Two More Louisiana High Schools Lose Their Football Seasons — LHSAA’s Second Major Suspension in Weeks

BATON ROUGE, La. - The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has suspended the football seasons of two more schools. Thrive Academy and Capitol High School, both in Baton Rouge, were hit with the suspensions following an investigation into a brawl between the two teams near the end of their Oct. 9, 2026, game.

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The LHSAA Sportsmanship Committee, made up of five active school principals from the executive committee, met separately with administrators from both schools. The committee reviewed written statements, video footage and submitted documentation of the incident.

The LHSAA’s Ruling: What Both Schools Face

Both schools are suspended from football competition for the rest of the 2026 season, including all postseason play. Coaching cards for football staff at both schools have also been revoked for one full calendar year.

Thrive Academy’s Response: Self-Suspension and a Message to Seniors

Before the LHSAA’s ruling, Thrive Academy Superintendent Paul Sampson announced on Facebook that the school had completed its own internal investigation and would voluntarily suspend its season.

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“We hold every Thrive program to a high standard, and this decision reflects that,” Sampson said in the statement. He said he met with football parents to share the decision directly and answer their questions. Thrive also said it will discipline students through its own process, in addition to any penalties from the LHSAA.

Sampson said the school’s seniors are “at the center of our thinking.” Coaches and counselors will work with each senior on next steps for college and career, and the senior class will be recognized at an upcoming event. Underclassmen will have the chance to join after-school clubs, offseason conditioning and winter sports.

Thrive Academy Coach Left Before the Season Began

Sampson also noted that Thrive’s head coach and athletic director left their positions a week before the school year began, and a replacement coach departed after one week. He thanked the interim coaching staff and administrators who stepped in.

The school has launched searches for a new head football coach and a new athletic director. “Suspending the season gives us the opportunity to get an early start on this process,” Sampson said.

Context: The LHSAA’s Second Major Football Suspension in Weeks

The ruling is the second major set of LHSAA sanctions in recent weeks. Carroll High School’s season was suspended and Assumption High School’s remaining home games were canceled after a late-September brawl between Carroll players and Assumption fans.