RIVER RIDGE, La. — John Curtis High School could be planning a big celebration for legendary coach J.T. Curtis should his Patriots win over Edna Karr this weekend (no small task indeed) but the LHSAA says he won’t be atop the record books for most wins by a high school coach.
A discrepancy reported this week by the Clarion Herald’s Ron Brocato has brought to light 30 forfeitures levied against John Curtis Christian School during a three-year period beginning in 2013 for the use of an ineligible player. Curtis has challenged the ruling several times but has not been able to have it overturned.
Those 30 games, subtracted from 621, the reported victory total celebrated following last week's 26-7 win over Catholic League (District 9-5A) rival Brother Martin, means Patriots head coach J.T. Curtis' actual win total sits at 591 wins.
At this number, it would take at least three years, including winning out in Division I Select this season and then following up with two perfect seasons – including playoffs and championship games – plus wins from a third season to reach 621 and tie the late John M. McKissick of Summerville High (S.C.) as high school football's all-time winningest coach.
The Louisiana High School Athletics Association, which is needed to sanction the record for the National Federation of State High School Associations, will not validate the higher win total.
LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine released the following statement:
"The LHSAA recognizes the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) win/loss record for Coach JT Curtis as 591-109. This record reflects 30 victories forfeited due to LHSAA sanctions between 2013 and 2015," Bonine stated. "A court case was finalized in May of 2022 in which the penalty ruling by the LHSAA was held in place without any limitations or conditions."
Coach Curtis also spoke with WWL-TV's Ricardo LeCompte and said the report was "disingenuous" and that he would not comment further as he does not want to take away the focus on his team and the goals the players are trying to accomplish this season.
With the inclusion of the forfeitures in the overall record, McKissick is still the only prep coach in the country to have more than 600 wins in a career.
John Curtis Christian (6-2, 3-2) will finish the regular season at Harold "Hoss" Memtsas Stadium against undefeated district rival Edna Karr (8-0, 5-0) on Friday.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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