NORWICH - The Norwich High School athletics department announced  in a Thursday afternoon media release that the Friday, Oct. 22 home football game against Chenango Forks has been canceled.

“This decision not only affects our athletics program, but also our homecoming events,” said Norwich athletics coordinator, Rich Turnbull. “With that in mind, and in consultation with the NHS pep club advisors, we have decided to move our homecoming festivities to our next home varsity football game versus Watkins Glen on Friday, Oct. 29.

The release stated that multiple player injuries and COVID isolation protocols led to the game’s cancellation.

“Please know that this decision was difficult on many levels,” Turnbull said, “as it affects many within our community.  We made this decision solely with the health and safety of our student-athletes in mind.”