Skip to main content

Maryland high school football team forced to forfeit playoff win due to ineligible player

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo6 hours agoAndy_Villamarzo
Generic Footballs
Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

It might be playoff time around the country, but teams are still getting hit with sanctions for breaking the rules. On Tuesday, a Maryland high school football team paid the price by having to forfeit a playoff win and be removed from the postseason.

According to a report by the Frederick News-Post, the Middletown Knights (Md.) are being forced to forfeit their Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) 2A/1A playoff win over Liberty (51-7) last week due to the self-report of using an ineligible player. The Knights are removed from the MPSSAA playoffs and their season is officially over.

Per the report, Middletown High School released an email addressing the forfeiture and being removed from the MPSSAA postseason.

“We recognize that this news is disappointing for our student-athletes, families, and community,” the Middletown High School email said via the report. “Please know that our foremost priority is to uphold the principles of integrity, sportsmanship, and full compliance with FCPS and state athletic guidelines.”

“It was recently discovered that an ineligible MHS student-athlete inadvertently participated in the game. Upon identifying this issue, the school immediately reported the concern to FCPS. Following a thorough review, it was confirmed that a violation had occurred, and the matter was subsequently reported to the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA). In accordance with MPSSAA regulations, Middletown High School must forfeit the game against Liberty, and as a result, MHS will not advance to the MPSSAA State Quarterfinals. Per the MPSSAA, playoff games are not eligible for appeal.”

The Knights will end the season at 8-3 and Liberty will now advance in the postseason instead of Middletown.

How to Follow Maryland High School Football

For Maryland high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the 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 Terrapin 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 gridiron excitement across the state of Maryland.