ECA forfeits wins, used ineligible player

Published 9:27 pm Monday, October 17, 2016

Ellwood Christian Academy has forfeited its two football wins for playing an ineligible player.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association made the announcement Monday afternoon, stating that the Eagles “played an ineligible student in violation of the AHSAA suspensions rule.”

“A transfer student must be in good standing with the student’s previous schools,” the AHSAA handbook reads. “A period of discipline in effect from any previous school must be served prior to the student regaining athletic eligibility.”

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Due to the violation, Ellwood had to forfeit its two football victories this year against Francis Marion and Autaugaville. The Eagles will also be placed on probation for one year. In the AHSAA’s press release, it said the probationary period is a warning that other violations of this nature could bring further sanctions against the school.

“I’m just going to tell [the team], that we are going to go out there and play,” said Ellwood Christian coach Mike Stokes. “We are still a pretty decent football team with the young players we’ve got.”

Ellwood plays Thursday night at Memorial Stadium against Isabella.