Players Bio

Former Rayne High School Football Coach Jackie Harrelson’s Death Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Louisiana

Jackie Harrelson’s death reminds Louisiana of his lasting impact on sports and education.

Cleveland “Jackie” Harrelson, Jr., a beloved coach, teacher, and family man, passed away peacefully at his home in Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 25, 2025.

He was 68 years old and surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.

Family, friends, and former students remember Jackie as a man of intelligence, humor, and deep commitment to those around him. His funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Scott.

The family will host a visitation on Wednesday, August 27, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Martin & Castille Funeral Home in Scott, with a Rosary service scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Visitation will continue on Thursday morning before the service. Jackie will be laid to rest at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Mowata, Louisiana.

Born on October 18, 1956, in Alexander City, Alabama, Jackie Harrelson graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 1975 before earning a degree in Marketing from Auburn University in 1980.

His passion for sports and teaching shaped his career path early on.

Jackie began coaching as a graduate assistant at the University of Southwestern Louisiana from 1981 to 1983.

He quickly made his mark at Teurlings Catholic High School, where he led the baseball team to a state championship in 1985.

His leadership then took him to Rayne High School in 1986 as head football coach, and just two years later, to Lafayette High School, where he dedicated over two decades to coaching and teaching until his retirement in 2014.

Students and athletes remember Jackie as a mentor who valued discipline, perseverance, and personal growth.

His impact extended beyond the field, shaping the lives of countless young people who continue to carry his lessons forward.

Harrelson’s Death

North High School Coach Mark Mejia Suspended After Failing to Disclose Traffic Accident With Players!

North High School head coach Mark Mejia has been suspended from the department after he failed to disclose a traffic accident involving his players

It was later revealed by the official that Mejia failed to report a traffic accident this summer while driving several players to a summer training event.

The accident took place while head coach Mark Mejia was on his way to take his 7-7 players to the tournament in Maricopa.

Phoenix High School Coach Suspended for Failing to Disclose Summer's Traffic Accident Involving Players Immediately!

Coach Mark Mejia was driving a minibus with his players to Just Chilly’s Flight Club tournament, which was set to be held in Maricopa.

But before they could reach the event site, Mejia’s minibus rear-ended another vehicle. That car also had players from a different team headed to the same tournament.

While no injuries were seen at the moment and no one was harmed, Mark chose to keep the incident secret and not tell the High School Department.

Coach Mark Mejia with her daughter. (Source: Twitter)

Recently, in an interview, Mejia revealed that he had been suspended for failing to report the accident, an incident that school officials argued could have endangered student-athletes.

According to Mejia, both vehicles pulled over and confirmed that no one was hurt. Parents at the tournament also agreed that the players were fine and allowed them to participate in the games.

After being suspended from the program, he talked to the media and shared his statement saying;

"They were going to the same tournament, and they said, 'Hey, let's just get to the tournament and we'll exchange information. They got there. It's a Saturday. The parents said, 'Hey, the kids are fine. Let's just play football.' We played, we'll take care of this on Monday."

Further speaking to the media, he also shared that he was initially suspended for five years, but after he appealed to the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board, his suspension was reduced to two years.

Mark Mejia

People say baseball is a dying sport, yet the valuation of the franchises continues to climb.
Here are the 10 most valuable MLB teams.

Bullpen to the Bank: 10 Most Valuable MLB Teams [2023 Update] Regardless of the revenue generated, the valuation of the teams in all three big leagues i.e. MLB, NFL & NBA, sit close to each other.