King's Academy wins district title after Inlet Grove football forfeits due to fight probe
No Friday night lights were needed for King's Academy to win the district football championship for Class 2M-District 9.
The Lions were due to play Inlet Grove on Friday with a district title on the line but will instead earn an automatic district title after a forfeit loss by the Hurricanes.
King's Athletic Director Adam Winters didn't want to delve into the details of Inlet Grove's absence but did "know that there will be a forfeiture district win for TKA," which allows the Lions to celebrate back-to-back district titles.
The Lions' win streak will roll to 8-1, while Inlet's record will fall to 2-7. Moore Haven is the only opponent left for the Hurricanes, originally scheduled to meet in Week 11. The Post has reached out to Inlet Grove football coach Rashad Jackson and Athletic Director Hikeem Banks for comment.
The Hurricanes' most recent game, a 27-13 loss to Clewiston, ended with a third-quarter brawl that saw the Florida High School Athletic Association put Clewiston on indefinite suspension as it undergoes investigation. A letter from the Hendry County School District sent out on Tuesday said whether Clewiston's final two regular-season games will be played “remains unknown at this time.”
Sources have indicated that the FHSAA ruled both Inlet Grove and Clewiston's seasons "over." The Post has contacted the FHSAA for comment.
King's won't reschedule new game
With only Benjamin remaining on Nov. 3, the provided victory also sees King's to its "10-game max" for the season, eliminating hopes of a last-second game against a Cardinal Newman squad still seeking opponents with days to kickoff.
"We will celebrate our seniors on Friday night with a tailgate and senior night recognition, moving forward with the rest of our season," Winters said.
The party is set to begin Friday at 5 p.m., with free food and games to celebrate the school's football players, cheerleaders, dancers and band members until 6 p.m.
Attendees will also receive free admission to the King's girls volleyball's region semifinal matchup against Benjamin, set to begin at 7 p.m.
Emilee Smarr is the high school sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: King's Academy football wins district title after Inlet Grove forfeit
