# 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.
- Title: Victor Valley made the right call on sportsmanship | Shortify
- Summary: A California high school forfeited its next football game after players taunted rivals with obscene gestures and foul language. Sometimes the toughest…
- Keywords: victor valley high school, apple valley high school, carl coles, darius robinson, california, high school football, sportsmanship, game forfeiture, youth sports, unsportsmanlike conduct, news, entertainment
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/15/opinion/victor-valley-made-the-right-call-on-sportsmanship
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:35:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: victor valley high school, apple valley high school, carl coles, darius robinson, california, high school football, sportsmanship, game forfeiture, youth sports, unsportsmanlike conduct, news, entertainment
## A tough but necessary decision
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
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
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.
## Key takeaway

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