Full Breakdown
NYSPHSAA Reschedules High School Football Playoffs Due to Severe Weather
11/28/2025, 10:57:55 PM
Schedule Adjustments for Safety
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has announced a rescheduling of several high school football playoff games originally set for Friday, November 28, 2025, at Cicero-North Syracuse High School's Michael J. Bragman Athletic Complex. The decision was prompted by forecasts predicting heavy lake effect snow from Western New York, with snowfall amounts potentially reaching 18 to 24 inches in some areas. As a result, the affected games have been moved to Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Robert Zayas, the executive director of NYSPHSAA, emphasized the organization's commitment to safety, stating, "The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters remains our priority." This statement reflects the association's proactive approach to ensuring that teams can travel safely and compete for championship opportunities despite adverse weather conditions.
Game Schedule for Sunday
The revised schedule for Sunday includes three games: Morrisville-Eaton will face Eldred at 11 a.m., followed by the Class D matchup between Tioga and Newfane at 2 p.m., and concluding with the Class A game featuring Union-Endicott against Brighton at 5 p.m. Notably, the kickoff for the Morrisville-Eaton and Eldred game has been moved up by one hour compared to the original Friday schedule.
While the Friday games have been rescheduled, the Saturday, November 29, schedule and the eastern semifinals in Middletown will proceed as planned. The championship weekend for classes AA-D remains unchanged and is set for December 5-6 at Syracuse University's JMA Wireless Dome.
Weather Impact and Travel Concerns
The decision to adjust the schedule comes amid significant weather concerns, as the National Weather Service has issued warnings for heavy snowfall and strong winds. The Buffalo area recorded wind gusts of 68 miles per hour, raising concerns about travel safety for teams and fans. The NYSPHSAA's collaboration with Cicero-North Syracuse High School and member schools aims to provide a safe and competitive environment for all participants.
Official Statements & Responses
In light of the weather conditions, Zayas reiterated the importance of safety, stating that the adjustments were made to ensure that teams could arrive safely and compete effectively. The NYSPHSAA appreciates the cooperation of local schools in facilitating these changes.
Criticism & Opposition
While the NYSPHSAA's decision prioritizes safety, some stakeholders have expressed concerns about the impact of rescheduling on team preparation and logistics. Coaches and players may face challenges in adjusting their plans on short notice, particularly for those teams traveling from distant regions.
What's Next
As the playoffs proceed, teams will prepare for their respective matchups on Sunday, with the winners moving on to the championship weekend. The NYSPHSAA continues to monitor weather conditions to ensure the safety of all participants throughout the playoff series.
