Highland turns canceled homecoming game into night of community pride and celebration

When Barberton canceled Highland’s homecoming football game three days before kickoff, citing a lack of healthy players, Highland High School found itself without a Friday night opponent — but far from without spirit.

Athletic Director Jon Bailey quickly began searching for a replacement team, reaching out to programs including Archbishop Hoban and Ironton, but came up empty. Rather than let the evening go to waste, Bailey and Highland staff improvised — transforming the scheduled game night into a full-fledged community celebration that drew more than 1,000 people.

“There were moments during the event where the stands, walkways, and field were packed with Hornets fans, and we were overwhelmed with that level of support for our students,” Bailey said.

The event featured introductions of Highland’s fall sports teams, cheerleaders, and marching band, which performed its halftime show dressed in festive colors instead of its usual uniforms. Senior Caroline McKendry was crowned homecoming queen, while teams from Highland’s youth football program each played a “quarter,” and the high school girls competed in a spirited powder puff tournament won by the sophomore class.

Lines at the concession stand were long, the stands were full, and the evening ended with fireworks lighting up the sky — a fitting conclusion to a night celebrating community spirit rather than competition.

“The response to the impromptu community night was incredible, given the circumstances and late notice,” said Highland defensive coordinator Chris Meyer, who served as emcee for the evening. “Our players, especially the seniors, deserve a ton of credit for how maturely they handled losing a varsity game. They didn’t feel sorry for themselves but helped turn the night into a huge positive experience for all involved.”

While the school lost an estimated $10,000 in gate revenue, Bailey said no one focused on that. “What we have always known is that Highland is a community that shows up for our kids, and this week highlights that,” he said. “From the staff who pulled it together to the families and neighbors who came out in droves, this was a week none of us will forget.”