First Academy forfeits to CDS Prep

Posted Oct 16, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Oct 16, 2009 at 11:31 AM

Leesburg First Academy has forfeited tonight’s scheduled game against CDS Prep because a lack of players, Patriots coach Lane McLaughlin said Friday morning.

CDS Prep was scheduled to go on the road to face First Academy, but McLaughlin said he was informed several First Academy players were battling illness and the team’s coaches did not want to proceed. McLaughlin said First Academy only had 15 players available.

McLaughlin was disappointed in the decision. He also said CDS Prep would lose $500 because the school already had chartered a bus for the road trip.

CDS Prep moves to 6-0 on the season. The Patriots had only nine regular-season games scheduled but also have a postseason bowl game as being part of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference.

McLaughlin said he plans to look into trying to add another game if possible, perhaps at the conclusion of the season during the state playoffs. As an independent program, the Patriots are not eligible to play in the FHSAA state playoffs. McLaughlin said he would even be willing to play a larger school if one is available.

“I think it’s really unfair to our seniors to miss out on a game,” McLaughlin said. “We’re going to try and find an extra game. We’d like to step up and play someone, maybe someone bigger to kind of see where we’re at.”