Undefeated New York high school football team kicked out of playoffs
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Middletown High School's undefeated football team was disqualified from the Section IX Class AA championship after an ineligible player participated for 53 seconds in a semifinal playoff game.
- The player, a kicker who previously played soccer, did not meet postseason eligibility requirements and was ruled an "ineligible kickoff specialist," leading to the team's disqualification despite no impact on the game's outcome.
- The school district withdrew its emergency court petition to reverse the disqualification following a nearly two-hour hearing before a state Supreme Court justice.
- Middletown officials expressed deep disappointment but emphasized support for the athletes, calling the team champions in spirit and vowing to come back stronger next season.
- The controversy sparked significant community attention, with the courtroom filled with students, parents, and school officials during the hearing.
