Football: Unbeaten Vista Murrieta forfeits five victories

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Unbeaten Vista Murrieta has forfeited football victories over Etiwanda, Corona Santiago, Los Osos, Encino Crespi and Palisades after discovering an ineligible player.

The Mustangs go from 7-0 to 2-5. They found out about the player who had moved from Georgia in 2009 before league play started, so they’re 2-0 in league and very much alive for an Inland Division playoff berth.

The player’s transcript from his former school was incorrect, Coach Coley Candaele said. Vista Murrieta found out the player was in his ninth semester. They are seeking a hardship waiver to enable him to keep playing but the forfeits stand.

In a statement, Athletic Director Ray Moore said, “This entire issue occurred because of misinformation provided to us by the transferring school. There was never an intention on anyone’s part to provide false or inaccurate information to gain additional time for athletic eligibility. I am very proud of Coach Candaele and our entire football staff for bringing this information to light. Their actions are a reflection of our school and athletic program’s mission of CLASS.”

-- Eric Sondheimer