Hononegah’s Forfeit…The NIC 10 Ramifications

(9-26-24) Hononegah is no longer undefeated in 2024. The Indians forfeited their week three win over NIC 10 rival Harlem…as a penalty by the Illinois High School (IHSA) for using an ineligible player.

The IHSA statement-

“Based on a self-report by the high school, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) ruled on September 20, 2024, that Hononegah High School must forfeit its varsity football victory on September 13, 2024 (vs. Harlem). The school’s varsity football record is now 2-1 as a result. The school had begun, but not fully completed the appropriate eligibility paperwork related to a student-athlete’s transfer to Hononegah High School, making the student-athlete ineligible for the first three games of the season. After reviewing the statistics from those three contests, the IHSA ruled that Hononegah would only forfeit one of the three contests, based on the ineligible player’s impact in that contest. In addition to the forfeiture, the student-athlete in question will be ineligible for the school’s Week 4 game on September 20, after which the student-athlete will become eligible. The program will also be placed on IHSA probation. Probation does not deny the school or program any IHSA privileges at this time, but it does set the expectation that any further violations of IHSA rules could result in more serious consequences. We will support the school in any way that we can moving forward to help prevent a situation like this from reoccurring.”

Illinois High School Association (IHSA)

Hononegah released a statement….

As the Athletic Director, I take full responsibility for the oversight that led to this sanction. This athletic transfer’s timing and particular circumstances led to an oversight in my office’s protocols to ensure the student’s eligibility. I acknowledge this failure and assure our athletes and the community that we have taken immediate steps and will continue to be vigilant to ensure it does not happen again.

Andrew Walters, athletic director

How it stands now….

Hononegah beat Harlem during their week three match-up 38-14. Hononegah earned’s wins against Auburn and Jefferson will not be changed, despite the player competing in those games. Hononegah beat Guilford 35-0 last Friday night, the win will remain, the player in question did not play in the game.

With the forfeit loss it stops Hononegah’s NIC 10 consecutive game winning streak that had reached 15.

Hononegah’s adjusted 2024 record is now 3-1.

This Friday Hononegah will play at Freeport. The player in question will be eligible to play in that game now that the proper IHSA paperwork has been complete

Can Hononegah still win the NIC 10?

Yes it could happen...Belvidere North plays Hononegah on week 8, Indians will need to win. Harlem plays Belvidere North on week 9 a win for the Huskies is needed. That’s if no surprises happen before that.

Hononegah receives a favorable ruling

Looking at the IHSA by-law on forfeiture of contests it would seem that Hononegah received an exemption not provided in the use of an ineligible athlete. No wording allows a distinction between an athlete who impacted his team performance from one who did not impact the game but played in it.

Auburn and Jefferson who lost to the Indians in the first two games are both 0-4 on the season…was that a reason for not enforcing the above by-law?