Caldera forfeits its two football wins for violating playing-time limits; head coach Mike Mitchell resigns

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Caldera High School has forfeited two varsity football non-league victories this season due to violations of the OSAA rule that limits 5A players to no more than five quarters of play time in a 48-hour period, Bend-La Pine Schools announced Wednesday.

The forfeited home games were on Sept. 6 (Pendleton) and Sept. 20 (Lebanon). In both weeks, multiple players played six quarters, between varsity and JV games, within 48 hours. OSAA also will impose a $500 fine for the violations. Caldera will not contest the OSAA sanctions.

The school district also announced that Caldera head football coach Mike Mitchell resigned his position on Sunday. The school has named assistant coach Ryan Miller interim head coach for the remainder of this season. The permanent head coach position will be posted at the end of this season.

“The play time rule is important for student safety and fairness, and we regret these violations,” Caldera Principal Chris Boyd said. “We appreciate Mike Mitchell’s decision to step aside, and we have reviewed the play time rule with our coaching staff. We look forward to the rest of this season, beginning with our first league game this Friday at Mountain View High School.”