Except one.Victor Valley High School, located in Victorville, California, sat out Friday night's scheduled game against Brea Olinda because the entire team, including the coaching staff, was suspended.That's right.Suspended.
All of them.A one-game timeout for everyone.
And it's all because the team's mascot got a little rowdy after last week's Bell Game win over rival Apple Valley.Victor Valley's Ryan Guzman pulls the Bell across the field after beating Apple Valley in the 56th annual Bell Game on Friday, Sept.11, 2026.
Victor Valley topped Apple Valley 20-7.(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.
DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!"There is a clear line between passionate competition and unacceptable conduct," the school's principal and district's superintendent said in a joint statement."That line was crossed." That line?A couple birds, apparently:Well, that's one way to your entire team suspended! Goodness gracious.Thoughts? First impressions?Mine? Eh.
This was a rivalry game.Come on.
It's a mascot.Seems a little harsh to me.
I know it's high school football.I get it.
Young minds are getting molded right there in the stadium, and on that field.But come on.It's a couple middle fingers from the team's mascot.
Is that really worth suspending the entire team? Feels like an overreaction to me.CALIFORNIA FOOTBALL COACH ARRESTED AFTER STUDENTS MAKE DISTURBING DISCOVERY AT SCHOOLVictor Valley's Aiden Tanks, far right, celebrates his second touchdown catch against Apple Valley in the 56th annual Bell Game on Friday, Sept.11, 2026.
Victor Valley topped Apple Valley 20-7.(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)Unless, of course, there's more to the story.
The school had more to say in its joint statement:"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.As a result, the VVHS varsity foo...