Shreveport, Louisiana, October 8, 2025
News Summary
The Green Oaks Giants have forfeited three games, including their Soul Bowl victory against Booker T. Washington, due to the presence of an ineligible player. This ruling dropped their official record from 1-2 to 0-5. The error in player eligibility stems from a misunderstanding of academic criteria, leading to consequences not only for their record but also affecting the rival team’s standings. The Giants aim to improve their review processes to prevent such mistakes in the future as they prepare for their next match.
Shreveport, Louisiana – Green Oaks Giants Forced to Forfeit Three Games, Including Soul Bowl Win, Due to Ineligible Player
The Green Oaks Giants have been compelled to forfeit three games of their current football season, including their celebrated Soul Bowl win against rival Booker T. Washington, following a ruling by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) regarding an ineligible player. This ruling has resulted in Green Oaks seeing their official record drop from 1-2 to 0-5.
In a match held on September 20, 2025, at Booker T. Washington High School, Green Oaks triumphed over the BTW Lions with a score of 38-16, marking the Giants’ first win of the season and giving interim head coach Nick Peoples his inaugural victory with the team. However, the joy of this victory was short-lived as it was later revealed that an administrative oversight led to the inclusion of a player whose academic records did not meet eligibility standards. The oversight went unrecognized during the review process conducted by both the interim head coach and the athletic director.
The repercussions of the ruling mean that the forfeiture not only impacts the Soul Bowl win but also includes the two earlier losses that the Giants suffered. Consequently, after forfeiting all three games, Green Oaks’ record sits at 0-5, while BTW’s official record improves to 4-1, marking the Lions’ best start to a season since 2006. This season marks the first time since then that BTW has started strong, as they hadn’t enjoyed a winning season in 17 years.
Green Oaks has publicly accepted responsibility for the eligibility infraction and expressed regret over the situation in a statement. They intend to bolster their current review procedures concerning athlete eligibility to prevent future occurrences of this nature. In light of the ruling, they will now face Bastrop in their next match, with both teams entering the game with records of 0-5.
Background on the Incident
The LHSAA mandates strict eligibility requirements for high school athletes in Louisiana, ensuring that all participating players meet specific academic protocols. In this case, the ineligible player’s academic records were mistakenly submitted, prompting the league’s decision once it was brought to their attention. The inability of Green Oaks to identify the mistake suggests a lapse in their internal review protocols, which they are now seeking to rectify through improved oversight.
Overall, this situation exemplifies the importance of adherence to eligibility standards in competitive sports, highlighting the need for schools to ensure compliance in all aspects of athletics to maintain fairness and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Green Oaks Giants have to forfeit their games?
The Green Oaks Giants were forced to forfeit three games, including their Soul Bowl win, due to an ineligible player as per the LHSAA ruling.
What was the outcome of the Soul Bowl game?
The Green Oaks Giants defeated the BTW Lions 38-16 in the Soul Bowl, marking their first win of the season.
What impact did the forfeiture have on the teams’ records?
After the forfeiture, the Green Oaks Giants’ official record dropped to 0-5, while the BTW Lions improved to 4-1 for the season.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Forfeiture of three games, including Soul Bowl win |
| Opponent in Soul Bowl | Booker T. Washington Lions |
| Soul Bowl Score | Green Oaks 38, BTW 16 |
| Current Record of Green Oaks | 0-5 |
| Current Record of BTW after Ruling | 4-1 |
| Next Opponent for Green Oaks | Bastrop (0-5) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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High School Football Showdowns Set for Friday Night
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Your Weekly Football Fix: Shreveport-Bossier City Matchups Ready for Action in Week 10
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Green Oaks Forfeits Soul Bowl
- KTAL News: Soul Bowl Unites Shreveport
- KTBS: BTW Beats Green Oaks in Soul Bowl 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
- Google Search: Green Oaks Giants Forfeit
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