Middletown expected to forfeit Section 9 football championship game over ineligible player

MIDDLETOWN – Top-seeded Middletown is expected to forfeit Saturday’s Section 9 Class AA football championship game after allegedly using an ineligible player in last week’s 48-15 semifinal victory over Valley Central. Middletown finished the regular season undefeated for the first time since 1965. The forfeit would drop the Middies’ final record to 9-1, with the semifinal victory being awarded to Valley Central. The Vikings would now face Newburgh for the championship at 7 p.m. Saturday at Monroe-Woodbury High School. Newburgh (8-2) defeated Valley Central, 27-0, on Oct. 30. Middletown athletic director Justin Sturge and football coach Tim Strenfel did not immediately return phone calls on Monday morning. According to several sources, Middletown’s ineligible player participated on special teams against Valley Central. He was ineligible due to the fact that he had not been listed on the roster for three regular-season games, as required by Section 9 rules. Sources said Valley Central re