School Receives TSSAA Letter on Ineligible Player

The TSSAA has issued Powell a disciplinary letter concerning a possible ineligible football player.

Powell officials confirmed the TSSAA handed down discipline, but declined to share the ruling or its contents.

"We are in receipt of the letter from TSSAA," Powell athletic director Chad Smith said in an emailed statement. "These circumstances are a result of assumed incorrect documentation. There has not been any effort or intention whatsoever to misrepresent the athletic interest of Powell High School, Knox County Schools, or the TSSAA. We are deeply disappointed for the student athlete who is not at fault and will aggressively work with the TSSAA through the appeal process."

Powell is 6-1, 3-1 Region 3-5A in Matt Lowe's return as head coach. The Panthers are on the verge of securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2012.

If the player is ruled ineligible Powell would have to forfeit any games he played in.

Last week, TSSAA ruled Clarksville Northeast must forfeit five games after determining one of its players was ineligible.

TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress issued his ruling Wednesday afternoon. The organization's policy is to give schools 24 hours to respond before releasing the letter publicly.

Lowe did not return a message, nor did Smith respond to a question by email.

Lowe coached Powell to the state championship game in 2011, then decided to step away from coaching. He returned to football and spent five years at King's Academy before returning to the Panthers this year.

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