MIDDLETOWN – City of Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano and Assemblywoman Paula Elaine Kay are urging state officials to allow Middletown High School’s football team to compete in Saturday’s Section 9 Class AA championship game despite an expected forfeit stemming from the alleged use of an ineligible player in last week’s 48-15 semifinal victory over Valley Central.
Middletown’s undefeated season was derailed Monday after it was revealed that the team used an ineligible special team’s player against Valley Central. Valley Central will now face Newburgh Free Academy (NFA) for the Class AA championship at 7 p.m. Saturday at Monroe-Woodbury High School.
“On the facts as they have been presented to me, the matter at issue had no impact on the outcome of the game,” DeStefano wrote in a letter to New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Executive Director Robert Zayas and New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa.
“If that understanding is confirmed by the record, imposing a forfeiture and jeopardizing the team’s championship opportunity is profoundly disproportionate,” DeStefano added. “Before taking such a consequential step, the governing authorities should explain what competitive harm occurred, how the penalty addresses that harm, and why a less damaging remedy would be inadequate.”
Middletown filed an appeal with NYSPHSAA challenging the decision, but it was denied. The school district has also filed an appeal with the NYSED and is working with its counsel to determine whether additional legal action can be taken on the team’s behalf.
The Middies finished the regular season undefeated (9-0) for the first time since 1965 and were looking forward to a rematch with NFA, which they defeated 33-22 earlier this fall. The Valley Central forfeit loss leaves the Middies at 9-1. DeStefano said that, according to the school district, “this situation arose from an unintentional error by adults in understanding postseason eligibility requirements.”
Kay (D-Rock Hill) said the forfeit “would be a devastating outcome for thousands of people throughout the Middletown community, but most of all, for the student athletes who have done everything right.”
“A mistake made by an adult should not cost these young men the opportunity to represent their city in a championship game, in front of their families, friends, and community, particularly when the alleged violation had absolutely no bearing on the final score,” Kay added. “I stand firmly with the student athletes, their families, coaching staff, Superintendent Creeden, and Mayor DeStefano in calling for the logical, fair, and reasonable resolution to this dispute: Let them play.”
In 2019, Middletown forfeited four Section 9 football games, including three division games, for using an ineligible player. As a result, the Middies did not qualify for the playoffs.
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