By Miles Layton

When I first saw the news Thursday evening that the Aces wouldn’t be playing First Flight, I thought – that’s weird; I don’t think there’s any major storms ahead.  But then I read closer — First Flight decided to forfeit Friday’s football game against the Aces. OK!?

As I was writing a story about Gates County’s new librarian – more on that later – an email popped into the system explaining why the Nighthawks won’t be playing the Aces but announcing their plans to cancel the remainder of the season — wow!

And I hate that the Nighthawks won’t be playing because I like watching First Flight play from time to time in Kill Devil Hills.

Anyway, according to the email sent near and far, First Flight High School has canceled the remainder of its varsity football season, citing safety concerns tied to the team’s roster and the number of healthy players available. That whole message is posted at the end of the story.

Principal Joseph Bell Tyson made the decision with input from the football coaching staff, the athletic director and the athletic trainer, according to an email and Infinite Campus message sent to families near and far Friday morning.

The Nighthawks (0-4) have lost their last four games against Perquimans, Camden, Manteo and Catholic high schools.

The message said the varsity roster is extremely limited, leaving few players to rotate in or replace starters if injuries or fatigue occur. In several position groups, the depth chart is at or near its minimum, making it difficult to safely sustain the demands of varsity competition.

“Simply put, we do not have enough varsity players or adequate depth across the roster to safely continue the season,” the message said.

Tyson met with football players, parents, coaches and staff Thursday at 4 p.m. in the school cafeteria to explain the decision. He also answered questions from those in attendance.

“We recognize the tremendous commitment and effort our football players, coaches, and families have made this season,” Tyson said. “We understand how difficult this decision is, particularly for our seniors. However, our responsibility is to make decisions that protect the health and safety of our students. We simply do not have enough varsity players or the depth necessary to safely continue competing at the varsity level.”

The school worked with the NCHSAA Commissioner, who granted permission for First Flight players, including seniors, to play with the junior varsity team for the rest of the season. Players must choose to participate, and the opponent must approve.

According to the message, the arrangement gives student-athletes a chance to keep practicing and competing while addressing the safety concerns around the varsity roster.

“While this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, the school remains proud of the commitment these student-athletes have demonstrated throughout the season and will continue to support them and the First Flight football program,” the message said.

The school said it remains committed to putting the health, safety and well-being of its students first.

Email Sent to the Nighthawks’ Nation

FFHS families received the following email and Infinite Campus message this morning about the decision to cancel the remainder of the varsity football season:

First Flight High School Principal Joseph Bell Tyson has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the First Flight High School varsity football season due to safety concerns related to the team’s current roster and available healthy players. The decision was made with guided input from the football coaching staff, athletic director, and athletic trainer.

At this time, the overall depth of the varsity roster is extremely limited, leaving very few available players to rotate into positions or replace starters if injuries or fatigue occur. In several position groups, the depth chart is at or near its minimum, making it difficult to safely sustain the demands of varsity competition. Simply put, we do not have enough varsity players or adequate depth across the roster to safely continue the season.

After careful consideration, Principal Tyson determined that continuing the varsity season under the current circumstances would present significant safety concerns for our student-athletes. The health and safety of our students will always remain our highest priority.

A meeting was held Thursday, September 17, at 4 p.m. in the First Flight High School cafeteria. Principal Tyson met with football players, parents, coaches, and staff to communicate the decision and explain the circumstances surrounding it. Tyson also addressed and answered questions brought forward by those in attendance.

“We recognize the tremendous commitment and effort our football players, coaches, and families have made this season,” said Principal Tyson. “We understand how difficult this decision is, particularly for our seniors. However, our responsibility is to make decisions that protect the health and safety of our students. We simply do not have enough varsity players or the depth necessary to safely continue competing at the varsity level.”

The school has worked with the NCHSAA Commissioner, and permission has been granted for First Flight players, including seniors, to participate with the junior varsity team for the remainder of the season if they choose and are approved by the opponent. This provides an opportunity for student-athletes to continue practicing and competing while addressing the safety concerns surrounding the varsity roster.

First Flight High School appreciates the dedication of its football players, coaches, families, and supporters. While this is not the outcome anyone hoped for, the school remains proud of the commitment these student-athletes have demonstrated throughout the season and will continue to support them and the First Flight football program.

First Flight High School remains committed to putting the health, safety, and well-being of its students first.