South Forsyth Forfeits Football Win

CUMMING, GA — South Forsyth has been forced to forfeit its 56-10 football victory over Pinecrest Academy earlier this season after playing an academically ineligible player in the game.

The War Eagles, who had been undefeated on the season and now fall, technically, to 6-1, self-reported the issue on Tuesday, according to the Georgia High School Association.

In addition to the forfeit, the program faced a "small fine," according to GHSA spokesman Steve Figueroa. The fine was small because the school reported the issue itself, he said. No other penalties were levied.

South Forsyth athletic director Keith Gravitt said Wednesday that coaches and administrators were double checking information earlier this week when they noticed a mistake.

"We recognized there was something out of place the afternoon before and we came back in the morning after looking at everything (and contacted GHSA)," Gravitt said. "Obviously, we wanted to make sure to do the right thing.

"The players, the kids, the team are the ones we hurt for the most because it was something that was out of their control."

Because South Forsyth plays in Class AAAAAAA, the state's class for its largest schools, and Pinecrest is a Class A program, the loss will not count against South Forsyth in the region standings.

The War Eagles will play 5-2 North Forsyth on Friday in a game that will, for now, determine first place in the region.

Image courtesy Forsyth County Schools