Carroll Homecoming Changes?

One of Carroll’s High School’s biggest events may not be happening at the school. Carroll’s annual football homecoming, initially slated to be played Friday night on October 20, will be played on Saturday, October 21. Most alumni and fans allegedly did not meet the news of the change in event plans with open arms. According to what is being said in the community, the football game itself will not be played on the school’s campus. That is because representatives of Carroll’s opponents have strenuously objected to the game being played on campus because of alleged safety concerns. Carroll’s opponent for the big game is the Franklin Parish Patriots from Franklin Parish, the same school where an ugly incident unraveled last year during a game between law enforcement and fans of Franklin Parish with now departed coaches of Carroll High School. Carroll’s head coach and others involved are no longer associated with the school as the Bulldogs embark on another season seeking championship gold. Sources say that the Sheriff of Franklin Parish, who brought charges against the Carroll coaches, is resisting playing the homecoming game at the school, citing “safety concerns” stemming from last year’s event. The alleged change of venue, if successfully sought by Franklin Parish, would have the game played at ULM stadium. Carroll is objecting to the game being played at ULM, but the school is awaiting a ruling from the LHSAA on where the game will be played.

There are those who believe that taking the game away from Carroll’s field is doing a disservice to the players, students, alumni, fans, and community. Has there been a credible threat of violence to Franklin Parish football players and fans who will be at the game? Have any facts been presented to show that safety is an issue, not just hearsay? Has anyone considered what is being taken away from the kids? How much support is the school getting from the Monroe City School Board to keep the game at Carroll? According to sources, Carroll’s homecoming games have been without incident for 70 years, which should negate safety concerns. But as of now, it is too early to tell what may happen, as the school once again has to wait for the powers that be to decide the fate of a game that really shouldn’t have anything to do with the other. There’s a new regime at Carroll. Let the kids play. It is their homecoming at Carroll. There is a community meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM at Carroll Auditorium in Monroe, LA.