19 Bishop Montgomery football players ruled ineligible by CIF Southern Section

On Friday, the CIF Southern Section announced that 19 football players at Bishop Montgomery (Calif.) have been declared athletically ineligible for two years. An investigation determined the players violated CIF bylaws upon transferring to the school to play football.

The CIF released a statement on the ruling:

“Based upon the investigation, self-reporting, and findings of Bishop Montgomery High School, along with CIF-Southern Section’s own independent review, the Southern Section has determined that multiple students transferred to Bishop Montgomery High School to play varsity football for the 2025-2026 school year in violation of CIF bylaws. Notification has been sent to Bishop Montgomery High School administrators and parents/guardians of the football transfer student-athletes. Those determinations [have been/will be] posted on the CIF-Southern Section website in conformance with Section practices. The CIF-Southern Section and its staff will not comment on individual student athletic eligibility.”

This follows a turbulent and frenzied few weeks for the program in Torrance. The Knights previously had five transfers ruled ineligible, saw several players suspended for their involvement in a postgame altercation after their week one loss to St. Louis, forfeited their week two matchup against No. 1 Mater Dei and then fired longtime head coach Ed Hodgkiss. Earlier this week, school president Pat Lee resigned.

More than 20 of Bishop Montgomery’s incoming transfers were ruled ineligible over the offseason by the CIF Southern Section for breaking Bylaw 202, which is listed by the association as ‘Penalty for Providing Incorrect, Inaccurate, Incomplete or False Information.’

While not a top program in the Golden State, Bishop Montgomery’s roster did feature some firepower entering the year. Senior four-star tight end Caleb Tafua, three-star linebacker Kenneth Goodwin and three-star running back Victor Santino are all committed to Power Four programs. Four-star defensive lineman George Toia is a top-50 prospect in the junior class nationally.

Hodgkiss was named Bishop Montgomery’s head coach in 2010 and was in his 16th season as the Knights head coach, compiling a record of 84-69-1. He led the Knights to league titles in 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.

Friday’s decision comes as many families have remained in limbo following the string of events this summer and fall. The original report from the CIF listed 20 names, but one was duplicated.

How to Follow California High School Football

For high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Golden State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the country.