At least 15 players on the Erie High Royals football team are ineligible to play Friday in their season opener against Cathedral Prep, according to a source.

That is because they did not meet the attendance requirements set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

Erie Public Schools released the following statement Friday afternoon:

"Eight Erie High School varsity football players have been deemed ineligible to play in today's varsity match due to not meeting PIAA attendance requirements. We understand the disappointment felt by our student athletes and their families and are working to better understand and address all the factors that may have contributed to the situation."