Valencia boys’ soccer played Belen Tuesday, the Jaguars’ first game since receiving NMAA sanctions after a scuffle during the Highland contest.
Albuquerque
The Valencia boys’ soccer team and their fans each have received a first strike under the New Mexico Activities Association’s “2 Strike” bylaw following a scuffle during a game last Thursday against Highland.
The Hornets received the same punishment when several players from both teams squared off during the hotly-contested game, which Highland led at the time 4-1.
Highland athletic director John Barnhill, who was at the game, told the Albuquerque Journal one or more Valencia players “pulled one of our players down.” Barnhill said after the Highland player pushed back, he was placed in a headlock by a Jaguars’ player.
That’s when Barnhill said some Valencia fans went on the pitch, followed by Highland supporters.
“There was not a bunch of fighting — but it’s unacceptable,” Barnhill said.
Los Lunas Schools director of athletics Wilson Holland told the News-Bulletin the incident was, “Unfortunate, disappointing.”
Holland watched video of what happened.
“From the video that I saw, they (fans) were on the field trying to be peacemakers. I believe wholeheartedly that none of our spectators, fans, parents engaged in anything that was inappropriate other than breaking an NMAA bylaw and a soccer rule about being on the field.”
Under the NMAA “2 Strikes” policy, Valencia and Highland will have their boys’ soccer season canceled if they are awarded a second strike. If the fan bases of either team get another strike, they would be banned from attending future games.
According to the NMMA, Valencia and Highland are the first two fan bases to be sanctioned under the bylaw.
In September, the Belen and Valley football teams were the first programs given a first strike because of a scrum during their Sept. 8 game.
“I do not have any problem with their decision. It does meet the criteria for a strike,” Holland said about the soccer sanctions. “We have to learn to keep our composure. When we fail to be accountable, there are consequences.”
Holland also acted separately from the NMAA punishment. Valencia forfeited last Saturday’s game at Chaparral, and Jaguars’ players and coaches must watch an online NMAA video about sportsmanship.
In addition, VHS head coach Eric Guiterrez was scheduled to meet with parents to explain what happened and why the first strike was imposed.
Holland also talked to the players.
“I told them. ‘I’m not mad at you’,” Holland said. “I’m just like a parent. I’m disappointed.”
The Jaguars will be shorthanded as district play continues. According to Holland, several players who received “red cards” will miss the remaining 15 percent of the teams’ games because they were involved in a physical altercation, per NMAA rules.
Players who received “unsportsman penalties” will miss an additional game.
“It’s a mistake. We’re going to move on and be better for it.”
Valencia (6-7-1, 0-2) was back on the pitch Tuesday against Belen (2-14, 1-3), winning 4-0. The rematch with Highland is scheduled for Oct. 24.
Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.
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April 25, 2024
