Центральный совет AHSAA отклонил апелляцию школы Mary G. Montgomery и оставил программу футбола под ограничительной дисквалификацией

AHSAA Central Board upholds rulings for Mary G. Montgomery MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WALA) - The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board of Control heard appeals from two member schools seeking final clarification. The board heard an appeal from Mary G. Montgomery High School and upheld the executive director’s earlier ruling that placed the football program on restrictive probation. The Central Board also heard an appeal from Prattville High School and upheld the executive director’s previous eligibility ruling. “On behalf of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, I want to thank Mary G. Montgomery High School and Prattville High School for their presentations to the AHSAA’s Central Board and for following our appeals process,” said Executive Director Heath Harmon. Mary G. Montgomery responds Mary G. Montgomery High School said it appealed to the AHSAA Central Board of Control on Wednesday on behalf of its student-athletes, asking the board to consider removing the restrictive sanctions levied against the school. The school said it was notified Wednesday afternoon that the Central Board denied the appeal. “MGM has implemented a plan of administrative action and internal controls and remains committed to complying with all AHSAA rules and regulations going forward,” the school said in a statement. “We had hoped for a different outcome from the appeal — one that would have allowed our student-athletes to be eligible for the state playoffs — but we respect the Central Board’s decision.” “We are disappointed for our student-athletes, who have continued to work hard, compete and represent their school throughout this process,” the statement said. “We will continue to support them and encourage them to make the most of the opportunities they have this season, both on and off the field.” Background on Mary G. Montgomery case Mary G. Montgomery was placed on restrictive probation in May following alleged recruiting violations. The school self-reported the violation, according to the AHSAA. The AHSAA said any students found in violation of the recruiting rule are permanently ineligible to participate in athletics at Mary G. Montgomery High School. The association said the students can gain eligibility in the school district where their family resides. Mary G. Montgomery head football coach Zach Golson was suspended by the AHSAA on May 18 following the recruiting violations. The football program was placed on restrictive probation for the 2026 season, allowing the team to play its 10-game regular-season schedule but barring it from postseason play. According to the Mobile County Public School System, Golson is on mandatory transfer status, a process that allows a tenured teacher to be reassigned to another school within the district. Alex Page, who served as interim head coach following Golson’s suspension, has since been named MGM’s permanent head coach. During the Central Board’s July meeting, the board heard presentations from Mary G. Montgomery and Pell City High School — a school that faced a similar recruiting violation case — but took no action at that time, leaving the penalties in place. Pell City’s postseason ban was later lifted by the Central Board. Next meeting The next regularly scheduled Central Board quarterly meeting is set for Oct. 8, 2026. Copyright 2026 WALA. All rights reserved.