Arlington Bowie football faces UIL review on player's eligibility

By Jarret Johnson

jmjohnson@star-telegram.com

The Arlington Bowie football team is under review by the UIL for possibly using an ineligible player and is expected to receive a ruling Monday.

In a story first reported by the El Paso Times, El Paso Franklin, which the Volunteers defeated 31-14 Friday, was told by the UIL to continue practicing until the issue is resolved.

An incredulous Bowie coach Kenny Perry confirmed the report to the Star-Telegram early Saturday morning.

"We followed all the right protocols," Perry said. "The kid transferred weeks ago, we submitted paperwork to the District Executive Committee, and they approved him. After playing three weeks on the JV he was brought up and has played a handful of plays on the punt return team in a couple of games."

The player in question did not participate in Friday's game against Franklin and played only a couple plays in Bowie's first-round playoff game against Keller Central.

The controversy could derail what has been a special season for the Volunteers (11-1), who have won 10 straight and the District 3-5A title.

The Vols are scheduled to play DeSoto (12-0) in a Class 5A Division I Region I semifinal this week.

Jarret Johnson

817-390-7760

Twitter: @JohnsonJarret

Looking for comments?