Shadow Ridge forfeits two games for using ineligible player

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Published Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 | 2:14 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 | 2:50 p.m.

The Shadow Ridge High football team is forfeiting both of its victories this season for playing an ineligible player.

Ray Mathis, the Clark County School District’s executive director for instructional support and student activities, said Shadow Ridge officials self-reported using the ineligible player in each of the Mustangs’ three games. The player is not being identified.

Shadow Ridge, which didn’t win a game last year, was arguably Southern Nevada’s most improved team with victories in two of its initial three games.

Last week, they beat Legacy 50-49 in overtime. Two weeks ago, they snapped an 11-game losing streak by beating Western. Both wins will be erased and the Mustangs’ record will be 0-3 overall.

Mathis said his office is still gathering information for its investigation. He’ll wait until the investigation is completed to release details. Shadow Ridge High coach Frank Tousa was unavailable to comment.

The District's communication's office released the following statement for Mathis: "Shadow Ridge High School has been alerted that a student was ineligible to play sports under Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) guidelines. Upon this discovery the appropriate course of action was taken by Shadow Ridge administration who self-reported the player's ineligibility and forfeited the games the ineligible student participated in.

"CCSD makes every effort to follow NIAA guidelines," the statement continued. "An investigation by the school is taking place to ensure all appropriate actions have been taken, and that athletics can continue at Shadow Ridge High School without further interruption."

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.