Updated Oct. 18 at 4:44 p.m.

By Mary O’KEEFE

The football game between Hoover and Crescenta Valley high schools slated for tomorrow, Friday, night has been canceled.

“We are disappointed to report that the Hoover High School football team will not be able to field enough varsity players who are ready to safely play their football game against Crescenta Valley High School this Friday, Oct. 19. We know how much canceling the football game affects both our Hoover and Crescenta Valley High School communities; however, student safety and well-being is our absolute highest priority,” stated GUSD.

The decision comes as the result of a fight involving several students at Hoover High School on Oct. 3. The district is still investigating what caused the fight; however, it affected several football players.

“All Hoover coaches have returned to work and all football players are eligible to play. Regular football practices were scheduled to resume at Hoover on Monday. However, as of Wednesday, not enough varsity football players have returned to regular practice for the team to safely prepare to take the field on Friday,” the statement continued.

As of press time, Hoover will play its final game against Glendale High School on Oct. 25.

Friday’s game was more than just a regular game for CVHS, it was the school’s homecoming.

“We found out (Tuesday night),” said Katie Blood, Associated Student Body senior class president.

In response, school administrators, teachers and students immediately answered a call to action.

On Wednesday morning, the ASB cabinet, with input from pep squad and band, put together an event to demonstrate school pride; [they will] work together through this situation, stated John Pehar, ASB mentor.

“We want to make this something special,” he said. “I am truly amazed at my cabinet and how they will not allow the negative distractions deter them from making a community event that we can all be proud of.”

“We are going to have a ceremony from 4:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday,” Blood said. “It will include a powderpuff game and all the sports teams are invited.” Powderpuff football games are typically flag football or touch football games with girls from junior and senior classes.

All teams have been invited to join ASB in a parade around the CVHS track that will begin with JROTC members.

“The CV band will be performing and the CV choir will perform the national anthem,” Blood said.

After the powderpuff game there will be the homecoming court coronation ceremony as in years past. After that the pep squad will perform.

“The CV[HS] dance team will perform as well,” Blood added.

The event was pulled together quickly with everyone working collaboratively.

“It has been really great with everyone getting on board and working with the administration,” Blood said.

The community is invited to attend. Admission is free and the event is being held at the CVHS track and field. The parade begins at 4:45 p.m.

“We want the community to join us,” Blood said.

  Mary Okeefe