September 15, 2025

Bishop Montgomery’s Football Program Faces Major Shakeup

News Summary

Bishop Montgomery’s football program in Torrance has been severely impacted as the CIF Southern Section declared 19 players ineligible until 2027 due to transfer violations. This followed an investigation revealing players transferred specifically for the football program, violating CIF bylaws. The school’s head coach has been fired, and the football season has been canceled. The school’s president also resigned amidst the controversy. The CIF’s ruling raises significant concerns about compliance with eligibility laws and highlights broader challenges in California high school sports.

Torrance, California – In a dramatic turn of events for Bishop Montgomery’s football program, the CIF Southern Section has declared 19 players ineligible for competition until 2027 due to violations of transfer rules. This ruling was the result of an investigation that found these players had transferred to the school specifically to participate in its football program, in direct violation of CIF bylaws.

The CIF’s decision comes amidst a tumultuous period for Bishop Montgomery, where the football team’s season has taken a significant hit. Following the CIF’s initial ruling, which originally deemed only five players ineligible, the extent of the violations has led to broader consequences within the program. In light of these events, the school has fired head coach Ed Hodgkiss and subsequently canceled the remainder of the football season after just one game.

Additionally, the fallout has extended beyond just the football team. The school’s president, Patrick Lee, has resigned amid the ongoing investigations and the surrounding controversy. This mass shakeup has raised serious concerns regarding the school’s compliance with state athletic regulations.

The CIF Southern Section’s inquiry involved the utilization of artificial intelligence to analyze transfer applications submitted by schools, aiming for transparency and adherence to governing rules. These high-tech reviews have become increasingly common as part of efforts to maintain fairness and integrity in high school sports.

This season has seen a wave of similar issues facing high school football programs across California, as other schools also grapple with player ineligibility tied to CIF rule violations. For example, Long Beach Millikan experienced forfeitures of games due to similar infractions, highlighting broader systemic challenges within high school sports in the state.

Impact on Rankings

As the CIF Southern Section navigates these troubling developments, the latest high school football rankings have introduced some shifts. St. John Bosco remains firmly atop the CIF Southern Section high school football Top 25 rankings with a perfect record of 4-0, significantly outpacing their recent opponents, including a decisive victory over San Mateo Serra.

In another noteworthy matchup this season, Corona Centennial claimed victory over powerhouse Mater Dei with a score of 43-36. This marked Mater Dei’s first loss to Centennial since 2015, potentially altering the dynamics of future games. The rankings now feature other stalwarts, including Mission Viejo, Santa Margarita, and Sierra Canyon. New entries into the rankings include Newport Harbor and Pacifica/Oxnard, while Palos Verdes and Tustin have dropped out of the listings.

Future Developments

As this football season continues, the rankings will be updated weekly, and fans will be able to track the progress of their teams through platforms like the SBLive Sports app. The implications of the CIF’s ruling on Bishop Montgomery cause significant concern, as it raises questions about compliance with eligibility laws and how schools will adapt moving forward.

With the ongoing controversy surrounding Bishop Montgomery, the CIF Southern Section’s commitment to uphold fairness in high school athletics faces a pivotal challenge. The overall impact of these administrative changes, coach dismissals, and player ineligibility rulings is expected to resonate well beyond the current season, affecting school programs, athletes, and their families across California.

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Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER

MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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