<p>The athletes may have had scheduling priority and advice from their coaches to schedule classes to minimize conflicts with the expected sports schedule (for football, minimize classes on fridays, take easier classes during fall and harder classes in other terms, etc.).</p>
<p>Note that this situation is one where quarter versus semester system can matter. For football, going to school on the quarter system means that football season overlaps with 1/3 of the academic year instead of 1/2 of the academic year. So football players and others who may travel with the team (cheer squad) may find the quarter system more favorable in reducing conflict with academics.</p>