Massachusetts High School Forfeits State Semifinal For Graduation Cigars, And It's The Kind Of Selfish Blow That Haunts You For Years

You guys. Seriously. I just read something that made my blood boil, made me want to throw my coffee across the room. We talk about tough losses here in Seattle, right? The last-second field goals, the blown leads, the boneheaded plays. But this? This takes the cake. A Massachusetts high school lacrosse team, an entire team, just got forced to forfeit their state semifinal game. You read that right. A game they earned, a chance at glory, gone. And the reason why will absolutely blow your mind.

What Went Down In Massachusetts

So, get this: this Massachusetts high school lacrosse squad was cruising, playing their hearts out, pushing for a state title. They made it all the way to the state semifinals. That's the dream, right? That's what every athlete, from the newest Kraken recruit like Berkly Catton to our veteran Sounders like Cristian Roldan, strives for. The big stage, the chance to prove it all.

But instead of stepping onto the field for that crucial game, they were forced to forfeit. Why? Because a group of seniors, after graduation, decided to smoke cigars. Not a game-losing penalty. Not an injury. Cigars. After graduation. That's it. That's the whole story. Can you even *imagine*? If Sam Darnold had a phenomenal game, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was hauling everything in, and the Seahawks were rolling towards something special, only for some off-field, completely avoidable, boneheaded decision to yank the rug out? I'd lose my mind! We've seen our share of tough breaks as Seattle fans, but this one feels... different. It's not an opponent beating you; it's entirely self-inflicted.

The Unforgivable Cost of a Bad Call

A state semifinal. That's where you've poured everything into it. Every practice, every early morning, every bruise, every sweat drop. The Sounders fight for those big moments, right? Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan giving their all for the Emerald City. Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle battling on the ice for the Kraken, pushing for a deep run. You don't just *get* to a state semifinal by luck. It takes dedication, sacrifice, and teamwork. And for a group of seniors, supposedly the leaders, to make a choice that strips that opportunity from *everyone*? From the underclassmen who looked up to them? From the coaches who dedicated their lives? That's just... soul-crushing.

This isn't about rules or technicalities. This is about common sense, about respecting the game, about respecting your teammates. We always talk about "Next Man Up" or "All In" here in Seattle, rallying around our teams at Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park. But what about "Don't Blow Up Your Own Season For a Cigar"? This kind of selfishness is a poison that can wreck an entire locker room, an entire season. It's a harsh lesson, but one that absolutely needed to be shared.

As for this Massachusetts team, there's no next game. Their season is just... over. And honestly, it makes you appreciate every single moment our Mariners are out there battling at T-Mobile Park early in this season. Every Cal Raleigh moonshot, every Julio Rodriguez sprint. It reminds you how precious these seasons are. So as we watch the Mariners battle it out, or wait for the Seahawks to hit the Lumen Field turf, let's just remember: cherish the wins, rage at the losses, but never, *ever* let something this avoidable cost you everything. Go Seattle. Always.

DFS Pick'em

⚡ DraftKings Pick 6: Deposit $5, Get $25 in Bonus Instantly + Up to 100% Winning Boost

Use code ONTAP to lock in this offer.

👉 Get your $25 DraftKings Pick 6 bonus

Sponsored. Must be 18+. Terms apply.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.