Cherry Creek High School Forfeited Football Game
The state's top-ranked football team lost its winning streak following an administrative paperwork error.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Football
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Cherry Creek High School forfeited a Zero Week football contest against Chatfield High School in September 2026. The decision ended the team's 27-game winning streak due to the use of an ineligible player.
Why it matters
The forfeit underscores the growing complexity of athletic eligibility compliance within Colorado high schools. It highlights how administrative errors related to new digital management systems can carry severe consequences for established athletic programs.
The forfeiture terminated a 27-game winning streak that had previously kept Cherry Creek High School undefeated. Despite the loss, the team maintains its position as the top-ranked squad in the Class 5A football standings.
The players
Cherry Creek High School
This is a prominent Colorado high school known for its highly successful athletic programs.
Chatfield High School
This educational institution competes in Colorado high school football and was the opponent in the forfeited contest.
Colorado High School Activities Association
This organization serves as the governing body for interscholastic sports and activities in Colorado.
The details
School officials attributed the ineligible player status to a paperwork error within the office. All required transfer waiver submissions must now be processed through the Colorado High School Activities Association School Center platform, which launched earlier in 2026.
Timeline
The Colorado High School Activities Association adopted a 365-day loss of eligibility rule in 2010.
The CHSAA legislative council voted to disallow transfers for athletic reasons in 2022.
CHSAA introduced the new transfer management platform on July 1, 2026.
Cherry Creek High School forfeited the football game in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This unexpected forfeiture disrupts the current Class 5A football landscape by eliminating a major unbeaten streak. It serves as a reminder to programs across the state about the critical importance of digital compliance in the post-transfer-ban era.
The forfeiture officially resets Cherry Creek's record, removing the team from the ranks of the undefeated in the Class 5A standings. Programs must now ensure all transfer documentation is submitted via the CHSAA School Center to avoid similar eligibility penalties.
The takeaway
Schools must navigate complex administrative requirements to maintain student eligibility in an era of heightened transfer scrutiny. Staying informed on digital submission deadlines is essential for programs to protect their standing and player eligibility.
Further reading
For more information on state regulations, visit the Football section.
More information
View the current CHSAA information and bylaws for details on state eligibility requirements.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Canyon Courier.
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