The echoes of "Go Hornets!" throughout North Gateway Tire Field at Highland Stadium will sound different this Friday after Highland High School learned its homecoming game has been canceled.
Students, like Highland High School senior and running back Casey Myser, told News 5 about the sudden change.
“This is obviously very unexpected. But yeah, we have to keep locked in,” said Mysers. “You only get so many games and getting one of them taken away from you, it kind of sucks.”
Coach Mike Gibbons said the team explored every possible option with the Barberton City School District’s football team.
Still, he said it wasn’t enough.
“It's really frustrating, but again we can’t control that,” said Gibbons.
On Thursday, the Highland Local School District posted on Facebook that its Friday night football game against Barberton has been canceled.
According to the post, Barberton informed HLSD that its varsity football game had to be canceled "due to reported injuries to 10 of their starting players, they would be unable to play on Friday night."
HLSD stated that they met with the commissioner of the suburban league to determine if a modified game plan with limited playing time for starters would be effective, and Barberton agreed to the plan. However, the district later learned that Barberton would not play in Friday's game.
"We know how disappointing this is for our players, families, and the entire community, especially given the importance of Homecoming, the Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and other time-honored traditions that mean so much to our students.
"We are exploring options for an alternative Homecoming celebration so that our students, alumni, and community may still have an opportunity to come together Friday evening. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available." HLSD said in the post.
On Wednesday afternoon, Barberton City Schools issued a statement on Facebook:
Barberton City Schools has made the difficult decision to withdraw from this Friday’s football game due to a number of player injuries that have reduced the roster size. While multiple options were explored, it was determined that competing would not be safe or feasible.
Superintendent Jason Ondrus emphasized that student safety remains the district’s top priority:
“Our players have shown tremendous effort and dedication. This decision is in no way a reflection of their commitment. 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.”
The district appreciates the understanding and support of families, fans, and the community as it prioritizes student well-being
“It’s not a normal situation especially when you go through a whole weekend of preparation for an opponent, thinking that it’s another league opponent,” said Gibbons.
Now, Myser and other players must face this tough reality while trying their best to move forward.
“Even if we don’t have a game at all, we have to keep preparing like we have a huge game coming up that Friday,” said Myser.
Despite not being able to secure another opponent for this Friday, Highland Local School District sent a letter to Hornet fans that said the district remains fully committed to celebrating its community and ensuring that students have a meaningful and memorable homecoming weekend.
Those plans include hosting their normal activities and a unique pep rally experience with fireworks, to which the community is invited to attend to celebrate and show their school spirit.
“Come out Friday night. Celebrate with us. We feel your support. Our football players feel your support, and this is a special place to be,” said Gibbons.
Even though the community’s support will look a little different this Friday, the district encourages people to come out and cheer on those seniors as they celebrate their last homecoming.
Here's the full list of activities:
Celebrate homecoming and school spirit with the community! Come to Highland High School Friday night and support our kids and community for a night of fun!
· Doors open at 6:00 p.m. - no charge for entrance
· Concessions will be available for purchase
· 50/50 raffle
· Varsity Football Players will be available to sign autographs
7:00 p.m. – Community Pep Assembly
Join us for a community pep assembly! We will play fun games, cheer as a community, and recognize our distinguished alumni!
1st Quarter: Powder Puff Football 9th vs. 10th; 11th vs. 12th
Between Quarters: High School class will take part in a Punt, Pass, Kick Challenge
2nd Quarter: Youth Football preview! (Grades 5/6)
Halftime: Homecoming Court Introductions & Coronation and Marching Band Halftime Show
3rd Quarter: Championship round for Powder Puff Football
Between Quarters: Bucket golf: Highland Varsity vs. Middle School golfers
4th Quarter: Youth Football (Grades 3/4) and Varsity kids’ “scrimmage”
FIREWORKS SHOW FINALE!! The field will be open for families to join together to watch the fireworks show. Don’t forget to bring your blankets!
