Playoff Game Postponed as Schools Await Court Ruling

The Alabama High School Athletic Association announced last week that a scheduled playoff game would be postponed, pending a decision from the Alabama Supreme Court about which team should take the field.

Elba and Samson high schools were set to play one another after Washington County high school was removed from the playoffs for using an ineligible player, according to the Dothan Eagle.

Washington County beat Samson in the prior week, but after the disqualification, Samson was re-inserted into the playoff picture and slated to move on to the next round.

Washington County appealed the AHSAA ruling, but it was upheld by the organization. That’s when the court system got involved. 

Circuit courts representing Samson and Washington County filed conflicting temporary restraining orders.

A Circuit Court of Geneva County document orders that the “AHSAA enforce and abide by the decision of the Alabama High School Athletic Association… declaring Washington County High School ineligible for participation in the high school football playoffs.” Geneva County is home to both Elba and Samson.

An order from the Circuit Court of Washington County enjoined the AHSAA from removing Washington County from the playoffs.

Legal counsel for the AHSAA then filed a petition to the state Supreme Court, and the game was postponed. The Alabama Supreme Court did not rule on the issue on Friday after hearing arguments.