Warner Robins forfeit shakes up Region 1-5A in the final week of the season

          It’s not as if the Warner Robins-Veterans game Friday night wasn’t already big.

          But now it’s even bigger.

          WGXA-TV reported that Warner Robins has forfeited its 41-0 win over Harris County for using an ineligible player.

          That drops the third-ranked/5A Demons to a 7-2 overall record and 2-1 in Region 1-5A play. Veterans is 8-1 and 2-1.

          So a Veterans win would drop Warner Robins to fourth in the region, if Bainbridge (4-5, 2-1) also beats Thomas County Central (5-4, 0-3).

          Harris County has completed its regular season, and is now 4-5 and 2-2. It has now clinched a postseason spot.

          If Veterans and Bainbridge win, Bainbridge is No. 1 – having beaten Veterans and thus getting the tiebreaker - and Veterans No. 2, with Harris County third – the forfeit gives the Tigers the tiebreaker over Warner Robins - and the Demons fourth.

          If Veterans wins and Bainbridge loses, that makes for three 2-2 teams.

          A Warner Robins win gives the Demons the region title because it beat Bainbridge, which would be second with a win and Veterans third. The Warhawks are assured third place at worst.

          Warner Robins head coach Mike Chastain told WGXA that the player played one play in the fourth quarter of the game. The Demons self-reported the violation to the GHSA.