WIAA Ruled Ithaca-Weston Must Forfeit Canceled Game
The state athletic association denied an appeal to record a game as a no-contest following a player's death.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association ruled that the Ithaca-Weston football team must forfeit a previously canceled non-conference game. The decision followed a failed appeal by the team, which had canceled the August 28 matchup against Wauzeka-Steuben/Seneca after the death of player Briggs Maxwell.
Why it matters
The forfeit was mandated by WIAA rules that require games canceled after June 15 to be recorded as losses. The ruling affects the record of the Bulldogs, who maintained an undefeated start to their season leading up to the decision.
The team had maintained an undefeated start to the season and recorded 3 consecutive wins following the death of player Briggs Maxwell. The Bulldogs are scheduled to play the Cashton Eagles at 7 p.m. this Friday.
The players
Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association
This is the governing body that oversees and regulates interscholastic athletic programs and competitive rules for high schools across Wisconsin.
Briggs Maxwell
He was a student-athlete for the Ithaca-Weston football team who died in a farming accident.
Ithaca-Weston Bulldogs
This is the high school football team representing the Ithaca and Weston communities in competitive state play.
The details
The Ithaca-Weston football team canceled their August 28 game against Wauzeka-Steuben/Seneca following a fatal farming accident involving teammate Briggs Maxwell in Richland County. Representatives from Ithaca, Weston, Wauzeka-Steuben, and Seneca collectively appealed to the WIAA to record the game as a no-contest, but the request was denied.
Timeline
June 15: The WIAA deadline for canceling non-conference games without forfeiting.
August 28: The original date of the canceled game against Wauzeka-Steuben/Seneca.
September 22, 2026: The date the WIAA ruled the game a forfeit.
September 25, 2026: The upcoming game against the Cashton Eagles.
The Big Picture
The ruling follows the WIAA non-conference game cancellation policy, which mandates forfeits for any games pulled from the schedule after the mid-June deadline. This enforcement underscores the association's commitment to rigid scheduling standards to maintain parity across the statewide league.
The forfeit officially marks a loss on the Bulldogs' record, potentially shifting their standing within the regional playoff bracket. The team must now look to perform in their upcoming contest against the Cashton Eagles to secure their postseason position.
The takeaway
The WIAA ruling highlights the strict administrative consequences of game cancellations within high school athletics. Teams and families must be aware that even in tragic circumstances, governing bodies are bound by established deadlines regarding competitive records.
What happens next
The Ithaca-Weston Bulldogs are scheduled to play the Cashton Eagles on September 25, 2026, with kickoff at 7 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on state athletic regulations, visit the Wisconsin Football section.
