Stockbridge High School will forfeit all nine of its victories from this season, missing out on the playoffs after a player eligibility issue was reported. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Todd Holcomb first broke the news, confirming that the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) ruled the player ineligible due to a violation of move-in residence requirements.

GHSA Executive Director Tim Scott explained that Stockbridge self-reported the violation, which stemmed from the player’s failure to meet residency rules following a transfer alongside his former coach. According to GHSA regulations, a player transferring with a coach must complete a one-year residency period at the new school before competing.

Kendrick Callier, Stockbridge’s current head coach and former offensive coordinator at Cedar Grove, took over after Thomas Clark’s departure to Jackson. Under Clark, Stockbridge reached the Class 4A championship game last year. Without the forfeit, Stockbridge had another strong shot at a title, having initially clinched the Region 2-4A championship.

Stockbridge appealed the ruling, hoping for a reversal similar to last year’s decision in favor of Cook County. However, the GHSA upheld the decision, marking the largest forfeit in Georgia high school football since Waycross lost 11 wins in 1990.

The forfeiture also impacted University of Georgia commit Bo Walker, who transferred from Cedar Grove but is now playing for Rabun Gap, a school outside GHSA jurisdiction. Following the decision, Ola High School claimed the Region 2-4A championship as an undefeated team, with Eagle’s Landing, Jones County, and Hampton securing playoff spots.

Before the forfeit, Stockbridge was ranked 55th statewide by the On3 Massey Ratings, with a talented roster including Michigan commit Chase Taylor, Georgia State commit Xavier Spikes, and key players Mylon Lee, Mason Freeman, and Gavin Kinchen.