Injuries force Redbirds to give win to Steinert.
By:
Allentown High School Principal Christopher Nagy on Thursday said the varsity football team would forfeit its game Saturday against Steinert.
Mr. Nagy said the team has a roster of 25 players, but is down to 12 who are healthy. It was the recommendation of the school physician and trainer that the game against Steinert not be played, he said.
In addition to the 12 players, Allentown has approximately eight more with little or no varsity experience, he added.
"In a contact sport such as football, we cannot ask a small number of athletes, some with limited football experience, to potentially play offense, defense, and special teams, thereby never leaving the playing field," Mr. Nagy said in a press release. "This, we feel, would be jeopardizing the health and safety of these students."
Mr. Nagy later on Thursday afternoon said it was not a difficult decision.
"Not at all," he said. "Because of the lack of experience of the younger players, it was an accident waiting to happen. It’s never a great situation to request a forfeit, but the health and safety of our players is first and foremost."
The NJSIAA, the state’s governing body for scholastic sports, said Thursday afternoon that it would permit the forfeit.
"My understanding is that in talking with Allentown Athletic Director Dan Venet and officials at Steinert High School that the game between Allentown and Steinert scheduled for Saturday will be forfeited based on the recommendation of the school medical inspector that the health of the players would be at risk," said Jim Loper, associated director of the NJSIAA.
Allentown, which started the season 2-1, will fall to 2-6 after the forfeit. The Redbirds have one game remaining on the schedule, Nov. 9 against Trenton, plus a state consolation contest.
Mr. Nagy said the school was trying to change the date to Nov. 8.
"If we do play, it will be (Nov. 8)," he said. "It’s up in the air relative to whether or not we’ll be healthy enough to play. We’re taking this week-to-week."

