CLEVELAND, Ohio — Undefeated Highland will not be able to celebrate its homecoming in a traditional manner Friday night with a football game against Barberton.
That’s because the Magics informed Highland this week they will be unable to field a team for their varsity football game, citing a reduced roster size because of injuries.
“Our players have shown tremendous effort and dedication. This decision is in no way a reflection of their commitment,” Barberton superintendent Jason Ondrus wrote in a statement the district posted Wednesday on Facebook. “We expect to return to the field for the remainder of the season and will continue to monitor the health and safety of our student-athletes each week.”
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The Magics (1-5) were coming off a 33-29 loss to Kent Roosevelt on Friday last week. Highland (6-0), meanwhile, has been dominant all year. The Hornets are ranked eighth in the cleveland.com Northeast Ohio Top 25 and placed second in this week’s Associated Press Division II state poll. They also are rated No. 1 in the Region 6 playoff standings, meaning a cancellation should not hurt their chances at a high seed for the postseason.
Highland has won five of its six games with a mercy rule running clock.
The Highland Local School District announced Wednesday evening it could not find a replacement opponent and will instead conduct a community pep rally and fireworks show at North Gateway Tire Field on the school’s campus in Granger Twp.
The district added, “While this may not be the Homecoming our students had originally envisioned, we are confident that the strength and spirit of the Highland community will shine through. Together, we will make the most of this unexpected situation and show our students the support they deserve.”
Doors will open at 6 p.m. with no charge for entrance. The event will include power-puff football games, plus punt, pass and kick contests, along with additional activities and fireworks as the finale.