Victor Valley made the right call on sportsmanship

A California high school forfeited its next football game after players taunted rivals with obscene gestures and foul language.

Sep 16, 2026

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Victor Valley made the right call on sportsmanship

A California high school forfeited its next football game after players taunted rivals with obscene gestures and foul language.

In brief

A California high school forfeited its next football game after players taunted rivals with obscene gestures and foul language. Sometimes the toughest decisions, like forfeiting a game to teach sportsmanship, are the most important ones to make. Originally reported by California Post.

A tough but necessary decision

A California high school football team celebrates on the field at night.

Victor Valley High School forfeited its next football game after players taunted Apple Valley rivals with obscene gestures and foul language during their 20-7 win.

The mascot joined in too

The team mascot participated in mocking Apple Valley players and fans. Game officials were furious but couldn't control the unsportsmanlike behavior.

Leaders sent a clear message

Carl Coles, Superintendent of Victor Valley Union High School District.

Superintendent Carl Coles and Principal Darius Robinson decided the win was so ugly it felt like a loss. They wanted to teach a lesson about sportsmanship and life.

Parents are the real problem

69% of youth sports referees say sportsmanship is fading, often because angry parents set the worst possible example. Adults need to take charge.

Respect is the heart of sports

The point of sports isn't just to dominate. It's to challenge each other to excel, which only works when everyone agrees to treat each other with basic respect.

A lesson beyond the field

A lesson beyond the field

The players might feel they've lost something now, but they learned that making tough, unpopular decisions is worth it when it's the right thing to do.

The headline

Sometimes the toughest decisions, like forfeiting a game to teach sportsmanship, are the most important ones to make.

Read the original on California Post

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