Three student athletes from Warren Central’s ninth grade football team were found not to have met the required 75-point grade average and it has cost the Vikings four football victories, including one over rival Vicksburg.

Vicksburg-Warren Athletic Director Lum Wright Jr. confirmed that the games had to be forfeited after the mistake was discovered. He said his office has addressed the issue with the WC junior high coaching staff.

“There were three players who were found ineligible due to grades,” Wright said. “Those three were found to be under the 75-point grade average and the games that they participated in were forfeited.”

The games Wright cited the players were used included Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7.

“We made the corrections and we have addressed the issue. I visited with the (WC) coaches and have made sure we don’t make that mistake again,” Wright said.

Vikings coach Ross Coley did not issue a comment, referring the matter to Wright.

The Viking junior high teams will play Brandon tonight.

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Contact Jeff Byrd at jbyrd@vicksburgpost.com