%20(1)%20(1)%20(1)%20(1).png)
When Amarillo ISD released a statement Thursday acknowledging that an Amarillo High School football player’s eligibility had come into question, there was still uncertainty about what the ultimate outcome would be. But by Friday morning, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) provided clarity — and it was significant. The UIL officially denied Amarillo ISD’s request for a waiver, resulting in Amarillo High being forced to forfeit six games from the 2025 regular season.
This ruling stems from what the district described as a clerical error concerning required paperwork for the athlete in question. Amarillo ISD explained in its press release that although the issue was not intentional, the documentation was not completed properly before the start of the season. Because UIL rules regarding eligibility are firm and apply regardless of intent, the organization determined that Amarillo High had competed with an ineligible player and therefore must vacate the wins from the games he participated in.
Here is the full statement from AISD:
The UIL has denied our waiver, which means that the Amarillo High varsity football team has been playing with an ineligible player most of the season. Unfortunately, the final steps in filing the appropriate UIL administrative documentation were not completed on behalf of the student-athlete before the start of the season. While this comes down to an unintentional, but ultimately consequential clerical oversight, we genuinely regret its impact on our student-athletes. We take UIL rules and regulations seriously. Going forward, we will work diligently to fortify our records procedures to ensure a mistake like this doesn’t happen again.
As a result, Amarillo High will forfeit the following six games:
August 29 – vs. Odessa High
September 5 – vs. San Angelo Central
September 12 – vs. Midland High
September 25 – vs. Lubbock Monterey
October 23 – vs. Lubbock Coronado
October 31 – vs. Lubbock High
The impact of the ruling reshapes the Sandies’ season in a dramatic way. Prior to the forfeitures, Amarillo High was fighting for position in a competitive District 2-5A Division I race. Now, on paper, the Sandies sit at 1–8 overall and 1–4 in district play, leaving their postseason hopes hanging by a thread.
Despite the setback, Amarillo High is not mathematically out of playoff contention — but the path is narrow. The Sandies must defeat cross-town rival Tascosa in the final regular season matchup Friday night at Dick Bivins Stadium. It’s a rivalry that always means something, but now the stakes are even higher. Lose, and the season ends. Win, and they still need help.
If Amarillo High does manage to beat Tascosa, they would then need Lubbock High to defeat Lubbock Coronado. That scenario would create a three-way tie between AHS, Lubbock High, and Caprock for the fourth and final playoff seed. In that situation, tiebreaker rules would come into play to determine who moves on.
However, if Coronado defeats Lubbock High, then Coronado secures the final postseason spot regardless of Amarillo High’s result against Tascosa. Simply put: Amarillo High must win, and they must have help.
The situation is undoubtedly frustrating for players, coaches, and fans. Many of the athletes affected had no involvement in the paperwork issue but are bearing the competitive consequences of it. At the same time, the UIL’s stance is consistent with precedent. Eligibility rules exist to ensure fairness across the state, and exceptions are rarely granted, even when a violation stems from administrative oversight rather than intentional wrongdoing.
For now, Amarillo High has a choice in how they respond. Friday night becomes more than just a game — it becomes a chance to show resilience, pride, and unity in the face of adversity. Rivalry. Playoff stakes. Community emotion. It’s all there.
%20(1)%20(1)%20(1).png)
%20(1)%20(1)%20(1)%20(1).png&description=Amarillo High forfeits 6 games due to ineligible player){kind=link}