Sep 21, 2023 By Jonathan Guth staff Writer jguth@observer-Reporter.Com 3 min read

No coach wants to tell their players that they can’t play, especially if it is at no fault of their own.

Unfortunately for Avella and head coach Ryan Cecchini, he had to deliver the news to his football players Thursday afternoon.

The Eagles were scheduled to host Bishop Canevin tonight in a Class A Black Hills Conference game, but due to a limited roster, thanks in part to a series of injuries, Cecchini had to contact the administration at Bishop Canevin with the news.

“We are down to 10 healthy bodies because of injuries,” Cecchini said. “We started the season with 17 and had 15 play last week against Cornell, but that game really took its toll on our players.”

A bomb threat forced practice to be cancelled on Monday and Cecchini had 10 players ready for practice on Tuesday. He had a few that could practice but without contact.

“We were hoping those kids that were ‘no-contact’ would be cleared to go, but they weren’t and we had to pull the plug,” Cecchini said. “We were waiting as long as we could hoping something would change and we could play.”

Battling the numbers game is something the coaches at Avella have been battling with for years, as the school is not only one of the smallest in the WPIAL, but the state.

“We are the second smallest school in the state that has a football program,” Cecchini said. “We are hoping that we can get some kids back and play next week. Bishop Canevin is a very good team, but we were ready to play.”

Despite the issue in numbers, the Eagles are 2-2 this season with victories over Bentworth and Mapletown.

Avella has played a home-and-home with the Maples in recent years, and lost the first time it played Mapletown, but had a lead at halftime.

“We will continue to work and go out and give our all each and every game,” Cecchini said.

The Crusaders are off to a 3-0 start and one of the favorites to win the WPIAL in Class A. The school posted a message on its website regarding this evening’s game being canceled.

“This morning we received a call from this week’s football opponent Avella,” the message read. “They informed us that they are not able to play this week due to a number of injuries that have occurred over the first few weeks of the season.

“We ask that everyone be understanding of this decision as it is one that is not taken lightly, and is being made in the best interests of the student athletes. We also ask that you pray for the speedy recoveries of those athletes that have injuries that are preventing them from playing a sport they enjoy.”