Officials warn against school event violence

Local officials are promising prompt action against school event violence after a fight marred a high school football game involving St. Mary for a second straight Friday.
The Oberlin football coach has been replaced at least temporarily after he and another coach began fighting during halftime of Friday’s homecoming game with Centerville. No players or fans from Centerville were reported to be involved.
That incident came a week after what law enforcement described as altercations at West St. Mary High’s home game with Jeanerette.
In the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 incident at West St. Mary, three young men were arrested, and 12 people, mostly 18-25 but including one 40-year-old, were named in warrants, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
Deputies and school resource officers made the decision to clear the stadium, which held 900 fans for the game with Jeanerette.
Those arrested face charges of disturbing the peace by fighting and inciting a riot.
In a Facebook post, Sheriff Gary Driskell urged those named in the warrants to “do the right thing and turn yourself in immediately.”
In the same Facebook post, St. Mary Superintendent Dr. Rachael Sanders said people who disrupt school activities will be denied access to future events.
“A school-related event should be a guaranteed safe haven for all who come to support and cheer for our children as they engage in an activity they love,” Sanders said.
In the Oberlin incident, KPLC of Lake Charles reported Monday that Oberlin has named an acting head coach as it investigates what media reports say was a fight between head coach Robert Etheridge and assistant Coach Jaden Brasseaux.
Media accounts say a sideline argument evolved into a fight between the two men at halftime during Oberlin’s homecoming ceremony. Both men were booked on battery charges.
The remainder of the game, which Centerville led 36-6, was canceled at halftime.
Etheridge issued a public apology.
“Once again, I apologize and hope that my administration, coaches, parents, athletes and student body as well as the entire Oberlin Community will someday forgive me,” Etheridge said.
Allen Parish Superintendent Brad Soileau also issued an apology to Oberlin and Centerville.
“There’s no excuse for it,” Soileau said. “It’s unacceptable. There will be a full investigation, and we will hold those who need to be held accountable.”
The recent incidents were followed by sterner than usual admonitions from local police before this Friday’s homecoming games in Berwick and Franklin.
Berwick Police Chief J.P. Henry and Franklin Police Chief Cedric Handy both said they hope homecoming will be enjoyable.
But Henry said he and his officers “will not condone or allow hazing, reckless behavior, vandalism, or any activity that could cause injury to another person or damage someone else’s property.”
In Franklin, “rowdy behavior, physical altercations, public intoxication, and destruction of public or private property will not be tolerated,” Handy said.