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Sunnyside forfeits victory
GEOFF GRAMMER
Tucson Citizen
The Sunnyside High football team's perfect season and likely
No. 1 seed in next month's Class 5A Division II state
playoffs are gone.
On Monday, coach Richard Sanchez self-reported the use of an
ineligible player in Friday's 49-42 win over Mountain View.
"When it was brought to our attention (Monday) afternoon, we
called the (Arizona Interscholastic Association) right away
about it," Sanchez said at his team's practice Monday.
As a result, the AIA has forced Sunnyside to forfeit the
victory, dropping the team's previously undefeated record to
7-1 overall and 0-1 in the 5A Southern-B Region.
Sanchez said he is not allowed to release the name of the
player involved, but he could confirm the issue arose from a
player's academic status.
"We do eligibility checks every week here, and we don't do
it by a C average," Sanchez said. "An A and a D don't cut it
if that brings the average up.
We require the kids to stay above a C in everything and at
all times."
The loss dropped the Blue Devils from the top ranking in
this week's AIA power rankings (the formula used to
determine seeding in the playoffs) to No. 4.
It also moved Mountain View up to No. 5 and raised its
record to 6-2 and 1-0 in the region.
"I'm very saddened for Sunnyside," Mountain View coach Paul
Schmidt said. "That's a very tough deal for coaches,
parents, the community and for the kids."
As for now being in a tie for first in the region, Schmidt
admitted it isn't how he would have liked it, but he hopes
his team runs with the opportunity.
"We told them with this happening, we're in control of our
own destiny," he said.
The Blue Devils will not forfeit any of their first seven
wins.
"Ultimately, it isn't going to keep us out of the playoffs,"
Sanchez said. "If we still take care of business, we still
have the same opportunities ahead of us, and that's what we
talked about today."
Sanchez said he has not yet determined the long-term
discipline for the player.
Also, starting running back Jovan Stevenson, who hurt his
ankle in Friday's game, practiced Monday and won't miss any
playing time, according to Sanchez.
Junior quarterback Adrian Lucero practiced with the
first-team offense Monday. Starting quarterback Jamie Valdez
was not at practice.
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