Castaic High School Forfeits 11 Flag Football Games

The CIF Southern Section ruled that the team must forfeit games due to a player eligibility investigation.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a female flag football player in motion, rendered in navy and white with a painterly style. — Castaic High School was forced to forfeit 11 girls flag football games following a CIF Southern Section investigation into player eligibility. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Castaic High School was forced to forfeit 11 girls flag football games following an eligibility investigation by the CIF Southern Section. The ruling stems from an anonymous complaint regarding quarterback Hailey Hornberger.

Why it matters

The forfeitures caused a significant shift in the Foothill League standings, resulting in the team's elimination from postseason contention. The disciplinary action highlights the strict enforcement of athlete eligibility rules within regional high school sports.

The school was forced to vacate 11 total contests, including seven Foothill League games. Consequently, the team dropped to 6th place in the final league standings.

The players

Castaic High School

This is a secondary school located in the Santa Clarita area that competes in various athletic programs.

CIF Southern Section

This is the governing body responsible for organizing and regulating interscholastic sports for high schools across Southern California.

Hailey Hornberger

She is the student athlete and quarterback whose eligibility status triggered an anonymous complaint and subsequent investigation.

The details

The CIF-SS conducted an investigation triggered by an anonymous complaint that ultimately invalidated the team's recent performance. The school board and administration were subsequently tasked with updating the team's official records to reflect these losses.

September 10, 2026: The beginning of the period covered by the forfeited games.
October 6, 2026: The end of the period covered by the forfeited games.
October 15, 2026: School officials were contacted regarding the eligibility ruling.
October 19, 2026: The date of this report.

Season Trajectory

The forfeiture of nearly a dozen games fundamentally alters the competitive landscape of the Foothill League. By removing the team from playoff contention, this ruling reshapes the postseason bracket and historical standing for the entire division.

The team finished the season in 6th place in the Foothill League standings as a direct result of the mandated losses. This outcome formally eliminates the program from all postseason playoff brackets.

The takeaway

Maintaining compliance with eligibility rules is essential for protecting the competitive integrity of high school athletic programs. Athletes and families should verify all registration requirements to avoid similar mid-season penalties.