Holy Cross tabs proven winner LeCompte to improve football fortunes

Holy Cross School’s long, somewhat exhaustive search for a head football coach ended Thursday when the school officially named Guy LeCompte to carry the dual title of football coach and director of athletics.

The two titles might be an issue for some, but don’t figure to be for LeCompte. The avowed workaholic led Mandeville High School to three state semifinal appearances in five years.

LeCompte is one of the most competitive coaches in the business. 

When he first arrived at Mandeville, LeCompte did something that few coaches will ever do. He called JT Curtis and asked to play the Patriots the following season.

The Skippers got drubbed, but the message was delivered. Mandeville football wouldn’t back down.

LeCompte brings many qualities to the position. Like Bill Stubbs, he is a disciple of a rigorous off-season workout program. In the 90’s, Salmen under Stubbs was ahead of its time in the area of player development. It was one of the reasons the Spartans were able to narrow the gap quickly against John Curtis.

A no-huddle, spread offense comes with LeCompte to Holy Cross. It is an offense that is attractive to prospective student athletes.

LeCompte will be asked to deliver on high expectations like having his Tigers compete for Catholic League championships and state championships.

In the past five football seasons, Curtis and Rummel have played in multiple Division I championship games.

Jesuit, under head coach Mark Songy, won the Division I football championship in 2014.

Brother Martin has established a solid winning football program under head coach Mark Bonis.

Archbishop Shaw hired an alum, Tommy Connors, as its football coach and built an on-campus stadium that will host the Eagles for the first time this fall.

St. Augustine elevated assistant Nathaniel Jones, a Karr alum who led the Cougars to a Superdome Classic appearance as a head coach in 2013.

John Curtis head coach JT Curtis said Thursdays it is somewhat ironic that one of his closest friends in the business will now be coaching in the same district.

“I have competed against Guy for many years, and have a lot of respect for him as a football coach,” said Curtis. “He turned Mandeville into a perennial playoff power. I would anticipate he would do the same thing at Holy Cross.”

Last August, LeCompte resigned as the head coach at Mandeville. It was a messy divorce.

Pending litigation against the St Tammany Parish School Board was filed by LeCompte for what he and his attorney says were on-going problems with mold in the school’s field house. There was speculation after the lawsuit became public that LeCompte would be radioactive, and prospective schools would not hire him.

However, a school in Gentilly is banking on one of the best football coaches from the north shore.

His job is simple.

Make that bell on the Holy Cross campus, the one that tolls after victories, ring a lot.