McClain Christian withdraws from MTAC

MCA cites eligibility issue, plans bowl game for Bulldogs

After previously qualifying for a home football playoff game, McClain Christian Academy has withdrawn from the Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference.

MCA remains affiliated with the MTAC as an alliance member, meaning there will be scheduling agreements with league teams in future seasons.

Coach Seth Bass said the decision came following an internal review by the school and an MTAC hardship appeal process regarding a player's eligibility. The indiscretions occurred under the school's former leadership.

"Because we handled it properly the way we did, we avoid any and all sanctions from the MTAC," Bass said.

As a result, the Bulldogs, who are 4-3 going into Saturday's game against Evangel Christian at Stroud Gwynn Field and had clinched a home playoff game, will have to withdraw from the playoffs and are ineligible for any MTAC postseason berths or championships.

"We're disappointed that we had to make this decision, but it was the ethical thing to do," Bass said. "Fortunately, because we've handled it in this manner, the MTAC was empathetic with our problems and has allowed us to remain allied with them, which we're very grateful for."

In lieu of the playoffs, MCA is planning to host an Oct. 17 bowl game to be called the Cedar Bowl. Bass said the likely opponent will be the Middle Tennessee Heat.

"It's a shame for the kids to lose their chance at a state championship," Bass said. "But they understand why this had to be done and agreed it was the proper thing to do. There are enough other postseason possibilities out there that I think they'll enjoy just as much.

"We're moving forward from this, and we look forward to continuing to grow our Christian mission with athletics at MCA."