School officials on Monday reported the apparent use of an ineligible player this season, said Rick Strunk, an associate executive director of the N.C. High School Athletic Association.

Strunk said it was the association's policy to direct all questions regarding the details of the violation back to the school involved.

A written report detailing the violation and how many games would ultimately be forfeited hasn't yet been filed by the school, Strunk said.

The types of violations that can imperil a season, according to the association's rules, include residency issues, class attendance and other academic concerns.

"I don't know how many games he played in," Strunk said of the Northern player. "But it was enough that it would affect the standings."

Northern athletic director Walt Hensler declined to give any details.

"All I can tell you is it was ruled we had an ineligible player," he said.

Northern coach Matt Hunt also would not provide details on what led to the eligibility violation.

"I'm crushed for them," Hunt said of the players. "You couldn't find a more impressive group of men. I'm devastated that the season is going to come to an end like this for our seniors."

Northern was 14-12 this season. The team had finished the regular season in fifth place out of eight teams in the PAC Six 4-A conference.

Northern was scheduled to play Fayetteville Pine Forest (16-9) today. That game has been canceled. Because the playoff brackets already had been formed, Pine Forest automatically will advance to the next round.

"Our rules are very clear," Strunk said. "At this point, you can't re-do the bracket."