In the wake of a Florida High School Athletic Association ruling that stripped Pahokee of the Class 1A state title it won last month, the school will have to return its championship trophy.
Pahokee running back Rodney McKay (right) and Adarius Dent celebrate the Blue Devils’ state football title Dec. 8. Players will get to keep their medals after the school was stripped of its championship, but the team trophy must be returned. (Photo by Allen Eyestone)
But the players will get to keep their individual medals, according to FHSAA spokesman Kyle Niblett.
The Blue Devils used an ineligible player last season, which is a violation of FHSAA rules.
The school was forced to forfeit its state championship and all 14 wins from last season. It also must pay a fine, and was reprimanded.
Pahokee defeated Baker 34-21 Dec. 8 in Orlando to win the Class 1A state title.
The school has appealed the ruling, which was issued Jan. 16. A hearing is expected to be held before March 1.
Niblett said Friday there is no timetable for Pahokee to return the team trophy. To save money on shipping, the FHSAA typically asks schools to return trophies to their school districts, and a representative would pick them up.
