Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Bensalem football team forfeits two wins because of ineligible player

A part-time player on defense did not complete a required summer class in time.

Bensalem had to forfeit its first two games of the season, both victories, due to the use of an ineligible player.
Bensalem had to forfeit its first two games of the season, both victories, due to the use of an ineligible player.Read moreMELISSA ADAMS

The two victories that the Bensalem football team posted to open the season have been scratched. The use of an ineligible player turned the wins into forfeit losses.

"It was brought to our attention that one of our players did not complete a required summer class in time, and that resulted in the forfeits," Bensalem coach Ed Cubbage said Monday night.

The Owls forfeited wins over Frankford and William Tennent. They dropped to 0-3 Friday with a 41-12 loss to visiting Central Bucks East. Cubbage said the player in question was cleared to play against Central Bucks East, but he decided to keep him out.

"We were still trying to figure out exactly what happened, and we didn't want to jeopardize another game," Cubbage said.

Cubbage did not identify the player but said he is a "part-time contributor on defense."

"He has the full support of our team," the coach said. "Our kids are not mad at him. They see it as an unfortunate situation that affected all of us."

Did the disappointing news impact Bensalem's performance against Central Bucks East?

"We were upset, but we can't blame the loss on that," Cubbage said. "That would take away from what C.B. East accomplished. They played a great game."

The Owls are set to play Abington on Friday night.