Marina’s Soccer Team Forced to Forfeit 14 Victories

Marina High School, ranked No. 1 in the Southern Section 4-A boys’ soccer poll, must forfeit 14 victories because it used an ineligible player, Southern Section officials have ruled.

But even with a record that suddenly plunges to 3-18, Marina still could win the Sunset League title and remains in position to make the playoffs.

Marina was forced to forfeit the matches when Southern Section Commissioner Stan Thomas ruled Friday that Mike Lapper, a junior fullback who had scored two goals, was ineligible under the Southern Section by-laws governing transfers.

Lapper transferred from Mater Dei to Marina last year after moving from his mother’s residence--which is outside the Marina district--to his father’s residence. He is ineligible because the move involved a change of residence without a change of legal guardian.

“It was a matter of myself and my athletic director not having asked all the questions necessary,” said Dave McLeish, Marina coach. “It’s unfortunate. No one made an attempt to defraud or cheat anyone. The parents just didn’t know all the rules.”

Marina is 3-2 in the league, in second place behind Edison. The Chargers are 5-0 in league after gaining a victory from a Marina forfeit. Marina defeated Edison, 2-1, in the league opener.

“We may not win the championship on paper, but I think if we keep playing like we have been we may have a shot at the one that really counts,” McLeish said.

The top three teams in each league advance to the playoffs.

McLeish said Lapper probably will play on the junior varsity team, beginning as soon as his eligibility is confirmed, for the remainder of the season.

McLeish became aware of the situation Jan. 16, and Lapper did not play in the Vikings’ next three games, all shutout victories.

“We’re just glad we found out now, before we were too far into league,” McLeish said.