Foothill Forced to Forfeit Game Against Villa Park

Foothill High School must forfeit its first-round softball game against Villa Park for not showing up within 15 minutes of game time, Century League athletic directors decided in a vote at their regular league meeting Monday.

The forfeit drops Foothill’s league record to 5-1, tying the Knights with Villa Park for first place. Foothill, the county’s 10th-ranked team, defeated Villa Park, 2-0, last week.

Through a scheduling mix-up, Foothill failed to show up for its home game against Villa Park April 3. Foothill Coach Joe Gonzalez wanted to reschedule the game.

“I really feel the decision on who wins and loses a game should be made on the field,” Gonzalez said Monday. “If Foothill used an illegal player, I can see it, but this was a scheduling mistake.

“At Foothill we had an opportunity to take a couple of forfeits the past two years and our administration said it (the outcome) would be determined on the field. I think that’s really the spirit in which these games should be played and this (ruling) sends a message that it is not the spirit.”

Villa Park Coach Dave Shelton said he understood Foothill’s no-show was not malicious and that he empathized with its players, “but it put our kids at a disadvantage.”

“Unfortunately there was a mistake between their athletic director and coach, and it is unfortunate for their girls,” Shelton said. “But I think it would have been more unfair if my girls had to reschedule and play three games back-to-back in one week.

“It’s unfortunate for Foothill, but I think it’s the right decision. That is what our rules say and it is what our league constitution says.”