The Madras High School girls varsity volleyball team will not advance in the Oregon 4A state playoffs after Jefferson County School District officials announced a forfeit of the team's first-round matchup against Marist Catholic, citing student conduct that "does not meet our standards and expectations for our student athletes."
The forfeit, announced Wednesday, ends what had been a successful season for the White Buffalos, who had earned a berth as the No. 15 seed in the 4A state bracket. Marist Catholic, seeded second in the bracket, advances without playing.
District Statement
Jefferson County School District confirmed the forfeit in an official statement, saying district officials became aware of conduct by members of the volleyball program that warranted the penalty under school and district standards. Officials did not publicly name the students involved or specify the nature of the conduct in their announcement.
Reports circulating on social media indicated multiple players were suspended following an incident involving alcohol, though school officials have not confirmed those specifics through official channels. The Madras Bulletin has reached out to the district for additional comment.
A Difficult End to a Strong Season
Reaching the Oregon state volleyball playoffs is a meaningful achievement for any 4A program. Madras High School competes in the 4A classification of the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), which includes schools with enrollment profiles similar to Madras — roughly 500 to 600 students.
Earning a postseason berth and a state ranking represents months of work by players, coaches, and athletic staff. For the members of the team not involved in the incident, the forfeit carries a particular sting.
The volleyball season is officially over for the White Buffalos. The school has not publicly indicated whether any coaching-level or program reviews are planned in response to the incident.
What Comes Next
OSAA rules require that forfeits resulting from disciplinary actions be reported to the association. The governing body will record the forfeit as part of the official playoff record. Marist Catholic, the No. 2 seed, advances to the next round of the 4A state tournament.
Jefferson County School District officials and Madras High School administration could not be reached for additional comment by press time. The Madras Bulletin will provide further updates as information becomes available.