Jamestown High School’s football team decided to forfeit Friday’s game against Lafayette because six of Jamestown’s 23 varsity players are sick or injured.
In a statement late Tuesday, Jamestown athletic director Kenny Edwards said that the choice wasn’t an easy one, but is the right call to make.
“The health and safety of our student-athletes is and must remain our greatest consideration. We are thinking not only of the injured players but also the 17 remaining team members,” Edwards said. “There simply are not enough athletes to ensure adequate substitutions or breaks from play during Friday’s game, and we will not risk additional injuries.”
The decision to forfeit the game against crosstown rival Lafayette was made by Jamestown principal Howard Townsend in consultation with Edwards, who is also the football coach.
“I know it is disappointing for our players and our school community to cancel this week’s game, but it is absolutely the right thing to do,” Townsend said. “I will choose student welfare over wins and losses every time — our team and our student body are resilient, and we will not let this setback define us.”
The health of the injured Jamestown players and their ability to play will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis for the remainder of the season.
The game was supposed to take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 25. According to Virginia High School League rules, the forfeiture will be recorded as a win by Lafayette and a loss by Jamestown.
Regarding the forfeiture, Lafayette principal Dr. Daniel Miani said he only wished the best for Jamestown’s players as they rest and recover.
“We certainly understand and support Jamestown’s decision,” Miani said. “In the spirit of good sportsmanship, we wish the Eagles’ players a speedy recovery.”
Jamestown is not alone in its health troubles this season. High school football teams from Caroline County to Waynesboro have had to forfeit one or more games as a result of injuries or not having enough players. Locally, Bruton had to forfeit half of its games last year because it couldn’t field a full team. The Virginia High School League recommends teams have 25 or more players.
As of Friday afternoon, Jamestown has not commented on the team’s plans for the game against New Kent on Nov. 1.
Sean CW Korsgaard, 757-968-1529, sean.korsgaard@vagazette.com.
