Cedar Rapids Jefferson cancels varsity football game Friday night against Cedar Rapids Kennedy

School says low numbers, injuries and COVID force cancellation, plan to continue season later

Sep. 14, 2021 5:24 pm, Updated: Sep. 15, 2021 10:25 am

Jefferson J-Hawks' Kay'Zure Lewis (16) hands off to Jefferson J-Hawks' Frank Budederi (7) during the first half of their Mississippi Valley Conference football game against the Washington Warriors at Kingston Stadium in southwest Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday, August 27, 2021. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Jefferson announced late Tuesday afternoon it would not play its varsity football game Friday night at Kingston Stadium against Cedar Rapids Kennedy.

Activities Director Chris Deam said the program has been hit by injuries and COVID-19 issues, on top of not having many players to begin.

Jefferson dressed just 21 kids for its season opener three weeks ago against Cedar Rapids Washington. There had been rumors all summer that the school might not be able to field a varsity team.

Jefferson lost its first three games by significant margins: 79-0 to Cedar Rapids Washington, 68-0 to Iowa City High and 49-7 last week to Davenport Central.

Deam said the school’s plan is return to varsity play “as soon as possible.” Jefferson is scheduled to play next week against Linn-Mar at Kingston Stadium.

“Despite having low numbers, our players have fought every play of every game, no matter the circumstances of the game — for that they should be commended,” Deam said in a statement.

Jefferson and Kennedy will continue with its scheduled sophomore game Friday.

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