Ohio high school football playoff win erased after unusual ineligible-player scheme

An unusual situation in Ohio has led to one high school football program having to forfeit its opening playoff win and the losing team getting another opportunity in the postseason.

According to a report from Josh Weir of The Canton Repository — part of the USA TODAY Network — Liberty (Youngstown, OH) has been removed from the playoffs after the team used an ineligible player in the team's 26-16 opening round win over Canton Central Catholic.

19News received further information, learning that the disqualification stems from an ineligible player swapping jerseys with an eligible player and playing in the game.

The report noted that Canton Central Catholic head coach Jeff Lindesmith was told that a fan of Liberty informed a Canton Central Catholic staff member of the swap. Liberty's athletic director Todd Smith was informed of the situation by that staff member shortly after.

Smith later reported the situation to the OHSAA, leading to Liberty's disqualification.

The Panthers entered the game with a 10-1 record and with the win, had advanced to a highly-anticipated second-round meeting with unbeaten Perry (OH). Now they'll have to look towards the 2027 season.

Meanwhile, Canton Central Catholic (7-4) now gets a new life in the postseason. The Crusaders will travel to Perry on Nov. 6 for their regional quarterfinals matchup.

Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X .