Another high school football program is turning to the courts in an effort to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Eleven Miami Carol City (FL) football players and their respective parents or guardians are taking the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to court in an effort to overturn the school's postseason ban and restore the Chiefs' eligibility for the 2026 high school football playoffs.
Attorney Jason Setchen of AthleteDefender and Coffey Burlington filed a verified complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief on Nov. 4 in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. The lawsuit names the FHSAA as the defendant and seeks temporary and permanent injunctive relief. A hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
I have tremendous respect for
the FHSAA, but I think that what they did to Miami Carol City Football by imposing a post season ban on the entire team, which includes many kids who did nothing wrong, is overreaching and unfair. https://t.co/CYOynAultr
— Jason Setchen (@AthleteDefender) November 6, 2026
The plaintiffs argue that the FHSAA's decision to ban Miami Carol City from postseason competition unfairly punishes players who were not involved in the Oct. 2 postgame altercation against Grayson (GA).
According to the complaint, the 11 student-athletes listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit did not participate in, instigate or contribute to the incident. The lawsuit does not challenge the individual suspensions imposed on players found responsible. Instead, it specifically seeks to overturn the team-wide postseason restriction.
The complaint argues that the FHSAA's decision violates Florida Statute 1006.20(2)(j), which prohibits the association from unfairly punishing student-athletes for certain violations committed by teammates, coaches or administrators.
The plaintiffs contend that the association's postseason ban amounts to collective punishment against players who had no involvement in the altercation and followed the school's established "Brawl Control Plan."
What did Grayson's football coach say about the Carol City playoff ban?
One notable component of the lawsuit is a letter written by Grayson (GA) head football coach Greg Carswell, who urged the FHSAA to reconsider its decision to exclude Miami Carol City from the playoffs.
Carswell specifically advocated for the players who were not suspended, arguing they should have an opportunity to finish their season.
In his letter, Carswell praised Miami Carol City's principal and coaching staff for their preparation and efforts to promote sportsmanship. He also acknowledged that coaches and administrators worked to separate those involved and restore order following the altercation.
"The young men who demonstrated discipline in a heated moment deserve to have those choices recognized," Carswell wrote. "Their composure and respect for the game should carry meaningful weight in reviewing this decision."
Carswell also noted that the players had spent years working toward the opportunity to compete in the postseason, which can provide college exposure and recruiting opportunities.
"I respectfully ask that you reconsider Carol City's postseason exclusion and give these young men the chance to finish what they have worked so hard to earn," Carswell wrote.
The lawsuit cites Carswell's letter as an example of support for the players who were not involved in the incident, even from the opposing team's coaching staff.
Why was Miami Carol City banned from the playoffs?
The FHSAA placed Miami Carol City on restrictive probation following the Oct. 2 postgame altercation between the Chiefs and Grayson.
The association banned the Chiefs from postseason competition for the 2026-27 school year, assessed the school a $1,500 fine and required it to host an athletic department compliance workshop.
Additionally, 15 Miami Carol City players received individual suspensions. Four players received Level 3 suspensions, nine received Level 2 suspensions and two received Level 1 suspensions.
Miami Carol City lost 10-9 before an altercation broke out during the postgame handshake line. The incident involved players from both programs and a video of the incident circulated widely on social media.
The Chiefs subsequently appealed the postseason restriction to the FHSAA Board of Directors. However, the board denied the appeal on Sunday, Nov. 1, upholding the postseason ban.
According to the complaint, Miami Carol City's administrative review determined that the majority of its players followed stand-down commands, disengaged from the altercation and attempted to follow the school's established "Brawl Control Plan."
The filing also states that the school implemented additional corrective measures, including emotional-response training, weekly emotional-intelligence training, mandatory sportsmanship instruction and pregame de-escalation drills.
Miami Carol City finished the regular season with a 7-3 record, winning its final three games following the incident. The complaint states that the Chiefs qualified for the playoffs and were ranked No. 6 in the state.
Could Miami Carol City return to the playoffs?
The timing of the lawsuit is significant, with the FHSAA scheduled to release its 2026 high school football playoff brackets at 5 p.m. Friday.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the postseason restriction invalid as it applies to players who did not participate in, instigate or contribute to the Friday, Oct. 2 incident.
A ruling granting injunctive relief could potentially restore Miami Carol City's postseason eligibility, depending on the scope of the court's order. There is precedent for legal challenges involving FHSAA postseason eligibility affecting the association's playoff schedule.
Last year, The First Academy in Orlando pursued legal action, challenging its postseason ban. An Orange County judge initially granted temporary injunctive relief, forcing the FHSAA to delay the release of one of its playoff brackets. The school's case was ultimately dismissed, and The First Academy did not participate in the 2025 postseason.
The outcome of Friday's hearing could determine whether Miami Carol City gets an opportunity to compete for a state championship. Should the injunction be granted, the Chiefs would likely be in the Open Division, according to the latest MaxPreps rankings.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @AlexMartinUSAT or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida high school football players, parents sue FHSAA in last-minute playoff plea
