OAKWOOD — Fans of the Battle of Oakwood -- the annual clash between West Hall and Johnson -- will have to wait an extra month this season.
In a release on Wednesday, Hall County Athletics Director Stan Lewis said the game has been pushed back to October 29 from its original date of Sept. 3 at West Hall High School.
Johnson was scheduled to play Clarke Central on the 29th but the Gladiators moved their game with Cedar Shoals, originially set for Friday, to the 29th. The Johnson-Clarke Central at The Dungeon has now been pushed back to Nov. 5th as a result.
"Through a coordinated effort with Johnson High School, the Battle of Oakwood 2021 will remain a home game for the West Hall Spartans," Lewis said. "The game will (remain) at the Hot Gates of Sparta."
The Hall County School District has been installing new turf fields at many of its county stadiums over the summer. Lewis said District officials continue to work with Field Turf to ensure the completion of artificial turf installation at West Hall.
"We are disappointed for the field not being ready for the start of the season but it’s not something we have control over," West Hall coach Krofton Montgomery said. "It’s more than football that it effects. (But) it’s big to be able to play at home. It changes schedules for our off weeks and isn’t ideal but we will adapt, improvise and overcome. Just looking forward to getting the season started and focusing on what we control."
