Coach Landers' Strong Support

Rumors have been swirling around lately that Carroll High School’s Head Football Coach Brandon Landers resigned. As of press time, no official word has come from the Monroe City School Board regarding Landers’ tenure, leading to speculation about what is happening behind the scenes. Landers’ questioned future with Carroll stems from an incident during a football game between Carroll and the Franklin Parish Patriots when an altercation between Franklin Parish Sheriff officers and Carroll's coaches suddenly happened. The sheriff of Franklin Parish went to the press box to escort the Carroll coaches back to their side of the field after it was alleged that they were using profane language in the press box. As the coaches left peacefully, an altercation started when it was alleged that Landers committed an assault against an officer while holding both hands in the air. Within seconds, it became a wide, chaotic scene as a scuffle ensued with pushing and shoving, including where it appeared that some fans who were within inches from the coaches got involved. There were those who accused the Carroll coaches of “inciting a riot”, but they were on the “home” side of the stadium among Patriot fans who were quick to show their displeasure.

Many are still asking where was the protection for the Carroll coaches was since something got out of hand and became so chaotic so quickly. Is this what is to be expected when someone "with authority" is doing his job? It was only a short walk from the press box to the field. Carroll’s coaches were suspended for the rest of the 2022 football season, as they were undefeated after winning the game against Franklin Parish. In a report, Landers said that “his back was against the wall, that he has no choice”. As a football player at Grambling State University, Landers and the Tigers won the 2007 Bayou Classic, and he was named MVP. He was also a Bulldog football player. His supporters are angry by the way Landers has been treated, especially since he has received no support from the school board. Despite the drama, he is hopeful for a favorable outcome.