Miami Northwestern’s road to a possible Florida 3A high school football championship could be blocked, if the state’s governing body finds that the Bulls have used an ineligible player this year.
The Palm Beach Post reported earlier this week that Northwestern, coached by former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, is being investigated by the Florida High School Athletic Association for possibly using a fifth year player. Bridgewater is in his first year as head coach at his alma mater.
Northwestern (8-2), currently ranked No. 48 in the High School Football America 300 national rankings, powered by NFL Play Football, is scheduled to play Lely Friday in the Class 3A Region 4 semifinals.
Under FHSAA rules a student-athlete can only play in eight consecutive semesters from the time they enter the ninth grade.
This season has seen several high-profile programs forfeit games for using ineligible players.
Earlier this month, then No. 18 Miami Central had to forfeit all of its wins this year for self-reporting the use of an ineligible player. The forfeits ended MC’s season.
Before that, then No. 57 The First Academy was also knocked-out of the postseason after forfeiting eight wins. The FHSAA also banned TFA from the postseason for two years.
Current No. 36 Norland had to forfeit a win against No. 24 American Heritage (Plantation).
