Long Beach Poly High School Football Team Withdraws from CIF Playoffs Due to Violations
Long Beach Poly High School's administration has made the decision to withdraw the Jackrabbits' football team from the CIF Southern Section playoffs this year. This move comes after the CIF ruling regarding violations within the football program, specifically related to CIF Bylaw 202. The school is currently conducting an internal investigation to ensure compliance with CIF rules and District policy. As a result, Poly will not be participating in postseason play this year.
The Jackrabbits faced issues with six players being ruled ineligible for falsifying address change paperwork during the season. This was part of a broader crackdown by the CIF-SS, which also affected other schools in Southern California. Despite one player, Kevin Alexander III, being ruled eligible to play in the last two games of the season, Poly had to forfeit a win over Tustin due to the use of an ineligible player. This marks Poly's first football forfeit since 2015.
As a consequence of their voluntary withdrawal from the playoffs, Poly will miss the postseason for the second time since 1979. This decision is likely to impact the standings, potentially moving Lakewood into second place behind league champion Wilson and potentially securing a playoff bid for fourth-place Millikan. The Rams also had to forfeit two games earlier in the season due to an ineligible player.
The Poly football players and their families were informed of the administration's decision in a meeting on Friday afternoon at Poly. This situation is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In conclusion, Long Beach Poly High School's football team will not be participating in the CIF Southern Section playoffs this year due to violations and an ongoing internal investigation. The decision to withdraw from postseason play has implications for the team's standings and playoff bids, impacting both the players and the school's athletic programs.