Scarsdale’s football season will feature just six regular-season games after the Raiders ended up with an unexpected open date. The team usually plays seven contests, but a late decision to field a single team in Yonkers created a scheduling gap that could not be filled. Attempts to find an opponent for the open date failed, as most teams had finalized their schedules by late August. Scarsdale competes in Class AA, which likely contributed to the lack of interest from other teams in the area and beyond.
The Raiders’ challenge reflects the difficulties teams face when adjustments happen after schedules are set. Scarsdale’s position as a Class AA contender may discourage Class A or lower-level teams from stepping in, while other Class AA teams likely already have full schedules. This leaves Scarsdale with an open date they cannot fill, shortening their regular-season slate.
Meanwhile, the Class A ability-based league saw another game forfeited this week. Greeley informed Fox Lane that it could not field a full team, citing a roster reduced to 16 players. Fox Lane has been managing with just 21 players, having called up three JV players to ensure they avoid similar issues. The Foxes and Greeley met earlier this season, with Fox Lane winning 34-0 and maintaining an undefeated record.
The forfeiture adds to the challenges in the Class A league, where player availability can impact the integrity of the schedule. Fox Lane has managed to continue competing despite limited numbers, but Greeley’s shortage forced a no-contest this week.
Friday’s schedule features several key matchups across Westchester and Rockland counties. Hastings will face Briarcliff/Hamilton at Briarcliff with a 4:30 p.m. kickoff. Yorktown visits Somers at 5 p.m., while Suffern travels to Clarkstown South at the same time. Valhalla takes on Port Chester, and Hen Hud plays at Pearl River, all kicking off at 5 p.m.
Later in the evening, Ardsley hosts Byram Hills at 5:30 p.m., followed by Fordham Prep at Iona Prep, Carmel at Lakeland, and Mount Vernon at White Plains, all starting at 6 p.m. Ketcham will face East Ramapo at Ramapo at 7 p.m., alongside Clarkstown North at Nyack, Putnam Valley versus Edgemont/Blind Brook at Edgemont, and Mahopac at Eastchester. Arlington visits John Jay-East Fishkill, Peekskill plays Brewster, and Pelham meets Sleepy Hollow at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Kennedy Catholic will visit Cardinal Spellman at 1 p.m., with North Rockland at New Rochelle and St. Peter’s at Stepinac kicking off shortly after. Mamaroneck faces Yonkers at Roosevelt, and Harrison visits Rye, all starting between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Additional games include Tuckahoe versus Dobbs Ferry at Gould Park at 2 p.m., Pleasantville at Bronxville, and Rye Neck at Albertus Magnus. Riverdale Country meets Hackley at 3 p.m., and King faces Rye Country Day at 3:30 p.m. Evening games include Haldane at Irvington, Nanuet at Westlake, and Tappan Zee at Panas, all kicking off at 6 p.m.
Fox Lane was awarded a 2-0 forfeit win over Greeley for this week’s game.
Mike Dougherty of The Journal News/lohud covers high school football in the region and provides regular updates on the schedule and game outcomes.
According to Yahoo Sports.
