WADENA — The Wadena-Deer Creek High School has made the tough decision to cancel the remainder of its varsity football schedule, starting October 14. The news came in a meeting held with coaches and school administration, where the decision was communicated to student-athletes. Afterward, parents were also informed about the cancellation.
The team was set to play a home game against Staples-Motley on October 16, but that game will no longer happen, and the Wolverines will not participate in the Section 6-2A playoffs this season. The main reason for this cancellation stems from a series of injuries that left the team unable to field a full roster. Wadena-Deer Creek would only have nine players in grades 10-12 available for upcoming games, which raised safety concerns.
WDC activities director Norm Gallant stated, “This very difficult decision was made following much discussion and processing. Football is a tough, physical game. Keeping students safe and healthy are paramount in this decision.” He emphasized that allowing younger players, many as young as 14 years old, to compete against older students was not safe.
Although the varsity season faced challenges, the team completed a successful junior varsity schedule and showed promising participation in the freshman and sophomore classes, along with strong involvement in junior high and youth programs.
Gallant added, “We are very proud of our team this year. They worked extremely hard, both during the off-season and this season. We can’t control injuries.” The team finished this current season with a record of 1-7.
On the other side, the Staples-Motley activities director mentioned that while they would consider making up the game against a different opponent, they are also dealing with injuries and will benefit from a week of rest leading into the playoffs.
The undefeated Cardinals are expected to secure the No. 1 seed for the Section 6-2A playoffs, likely facing Menahga in the section semifinals, while Pillager is expected to meet Osakis in the other semifinal. These playoffs are set for Saturday, October 26, with the final taking place on Friday, November 1, at the Fargodome.
