In Los Angeles, Narbonne High School’s head football coach Malcolm Manuel has announced his resignation after guiding the Gauchos to a 2024 LA City Section Open Division title. In a recently released letter, Manuel expressed his appreciation for everyone involved in the program over the past four years. He emphasized how they faced numerous challenges together, including administrative changes and new athletic directors each year.
Manuel’s tenure as head coach was marked by both achievements and controversies. Under his leadership, the Gauchos scored an impressive 75-31 victory against San Pedro, with standout player Jaden O’Neal contributing seven touchdowns to secure the City Championship. However, the team’s postseason journey ended with a loss to Oxnard/Pacifica in the regional final.
In his resignation letter, Manuel stated, “After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to step down as the Head Football Coach at Narbonne High School. This decision was not made lightly, but I feel it is the right time for my family and I to explore new opportunities.” He conveyed his hope that the next head coach would build on the program’s strong foundation, which is brimming with potential.
The past season was not without its challenges. Narbonne faced serious allegations regarding players receiving monetary incentives and housing, leading to the rest of the Marine League to boycott them. This resulted in a significant break of 49 days without games for the Gauchos. Further complications arose during the postseason when several players were found to be ineligible due to **fraudulent documentation**. Despite these issues, the team still clinched the Open City title, showcasing remarkable resilience.
Looking ahead, the future of Narbonne football is uncertain. The City Section has announced a ban on the program’s participation in the postseason for 2025, which could result in a mass exodus of players. As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the program and its new leadership will adapt to these challenges.
