California High School Football Coach Was Fired After Forfeiting to Nationally Ranked Team

Bishop Montgomery High School has parted ways with head football coach Ed Hodgkiss after the Knights were forced to forfeit last Friday’s matchup against nationally-ranked Mater Dei.

The California program was unable to field enough players due to multiple suspensions stemming from a bench-clearing brawl in its season opener against St. Louis (Hawaii) the previous week. The fight broke out in the final moments of a 34-27 loss, leaving several players sidelined.

On Monday, the school confirmed Hodgkiss’ dismissal in a statement reported by the Los Angeles Times.

“We write today to share that Mr. Ed Hodgkiss is no longer employed at Bishop Montgomery High School,” the release read. “We are grateful for his years of dedication and service to our students and community. We keep him and his family in our prayers, asking God to bless them in this next chapter.”

The statement added that personnel matters would remain confidential in accordance with school and Archdiocesan policy, while assuring families that the administration is working on next steps for filling Hodgkiss’ role.

The program has faced additional hurdles this year. According to reports, several players who transferred into Bishop Montgomery during the summer were later ruled ineligible for providing “incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, or false information.”

The combination of suspensions and eligibility rulings left the Knights shorthanded, ultimately forcing the forfeit against powerhouse Mater Dei.