Terry Sanford High School's entire season was forfeited Monday by the Cumberland County School District after it determined a player's grades had been forged by the principal.

That decision made the 9-2 team ineligible for the playoffs, which begin this weekend.

Lawyers for the Bulldogs, though, took the issue to court.

"An entire football team is, in essence, being punished for the alleged and unproven actions of one school official who was not a part of the football team," said players and coaches in several affidavits.

The lawyers contend that until anything is proven, the team should be allowed to play.

Late Thursday, a judge agreed to give the Bulldogs a temporary injunction.

That means the team will suit up for round one of the playoffs, at the very least.

The issue will be revisited next week, and then a more permanent decision will be made.

"I think that anybody you would talk to in the Cumberland County Schools would be pleased that the Bulldogs are going to get the opportunity to participate in this game while that further review is going on," said Wanda McPhaul with the school district.

Despite that sentiment, McPhaul said district officials think the original findings will hold true.

"Our district determined that there is an ineligible player on the roster," she said.

In fact, Principal Diane Antolak has already been relieved of duty.

Terry Sanford students, however, say they're optimistic.

"It's like everyone was devastated. But once we heard the news about them being able to play, it was pretty cool," said senior Phillip Nolte. "Planning on winning state."

For its part, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association says it's not sure exactly what will happen if the Bulldogs should win this weekend, and then be declared ineligible next week; most likely it will result in a bye for their scheduled second-round playoff opponent.

Terry Sanford is set to kick off against Pine Forest Saturday night at 7:30.

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