Appling County football forfeits 10 victories from 2024, including championship
Appling County’s football team lost an appeal this week that will force the Pirates to forfeit their 10 victories and region championship from last season, GHSA executive director Tim Scott confirmed Wednesday. The infraction was playing an ineligible player.
Appling County, a South Georgia school about 70 miles southwest of Savannah, finished 10-4, won Region 3-2A and reached the Class 2A semifinals last season.
Appling County beat Crisp County, Carver-Atlanta and Stephens County in the playoffs and lost to eventual champion Carver-Columbus.
The region title now goes to Pierce County, which can claim six region championships over the past seven seasons.
The GHSA did not disclose why the player was ineligible. The most common reason is an academic issue or the failure of a transfer student to make a bona fide move into a new district.
The school announced via social media Wednesday morning that it had exhausted all appeals and would accept the GHSA’s decision.
About the Author
Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.
