Youngstown Christian's Marqueal Smith ruled ineligible
STAFF REPORT
YOUNGSTOWN — Because of a custody issue, the Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled Youngstown Christian senior running back Marqueal Smith ineligible for the final game of his varsity career.
Mike Pecchia, Youngstown Christian president, said the school was notified on Friday that Smith was ineligible for Saturday’s game against Pymatuning Valley. Youngstown Christian lost, 30-23, to finished tied for first with Pymatuning Valley for the East Suburban Conference crown.
The ninth team in this week’s Division VI Region computer playoff ratings, the Eagles were eliminated from a postseason spot on Friday.
Pecchia said Youngstown Christian (7-2) does not have to forfeit any of its wins that Smith played. After an 0-2 start, the Eagles won seven straight.
Smith rushed for 1,246 yards on 185 carries and scored eight touchdowns.
Pecchia said Smith, 18, has been living with his father, former Youngstown State University running back Tamron Smith, for the past four years. Because the father does not have legal custody of the son, Marqueal Smith was ruled ineligible.
Smith attended Wilson High as a freshman and sophomore. When Wilson closed in June 2007, Smith transferred to Chaney and played for the Cowboys as a junior.
Pecchia said Smith transferred to Youngstown Christian in January after Tamron Smith moved to Austintown. The move satisfied the OHSAA requirement for transfer.
Tamron Smith played at YSU from 1990-93 and was a member of two national championship teams coached by Jim Tressel.