COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A state champion in high school football has been banned from defending its title.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Saturday that Ironton has been removed from participating in the Division V playoffs, citing numerous violations of recruiting bylaws over seven years. The school was also placed on three years of probation and fined $7,500, and some unnamed members of the coaching staff were suspended from coaching in the playoffs in 2026.

"The OHSAA’s investigation determined that some members of the Ironton football program had engaged in ongoing and coordinated recruiting efforts, including communications with parents and students regarding methods to influence other prospective athletes’ enrollment," a news release from the OHSAA said. "Recor

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