It took just 53 seconds to derail an otherwise perfect season.
Middletown High School’s undefeated football team had its championship run ended after officials determined that a player who spent less than a minute on the field was not eligible to participate.
The Orange County school was removed from the Section IX Class AA championship after the Middletown school district withdrew an emergency court petition Friday seeking to overturn the disqualification.
The Middies used a kicker who was later classified as an “ineligible kickoff specialist” during their 48-15 semifinal playoff victory over Valley Central on Nov. 6. He played for 53 seconds without fulfilling a postseason eligibility requirement.
Middletown admitted the violation was an administrative mistake, but argued that the students should not be punished for an adult decision—particularly because the player did not affect the game’s outcome.
The case followed a nearly two-hour hearing Friday at the Orange County Courthouse in Goshen, where state Supreme Court Justice Verris Shako presided.
“There are tough decisions that have to be made at times,” Shako said.
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News 12 Hudson Valley reported that the courtroom was “packed with football players, students, parents, school officials and community members.”
The player had previously competed for Middletown’s soccer team. Although he did not score in football, he reportedly took part in eight kickoffs.
Amy Creeden, the district’s superintendent, addressed the ruling after the hearing.
“While we are deeply, deeply disappointed that we are unable to find a remedy for our young people, our hearts are with our football team and cheerleading scholars who have given so much to this remarkable football season and cheerleading season,” Creeden said.
“We pursued this matter vigorously because we believe our young people deserved our full advocacy,” Creeden added. “We have work to do. Our focus now is on supporting them and their families.”
Creeden also said the team remained champions in the eyes of the community, despite being eliminated on a technicality.
“In our hearts, our record is still 10 and 0. We are so proud of our championship team,” Creeden said. “We are Middletown. When we get knocked down, we get back up again, and we are stronger. We cannot wait to come back next season.”
