Multiple sources confirmed to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football on Saturday afternoon that the scheduled Friday night District 8-3A Division II opener between Cedar Hill Trinity Leadership and Dallas Gateway was canceled due to unplayable field conditions at Gateway’s home field. Cedar Hill Trinity Leadership was awarded the victory via forfeit, as confirmed by the 8-3A Division II District Executive Committee (DEC).

Reports surfaced late Friday that the game was in jeopardy due to the condition of Gateway’s artificial playing surface, which according to sources on-site was littered with debris, trash, bullet casings, pencils, and other assorted items. Coaches and administrators from Cedar Hill Trinity Leadership, along with game officials, expressed concerns about the condition of the field and the lack of security at the venue.

After discussions, the DEC ruled that the game could be played on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Baldwin Stadium, Cedar Hill Trinity Leadership’s home field. However, at approximately 4:40 p.m. on Saturday, Gateway informed the DEC and Cedar Hill Trinity Leadership that they would not play the game. Per DEC rules, the game was declared a forfeit.

Notably, Gateway had a previous game on September 13 against Arlington Newman called off in the second half due to an incident in the stands and  other security concerns in the area. That game ended in a 14-14 tie, which was the score when the game was called for safety reasons.

There is no word yet on whether the 8-3A Division II DEC will require Gateway to play the remainder of their games away from home. Sources indicate that the UIL is aware of the situation and is working with the DEC at this time.

UPDATE Sunday 1:50 p.m.: The District 8-3A Division II DEC has informed Dallas Gateway that the school has three options for their remaining two home football games for 2024: 1) Repair Gateway's homefield, along with confirming/verifying it a safe playing surface from those repairs. 2) Move their remaining two home games to their opponents home field. 3) Find a suitable neutral site to play their remaining two home games. 

Dallas Gateway is idle during Week 7, they have been given a deadline of Friday October 11 to communicate to the rest of the district what their intentions will be for their two remaining home games against Blooming Grove and Rice.