Ridgeway High School Football Game Ended by Forfeit

The matchup against Fayette-Ware was called after every player on the Ridgeway bench left the sideline during an altercation.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football

Ridgeway High School Football Game Ended by Forfeit

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Ridgeway High School was forced to forfeit its football game against Fayette-Ware following a bench-clearing incident. The game resulted in a 14-7 victory for Fayette-Ware after all Ridgeway players were ejected for entering the field.

Why it matters

The game was terminated because TSSAA rules mandate that substitutes who leave the bench to join an altercation must be ejected, leaving Ridgeway without enough players to continue. The incident highlights strict enforcement of safety protocols designed to prevent escalation during on-field conflicts.

The game concluded with a 14-7 forfeit score while Ridgeway faces a mandatory $250 fine for the bench-clearing incident. TSSAA rules require a minimum one-game suspension for all ejected student-athletes.

The players

Ridgeway High School

This Memphis-based secondary school is currently fielding a football team that holds a 0-7 season record.

Fayette-Ware

This competing high school football program holds a 3-4 season record.

TSSAA

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association is the governing body responsible for setting and enforcing competition rules and disciplinary standards for member schools.

The details

The altercation broke out between two players near the 25-yard-line with 8:37 left in the second quarter. An umpire confirmed that a Ridgeway player threw and landed a punch, prompting the entire bench to cross into the restricted area.

The fight occurred during the game on October 9, 2026.
Media reports confirmed the forfeit on October 12, 2026.
Ridgeway is scheduled for a homecoming game against Craigmont on October 16, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The forfeit significantly disrupts Ridgeway's season as they prepare for a homecoming game against Craigmont. The disciplinary fallout and potential suspensions for the entire roster create major uncertainty for the team's immediate competitiveness.

The mass ejection triggers mandatory one-game suspensions for the involved players, likely forcing roster changes for the upcoming homecoming game. The school also faces a $250 administrative fine for the violation of bench-participation rules.

The takeaway

Maintaining discipline on the sidelines is a critical component of high school athletics that directly impacts a team's ability to finish a game. Players and coaches must adhere to strict entry protocols to avoid team-wide consequences that jeopardize the entire season.