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Georgia High School Football Team Forfeits Nine Victories, Misses Playoffs

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby: Lawrence Fernandez11/06/24lawandfern
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Todd Holcomb initially reported that Stockbridge High School would forfeit all nine victories this season after letting an eligible player represent them in Georgia high school football games.

Georgia High School Association executive director Tim Scott confirmed that Stockbridge’s officials reported the issue regarding a player who did not follow proper move-in residence rules. The GHSA states that a player who transfers with his coach to another school must serve a residency of one academic year.

The Tigers’ current head coach, Kendrick Callier, was Cedar Grove’s offensive coordinator last year. He took over from Thomas Clark, who is now with Jackson. Clark led Stockbridge to last season’s Class 4A title game but lost. Without the ruling, they could go to another title game after being hailed as Region 2-4A champions.

Stockbridge appealed the decision, hoping to get the favorable judgment the Cook County Hornets got last year. Instead, the GHSA upheld their nine-game forfeit, the most in Georgia high school football games since Waycross forfeited 11 wins (including a playoff victory) in 1990.

The GHSA’s move-in residence rules prevented former Cedar Grove player and University of Georgia commit Bo Walker from suiting up for Stockbridge. Walker is now with Rabun Gap, a school not affiliated with the GHSA.

Meanwhile, Stockbridge’s nine-game forfeiture made undefeated Ola the Region 2-4A champions. Eagle’s Landing moves to number four in the region, while Jones County and Hampton are numbers two and three. These teams will represent the region in the upcoming state playoffs.

Before the sanction, the Stockbridge Tigers were 55th in the Georgia high school football rankings, based on the On3 Massey Ratings. Their roster includes linebacker Chase Taylor, a Michigan commit, and Georgia State commit Xavier Spikes. Cornerback Mylon Lee, wide receiver Mason Freeman, and versatile player Gavin Kinchen also play for the Tigers.