By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

DESTREHAN – The Louisiana High School Athletic Association ruled that the Destrehan football team must forfeit last week’s victory over South LaFourche and a number of Wildcats assistants were punished for their roles in the scandal Wednesday.
DHS was 8-0 after a 49-24 victory over the host Tarpons, but an investigation was launched in the game’s aftermath this week based on allegations that Destrehan coaches had gained access to information on South Lafourche through hudl.com without authorization.
Five Destrehan assistant coaches were suspended for the remainder of the regular season. One, Ryan Fournier, will not be allowed to coach another game through the postseason while the other four – Lance Ledet, Daniel Luquet, Wayne Sentillis and Greg Boyne – will miss two regular season games and will be permitted to coach any playoff games from the press box.
Fournier, his girlfriend Emily Guidry, Luquet, Boyne and Sentilles were charged with unauthorized use of intellectual property by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Wednesday night. Offenses against intellectual property can include up to a $500 fine or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
According to reports, Fournier gained access to the team’s Hudl password from a former South Lafourche player and spent close to 12 hours on the site.
Administrators at South Lafourche asked the LHSAA to investigate after it said it discovered that Destrehan coaches had used the password to gain access to the team’s practice videos on the site.
“I am disappointed that this happened and I respect the LHSAA’s decision. My concern is about our kids in this unfortunate situation,” said Destrehan coach Stephen Robicheaux in a prepared statement. “My focus is to address the needs of our players and move on from this.”
The DHS coaches are allowed to assist the team during practices and preparation leading up to game night.
Destrehan High School was fined $1,000 and will be on probation for a year.
Destrehan principal Stephen Weber expressed regret and disappointment over the situation.
“These actions by certain assistant coaches are not condoned or reflective of the school and its athletic program,” said Weber. “Poor judgment was used on the part of those involved, and unfortunately the student-athletes are impacted most by this situation. 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.”
DHS entered the week ranked No. 5 in the LSWA Class 5A poll.
The loss drops Destrehan to 4-1 in District 7-5A. East St. John moves into sole possession of first place at 5-0. Destrehan and South Lafourche are tied for second place at 4-1.