WOODBRIDGE, VA. (11-21-25) – Allegations of cheating during a Virginia high school football playoff game (Class 6, Region B quarterfinal) last Friday between Forest Park and Battlefield in Woodbridge, Virginia are being investigated.

Parents of Forest Park players claim that Battlefield used listening devices on the sidelines, which are prohibited. Prince William County Public Schools are investigating these claims after volunteers working the first down chains were accused of using communication devices.

Chain gang controversy

Late in the third quarter, electronic devices were discovered on the four-person chain gang and the crew was immediately removed and replaced with another group.

The electronic devices were discovered with 15 seconds left in the third quarter with Battlefield up 17-10. 

Michael O’Brien, a parent of a Forest Park football player, expressed concern over the situation, saying:

“The chain gang, the way it works, the people who move the first down chains, are on the visitor’s side, and it’s supplied by the home team. The people, there were Battlefield people on our side…communicating our plays.” 

The incident was reported to the school district’s student activities management department, which started an investigation.

In a letter written by Forest Park principal Richard Martinez and Battlefield principal Delores Lucas and sent out to both schools’ families-

“Dear Families of Forest Park and Battlefield High Schools,

We aim to provide more clarity regarding a concerning incident from last night’s varsity playoff game. Reports emerged that certain volunteers on the first-down chains were inappropriately using communication devices. Upon request, referees instructed them to cease use and those volunteers were removed to prevent further issue.

This matter was escalated to the Prince William County Public Schools Student Activities Management Department, which has since started a thorough investigation. Findings will be sent to the Virginia High School League to aid in deciding whether penalties are necessary.

In light of these events, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable dedication our student-athletes have shown throughout the season. Their commitment to excellence both on and off the field reflects the pride of our school community. Going forward, we are dedicated to promoting the values of integrity and sportsmanship, so that fair play and respect remain integral to all competitions.

Kind regards,

Richard Martinez

Principal, Forest Park High School

Delores Lucas

Principal, Battlefield High School

What’s next for the investigation

The outcome of the investigation by Prince William County Public Schools will be sent to the Virginia High School League (VHSL), which will determine if any penalties are necessary.

The specifics of the penalties, if any, that the Virginia High School League might impose have not been noted.

The final score saw Battlefield beat Forest Park (6-5) 27-16.

The Bobcats are 10-1 and will play North Stanford (8-3), who they beat 14-13 in the first game of the season, in another Virginia HS playoff game.

Despite the current allegations and investigations going on…the result stands and Battlefield continues on in the playoffs.

Chain gang rules—