Massachusetts' annual rivalry game cancelled due to lack of players

As the regular season begins to come to a close around the high school football world, teams are struggling to reach the finish line and one of Massachusetts’ annual rivalry games has been canceled because of a lack of available players.

According to a report by the Vineyard Gazette, Marthas Vineyard Reg (2-4) will not be playing rival Nantucket (7-0) in the annual Island Cup due to a lack of players, with a forfeit being awarded to the Whalers.

Vineyarders’ head coach Tony Mottola made the call in calling off the game, which the team had a planned parade that was supposed to take place on Sunday, but was canceled as well, per the report.

“I know the timing isn’t ideal because it’s the Island Cup,” Mottola said via the report. “My job is to have the safety of the kids in the forefront…We obviously felt as a staff that this was the right thing to do.”

“Each week we have been trying to put it together. Their bodies are getting worn down…It kind of all came to a head and became a safety issue.”

After a promising 2-1 start to the season, Martha’s Vineyard Regional just couldn’t sustain the early momentum as the Vineyarders have lost four straight games.

Nantucket on the other hand is experiencing a successful, undefeated season thus far as the Whalers are currently 7-0 and are coming off a 34-14 win over Sandwich last week.

How to Follow Massachusetts High School Football

For Massachusetts high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the state, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Bay State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the state of Massachusetts.