A high school football team in Missouri has chosen to end its season rather than play in a postseason game. Interestingly, the team forfeiting has nothing to do with injuries or a lack of players.
The Principia School in St. Louis forfeited its playoff game against Crystal City last Friday because school officials said there are problems with the football program’s culture. The school has not publicly explained exactly what those problems are.
Principia athletic director Shawn Brown said the decision was made with the program’s future in mind, according to STLToday.
“While we’re disappointed with how the season ended, we believe this was a necessary step in moving our program forward,” Brown said.
Missouri High School Football Team Had A Rough Season Before Forfeiting
Principia finished its season with a 2-7 record, including the playoff forfeit. Their two victories came against Confluence Prep Academy, 66-6, and Veritas Christian Academy, 70-35.
However, the Panthers struggled defensively throughout the season, allowing at least 54 points in five games and 60 or more points four times.
According to USA Today, Principia has managed just one winning season since 2010. The Panthers also haven’t won more than five games in a season since 2009. So giving up a chance to compete in the playoffs is a pretty big deal.
With Principia deciding not to play, Crystal City automatically advanced to the Class 1 District 2 championship game against Louisiana on November 13.
High School Football Programs Have Faced Other Unusual Problems Recently
Principia isn’t the only high school football program whose season was disrupted by something unusual this year.
A California high school recently canceled its football season amid a misconduct investigation. Meanwhile, a controversial playoff format in Nevada sent a losing team to the state championship game.
And in Ohio, one school district suspended all junior varsity sports and extracurricular activities due to budget constraints.
As for Principia, school officials haven’t said what changes they’ll make to the football program before next season. Whatever the issues were, they were apparently serious enough that the school decided fixing them mattered more than playing in a playoff game.