NEW BRITAIN — The big rivalry football game between Berlin and New Britain will still be played tonight even after a recruiting scandal rocked one of the schools.
On Thursday, Berlin coach John Capodice was suspended and the day before the Redcoats had all of their wins wiped out after using ineligible players that were recruited from other towns, including New Britain.
Four players were found to be ineligible.
“It’s really disappointing because the kids worked so hard, put all the time in the summer and they’re the ones taking the hit here,” said Michael Lynch, whose son is the starting quarterback for Berlin.
It’s a controversy that is not lost on anyone involved, including Berlin principal Francis Kennedy who sent note to parents this week assuring them that administrations for both schools are on the same page for tonight’s game and police from both towns will be present and highly visible.
Berlin is now officially 0-9 after being stripped of their seven wins. The school was fined $4,000 and put on probation for a year.
“To me it’s not okay to cheat,” said Berlin parent Paula Cousino. “I try and raise my boys up right. You shouldn’t cheat or lie to steal anything.”
Friday’s game is at Memorial Stadium in New Britain and kickoff is set for 7 p.m.