Breaking: Cook (Georgia) forced to forfeit five wins due to use of ineligible player

Cook athletic director Paul Dobson confirmed the news to SBLive Sports Georgia Friday afternoon

From a potential playoff run to not making the playoffs at all is something no football program wants to go through. 

Unfortunately for Cook High School in Adel, Georgia, they’ll be missing out on the postseason and having to give up victories in the process. 

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The Hornets, 5-2 on the season, will have to forfeit all five of their victories this season due to the use of an ineligible player according to Cook High School athletic director Paul Dobson. Dobson had no comment on the ruling handed down by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), but said the school would be releasing a statement in the near future. 

Cook was on track to make the postseason in AA, Region 1 but now will drop to 0-7 on the season. It has an away game against Dodge County (1-7) tonight. The Hornets had wins over Pelham, Jeff Davis, Sumter County, Brooks County and Berrien. 

Below is a statement from the school’s athletic department via Facebook Friday afternoon: 

“Georgia High School Association informed Cook High School that allegations were brought against the school concerning GHSA By-law 1.72 (D) Following the coach, 1.11 Eligibility, and 2.27 Failure to follow stated procedures. The school filed an appeal with the Georgia High School Association and met with an appeal committee Friday morning in Thomaston, GA. We received the decision of the appeal from GHSA this afternoon and the committee denied the appeal.  

Unfortunately, we will have to forfeit our five wins and pay $750 in fines. We will notify the administration of those five schools of this situation and they will now be awarded wins with our forfeiture. The administration of Cook High School deeply regrets that this situation has occurred for the student involved, the team, our school, and our community. We are dedicated to adhering to GHSA regulations and bylaws. We are committed to ensuring that eligibility policies and procedures are followed. We look forward to finishing our season strong and supporting our student-athletes and coaches throughout the rest of the season.”

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl