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Victor Valley will forfeit its next high school football game.
Victor Valley High School beat California state rival Apple Valley in a football rivalry game over the weekend. It celebrated in unsportsmanlike fashion after the fact.
The postgame antics have been punished by administration. The Jackrabbits will forfeit their next game.
Was the response valid or an overreaction? A social media debate has since been sparked online.
Victor Valley celebrated a high school football win.
The Jackrabbits play in Victorville, California located about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles on the edge of the Mojave Desert.
The program has played Apple Valley in the “Bell Game” annually dating back to 1969. The Sun Devils lead the all-time series, 39-17.
Google Maps
A map showing Apple Valley and Victorville in California.
Apple Valley is located less than 10 miles east of Victorville. The two schools are plenty familiar with one another. There is no love lost.
That was evident on Friday night.
Never seen a high school mascot flipping off the opposing crowd.
Classy! pic.twitter.com/Lfv6fm0stw— Chris Fore (@chriscfore) September 12, 2026
The game was competitive throughout. Victor Valley led 6-0 at the halftime break. They held a 13-7 advantage after three quarters before ultimately winning 20-7.
After the final whistle, players ran onto the field to celebrate. They crossed a line according to administration.
Victor Valley wins the bell.
Apple Valley 7
Victor 20 pic.twitter.com/EVZQZM8Ypu— Chris Fore (@chriscfore) September 12, 2026
Victor Valley will forfeit its next game.
The school released a statement after the fact. The high school will forfeit its next football game.
“Members of the Victor Valley High School football team behaved in an unsportsmanlike manner toward the opposing team and its fans, including offensive gestures and language.
“There is a clear line between passionate competition and unacceptable conduct. That line was crossed at the Bell Game…
“There will be accountability. There will be reflection. And there will be a clear expectation that this cannot happen again.
“On behalf of the Victor Valley Union High School District and Victor Valley High School, we offer our sincere apology to the players, students, staff, coaches, parents, and community members of Apple Valley High School, as well as to the proud Jackrabbit supporters.”
-Superintendent Carl Coles / Principal Darius Robinson
School administration suspended the whole team for its actions. It will not play its next game against Brea Olinda. The Jackrabbits will forfeit.
It’s not clear exactly what was said. The school did not specifically reference one particular unsportsmanlike act.
Reaction was mixed. Some believe it was justified. Most said it was an overreach.
“Wow…I guess teams can’t celebrate in rival games… Sad.”
“Adults taking away opportunities from kids…”
“School district should be ashamed of themselves… Why take a game from the kids?”
School leaders are looking to prove a point. Sportsmanship is more important the final result. The Jackrabbits overstepped during their rivalry celebration. They will be punished as a result, rightfully or wrongfully.