The Syracuse High School football team has forfeited its first-round playoff matchup Friday night against Sterling (No. 1 in 1A).
Syracuse cited health concerns for its players.
“After multiple meetings and careful consideration, we have made the extremely difficult decision to forfeit our upcoming football game at Sterling on Friday October 30th,” Syracuse High School announced on its USD 494 Syracuse Athletic Activities Facebook page.
“Throughout the season, the football team has experienced numerous injuries resulting in a limited roster size, especially as we have approached the end of the regular season. The safety and well-being of our students has been, and always will be a top priority. Though this is a very difficult decision, we believe it is a responsible decision to prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes.
“Sterling was making preparations to extend a tremendous level of hospitality to our coaches, student-athletes, cheerleaders, and bus driver. We appreciate the Sterling football team, administration, and community for their understanding and we wish the best of luck to the Black Bears as they continue on in the playoffs.”
Due to player health and safety concerns, Syracuse forfeited the second half of last Friday’s football game against the Ellinwood Eagles.
Ellinwood won the game 38-0, which ended at halftime on the 35-point mercy rule. Sterling defeated Syracuse 59-8 earlier in the season.
Sterling will play the winner of the Moundridge-Belle Plaine first-round game in the second round. Belle Plaine (2-6) hosts Moundridge (4-4) at 5 p.m. Friday.
Syracuse will finish the season with a 1-8 record.
