MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Spring Mills football team has been docked four victories for using an ineligible player. The Cardinals won eight of their first nine games to open the season, with the lone loss coming to top-ranked Martinsburg, 17-12.
However, Spring Mills will forfeit victories that came in succession against South Hagerstown, Musselman, North Hagerstown and Washington from the third to the sixth week of the season. With the adjustments, the Cardinals now own a 4-5 record.
Spring Mills Principal Mark Salfia issued the following statement to the SMHS community Monday:
“I am writing to inform you of a recent development regarding our varsity football season. Due to unfortunate events, SMHS will be required to forfeit four games as a result of a player’s ineligibility.
Last week, we became aware that, based on residency requirements, a former player on our team did not meet the eligibility criteria to participate in the 2024 season. SMHS immediately self-reported this finding to the WV Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) and submitted all relevant documentation. Today, after a thorough review, the WVSSAC informed us that we must forfeit four varsity football games in which the ineligible player participated, per WVSSAC rules and regulations.
This news is deeply disappointing for our football team and the entire Spring Mills community, particularly as we approach the postseason. Our athletes have shown remarkable achievement with an impressive season, making this setback even more difficult.
In response, we will be conducting a comprehensive review of our athletic department procedures to ensure that all residency and transfer requirements are thoroughly vetted and verified moving forward. Our goal is to prevent this type of situation from occurring in the future.
Despite this challenge, the Spring Mills Cardinals will proceed into the playoffs, though our ranking and home-field advantage will be affected. We remain proud of our players and are committed to supporting them through the remainder of the season.
Thank you for your understanding, and your continued support of our students and athletes.”
Spring Mills will fall from their No. 2 spot in the WVSSAC Class AAAA football ratings. The latest edition of the playoff ratings will be released on Tuesday afternoon.
With just 16 teams competing in Class AAAA this fall, the Cardinals are still guaranteed a postseason spot. According to WVSSAC ratings expert Ed Forshey, Spring Mills is projected to fall to No. 10 in the ratings.
The regular season ends for all West Virginia teams on Friday. The Cardinals will face Hedgesville in Week 11.
(Luke Wiggs of the Panhandle News Network contributed to this report)