Story
Isaac's aftermath leads to Seminole Ridge cancelling football game
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
by
Matt Porter
It's all systems go for high school football in Palm Beach County this week, but one of the biggest games has been washed away.
Palm Beach School District West Area Superintendent Matthew Shoemaker elected to postpone Seminole Ridge's game at Palm Beach Central because of ongoing hazardous conditions in The Acreage and Loxahatchee.
Thanks to flood waters brought by Tropical Storm Isaac, Seminole Ridge was one of eight county schools who will not have classes Wednesday, and the only high school. With roads in the surrounding communities under water Tuesday, students were advised not to travel.
That, Seminole Ridge Principal James Campbell said, would create an unfair advantage for Palm Beach Central on Friday.
If Seminole Ridge returns to school Thursday, it would have just one day of practice before its season opener. Palm Beach Central, meanwhile, would have had two.
Campbell said his school still may not be open Thursday, meaning the Hawks would have no practice time before playing Friday.
"The roads are in horrible condition," Campbell said. "There's no way we could have played. Palm Beach Central can practice, but we aren't leaving our homes."
Seminole Ridge coach Matt Dickmann was concerned over his players losing their conditioning, which he said would happen quickly the longer players can't hit the field. With other teams returning to workouts, his team would be at a disadvantage.
"Hopefully this is one more day," Dickmann said. "If it's two or more days, that's going to be tough."
Seminole Ridge's first game of the season will be Sept. 7 against Park Vista. Campbell said it's unlikely Palm Beach Central will be rescheduled because it is a non-district game and the teams' bye weeks differ.
Palm Beach Central coach Rod Harris was upset over losing the game, saying his school offered Seminole Ridge several rescheduling options.
"We offered to play them Saturday. We offered to play them Monday night. We offered to play them Tuesday night because we understand what's going on in The Acreage and Loxahatchee," Harris said. "It's a home gate for us. It's a great game for the western communities. It's heartbreaking for the kids we can't get this game in."
Seminole Ridge, which beat Palm Beach Central in the Class 8A regional quarterfinals last year, is ranked No. 4 in The Post's preseason rankings. Palm Beach Central is No. 7.
Elsewhere, No. 10 Atlantic and No. 2 American Heritage agreed to move their game from 7 p.m. Thursday to Friday. The Delray Beach rivalry game will be played at Heritage.
Crosstown rivals Boca Raton and West Boca Raton agreed to move their game from 7 p.m. Friday to Saturday. That game will be played at Boca High.
Volleyball
American Heritage d. Coral Springs Charter School 25-17, 25-23, 25-21: Cynta Hritz had eight kills to lead the Stallions (1-0) past the Panthers in Coral Springs. Emily Burbank added 17 digs and Taylor Pak had 24 assists.
St. Andrew's d. Coconut Creek-North Broward Prep 25-19, 25-23, 25-20: The Scots (1-0) opened the season with a win over the Eagles in Coconut Creek.
Football schedule
All games at 7 p.m. unless noted
Thursday's games
John Carroll at Vero Beach-St. Edward's
St. Andrew's at Miami-Florida Christian
Jensen Beach vs. Dakota Ridge (Colo.) in Orlando, 9 p.m.
Friday's games
South Florida HEAT at Boca Christian, 4 p.m.
Atlantic at American Heritage
Wellington at Boynton Beach
Inlet Grove at Cardinal Newman
Centennial at Merritt Island Christian
Glades Central at Dwyer
Summit Christian at Forest Hill
Fort Pierce Westwood at Fort Pierce Central
Jupiter at John I. Leonard
Jupiter Christian at Island Coast
King's Academy at Montverde Academy
Lake Worth at Olympic Heights
South Fork at Martin County
Port St. Lucie at Okeechobee
Palm Beach Lakes at Palm Beach Gardens
Miami-LaSalle at Pope John Paul II
Santaluces at Park Vista
Suncoast at Spanish River
Clewiston at Plantation-American Heritage, 7:30 p.m.
Glades Day at Miami-Monsignor Pace, 7:30 p.m.
Royal Palm Beach at Pahokee, 7:30 p.m.
Treasure Coast at Village Academy, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday's game
Benjamin at Miami-Archbishop Curley, 2 p.m.
West Boca Raton at Boca Raton
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User Comments:
Unbelievable! commented on August 28, 2012 at 9:26 p.m.: report abuse
Why wont Ridge play Central another day? Sounds like Central is bending over backwards. Who cares about the score, play Central. Dickman is a front runner. Always has, always will be. Dickman says, Its my bat and my ball, not my rules Im leaving.
Afraid to lose commented on August 28, 2012 at 9:40 p.m.: report abuse
seminole ridge is afraid they will get their butt handed to them, so they picked the perfect out. Central offered Monday or Tuesday? Wow!! And still won't play?? I'll bet if the game was a home gate for Ridge they would find a way. Typical Ridge arrogance. Dickman should be ashamed. Thought he was a class act. "unfair advantage" sounds like ridge is afraid. Hope Vista kicks the crap out of them.
We'll be waiting commented on August 28, 2012 at 9:46 p.m.: report abuse
Playing Friday would have been hard for both teams, but Ridge ducks out completely by not rescheduling for Saturday, Monday, or Tuesday. That's fine, you'll have nowhere to hide in November. We'll see you then.
???????????? commented on August 28, 2012 at 9:53 p.m.: report abuse
After a summer of preparing 1-2 days destroys Ridge's preparation? Hawk man, you are awesome, but this is nonsense. We want to hear your response..
Dickman should be embarrassed. Hide behind preparation all you want. Just an excuse, to not compete.
Of course, Ridge COACHES will blog all night long with 100 excuses..
Cancelled ? commented on August 28, 2012 at 9:56 p.m.: report abuse
it says postponed!! That means they should play on Saturday or Monday. Central needs to contact the FHSAA. That has to be a violation and a $$ financial penalty. The entire county had heavy rain, but the great ridge is the only team to wuss out playing. Something tells me they be to scared of central. No reason not to play.
Real talk commented on August 28, 2012 at 10:05 p.m.: report abuse
Would Ridge have cancelled if it was Spanish River or Forest Hill?
Who's Dat?!? commented on August 28, 2012 at 10:13 p.m.: report abuse
This is a real shame. 1st Porter tweets about the Principal and AD saying one extra day of practice was an unfair advantage, NOW it's Shoemaker? Sounds like they called Daddy in to help them out of this mess. Here's the facts:
Yes, they're flooded, so is Wellington
PBC's practice fields are completely under water
PBC would have to "practice" in the gym or films
The fact that PBC would shorten their preperation time for LW by offering Tuesday is commendable.
And last, but certainly not least, RIDGE HAS 2 OF THEIR BEST DB'S HURT! That's should tell you why the coaches, AD and princepal are fighting to have this game happen.
You people are impervious. commented on August 28, 2012 at 10:54 p.m.: report abuse
Why would a football team that has OWNED their opponent at every level avoid playing the game.
It can't be because Ridge will be closed all week, and people can't get to or from their homes.
It has to be because of what these FOOLS are saying, move on
If Only You Knew commented on August 28, 2012 at 11:09 p.m.: report abuse
Please realize that it was the district's decision to hault Friday's game. I do realize that The Ridge was offered several opportunities to play, but you don't understand what our living conditions are like. It is seriously dangerous to be traveling for groceries much less to play football. That's right; none of you guys live here to see people canoeing from one place to the next, or getting stuck in their driveways, or having to receive help from the several Red Cross stations pitching tent throughout the Acreage.
The coaches and players alike are disgruntled that they won't be playing because it is what has to be done. They are dedicated to getting back out there as soon as possible however. Do not penalize a school over deep seated animosity because Central traditionally is behind The Ridge. This weather is not pleasing any of us and the fact that Seminole Ridge is the only high school in the county that the district closed down should be proof that it is beyond our control. I know Wellington has it bad, but they are still capable of going to school, our area has 8 schools closed down which should speak volumes. Just because a new date hasn't been scheduled doesn't mean it is impossible either, but with the boys idle for the last few days conditioning is essential to ensure that they are ready to play again. That one less day of conditioning to Central could be the difference in injury statistics. Not to mention, we aren't even guaranteed practice for the rest of the week so it would be irrational to make a decision on a game that may have to be changed because we are denied access to the school. Put yourself in our shoes, it is rough on all of us.
RPB commented on August 28, 2012 at 11:11 p.m.: report abuse
SR didn't want to play SMH!!!!
Yeah right commented on August 28, 2012 at 11:22 p.m.: report abuse
We saw picture of you guys playing around in the flood water. Don't give us that.
@If Only You Knew commented on August 29, 2012 at 1:31 a.m.: report abuse
No one is buying the BS coming out of Loxahatchee on this one. You had the opportunity to play the game Monday or even Tuesday and refused. I get the district said no to Friday, but YOU REFUSED TO PLAY the 3 dates made available to you by Central.
Unfortunate commented on August 29, 2012 at 7:07 a.m.: report abuse
Stop the bashing,no one wished for the mess that has occurred in the acreage.The school is the only HS not open thats not the fault of anyone playing football.The fact still remains unk when school will even resume there. That is probably why they can not commit to reschedule the game.I am sure they would rather be playing football then waiting for water to subside.Better yet let Central go there and play them in water polo.
Karma commented on August 29, 2012 at 7:15 a.m.: report abuse
You Broncos fans have got to be the most classless ever in the history of PB Gametime.
Simply Stated commented on August 29, 2012 at 7:48 a.m.: report abuse
It's not the super bowl. It's not even a district game. Let it go.
@Karma commented on August 29, 2012 at 8:04 a.m.: report abuse
Pot meet kettle. That is a serious joke. Hawk fans are the worst!
I bet if the game was scheduled at Ridge, the time clock would conveniently go out again.
@Matt"the reporter"Porter commented on August 29, 2012 at 8:21 a.m.: report abuse
Get your act together. You and that clown Harris should know FHSAA rules would not allow the game to be rescheduled past the weekend without a preceding bye week. Why you give these fools fodder and not facts shows your lack of ability to get it right.
Missed Cycle commented on August 29, 2012 at 8:47 a.m.: report abuse
I guess with all the school closings, ridge could not get their group roid cycle in for the game.
Roid Rage commented on August 29, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.: report abuse
LOL, yeah, they lost conditioning because of that missed Roid Cycle!!!
StoptheWhiners commented on August 29, 2012 at 9:50 a.m.: report abuse
Look at all this energy spent on a high school football game. If only half of you spent this much time and effort writing your local politicians or trying to effect some change in your community-bunch of whiners, all of you. No one will remember this game a year from now. This is the reason our country is going down the tubes-
Beyond Our Control commented on August 29, 2012 at 9:51 a.m.: report abuse
Seminole Ridge may not be back at school at all this week so they would never get the chance to practice. Period, point blank. I don't care what you think about us "faking" the flood or giving you a "guilt trip". Every day we literally wait on the edge of our couches to hear if there is school the following day. We live every day with uncertainty when we will return to school. If we aren't allowed on campus until next week Tuesday because of this flooding then please humor me as to how we can play Central? We can not make a commitment if we aren't even guaranteed school access. This is beyond a game, this is about our kids' safety. Someone with common sense make a valid argument. Has your hatred of the Ridge and ravenous craving of a win dissipated your sense of morale and concern for safety?
Look closer commented on August 29, 2012 at 10:28 a.m.: report abuse
They cancelled the game on Tuesday without trying to play the game. That is a fact. Im sure they could have reevaluated the situation on Thursday. Maybe there was no chance to play the game but cancel on a Tuesday morning. That smells like a out to everybody. For whatever reason Ridge didnt want to play the game.
When Central had players missing with injuries or suspensions last year, Harris should have pulled a Dickman and cancelled both games. What a joke.
To the good people of loxahatchee commented on August 29, 2012 at 11:57 a.m.: report abuse
Stop responding to this ignorance. The whole County, and the football world, knows the reality of what has happened. Losers always hate on winners, so don't bother.
^^^^^^ commented on August 29, 2012 at 12:03 p.m.: report abuse
Ridge's MOJO is over. Nice lesson taught to the Ridge players. A little adversity and hide.
ridiculous commented on August 29, 2012 at 12:51 p.m.: report abuse
Ridge area is flooded. everyone who says they should play is just being ignorant. drive out there and then come on here and tell them to play.
one possible solution is to play @ Central again. Then play @ Ridge two years in a row. Still doesn't solve the 1 extra practice advantage Central got but at the least the game could be played.
Now what. commented on August 29, 2012 at 2:47 p.m.: report abuse
One HS football game was cancelled in Florida. Guess who cancelled it. That is ridiculous!
@ ridiculous commented on August 29, 2012 at 4:14 p.m.: report abuse
the game is at Central.
Citizen commented on August 29, 2012 at 4:50 p.m.: report abuse
Just an FYI Seminole Ridge will be closed again tomorrow and more than like closed on Friday, which means all activities are still closed for the school.. Try to be a normal Citizen and show respect for people in your area that trapped in there homes!!
HAWKMAN commented on August 29, 2012 at 9:43 p.m.: report abuse
@ ???????, there is no need to respond!!! If both teams make it to the playoffs then we will know who is the better team! Its a shame you guys are making a big deal about this game instead of worring about the well being of the kids!!!
@HAWKMAN commented on August 30, 2012 at 1:13 a.m.: report abuse
The only shame is that the ridge coaching staff wanted nothing to do with the game and refused to reschedule for next week. Now your AD tries to save face by saying he wants to purpose a later date. We'll see you in the playoffs. There's no hiding then.
HAWKMAN commented on August 30, 2012 at 4:47 a.m.: report abuse
I'm going to take the advice of my father rigth know! To end a never ending argument with someone just let them know they are right even though they are wrong!!!! So on that note, YOUR RIGHT AND DA RIDGE IS WRONG! See you in the playoffs, if either of us make it!!!!
hawk commented on August 30, 2012 at 11:18 a.m.: report abuse
Come on central, you're making yourselves look ignorant, and arrogant with every post you make. Just stop. Your program will never be where the ridge is at. And playing on a tuesday would give us one day to prepare for central and i dont even know if playing on a tuesday is allowed. Have some respect for the people out here that cant even walk outside their front door without being in a foot of water. Geez
OGBronco commented on August 30, 2012 at 3:05 p.m.: report abuse
Seems like RIDGE is scared !!! Coaches are maing excuses for what ??? U had more than enough time could play next tuesday there is no excuse for being female reproductive organs.
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