West Jefferson football game canceled due to opponent’s injuries

West Jefferson announced Sept. 8 that its Week 5 football game against Springfield Catholic Central has been canceled because of a high number of injuries for the Irish.

“Earlier today, the administration at Springfield Catholic Central contacted us to inform us that, due to injuries, they will be unable to play our scheduled varsity football contest on September 18,” the West Jefferson athletic department posted on X.

“We are currently evaluating our options for that week, including the possibility of finding another opponent.”

Catholic Central (0-3) forfeited the second half of a 48-0 loss to North Lewisburg Triad at halftime Sept. 4, and the Irish’s game this week against West Liberty-Salem already has been canceled.

🏈🚨 Important Announcement 🚨🏈@ohioscheduler@WJRiderFootball@JoeEitelpic.twitter.com/kT5UCZ0EG8

— West Jeff Athletics (@WestJeff_AD) September 8, 2026

The Springfield News-Sun reported the next day that future opponents were making contingency plans in case the Irish were unable to play.

Catholic Central is scheduled to play Madison-Plains on Sept. 25 in the Ohio Heritage Conference-South opener for both teams.

West Jefferson, a member of the OHC-North, is 2-1 entering a Sept. 11 game at Cedarville.

High school sports reporter Dave Purpura can be reached at dpurpura@dispatch.com and at @dp_dispatch on X.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: West Jefferson football game canceled due to opponent’s injuries