Parish Public Schools will also be fined $1,000 by the LHSAA and will be responsible for costs associated with the investigation.

The disciplined coaches will be required to become recertified by the LHSAA and to take a coaching elective course titled “Teaching and Modeling Behavior” before returning to the field.

The LHSAA’s ruling comes after an investigation found Destrehan’s coaching staff used a South Lafourche player’s username and password to access secure information about South Lafourche’s game plan prior to last Friday’s game.

“I am disappointed that this happened and I respect the LHSAA’s decision. My concern is about our kids in this unfortunate situation. My focus is to address the needs of our players and move on from this,” Destrehan head coach Stephen Robichaux said in a statement.

Destrehan principal Stephen Weber said the school is accepting of the punishment.

“These actions by certain assistant coaches are not condoned or reflective of the school and its athletic program. Poor judgment was used on the part of those involved and unfortunately, the student-athletes are impacted most by this situation,” Weber said. “Steps have been taken by the school system to comply with the ruling of the LHSAA. The Destrehan High School football program has a tradition of running an ethical program of high character and sportsmanship. We remain committed to this tradition.”

Destrehan was undefeated on the year, but with the forfeiture they will now be 7-1 and 4-1 in the district, which puts East St. John at 5-0 in district play in the lead in the Bayou District.