Coach Patritto Expresses Mixed Emotions Over New Undefeated Status

The Rochester Adams Highlanders strong 2-1 start to their football season was made stronger this week when Clarkston was forced to forfeit their first two games due to an academically ineligble player, improving Adams record to 3-0.

“I have mixed emotions about it because we’ve been through the same thing in 2007,” Adams head coach Tony Patritto said Tuesday.

The Highlanders went 12-0 on their run to the state final during the 2007 season but forfeited their first game against Southfield because of a similar mistake with an ineligible player violation.

“I know that anyone involved knows the schools that turn themselves in are the ones who handle it the right way,” Patritto said.

The Highlanders are now 3-0 on the season, instead of 2-1 with their .

“It can’t really affect how we play or what we’re thinking, we just have to keep playing our game,” Patritto said.

Clarkston was 3-0 and ranked as the No. 3 football team, according to an Associated Press prep football poll. Now the Wolves are 1-2 and must win five of their six remaining games to qualify for the playoffs.

Clarkston Athletic Director Dan Fife reported the mistake to the MHSAA, according to a

Adams will defend its now undefeated record in its next game at Oak Park at 6 p.m. Friday.