RESERVE — The high school football leadership in St. John the Baptist Parish is changing, with Riverside Academy naming a new coach and East St. John High officially starting its search for the next Wildcats leader.

Kevin Dizer was named Riverside Academy’s new football coach Wednesday, a month after coach Chris Lachney resigned to accept a position at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Principal Michael Coburn said Dizer was the best candidate for the position and a perfect fit for Riverside Academy.

For the past two years, Dizer has served as head coach of the girl’s basketball team, which recently reached the state semifinals for the first time in the history of the program.

He also brings experience from years coaching football.

Wildcats football

East St. John High School is looking for a new head football coach and athletic director.

St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District Superintendent Kevin George announced the move Friday afternoon, saying those duties have been removed from incumbent Alden Foster.

George said Foster remains employed as a teacher.

The search for the Wildcats’ next coach begins immediately, George said, adding he and the community expect the very best from the football program.

The Wildcats are in the middle of three straight below .500 seasons, a stretch of sub-par play unheard of in recent memory (12-20 since 2015).

According to George, East St. John High football has lagged behind the rest of the River Parishes in prep football.

A victim of a talented region, ESJH is the only River Region high school to not have appeared in a football state championship game in the last four years.

Foster compiled an impressive record in his seven seasons at Amite before joining East St. John High in January, 2015. His team finished as state runner-up twice, in 2011 and 2014. The 2011 loss came by a 9-8 score at the hands of St. Charles Catholic. He also led St. Helena to a state finals appearance in 2004, falling to West St. John.

His overall record at Amite was 68-21, with five seasons of 10 wins or more. The Warriors were district champions in six of his seven seasons. He has 16 years of experience as an athletic director and 21 as head coach.