NO HOME PLAYOFF GAME AT NITRO ; U.C. RISKS 11-0 START


Publication: THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE
Published: 10/30/1997
Page: P5B
Headline: NO HOME PLAYOFF GAME AT NITRO ; U.C. RISKS 11-0 START
Byline: NOT AVAIALBLE


FROM STAFF REPORTS

Even if it finishes in the top eight of the Class AAA ratings, Nitro
High will not be holding a home football playoff game at Underwood
Field.

Warren Carter, executive secretary of the Secondary School Activities
Commission, confirmed the decision on Wednesday, pointing out that
Underwood Field was not certified prior to the season's start.

"Once the book [the SSAC's playoff manual and schedule book] comes out
before the season, there are no changes,' Carter said. "Everyone has
to reapply each year.'

The playoff manual lists all sites that have been approved to stage
playoff games in each of the state's three classes.

Last week, Nitro athletic director Pat Vance was optimistic that the
SSAC could make an exception to the rule, since the visitors' side
seating at Underwood had recently undergone renovations.

Nitro, No. 4 in this week's rankings, would likely choose either
Crawford Field in St. Albans or Laidley Field as its playoff site.