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Yorba Linda’s football team has forfeited four victories because of CIF-SS violations that involved administrative oversight and undue influence, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District stated Wednesday.
Yorba Linda, ranked No. 12 in Orange County, has submitted forfeits for its wins against Laguna Beach, Long Beach Poly, El Dorado and Esperanza, a district spokesperson confirmed.
Huntington Beach rallied to defeat Yorba Linda 29-25 on Friday, Sept. 18.
The forfeits drop the Mustangs’ record to 0-5 entering their Alpha League debut at No. 6 San Clemente (5-0) on Friday.
The district stated that the CIF-SS “determined” the violations Tuesday.
“The substantiated violations involve more than one student and more than one incident,” the district disclosed in a statement. “The investigation documented deficiencies over time in eligibility verification, communication between coaches and athletic administration and participation clearance.”
“These findings support the district’s conclusion that institutional failures occurred in the oversight of the athletic department and football coaching staff.”
The district stated the CIF-SS found that Yorba Linda violated section bylaws 503 B (1) and 510.
Bylaw 510 covers “undue influence, pre-enrollment contact, disclosing pre-enrollment contact and athletically motivated transfers.”
Bylaw 503 B (1) addresses administrative oversight, ineligible athletes and penalties.
The Yorba Linda High athletic department on Wednesday referred an inquiry to the district.
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“In coordination with CIF-SS, Yorba Linda High School and Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District administrators have taken the necessary corrective measures to ensure the football program remains eligible to compete in Alpha League contests and maintains the opportunity to qualify for CIF-SS competition,” the district stated.
“The (district) remains committed to supporting students and maintaining athletic programs that follow CIF-SS rules and expectations,” the statement continued. “Yorba Linda High School football student-athletes have dedicated significant time, effort and commitment to their team and school.”
“The district’s focus now is on supporting, maintaining the integrity of the program and ensuring they have the opportunity to successfully complete the remainder of their season.”
Yorba Linda is playing its first season under coach John Domen, a former assistant under longtime coach Jeff Bailey.
Bailey stunned many Orange County football observers in the offseason by resigning at Yorba Linda to take the helm at Beverly Hills.
He guided Yorba Linda to two CIF-SS championships and posted a 136-49 record in 16 seasons.
In the six-team Alpha League, the top-three finishing teams earn automatic playoff berths.
To be eligible for an at-large berth to the playoffs, teams need to have at least a .300 winning percentage or three wins, according to a rule change approved in the offseason.
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Yorba Linda opened the season 4-0 before falling to Huntington Beach.