Six days after it thought it had been eliminated from contention, West Point football is heading to the playoffs after all.

J.O. Johnson was forced to forfeit four region wins Thursday for using an ineligible player, according to a report by AL.com, dropping the Jaguars from the postseason picture and moving Lawrence County and West Point into Class 5A, Region 8’s third and fourth seeds instead.

The sudden turn of events gives the Warriors, now 5-4 overall and 4-3 in the region, their first back-to-back playoff berths since 2004-05 and only their second postseason appearance as a 5A program. After wrapping up the regular season this Friday at 4A No. 8 Priceville, West Point will travel to Region 6 champion and 10th-ranked Alexandria (7-1) for the first round.

The Warriors appeared to be on the outside looking in after last week’s 28-27 loss at Lawrence County in a clash for the region’s fourth and final playoff sport. J.O. Johnson’s forfeit of wins against Lawrence County, West Point, Ardmore and St. John Paul II, however, gave the Warriors new life by slashing the Jaguars’ region record to 1-6.

West Point joins Cullman, Cold Springs and Addison as local playoff teams.

“Our kids have worked hard all season and did everything we asked to put themselves in position to make the playoffs,” Warriors coach Don Farley said. “The last couple weeks have been tough, but I feel this is going to help maintain the focus and energy.”

According to AL.com’s report and a Huntsville City Schools press release, the school system self-reported J.O. Johnson’s use of an ineligible player to the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

Thursday’s news marks a bitter end to the 44-year history of J.O. Johnson football. Without a game this week, the Jaguars will be no more as the school prepares to close and be absorbed by the new Jemison High.