Skip to main content

Pennsylvania high school football team forfeits game due to rash of injuries

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo09/03/25Andy_Villamarzo
Shady Side Academy Football
Shady Side Academy Football; Courtesy of Shady Side Athletics website

Shady Side Academy (Pa.) announced Wednesday afternoon that its football team would be forfeiting Friday’s contest against Clairton (Pa.) due to an “extraordinary rash of significant injuries across the roster.”

The Bulldogs (2-0) are coming off a 56-26 victory over Burrell last week and opened the season with a narrow, 28-26 win over Greensburg Central Catholic. According to the Massey Ratings, Clairton was projected to win 48-12 over Shady Side Academy.

“Our players have battled through injuries and adversity with heart and resilience, and their 2-0 start speaks volumes about their character,” Shady Side Academy head coach Andrew Geisler said in the official statement by the team. “But nothing is more important than their safety. This is a temporary setback, not a reflection of what this team can accomplish together this season.”

According to the WPIAL Insider on social media, Clairton has issued an open challenge to any Pennsylvania high school football program in need of a game this Friday night as the Bears have 25 players available to play. The Bears are off to a 1-1 start, losing the home opener to Imani Christian Academy before blowing out Serra Catholic, 79-0.

Serra Catholic head coach Akeeme Robinson chimed in on X that his team played last week with just 14 players, eight starters missing the game.

How to Follow Pennsylvania High School Football

For high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Keystone 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 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 high school football excitement across the country.