The “8 Mile War” rivalry game between Pickens County High School and Gordo High School will not be played for the first time in 100 years due to a recent social media post which "caused deep concern among students, families and the community."
Pickens County High School principal Lee Richardson canceled the upcoming game, which has been played every year since 1924, due to a post by the Gordo V Cheer Facebook page in which Gordo students were encouraged to dress up as safari tour guides or animals to "Tame the Tornadoes."
The now-deleted post featured students dressed in safari attire with stuffed monkeys, a stuffed flamingo, bananas and more.
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The account, Gordo V Cheer, affiliated with the school's cheerleading program, encourages students to dress up for every home game.
In announcing the game's cancellation, Richardson wrote to the parents and guardians and Pickens County High School community, "I regret to inform you that the scheduled varsity football game between Gordo High School and Pickens County High School, known as the '8 Mile War,' will not be played this Friday. While the rivalry has been a proud tradition since 1924, a recent social media post from Gordo V Cheer Facebook page, caused deep concern among students, families, and the community. Although the post has since been deleted and an apology has been given, I made the difficult decision to cancel the game for the first time in 100 years. This choice was made out of an abundance of caution, with the safety and well-being of our students, athletes, and community placed above all else."
"As we move forward, I ask that our community use this moment as an opportunity for reflection and unity. Together, we can ensure that the values of respect, sportmanship, and support for our students remain at the heart of every tradition at Pickens County High School. Let us rise above this and carry out the spirit of being an F-5 Tornado!" he added.
Gordo High School principal Jeff Campbell offered an apology on Wednesday.
“I would like to issue a sincere apology for a recent post regarding dress-up day at GHS. I understand that this post offended numerous people, and I am truly sorry," Campbell wrote. "Our intent was never to be offensive, but I recognize that it was received that way, and for that I am deeply sorry.”
"As principal, I take full responsibility for anything that happens at GHS and will do a better job of ensuring future posts do not create division within our county. I have nothing but respect for Mr. Richardson and Pickens County High School," he added.
Both schools are in the Pickens County Schools system, but Gordo High is predominantly white, while Pickens County High is predominantly black.
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