Florida High School Football team to miss out on playoffs despite 8 wins in the season; banned from playoffs for 2 years

Florida High School football has faced a tumultuous year, dealing with two devastating hurricanes that affected its high school football schedule. As the effects of those hurricanes wear off, a new problem has emerged in Florida.

The First Academy Royals from Orlando have become the latest team to get banned from the playoffs this season. The team was found guilty of breaching multiple rules, including featuring players that haven't yet enrolled at the high school.

According to a report published by The Orlando Sentinel on Friday, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has notified the schoolof its violations and imposed a ban on the program untill December 2025, ruling them out of the state playoffs for 2024 and 2025.

Although the Royals are 8-2 this season, they will have to forfiet all their wins due to the sanctions. The high school has also fined $36,000 for breaking various rules and assistant coach Steven Moffett has been banned till Oct. 31, 2025.

In their latest game on Friday, the First Academy secured a dominant victory over the Calvary Christian Warriors, winning 56-20, thanks in part to a solid performance from quarterback Salomon Georges.

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The First Academy set to defend itself from the allegations

The First Academy High School from Orlando has been banned from the playoffs for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, due to alleged rule violations, according to the FHSAA. The sanctions include claims unenrolled players playing for the team and contesting 7-on-7 drills with coaches without a required facility usage agreement.

The TFA Royals plan to appeal the ruling, according to the high school's attorney, Frank Kruppenbacher.

"The First Academy will vigorously defend the allegations made by the FHSAA," Kruppenbacher said, as per Sports Illustrated. "As a longtime member in good standing with the FHSAA, we find ourselves once again puzzled and disappointed... While The First Academy has been cooperative and respectful, their colleagues at the FHSAA have remained insolent and trenchant."

The First Academy Royals had a tremendous season, winning eight games and posting a record of 8-2. However, due to the violations, all of their wins will be forfeited, and they will miss out on the playoffs.