CHATTAROY, Wash. — It seemed like an unbelievable call, and not from the refs.
10 Riverside High School football players were told they would not be eligible to play in Friday night's home opener, weeks after the Oregon Road fire ripped through the town of Elk. Many of the players were either displaced or impacted by the fire which burned more than 120 homes.
Riverside High School was used as an evacuation center during the wildfire.
"Several of them missed a practice because of either being evacuated and they were helping their family be safe, or, they were helping neighbors prevent the fire from happening," said Riverside School District superintendent Dr. Ken Russell. "I always try to tell people that's not a Riverside School District decision."
Russell said he appealed Washington Interscholastic Activities Association's decision (WIAA) but they wouldn't budge.
"Obviously, really disappointed," Russell said.
Then, halfway through Friday's JV game, a major reversal. The Governor's office stepped in and worked alongside WIAA, who decided to let the 10 boys take the field.
"The four JV players actually went and got their pads on and joined the game in the second half and the six varsity players are allowed to play in tonight's varsity game," Russell said.
In a statement to KREM 2, WIAA said:
"The WIAA has received direction and notice from the Governor’s Office that it will assume responsibility under its Emergency Declaration. Because of this, the WIAA has notified administration at Riverside High School that all of its athletes are eligible to compete."
In addition to the good news, fans were treated to 200 pizzas and free admission to Friday's game. Riverside won 35-8
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