By Nate Beutel
A combination of behavioral issues in the stands and budget constraints have pushed all but one of this fall’s Niagara Falls High School home football games at Sal Maglie Stadium to Saturday afternoons.
The only exception will be the Wolverines’ Homecoming game, which will be played at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 against Class AA North foe Williamsville North.
“When you add up those factors — crowd control and finances — it’s a decision we had to make as an administration,” NFHS athletics director Dan Bazzani said. “A number of local schools have all afternoon games, so I think it will be OK.”
Bazzani said that past crowd issues have translated into extra costs for the district as it has been forced to bring on additional security and support staff for night games. He added that the rising cost of using the lights at Maglie was also a factor.
Falls coach Don Bass understands the decision, but knows his players are less than pleased.
“The kids enjoy that opportunity to play under the lights on a Friday night, but unfortunately it is what it is,” he said. “Honestly, whenever they tell us we have to play, we’re going to show up and play our best football.”
NFHS opens its season at 2 p.m. Sept. 5 when its hosts St. Joe’s of the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association in non-league action.
Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.
