Written by Judith Blakley
And reposted from www.lovelaceway.blogspot.com

The Martinsburg High School football team has suffered a major heartache. The Bulldogs, rarely defeated, now face tonight's game with a huge reversal of fortune.

Having defeated Morgantown and Potomac Falls, fans would think they are going to tonight's game 2-0; however, officials have penalized the team for an ineligible player and the Bulldogs were forced to forfeit their two previous games.

As reported in The Martinsburg Journal's article "Eligibility violation costs 'Dogs 2 wins" Link, the high school received an inaccurate transcript from a student who just moved to the area. Coach Walker told the Journal that they did not do anything wrong and he is appealing the decision by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

The rumors I have heard (and these are just rumors at this time) is that this student attempted to attend and play football for another regional high school and was turned down due to his G.P.A. When this student approached Martinsburg High School to attend and play football, a forged and/or falsified transcript was given to the high school. Once Coach Walker learned the truth, he immediately reported the violation to the proper officials. The WVSSAC decision was a blow to the school. Staff and students felt deflated today.

Once the rumors have been confirmed or denied, I will update this information.

My Opinions, whether you want them or not...

Sadly, this is a lose-lose situation.

The players from Martinsburg were likely to win those games regardless of the ineligible player. The game forfeitures are a harsh punishment for high school football and Martinsburg should not have to lose those games. The players from Morgantown and Potomac Falls should not be forced to accept loses from a team who violated the rules, regardless of knowledge. My solution would be for WVSSAC to issue a tie in regards to the "official standings."

Martinsburg High School's football team has a championship background. Their reputation draws players to this area. To lose standing in the rankings has the potential to affect team member's future college goals.

If I had a son, who was a senior and on this team, I would be furious with this family who's selfish actions could prevent my child from gaining the college scholarships he needs. But I have no son, I was just putting myself in other's shoes.

Since I have lived here for 14 years, the Bulldogs have always, always, always been on top in the region and the state. The exposure these kids might not receive from college recruiters is disheartening to me. It's always about the kids and the opportunities we can give them to make their futures the best they can be. Injustice rankles me. And this is a situation where injustice will be for some, regardless of appeals or further official decisions.