St. Louis Cardinal Ritter forfeits Week 1 win against Nazareth

Nazareth’s Derrick Strongs works through a drill during practice. | Allen Cunningham/For the Sun-Times

Nazareth, which stated an undefeated season as its goal in the preseason, technically has a chance at achieving that dream.

The Roadrunners lost to St. Louis Cardinal Ritter 32-21 in Week 1. But that game has now been forfeited and the Illinois High School Association lists Nazareth’s record as 7-0.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch published a story on Tuesday claiming that Cardinal Ritter used an ineligible player in the game. The player, Bill Jackson, rushed for 109 yards and had a 56-yard touchdown run.

Jackson was suspended for the Week 1 game because he was ejected from Cardinal Ritter’s previous game, the Class 3A state title game last season.

On Friday, the Missouri State High School Activities Association forced Cardinal Ritter to forfeit all seven of its games so far this season and the IHSA changed Nazareth’s record to 7-0.

JJ McCarthy, the Roadrunners star quarterback, tweeted on Tuesday that in his mind Cardinal Ritter still deserved the win.

We lost. I don't care who played for them. They deserve the win. Nothing but respect for them. https://t.co/I6nu8hVM7L

— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) October 16, 2019

Nazareth and McCarthy face undefeated Notre Dame at 7:15 p.m tonight in Niles. The Roadrunners travel to play Benet in the final regular season game next week.