The Cadets were 6-0 after Friday's win over South Hagerstown, but with Monday's ruling, confirmed by Frederick athletic director Ed Remus, Frederick drops to 5-1. The Titans, with the forfeit win, move to 3-3 and receive a 2-0 forfeit score for that game.

Remus said the MPSSAA awarded Tuscarora the forfeit and Frederick was notified by Ned Sparks, executive director of the MPSSAA.

Remus said no other games are involved and the school faces no other penalties.

"But, it still gives you a sinking feeling," he said. "People work hard around here and, well, I'd just rather not comment any further."

In a written statement, Remus said the state association's review of Frederick using an academically ineligible player in the Tuscarora game would result in forfeiture of that victory.

"The records of a private school transfer student, received in late August, were inadvertently missed in the review of fourth term grades for transfer students," he said in the statement. "The student-athlete was inserted into the game played on Sept. 7 for two plays near the end of the game."

Remus did not identify the student involved, nor did he say if the student was still on the team.

"In reviewing athletic participation records of football players, the head coach (Frederick 's Vince Ahearn) noticed a discrepancy with one player causing the coach to further check into the athlete's records," Remus said. "When the coach realized that the athlete was academically ineligible, he immediately notified the school authorities."

The forfeit also caused Frederick to slip in the most recent Class 3A West point standings. The Cadets were in second place behind regional leader Seneca Valley and ahead of third-place Damascus.

With the adjustment, Damascus moves into second place and Frederick drops to third. Tuscarora moves into sixth place in the regional standings. The top four teams qualify for postseason play.