Thanks to a compromise worked out by Harrison and Roswell high schools, the Mill Creek High School girls soccer team won't have to miss their prom Saturday night.
But they can put away their cleats.
The soccer season ended Saturday afternoon for Mill Creek, shut out 1-0 by the defending state champ Harrison. With the win, Harrison advances to the final four in the state tournament.
Saturday's game was switched to an earlier time after the Cobb County school juggled a full schedule of events to allow Mill Creek players time to return home and prepare for prom.
Cobb County schools spokesman Jay Dillon said Friday that the soccer game between Harrison and Mill Creek, which had been scheduled for 5:30, would be played at 1 p.m. Saturday. The scheduling change was made possible by an agreement between the Harrison and Roswell High lacrosse coaches, who agreed to move their game back to accommodate the soccer team.
"The lacrosse game will now start at 3:00 to 3:30, or as soon as possible following the soccer game," Dillon said. "Some of the Roswell lacrosse players have graduation parties to attend Saturday night as well, but they should be able to make it work out. "
Dillon offered "a big thank-you to Roswell lacrosse coach Sue Scheer for being accommodating so the soccer game could be moved and the Mill Creek students can attend their prom, and also to [Harrison principal Donnie] Griggers and Harrison soccer coach Steve Riccard for working so hard to find a resolution."
The conflict arose when Mill Creek defeated Newnan on Wednesday to advance in the playoffs to face Harrison, the defending state champ, on Saturday. The Mill Creek prom is also scheduled for Saturday.
"For them to play at 5:30, it would be during the middle of prom before they even got home," Mill Creek parent Wanda Hatfield told the AJC. “I’ve got a senior that’s just heartbroken. She’s a starter on the team and doesn’t know whether to play or what."
Although Mill Creek had asked Harrison on Thursday to change the game time, it wasn't that simple.
That's because Harrison's boys and girls lacrosse teams were also hosting playoff opponents on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Saturday morning, four youth football games played on Harrison's field before the lacrosse and soccer games were scheduled, Dillon said Thursday evening.
Griggers attempted to resolve the scheduling conflict, but was initially unable to due to the prior commitments for use of the field, Dillon said.
Additionally, the Georgia High School Association rules prohibit games from being played on Sundays.
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