JOURNAL SPORTS
“The direction of the program” was cited by new C.E. Byrd principal Jana Panos Thursday in a statement announcing the departure of Byrd graduate, veteran staff member and six-year head football coach Stacy Ballew.
He took over as head coach in 2021 after 12 years as defensive coordinator under Mike Suggs, topped by the 2020 season when the Yellow Jackets reached the Select Division I state finals and were later declared state champions when Catholic (Baton Rouge) had to forfeit due to widespread LHSAA rules violations.
Ballew’s debut as head coach was a 9-2 season in 2021, followed by 8-4 a year later. After a 4-7 mark in 2023, Byrd went 9-4 and reached the state quarterfinals in 2024, but went 2-8 and 1-9 in the past two seasons, missing the playoffs both years.
The Yellow Jackets were playing a converted freshman receiver at quarterback for much of this fall due to personnel losses.
Ballew’s overall record was 33-34 with three winning records in his six years in charge.
“Coach Stacy Ballew is a Byrd graduate who has served this school for 20-plus years as a player, assistant coach, and head coach,” Panos said in a statement. “This decision is not a reflection of his character or effort; it is about the direction of the program. We will move quickly to post the position, and I am committed to conducting a comprehensive search for Byrd’s next head football coach.
“School leadership will begin the process of identifying candidates to lead the program, with a focus on building upon Byrd’s longstanding football tradition while establishing a vision for its future,” said Panos. “Byrd High School appreciates Ballew’s years of service and contributions to the school and its student-athletes.”
Although the Yellow Jackets suffered two last-minute district defeats, they posted their only win over eventual District 1-5A champion Evangel in Week 8, 28-24, the only league loss by the Eagles.
Ballew was an all-district offensive lineman while playing from 1992-95. After graduating in 1996, he returned as an assistant coach in 1998 while attending LSU Shreveport, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2000. After two seasons coaching in Texas, Ballew rejoined the Byrd staff in 2002 as running backs coach before moving to linebackers in 2005.
Ballew’s 2020 Purple Swarm Defense was one of the best in the Byrd program’s 102-year history, allowing just over 200 yards and 14 points a game. Byrd was particularly impressive against the run, giving up just 80.3 yards per game and 3.0 yards per carry.
This season’s defense, however, surrendered 40 points per game.