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The Gainesville school district announced the forfeiture of a District 6-4A Division II football game on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The contest, against Van Alstyne, was scheduled for Friday. Gainesville Superintendent DesMontes Stewart released a statement:<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to a significant number of injuries, our team does not have enough healthy players available to safely compete. After careful consideration, district, campus, and athletic leadership determined that forfeiting this week\u2019s contest is the only responsible decision. The health and safety of our student-athletes must remain our highest priority,\u201d part of the statement read.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a turbulent season for Gainesville, a Class 4A school, as head coach Neil Searcy was suspended<\/a> for the season by the University Interscholastic League State Executive Committee for knowingly violating UIL rules. Gainesville practiced six days for six total hours in May with equipment before school under the direction of Searcy.<\/p>\n After its forfeiture to Van Alstyne, Gainesville will fall to 0-9 and 0-4 in District 6-4A Division II.<\/p>\n \u201cWe understand the disappointment this news brings to our players, coaches, parents, alumni, band, dance team, cheerleaders, and loyal Leopard fans,\u201d Stewart wrote. \u201cOur athletes have demonstrated tremendous dedication, perseverance, and commitment throughout the season, and we are incredibly proud of their effort and character.<\/p>\n \u201cThis decision was not made lightly. We also recognize the impact this has on Van Alstyne ISD and regret any inconvenience this causes to their players, coaches, and community.\u201d<\/p>\n Stewart wrote the district is hopeful Gainesville will return to play against Lake Worth in its regular season finale.<\/p>\n \u201cOur focus remains on supporting our student-athletes, prioritizing their well-being, and continuing to build a strong future for Gainesville Leopard football,\u201d Stewart wrote. \u201cWe appreciate the understanding, support, and encouragement our community consistently shows our students during both the victories and the challenges. Thank you for standing behind our athletes and coaches.\u201d<\/p>\n Plenty of Texas high school football teams have struggled with numbers this season. Meridian, Austin LASA, Keene, Hull-Daisetta and Big Spring Pathway have cancelled their seasons.<\/p>\n Dallas Gateway Charter Academy has cancelled five games due to injuries and low numbers, including its regular season finale, essentially ending the season. It forfeited its final three contests of the season.<\/p>\n