CPS agrees to reschedule Public games

After 26 hours of outcry from players, coaches and fans, Chicago Public Schools changed its mind and announced on Saturday evening that Public League football teams will be allowed to make up this weekend’s canceled games.

The teams are waiting for the times and dates to be announced; most are expected to be played Monday.

“I’m excited,” Curie running back AJ Sanya said. “It gives us a chance to make the state playoffs and show the state what type of team we are.”

Thirty-five football games scheduled for Friday and Saturday were canceled in the wake of the Jason Van Dyke verdict. Not playing the games would have knocked some teams out of the state playoffs and severely impacted the playoff seeding for teams like Phillips and Simeon.

CPS informed coaches and athletic directors on Friday evening that the games were canceled “out of an abundance of caution regarding the timing of the Van Dyke trial verdict announcement.” CPS originally said the games were canceled and would not be rescheduled.

“I feel like the CPS as a whole has taken a step forward with this decision,” Phillips wide receiver and Illinois recruit Fabian McCray said. “The players came together as one and voiced our opinion, not allowing the games to be canceled.”

Loyola and De La Salle officials canceled their Friday night game but rescheduled it for Monday. That made the CPS decision not to play seem odd.

“I know coaches and players around the CPS are just as happy as I am to have another opportunity to compete and play the game we love,” Curie coach Arthur Ray said. “At the end of the day, it’s about providing the kids with a positive outlet and allowing them to use it as a teacher and motivator to accomplish great things. For some, being a part of the team — the brotherhood — is what helps them get through their own daily battles.

“It’s bigger than just football.”