For one Arizona high school, competing weekly on the football field has been a challenge this season. That trend will continue this week.
Scottsdale Saguaro (AZ) has only played two games due to roster limitations and that will continue after this week as the Sabercats cancelled their upcoming game with Pinnacle (AZ). This time though, the school cited the cancelation as being related to academic reasons.
Eric Sorenson of Sports 360AZ first reported the news Tuesday evening and Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic confirmed the news with Pinnacle on Wednesday.
The Arizona Republic was forwarded a letter that was sent to community citing the decision to cancel the game from Scottsdale Unified School District athletic director Stephen Cervantez.
"The decision to cancel this week’s game was made due to academic eligibility concerns within the Saguaro football program," the letter reads. "While this is undoubtedly a difficult moment, it is also an important reminder of one of our most fundamental commitments: our students are students first. Academics must remain the foundation of the student-athlete experience, and meeting academic eligibility requirements is essential to participating in school athletics."
...We recognize that this news will be especially disappointing for the players who have invested their time, energy, and heart into this season. We also know how much our coaches, families, classmates, and Saguaro supporters have rallied around this team. Thank you for your continued support of our students, our coaches, and the Saguaro community."
Arizona Central reported that Saguaro's varsity roster featured 18 players in the spring when Butch Goncharoff was named the program's new head coach. Due to the low numbers, the freshman and JV seasons were both canceled and Saguaro started the season with 33 varsity players.
The Sabercats opened the season with a 62-0 loss to Desert Mountain (AZ) and suffered multiple injuries in the game. That resulted in Saguaro having to forfeit its next game against ALA Queen Creek (AZ).
Saguaro returned to the field last week and lost to Mountain Ridge (AZ) 45-6. The Sabercats are set to return to the field on October 2 at home against Williams Field (AZ).
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arizona high school football program cancels another game for a surprising new reason
