A high school football team in the state of Alabama is choosing not to play its upcoming game against Saraland. Carver-Montgomery is instead choosing to forfeit to avoid an inevitable blowout loss.
It will end both of their regular seasons one week earlier than scheduled.
The high school football program at the center of this latest controversy, for lack of better word, is one of the most dominant teams in the country. These kind of preemptive forfeitures are becoming an unfortunate trend.
Carver-Montgomery canceled the high school football game.
George Washington Carver High School officially opened on Jan. 4, 1949 in Montgomery, Alabama. It serves approximately 1,100 students in grades 9-12.
Saraland High School is only 15 years old. It serves approximately 1,100 students in the town of Saraland, Alabama— approximately 10 miles north of Mobile.
These two schools are separated by 160 miles. We’re not talking about local rivals.
The distance between Saraland and Montgomery might’ve played a role in the decision to cancel the high school football game previously scheduled for Oct. 30. It was going to be the regular-season finale for both programs.
However, Carver-Montgomery decided to back out of the contest. Saraland was ready to go.
“The football game scheduled for October 30th has been canceled by Carver High School’s administration and coaches. We were prepared to host and looked forward to the matchup. Unfortunately, the cancellation impacts not only the game but also the planned pregame Senior Night recognitions, which now must be rescheduled.”
A valid reason for the cancellation was not provided. Both teams will instead play their final games of the regular season this weekend.
Saraland is a powerhouse.
The Spartans are one of the most dominant high school football teams in the country. They won the 6A state championship in 2022 at 14-1 and finished as the runners-up in 2023 and 2024 at 14-1 and 13-1. They have not lost a regional game since 2020.
This year is the same.
Saraland currently sits at 8-0 by an astonishing combined score of 328-47. Only one opponent has scored more than 10 points all season.
The same cannot be said for the Wolverines. Carver-Montgomery already lost three games in 2025, including two consecutive losses within the region.
It will play Opelika on Saturday. It will not play Saraland in the last week of the regular season.
I would assume this decision stems from “player safety.” The Wolverines will likely cite concerns about injuries at this point in the year if they even choose to address the decision.