Antioch High School in the San Francisco Bay Area forfeited the school's Thursday night football game against Liberty-Brentwood for what Antioch principal John Jimno called "violations of the (Antioch Unified School) District's Code of Conduct" that "involves a significant portion of the (Antioch) varsity football team."
"I understand that this decision will be disappointing, particularly for our student-athletes and their families. However, after careful consideration, the leadership teams of both Antioch High School and the Antioch Unified School District unanimously determined that this action was necessary. It reflects our commitment to accountability, personal responsibility, and the values we expect all students to uphold," Jimno wrote in a letter to parents.
"A key component of that growth is understanding that actions have consequences, and that true personal development comes from taking responsibility for one's behavior. While I cannot provide additional details about the disciplinary process, I want to be clear: the forfeiture of tonight's game represents only the first step in ensuring that our Code of Conduct is upheld."
Antioch is currently 7-1, coming off a 5-6 season last year.
Before being named head coach in 2022, fourth-year head coach Brett Dudley was an Antioch assistant for 12 years, 10 of which he was the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
"Athletics are a valuable and enriching part of the high school experience, but participation is a privilege that must be earned through both academic effort and personal integrity," Jimno wrote. "When these standards are not met, the privilege of participation cannot continue. Our student-athletes fully understand the expectations they agreed to uphold, and unfortunately, in this instance, those expectations were not met.
"We remain committed to supporting our students as they learn and grow from this experience."
