RIVER RIDGE, La. (WGNO) — John Curtis High School football coach J.T. Curtis said joining the New Orleans Catholic League was a “natural progression”.

The Patriots have won 26 football state championships. But, in order to earn a 27th, they’ll have to face the top class 5A teams this regular season.

“We’ve always played a really tough pre-district schedule. So we’ve always played 4-5 really top caliber teams through the years. Now we’re going to play 5 other ones. So it’ll be a challenge,” said Curtis.

In February, the Executive Committee changed the rule of allowing schools to play up only for football postseason. So, five schools, including John Curtis, opted to play all the way up to Class 5A for both regular and postseason play.

“That’s one of the unfortunate things about this split, as good and as exciting as it will be, we’re going to have to turn right around, and play everybody all over again, and that really is not fair to the kids. But it is what it is at this point,” said Curtis.

Last season John Curtis High School reached the Division 1 Championship game and fell to Jesuit High School.

“I know we’re working to try and improve that. We’re working to try and make it a better play off situation. But, the bottom line last year, one week after Jesuit beat us in the championship, there was another champion and everybody is not sure who the best was. We want to settle it on the field. Whoever the best is, they are the best in the State of Louisiana. That’s something to really be proud of,” said Curtis.

As the Patriots prepare to battle on the field, Coach J.T. Curtis said part of the challenge will be conditioning as they move from Class 2A to 5A.

“Hopefully we can stay injury-free and be able to line up with our team in week 10 like we did in week 1. But you know, you have to deal with it as it comes to you and what I look forward is great effort and great attitude,” said Curtis.

He said if the Patriots can do those two things, then this season will work out in their favor.