FHSAA beats Miami Central by 8 losses; several sanctions

Less than three days after the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) slammed the proverbial hammer on First Academy (Orlando) last week, it landed a crucial blow to Miami Central’s season on Monday afternoon.

The FHSAA provided High School On SI with the official facts, which were sent to Miami Central on Monday afternoon. The Rockets were found to have used an ineligible player and were forced to forfeit nine games, one of which was lost. In addition to the forfeits, the association also fined Miami Central $900.

In the latest High School On SI Top 25 Florida rankings, the Rockets were ranked sixth in the state. Miami Central is coming off its GMAC Championship victory, which it won against Miami Norland 22-14 on Oct. 18.

Miami Central self-reported the violation to the FHSAA. Per FHSAA Bylaw 10.2.1, the Rockets are now winless with the postseason bracket announcement less than a week away.

According to the statement of facts, the ineligible athlete entered as a 9th grader in the 2020-2021 school year and as a fifth grader in the 2024-2025 school year, allowing him to participate in nine games, in violation of Bylaw 9.5.1.

Below are the games in which Miami Central was found to have fielded an ineligible player:

Aug. 31 vs. Miami Edison

September 7 vs. Miami Booker T. Washington

Sept. 12 vs. Pompano Beach

Sept. 20 vs. Plantation American Heritage

Oct. 4 at Miami Northwestern

October 18 against Miami Norland

Oct. 21 vs. Stranahan

Oct. 25 at Somerset Academy

Miami Central’s self-reporting of an illegal player is the latest in the sweeping sanctions and forfeitures imposed by the FHSAA. First Academy, Miami Norland and Western are other schools recently hit with losses and fines for using ineligible players during the 2024 season.

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–Andy Villamarzo | [email protected] | @sblivefl