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Struggling prep football programs opting for independence as they try to buy time, rebuild their rosters and stay healthier

Judge Memorial High School athletic director Scott Platz drove to the school principal’s house after the football team’s game against Summit Academy. It was an October night at around 9:30 p.m., and Platz had an idea: moving the football program to an independent schedule.

The Bulldogs had just lost to a Summit Academy team that finished 2019 with a losing record. Just two weeks earlier, Judge Memorial forfeited its game against Morgan. Both events had something in common.

The Bulldogs lost several of their veteran players to injury in the early potion of last season, forcing underclassmen to perform in their stead.