News Summary
Barberton High School has canceled its varsity football game against Highland due to an overwhelming number of player injuries. This decision comes after Highland tried to modify game conditions to allow for a matchup. The cancellation is particularly disappointing for Highland as it coincided with homecoming festivities, affecting the community and players. Highland’s Athletic Director has raised concerns about the implications of this cancellation for the league’s integrity and is suggesting formal action against Barberton. Despite this setback, Highland is planning alternative homecoming celebrations.
Highland, Ohio – Barberton High School has officially canceled its varsity football game against Highland, which was set to take place on October 3. The cancellation is due to a significant number of player injuries that have left Barberton with an insufficient roster to safely compete.
Highland officials revealed that ten of Barberton’s starting players are currently injured. Barberton’s administration determined that fielding a team under these circumstances would pose safety risks and was therefore not feasible. In attempts to salvage the matchup, Highland proposed modifications to the game conditions, such as reducing the playing time for starters, shortening quarters, and implementing a running clock. Initially, Barberton agreed to this modified plan but later opted to cancel the game entirely.
The cancellation is especially disappointing for Highland as the varsity football game was intended to coincide with the school’s homecoming festivities. This loss impacts not only the players but also the community, who had been looking forward to the celebrations surrounding the event.
In response to the game cancellation, Highland Athletic Director Jon Bailey expressed strong concerns regarding the incident in an email directed to the other Suburban League Athletic Directors. He articulated that such cancellations could undermine the integrity and credibility of the league, setting a concerning precedent for future instances. To maintain fairness and uphold the league’s standards, he recommended taking formal action to remove Barberton from the Suburban League.
Keith Walker, the Athletic Director of the Suburban League, declined to comment on the situation following Bailey’s communication. Barberton officials have remained unresponsive to inquiries concerning the decision to cancel the game.
Despite the setbacks from the cancellation, Highland is actively exploring alternative ways to celebrate homecoming. Plans include a community pep rally and a fireworks show at North Gateway Tire Field, alongside various activities such as power-puff football games and punt, pass, and kick contests.
As the Highland Hornets remain undefeated at 6-0, they currently sit at the top of the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Division II, Region 6 rankings. In contrast, Barberton’s football team records stand at 1-5, having recently faced a narrow defeat against Kent Roosevelt prior to the cancellation of the upcoming game.
Highland has expressed confidence in enhancing the community spirit through their planned events, despite the disappointment of the canceled game. The overall situation highlights the challenges faced in high school athletics, especially regarding player safety and the operational dynamics within league play.
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Additional Resources
- WKYC: Barberton High School Football Game Canceled
- Beacon Journal: Highland Athletic Director on Barberton Removal
- News 5 Cleveland: Barberton Cancels Homecoming Football Game
- USA Today High School Sports: Barberton vs. Highland Canceled Game
- Cleveland.com: Highland vs. Barberton Football Game Canceled
- Wikipedia: Ohio High School Athletic Association
- Google Search: Highland High School Football
- Google Scholar: High School Football Injuries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Google News: Highland Barberton Football Cancellation
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