Countryside's run of postseason appearances likely will end this season.
The FHSAA handed down its ruling on the Cougars football program and it wasn't kind. Due to the ineligibility of quarterback Christian Strong, Countryside will have to forfeit every game Strong played in. Those games include key district victories over Northeast and Seminole.
Their current record drops from 7-1 to 2-6 but more importantly, the Cougars district record drops from 3-0 to 1-2. Countryside plays Pinellas Park Friday night and needs a win, and then some help to make it to the postseason.
Strong, who transferred to Countryside from Canada this year, was replaced in the lineup by Robby Hicks the past two games.
In addition to the forfeited games, Countryside has been fined $2,300 for the games Strong played in and because of the specific violation of failing to file the proper eligibility paperwork recognizing Strong's dual citizenship as an American and Canadian. The school is also placed on administrative probation for two years.
Countryside administrators can appeal this ruling. The appeals committee meets on Nov. 1.
Cougars head coach Jared Davis said the school is not only appealing the FHSAA ruling on the games, they are also appealing the FHSAA's ruling on Strong's eligibility.
"I have to believe that we will (succeed)," Davis said. "I have a roomful of players who have worked really hard since February and it would be a shame for the season to end this way. This affects the entire team."
Davis said the mood of the team is exactly what he would expect of them.
"They have a lot of character," he said. "They're ready to fight and they are ready to play a football game on Friday."