Friday’s matchup between Donna High and Donna North has been canceled, Donna ISD extracurricular administrator Ramiro Leal confirmed to The Monitor on Monday, marking the second consecutive year the rivalry has been called off.
The decision comes with the “healthy and safety of our players and staff at the forefront,” a statement from Donna ISD read.
“Students on both teams have worked especially hard to get to this point, and we do not want to jeopardize any opportunities for district play,” the statement continued.
For now, both teams are scheduled to resume action Friday, Sept. 3, with Donna High kicking off District 16-5A DI play against Weslaco East at Bobby Lackey Stadium in Weslaco, while Donna North hosts La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at Bennie La Prade Stadium in Donna.
The cancellation is the first in the RGV this season, while becoming the 11th matchup to be cancelled or postponed in UIL 11-man football as of Monday evening.