“I’d be a hypocrite if I was expressing to the kids that it’s okay to do things so long as you don’t get caught,” Arroyo coach Jim Singiser said. “And that’s basically what I would have done if I hadn’t reported it. But is that really what I want our kids to learn?
“The chances of anybody knowing about it were negligible. This was a kid who had no impact on any of the games, he’s not the kicker and he’s not the return man.”
By Aram Tolegian
Arroyo has forfeited nonleague wins over Temple City, Montebello and Rowland after self reporting to the CIF-Southern Section that it had an ineligible player in violation of section transfer rules.
The player was used solely on special teams and the incident probably never would have been known about if the school had not informed CIF of the situation, according to Knights coach Jim Singiser.
“I’d be a hypocrite if I was expressing to the kids that it’s okay to do things so long as you don’t get caught,” Arroyo coach Jim Singiser said. “And that’s basically what I would have done if I hadn’t reported it. But is that really what I want our kids to learn?
“The chances of anybody knowing about it were negligible. This was a kid who had no impact on any of the games, he’s not the kicker and he’s not the return man.”
The forfeits make Arroyo’s record go from 4-3 to 1-6. They are just the latest setback in a season that hasn’t gone according to plan and the biggest issue facing the Knights, who made last year’s Mid-Valley Division semifinals, is simply making the playoffs and keeping the school’s 30-year streak of postseason appearances alive.
After being upset by El Monte last week, Arroyo is just 1-2 in the Mission Valley League and is on a bye this week before playing Gabrielino on Oct. 24. When the Knights return to action, they’re likely to be without the services of standout running back Randy Amezcua, who is injured and likely to miss the rest of the season.
Mission Valley League
Mountain View (0-6, 0-2) at Mountain View (0-7, 0-3) at Pasadena HS, 7 p.m.
Marshall has really struggled in its first year in the Mission Valley League. Same can be said for Mountain View, which has been in this league forever.
Both teams badly need a league win in order to momentarily climb back into the playoff race. That’s a bit more of a realistic prospect for Mountain View, which has already played Arroyo and El Monte.