Defending Champions Centerville Eliminated from Playoffs Over Eligibility Violation

A second defending state champion has been eliminated from the Texas high school baseball playoffs this season.

Centerville High School, a powerhouse in 2A Division 1 baseball, has been removed from the postseason after an internal investigation conducted with the UIL determined that an ineligible player participated in their playoff series. The Tigers finished the season 17-6-1. Notably, the district confirmed the coaching staff was not at fault

Centerville ISD/Facebook

Centerville ISD released a statement saying the district is committed to reviewing all eligibility procedures and will implement additional safeguards around the Previous Athletic Participation Form (PAPF) and other eligibility requirements to prevent similar situations in the future.

The timing is especially painful for the Tigers, who had just pulled off an impressive comeback — winning two straight games in a best-of-three series against the Shelbyville Dragons in the Area Round.

As a result of Centerville's elimination, Shelbyville advances to the Regional Semifinal. The Dragons come in with a strong 24-5-1 record and will face Harleton, who enters at 25-8 with plenty of postseason experience of their own. Game one is set for Thursday at 6 p.m., game two Saturday at 5 p.m., with a deciding game three to follow if necessary. All games will be played at Bullard High School.

Centerville is not alone in this situation. Earlier this postseason, Grapevine was also ruled ineligible due to an eligibility violation, ending their own championship hopes. Two defending state champions gone — neither eliminated on the field.

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