Friday’s Revere vs. Garfield Football Game Canceled Over Health Concerns

Friday night’s highly anticipated high school football game between Revere and Akron Garfield has been canceled, with health concerns at the center of the decision.

The Minutemen say they were ready to take the field, but Garfield chose not to participate after learning two Revere players had been diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease.

In a joint statement, Revere athletic director Don Seeker and principal Doug Farris explained that the game at Joseph F. Pappano Stadium was called off at Garfield’s request. Revere emphasized that there is no outbreak at the school and maintained they had “a healthy team ready to play.”

Administrators are now considering whether the canceled contest might be counted as a forfeit victory for the Minutemen. Special events, including Revere’s Athletic Hall of Fame and Youth Night, will be rescheduled.

The cancellation comes just a week after another Summit County game, Norton versus Lawrence Northwest, was scrapped due to illness. Both Revere and Garfield enter the second week of the season with 1-0 records, each having earned victories in their openers.

While schools must protect students from unnecessary health risks, children also have the right to safe and meaningful participation in sports.

Athletics are not just about competition but about growth, teamwork, and community, and decisions about canceling games must weigh health concerns carefully against young athletes’ right to fair play and opportunity.