Coach Bellamy Expresses Mixed Emotions Over Forfeit Win

The varsity football team's record improved to 2-1 after Clarkston self-reported that an academically ineligible player was active in the Lakers' loss to the Wolves Sept. 2.

"I feel bad for Coach (Kurt) Richardson.  He is a good man, a man of integrity, and I'm sure it was probably just a mistake," West Bloomfield head coach Ron Bellamy said Tuesday.

In a story first reported in MI Prep Zone, Clarkston athletic director Dan Fife self-reported the mistake to the MHSAA. “It’s just one of those things that we’re not proud of, but it was a mistake and needed to be reported,” Fife said in the report.

"In the competitive league that we play in (OAA Red), myself and my players know that anytime you can improve your record it's a good thing," Bellamy said.

Clarkston was 3-0 and ranked as the No. 3 football team in the state, according to the Associated Press prep football poll. After forfeiting wins against West Bloomfield and Rochester Adams, the Wolves are 1-2.

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

West Bloomfield defends their newly improved record at home against Lake Orion this Friday at 7 p.m.