The Canyon Cowboys football team will forfeit its win this past Thursday over the Golden Valley Grizzlies due to fielding an ineligible player.

The forfeit will cost the Cowboys their share of the Foothill League championship.  Valencia is now the outright champion for the third consecutive year.

According to sources, the Cowboys were leading late in their eventual 48-21 win over the Grizzlies when they emptied their bench.  The player in question got into the game, thereby forcing the forfeit.

The loss will not affect the Cowboys’ first-round playoff game, which is scheduled against Palmdale this Friday at Canyon.

It also means the Golden Valley Grizzlies have won their first Foothill League game in school history.