The Arizona Interscholastic Association has placed the Tucson Salpointe Catholic High School football program on probation next year for a recruiting violation, but the team will be allowed to continue playing in the state playoffs this season.
Salpointe plays Mesa Red Mountain Friday in the Class 5A-I quarterfinals.
The probation next year includes a ban on postseason play for 2009. Salpointe athletic director Phil Gruensfelder told the Arizona Daily Star he plans to appeal the decision.
The AIA became aware of the potential recruiting violation when an 8th grade student from Tucson High filed a hardship case. The student had transferred from Salpointe.
