CALDWELL, Idaho — The Caldwell football team will have to forfeit its next game, but not for protest, COVID-19 or sporting reasons. According to our news partners at the Idaho Statesman, kids just are not getting the grades they need to be able to play.
Reporter Michael Lycklama says Caldwell's football coach told him only about 24 people were eligible for this Friday's game against Bishop Kelly, and of that number, 14 were freshmen. The coach says the team has been in study hall this week instead of practicing to get their grades in order.
Just spoke with Caldwell football coach Steven Fleshman. This is an academic issue and has nothing to do with any planned protests.
— Michael Lycklama (@michaellycklama) October 7, 2020
"Absolutely not. We sat down today and said who was eligible now. It was 25 names, and 14 of them were freshmen." #idpreps https://t.co/joAFoIDHul
Caldwell's athletic director shared the cancellation on Twitter, saying Bishop Kelly will get the automatic win.
Caldwell High School notified Bishop Kelly High School today that it would cancel the scheduled Friday, Oct. 9 varsity football game at Caldwell. With the cancellation of the game, Bishop Kelly will be awarded the win.
— CougarAD (@Caldwell_AD) October 7, 2020
