The First Academy’s postseason ban lifted

The First Academy football team’s season might not have ended Friday, Oct. 31. 

Orange County Judge Margaret H. Schreiber temporarily lifted TFA’s postseason ban Thursday, Nov. 6, just two hours before the Florida High School Athletic Association released the playoff bracket. A hearing is scheduled for TFA’s case at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10. 

After the judge’s ruling, the FHSAA decided to postpone releasing the Class 1A, Region 2 playoff bracket until a later date which has not been determined. 

Paul Aloise Jr., one of the lawyers representing football players at TFA, filed for an emergency temporary injunction on Tuesday, Oct. 28 to stop TFA’s two-year postseason ban. The FHSAA imposed the ban Nov. 1, 2024 after the Royals allowed 10 student-athletes to participate in football activities before enrollment and recruiting violations. 

The Royals didn’t play any District 6-1A opponents this season, but the team was ranked No. 10 in Class 1A and No. 4 in Region 1-2A.