Two days before the 2026 season is set to begin, an area school is looking for a game for Week 1.
Sources have confirmed to Outside the Huddle that Northrop is in desperate search of an opponent after the game with Gary West was canceled.
Details are limited at this time, but per sources, Northrop athletic director Bob Shank has reached out to programs across the state looking for a new opponent for this Friday. Shank stated that “Fort Wayne Northrop lost their home Friday night varsity football game” and is in search of a new foe.
Gary West is a member of the Greater South Shore Conference and has played full schedules in recent years. The last team from Fort Wayne it played was in 2014 at Northrop, a game the Bruins won 42-24.
The Gary area was hit with repeated severe weather last week and many areas of the city have only recently had their electricity re-activated. That includes schools within the Gary Community School Corporation. The team has attempted to practice the last few days but, according to someone with knowledge of the situation, only “15 or 16” players have showed up.
Due to the lack of numbers in recent days, Gary West let Northrop know on Wednesday they would be unable to play on Friday.
If any program is in need of a game or knows someone who is, they are asked to contact Bob Shank at robert.shank@fwcs.k12.in.us.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
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