HOMER — Banks County was looking to make a little history Friday night in its first playoff game since 2011.
The Leopards have never won a playoff game in their history (0-9) but were seen as favorites in their first round matchup with KIPP Atlanta Collegiate.
Instead, the historical victory actually arrived two days early as KIPP voluntarily forfeited its first-round game against Banks County on Wednesday. It will go in the record books as a victory giving the Leopards their first-ever playoff win.
"We've made history now; I don't care how we got there," first-year Banks head coach Josh Shoemaker said.
It marks the first time in Georgia High School Association football playoff history that a team has voluntarily forfeited a playoff game.
The forfeit came about as part of the aftermath of a fight between KIPP and Hapeville Charter last Friday. It would have been KIPP’s first-ever playoff game in its third year of competition.
KIPP issued a statement Wednesday after the events:
”In partnership with Atlanta Public Schools, we have decided to forfeit this Friday’s football game against Banks County as a result of students violating our code of conduct. It is our policy to not speak to the specifics of student disciplinary actions. We are proud of the work our scholar athletes have done in the classroom and on the field this year and we look forward to resuming football again next season.”
Banks County will in essence have a bye week and move into the second round for the first time ever -- though the team will still hold a practice on Friday night and go through the normal pre-game routine so that fans may come and enjoy the atmosphere and support a team which has claimed four straight victories to earn the No. 2 seed from Region 8-AA, including a 43-29 win over then No. 10 Elbert County on Nov. 4 to claim the spot.
The Leopards will face the winner of the Glenn Hills-Benedictine matchup in the Class AA Sweet 16.
Benedictine is No. 1-ranked and won the 2014 Class AA state title.
