Louisiana Legislature Examines Decision To Split Private And Public School Football Playoffs

The Associated Press

http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/high-school-football-playoffs-louisiana-legislature

The Legislature is looking into the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s decision to separate public school football playoffs from those held by other schools — including magnet and charter schools.

The Advocate reports that a special joint Senate-House committee will review the league’s decision to scrap a system that has been in place for more than 90 years.

Principals voted 206-119 on Jan. 25 to have five football championships strictly for public school teams, with two other divisions for private and parochial schools, magnet, charter, laboratory schools and others.

They will include longtime powers John Curtis High School of River Ridge, which finished No. 1 in the final Super 25 rankings, and Evangel Christian Academy of Shreveport.

Backers say private schools can recruit top players, getting an unfair advantage.

Opponents say the split stems from resentment over successful programs.