Port Jefferson drops varsity football team over lack of players
The school fell short of the 16-player minimum needed to field a varsity team.
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For the first time in Port Jefferson High School history, there will not be a varsity football team.
In a letter to parents, Superintendent Jessica Schmettan wrote that the school did not have enough players to field a team, so it will not have a varsity football program this year. The announcement came days before the season was set to begin.
The school fell short of the 16-player minimum needed to field a varsity team. Schmettan wrote in the letter that the district anticipated 23 returning varsity players and eight incoming freshman, but it did not materialize.
The school tried to reach a deal to combine programs with Rocky Point, but it was not able to finalize an agreement.
Schmettman wrote that the district will continue to search for solutions.
"We are not going to stop advocating for our students," she wrote. "The Port Jefferson School District will continue to pursue every possible avenue to enable our varsity football players to get on the field this year."
