Northside Fires Coach Who Ended 15-Year Playoff Drought

Jacarde Carter rebuilt Northside football into a playoff program, then went public about the school's facilities and lost his job.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 12:49am

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Jacarde Carter, a 2009 Northside High School graduate, was fired as the school's head football coach after leading the Vikings to their first playoff win in 15 years. Carter said he was dismissed due to social media posts in which he publicly called attention to the poor state of Northside's facilities compared to other Lafayette-area schools.

Why it matters

Carter's firing highlights the ongoing facilities issues at Northside High and the challenges faced by schools in disadvantaged areas to compete with better-resourced programs. His public advocacy for improved conditions at Northside appears to have led to his dismissal, raising concerns about retaliation against coaches who speak out about inequities.

The details

In three seasons as Northside's head coach, Carter compiled a 14-20 record and guided the Vikings to the playoffs each year, including a first-round playoff win this past season - the program's first postseason victory since 2010. However, after going public with social media posts comparing Northside's aging facilities to those of other local schools, Carter was informed he was being relieved of his coaching duties. The Lafayette Parish School System disputes Carter's claim that he was also fired from his teaching position.

  • In 2020, the Lafayette Parish School Board approved $5.9 million toward a future Northside High rebuild, which was described as a first step.
  • In 2021, the board voted to pull money directly from the Northside rebuild fund to purchase land, before construction ever began.
  • In 2024, a consulting firm recommended building brand-new 6th-through-8th and 9th-through-12th grade campuses on the current Northside High site, but no funding was committed.
  • In September 2025, the school board approved a $50 million K-8 school to be built on land behind J.W. Faulk Elementary, but this does nothing to address the issues at Northside High.
  • On February 26, 2026, Northside High School informed Carter that he was being relieved of his duties as head football coach.

The players

Jacarde Carter

A 2009 Northside High School graduate who was hired as the school's head football coach four years ago. Under his leadership, the Vikings ended a 15-year playoff drought and won their first postseason game since 2010.

Vincent DeRouen

The former Northside head coach who Carter played under and who served as an assistant on Carter's staff this past season.

Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS)

The school district that oversees Northside High School and made the decision to relieve Carter of his coaching duties, though they dispute his claim of also being fired from his teaching position.

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What they’re saying

“Jacarde is no different than when he played for me. He was hardworking then and he is hardworking now. If there is one kid that wants to work out, it can be 5 a.m., Jacarde is going to come here and open the gym. You can see the product of his hard work on the field.”

— Vincent DeRouen, Former Northside Head Coach

“Dear LPSS, we are fighting for kids against these facilities. Where would you send your kid if you were a parent? We are going to war with butter knives while everyone else that we're competing with to get kids have fully loaded guns! Can we get a little help over here?”

— Jacarde Carter, Former Northside Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.