Oñate football forfeits four victories

BULLETIN REPORT

On the last day of September, the Oñate High football team broke a 23-year losing streak to Mayfield High School with a 31-28 victory at the Field of Dreams.

Now, though, officially, the drought to the Trojans is back.

Las Cruces Public Schools Interim Superintendent Steven Sanchez announced on Tuesday, Oct. 11 the Oñate Knights had to forfeit four of their five victories, including the historic win against Mayfield, due to a violation of a New Mexico Activities Association rule.

The Knights were 5-2 overall, 3-0 in district play, but after the ruling now sport a 1-6 overall, 1-2 district mark.

Oñate’s win against Carlsbad High School Friday, Oct. 7 (50-0) is not affected by the NMAA ruling.

Sanchez said NMAA’s Executive Director Sally Marquez notified LCPS that one of the athletes on the Knights football team who played during four winning games was ineligible to participate.

Sanchez said to maintain the student’s confidentiality, the district will not disclose the basis for the ineligibility or the student’s name.

“A mistake was made and the district has taken action to address this matter,” Sanchez said. “There will be no fingerpointing.

“Understandably, this ruling will be heart-breaking and disappointing to the players, coaches, school administrators

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and all the Oñate fans,” he said. “However, we will uphold the rules as we file an appeal to the NMAA.”

Ernie Viramontes, LCPS director of athletics, said the four forfeited games are as follows: Atrisco Heritage Academy of Albuquerque played on Sept. 3 (won 140); Sandia High of Albuquerque played on Sept. 9 (won 40-29); Gadsden High played on Sept. 23 (won 51-0); and Mayfield High played on Sept. 30 (won 31-28).

Viramontes said the wins now go to the opposing teams.

The Knights next take to the field Friday, Oct. 21 at Hobbs.