One dead after a shot outside the St. Martinville-Erath game | high schools

Minutes before St. Martinville was scheduled to begin its home game against Erath on Friday, shots were fired.

The public address announcer had completed the Erath lineups and was mentioning the St. Martinville starters when a series of shots were heard just outside the stadium, where a large group of revelers had gathered throughout the afternoon what many on social media described as eight shots.

Shortly after the stands were cleared, it was confirmed that one of the two had died in the shootout.

The St. Martinville cheerleaders and players on one side of the field frantically ran toward the stands when a commotion broke out. Rumors quickly spread in the stands and in the press box that an adult man had been killed.

More than one helicopter circled the field, which stretches across Bayou Teche along the Louisiana Highway. 31.

St. Martinville principal Jonathan Lane entered the press box shortly after the shots were heard and urged all fans in the stadium to remain inside the stadium. The authorities then closed the entrance and exit to the stadium for about an hour.

Less than 10 minutes after the incident, Erath players, coaches, band and spirit staff, and fans rushed their gear to their buses — which were lined up behind the end zone but inside the stadium — and remained there until just before 8 p.m., when authorities Allowed spectators and media representatives must leave the field.

“Administrative and school officials at the district level, along with district member directors, have stated that the game will not be competitive and will not be played,” Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler told The Acadiana Advocate in a text message.

Erath, which entered the District 5-3A opener ranked No. 1 in the Division III non-selective power rankings, will remain with a 6-1 record. St. Martinville is 1-6, ranked No. 33 in Division II unselected power and must move up to No. 28 to secure a playoff spot.

There were initial discussions about playing the game without fans at Acadiana High at 3 p.m. Saturday.

“We were there to play a soccer game and there was an altercation outside the stadium,” Erath coach Eric LeBlanc said. “We followed protocol and did what was necessary to keep the children safe.

“There are a lot of emotions going on at the moment. It was a district game. It is unfortunate for both St. Martinville and us not to be able to play.”

Lane did not respond to a direct message seeking comment.