California high school football team abruptly cancels season amid investigation

Less than a month into the 2026 high school football season, one prominent California high school has called the rest of their season off.

Hollister High’s football program was shut down on Monday, Sept. 21, by the San Benito High School District, stating that the district is reviewing a matter involving multiple members of the Balers’ football program.

The district said the number of available student-athletes is no longer sufficient to “safely field a team” for the remainder of the season.

“The district has carefully considered the circumstances and the interests of all our students,” Superintendent Shawn Tennenbaum said in a letter to the school community.

The decision comes 11 days after Hollister coach Thomas Sullivan was placed on paid administrative leave while the district investigated an unspecified matter related to the football program. Longtime former coach Chris Cameron was subsequently named interim coach. The district did not disclose what prompted the coaching change, as well as the review.

Hollister played its next game under Cameron, defeating Wilcox 27-20 on Sept. 11 to improve to 3-0. Six days later, the Balers forfeited their scheduled game against Alisal just hours before kickoff. The district said the decision was connected to an “ongoing review of a recent report regarding team activities.”

Hollister had been scheduled to host Soquel on Sept. 25 for its Homecoming game, followed by games against Palma, Monterey, Carmel, Salinas and North Salinas. The school’s junior varsity and freshman football teams will continue their seasons, while Homecoming activities, including the parade and dance, are expected to proceed.

The district said it will provide additional information “if and when” it can be shared, while asking the community to respect the privacy of the students and families involved.

Hollister has historically been one of the better programs in the Golden State, winning five Central Coast Section football championships (1984, 1985, 1986, 2000, 2005).

Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California high school football team abruptly cancels season amid investigation