MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. — The high school football season is officially over for Mount Carmel area.
It's not the coronavirus that's cutting the season short for the Red Tornadoes. It's an alleged case of hazing.
That alleged hazing incident happened off school property with members of the Mount Carmel Area High School football team.
Mount Carmel Township Police and the school district are now investigating.
"It's sad, especially for the seniors. I feel bad for them. It's kind of unexpected. I never thought something like this would happen," junior Brynn Evert said.
Because of the hazing allegations, the school forfeited its game against Warrior Run last Saturday. The Red Tornadoes still had three more games left before the season was scrapped.
"I'm a little disappointed. They should have played their cards a little better and been smarter. It's upsetting because now we have no football season this year," Mount Carmel parent Jenna Shickley said.
"If you're not treating your teammates right, there's no sense of being in the game if you can't even treat each other right, what makes you think you can work together as a team," freshman A.J. Ruiz said.
We asked the school district and police what kind of hazing was involved. No one would answer our question. We do know, however, that Mount Carmel Area School District is making counselors available for any student who may need help.