Citing health issues, Valley Center High School is forfeiting Friday’s nonleague football game at Carlsbad.
“We have eight legitimate injuries — broken leg, broken wrist, concussions,” coach Bill Dunckel said. “Our quarterback (Braylon Mitchell) has a dislocated shoulder, and he’s the healthiest quarterback in the program. … Not only are we struggling at quarterback, but my left tackle and right guard are out.”
Valley Center (1-4) lost 62-20 to Westview last week. The Jaguars have been outscored 193-117 this season.
The decision to forfeit Friday’s game didn’t sit well with Carlsbad coach Thadd MacNeal, who said he was “super unhappy.” Carlsbad is 4-0 and ranked No. 6 in the county and No. 22 in the state.
“I get it, they’re beaten up,” he said, “but we take a $25,000 hit losing a home game.”
MacNeal said he reached out to two teams that have byes this week with hopes of getting them to replace Valley Center on the schedule, but both said no.
“So we’ll be a game short this season,” he said.
Dunckel explained that it’s “just not in the best interest” of my guys to play a nonleague game with so many injuries.
“In a normal season, with everyone healthy, we’d play them and give them a game. Maybe not beat them, but give them a game,” he said.
“Carlsbad isn’t happy about it, and I get it. I really do. The decision to forfeit isn’t something we took lightly. Honestly, I feel crappy about it. It doesn’t sit well with me. I’m not a quitter, but we felt we didn’t have another option.”
Valley Center is scheduled to play at Imperial (4-0) next week.
“There is a chance we’ll get a couple players back next week, so we should be OK,” Dunckel said. “Really, this week isn’t about getting beaten; it’s a safety issue.”