Undefeated NY high school football team kicked out of playoffs over 53-second mistake

Middletown High School’s undefeated football team has been disqualified from the Section IX Class AA championship after the district withdrew its court petition to overturn the ruling. The decision ended the team’s championship hopes over a player’s brief appearance in a semifinal, despite the school arguing that students should not bear the consequences of an adults’ mistake.

The kicker played for 53 seconds in Middletown’s 48-15 win over Valley Central on 6 November, taking part in eight kickoffs. He was ruled an ineligible kickoff specialist because he had not met a postseason eligibility requirement; he had previously played for the school’s football team? No, he had competed on its soccer team and did not score in football. After a nearly two-hour hearing, the judge said difficult decisions sometimes had to be made. The superintendent said the school would now focus on supporting the team, cheerleaders and their families.