Marlboro County High School Football Team Disqualified from State Playoffs

BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. – In a surprising turn of events, the Marlboro County High School football program has been disqualified from the state playoffs. This decision came down Wednesday from the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Executive Committee following an appeal from the school and the Marlboro County School District regarding sanctions that were placed on the football program.

The disqualification stems from allegations concerning eight players on the team who were deemed ineligible due to a lack of a “bonafide change of address.” It was revealed during a hearing that the initial penalties included fines as well as the requirement for the team to forfeit games in which these players participated. As a result, the Bulldogs have been ruled ineligible for the postseason based on SCHSL bylaws.

While during the hearing, six of the eight players were ultimately found eligible, the sanctions against the team remained intact for the other two ineligible players. This outcome means that the Bulldogs’ opportunity to compete in the state playoffs is now over. The Marlboro County School District quickly announced intentions to further appeal the committee’s decision, expressing their commitment to fight for the students affected.

The controversy surfaced from an anonymous tip sent to the SCHSL back in October, questioning the players’ eligibility based on various personal factors, including the marital status of their parents and even their church attendance. These issues came to light just after new head coach Cory Johnson took over the team.

According to officials, there was a failure to notify the school of the ongoing investigation, which also included outreach to Johnson’s previous employer in North Carolina for additional information related to the claims. The allegations led to the leagues reviewing the eligibility status of the players before sanctions were handed out.

In a statement, the Marlboro County School District emphasized that they had provided all necessary documentation to confirm the transferring students’ eligibility before the situation escalated. The district’s attorney mentioned submitting extensive findings to the executive committee, but it appears the league did not have sufficient time to consider this additional information.

As the community rallies around the players, the district has labeled its efforts as part of fighting to remain “Marlboro Strong!” The situation has left many in the local community eager for further developments as they await the outcome of the upcoming appeals hearing.