Head football coach Mr. Paul Doherty resigned yesterday following allegations surrounding repeated violations. Aug. 19 the athletic department emailed the football team and families announcing the coaching staff received their fifth California Interscholastic Federation infraction over the last two and a half years. The team violated the rule of practicing with pads for an extended period of time during the off season. At the same time as Doherty, assistant coach Mr. Marc Rubalcaba resigned from coaching as well. Mr. Jesse Armas is named head coach for the season.

The CIF rule that was broken during offseason training is rule 2001c, which states “Team camps and other off-season activities are allowable with the following equipment only: footballs, bags, blocking sleds and football shoes.”

In a statement aired as a part of FOX40’s coverage of the resignations, the Rocklin Unified School District response was, “The school district and Whitney High School will continue to be committed to ensuring the school’s athletic program maintains their strong traditions of integrity and excellence.”

Due to the violation of the CIF rule the varsity football team is no longer eligible for playoffs; however the team will go through the appeals process needed to regain eligibility.

Online chatter began midday Saturday when Sacramento Bee reporter Joe Davidson, known for covering high school sports in the area, tweeted the news. Players reacted to the news by posting on social media.

WE GUNNA BE ALRIGHT. LEADERS WILL LEAD AND WE ALL HAVE TO LOCK IN, NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES WE WILL FACE IN THE FUTURE ‼️💯 pic.twitter.com/vclGKCPEUg

— KiNG Cae$ar (@nick_eaton11) August 20, 2017

The athletic department is hosting a meeting today at 5 p.m. in the theater to discuss questions and concerns.

by MADILYN SINDELAR