Football is an inherently violent sport, and injuries are part of the game. Still, one New Jersey high school did not even want to risk it before a game against a much stronger opponent last week.
Kearny High School in New Jersey cancelled its contest last Friday with St. Peter's Prep because of concern over injury. St. Peter's, one of the top teams in the state, was going for its 100th straight win against Hudson County opponents. Meanwhile, Kearny had lost it previous two games by a combined score of 90-6.
"Let's face it, we are extreme opposites in terms of competitiveness," Kearny athletic director John Millar told the Star-Ledger. "They're very good and our program is not. There was concern over potential for injuries. And if we had too many players injured today, there was a question about going forward with the rest of our season and whether we would be able to play it or finish it."
St. Peter's coach Rich Hansen said Kearny administrators called St. Peter's last Monday to confirm that the game was on. But on Friday, Kearny posted the following note on its website: "Tonight's KHS varsity football game has been cancelled."
"Obviously, Kearny didn't get demonstrably worse from Monday to today," Hansen said on Friday. "So, I'm guessing it's been in the works all week. It's regrettable we weren't contacted until today."
Hansen and St. Peter's are hoping to add another game to their schedule to make up for the lost contest.
(H/T to Barstool)
