Oate High School forfeits four wins because of ineligible player

The Oñate High School Knights football team had to forfeit four of its five wins this season because of an ineligible player.

The New Mexico Activities Association notified the school Monday. The Knights were 5-2 this season and their record stands at 1-6 in the wake of the forfeitures.

“A mistake was made and the district has taken action to address this matter. There will be no finger-pointing,” said Dr. Steven Sanchez, Las Cruces Public Schools Interim Superintendent.

Sanchez said in order to maintain the student’s confidentiality, the district will not disclose the basis for the ineligibility or the student’s name.

Head Football Coach Brent Jaquess said this will hurt the team when it comes to qualifying for the state football playoffs. The Knights must now win the remainder of their games in order to have a chance to take their district.

Jaquess told ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom no one knew the player was ineligible. He was a backup player who played in the four games the team forfeited.

The player, Jacuess said, transferred from within the district and was eligible for varsity track last spring. He was not eligible to play football or basketball because of district rules, the coach said.

Ernie Viramontes, LCPS director of athletics, said the four forfeited games are as follows:

Atrisco Heritage Academy of Albuquerque played on Sept. 3 (won 14-0) Sandia High of Albuquerque played on Sept. 9 (won 40-29) Gadsden High played on Sept. 23 (won 51-0) Mayfield High played on Sept. 30 (won 31-28)

“Understandably, this ruling will be heart-breaking and disappointing to the players, coaches, school administrators and all the Oñate fans. However, we willuphold the rules as we file an appeal to the NMAA,” Sanchez said.