Fairfax County high schools threaten to forfeit football games if a suspended team is allowed to play

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Families and students at Hayfield High School are reacting after several Fairfax County high school football coaches said they are willing to forfeit playoff games if Hayfield is allowed to play.

Hayfield was recently reinstated for the postseason by a judge’s order.

The legal troubles came to light when the Virginia High School League suspended Hayfield from postseason play, including the playoffs, for the next two years over allegations that the football team used improper recruiting practices.

The playoff ban was temporarily overturned by a judge and now high school coaches representing six playoff teams wrote: “We, the undersigned football coaches representing six playoff teams in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Region 6C, write to express our collective to raise concerns regarding a recent court decision for a temporary restraining order barring a team engaged in conduct that violated VHSL rules from qualifying for the Virginia state football playoffs.

The letter reiterates that VHSL conducted an independent investigation and determined that Hayfield violated several rules that prompted the two-year ban.

But most alarmingly, the coaches say they are considering several actions, including forfeiting the playoffs if Hayfield remains in the playoffs.

“Wrong is wrong and right is right. That’s how I feel,” Hayfield parent Ayoud Khalikyar said. “If they did something wrong, rules are rules and they have to follow the rules.”

The coaches against Hayfield remaining in the playoffs say this decision was not made lightly. Right now, they are consulting with parents, the community and the players – especially seniors, who have the most to lose.

FOX 5 is told that the coaches who wrote the sharp letter will announce their final decision later in the week.

READ THE COACHES’ FULL LETTER BELOW