Long Beach Poly, the 12-time Southern Section football champion, announced Friday it will not compete in this season's playoffs despite finishing second in the Moore League. Earlier this season, the school announced that six transfer students were ineligible for providing false information on the Southern Division application process, a violation of CIF Regulation 202.
Here is the statement from the Long Beach Unified School District:
“Long Beach Poly High School acknowledges the recent CIF decision regarding violations of CIF Bylaw 202 within its football program. As part of the ruling and as part of an ongoing internal investigation, Poly will withdraw from postseason play.
“The school is fully cooperating with CIF and the district as we conduct a thorough review of our processes and systems to ensure full compliance with CIF regulations and district policies. While student and staff concerns are confidential, we remain committed to supporting our students while maintaining the integrity of our athletic programs.”
San Juan Hills became the latest school to announce penalties Friday for using ineligible players. Two transfer students were listed as “under review” in the transfer portal. The school would lose nine games and now sit at 1-9. Both players were suspended from Thursday's game.
Norco lost six wins earlier this week, falling to 1-9 after Thursday's win.
The Southern Division's crackdown on students providing false information began in the summer when schools began submitting transfer papers. The Southern Branch is using new technology tools to verify information. Bishop Montgomery received the most severe punishment, 24 players were deemed ineligible, forcing the school to cancel the football season.
Other schools not allowing players this season include Long Beach Milliken, Compton, Bellflower, Victor Valley and Orange Lutheran.
Southern Division Commissioner Mike West said last month: “We've had a real influx of fraudulent documents. It's been significant and very disappointing.”
