Virginia high school football team disqualified from 2025 VHSL playoffs

According to a report by the Fairfax Times, Fairfax High School (Virginia) has been disqualified from 2025 Virginia High School League (VHSL) postseason play due to an alleged recruiting violation involving a JV player by a Lions’ assistant coach.

Here is a statement from Fairfax County Public Schools provided to 7NewsDC regarding Fairfax being barred from the playoffs due to the recruiting violation committed:

“Following an internal investigation, Fairfax County Public Schools has determined Fairfax High School (FHS) football coaching staff violated Virginia High School League (VHSL) policies regarding player recruitment in 2024. As the governing body for all high school athletics in Virginia, VHSL has announced that the team will be on probation for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. This means the FHS football team will not be able to participate in the postseason. We want to acknowledge that this news comes as a significant disappointment for the players and their families. However, FCPS remains committed to upholding the values of VHSL programs to “promote education, leadership, sportsmanship, character and citizenship for students by establishing and maintaining high standards for school activities and competitions.”

Back in August, Fairfax head coach Trey Taylor and an assistant coach were placed on leave stemming from the allegations of paying $8,000 in an attempt to recruit a player over the past year. 

Per a FOX 5 Washington D.C. report, a parent sent had school officials a letter stating the following:

“The football program at Fairfax High School recruited and paid for my son to transfer to play on the 2024–2025 varsity football team. We received a total of $7,950 — $5,000 in cash, and $2,950 sent via Venmo.”

Ironically, Taylor was one of six coaches that signed a letter last year protesting the possible inclusion of Hayfield Secondary in the postseason following the Hawks own recruiting scandal.

The Lions finished 9-4 during the 2024 Virginia high school football season and reached the VHSL’s Class 6A region finals and fell in a 40-25 loss to Lake Braddock.

How to Follow Virginia High School Football

For Virginia high school football fans, 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 gridiron excitement in the Commonwealth State.