Dallas ISD late Friday released a statement regarding information on Thursday night’s game cancellation involving Dallas Samuell High School and No.1-ranked South Oak Cliff.

The statement read: “Dallas ISD is committed to transparency, fairness, and accountability in all our programs, upholding the highest standards for our teams and students. Following an internal investigation, the district discovered ineligible players on the W.W. Samuell High School varsity football team, which resulted in the cancellation of last night’s game against South Oak Cliff.

We are ensuring strict compliance with UIL guidelines and will not tolerate actions that compromise the integrity of our athletic programs. Dallas ISD is committed to addressing this matter in full transparency and will take the necessary actions to protect the interests of our students and community.”

The Spartans, who had posted a strong 7-1 record and 4-1 in District 5-5A Division II heading into Week 10, were likely heading to the 5A-Division II State Playoffs as at least a three-seed when on October 24, word began circulating that Samuell head coach Danny Cobbin had been placed on administrative leave by DISD while the district conducted an investigation into allegations of ineligible players being used.

Sources indicate Dallas ISD immediately began an investigation into the residency of the players in question and late Thursday the results of that self-report began to emerge and that the district had determined the use of ineligible players, which would by UIL rules result in a forfeit of any victory in which the players participated in (all seven wins).

The official word of forfeits must be determined by the District 5-5A Division II District Executive Committee and that ruling is likely to come down early next week.

This pending ruling now shakes up the playoff race in 5-5A Division II as Woodrow Wilson, who was set to be the fourth place team in the district, now likely gets to play next week for the district runner-up spot against Hillcrest, while Seagoville and Adamson are suddenly in position to play for the final playoff spot next week.