Gordo, Alabama, September 26, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking turn of events, the historic ‘8 Mile War’ football rivalry between Pickens County High School and Gordo High School has been canceled. The decision follows a controversial social media post from Gordo’s cheer program that drew criticism for its offensive content, which many perceived as racially insensitive. Both school administrations have taken responsibility and emphasized the importance of student safety and open dialogue with the community. As tensions arise, discussions about cultural sensitivity and the responsibilities of educational institutions come to the forefront.
Gordo, Alabama: Facebook Post Causes Cancellation of Historic ‘8 Mile War’ Football Rivalry
The anticipated high school football rivalry game known as the ‘8 Mile War’, between Pickens County High School and Gordo High School, has been canceled due to controversy surrounding a social media post. The annual event, which was to take place on Friday, September 26, would have marked the 101st meeting of the two schools and their ongoing rivalry that dates back to 1924.
The tipping point for the cancellation came after a post associated with the Gordo cheer program attracted criticism for its content, which many community members found offensive. Although the specific post has since been deleted, it reportedly featured students holding monkey toys and bananas—imagery that some perceived as perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes.
Both school administrations actively responded to the incident. Gordo High School principal Jeff Campbell accepted responsibility for the post, acknowledging its offensiveness and issuing a public apology. Pickens County High School principal Lee Richardson emphasized that the decision to cancel the game was made to ensure student safety and well-being in light of community concerns. In an effort to maintain transparency, schools in both districts indicated they would promote open dialogue with the community following the controversy.
On Tuesday, Pickens County superintendent Shawn McDaniel confirmed that an investigation into the post revealed no intent of racial discrimination or profiling. However, he acknowledged the distress it caused among community members and apologized on behalf of the Pickens County School District.
Parental concerns were heightened following the incident, with community member Adrian Lake expressing that the social media post contributed to distressing racial stereotypes. Lake stressed the importance of recognizing the negative impact such content can have on students.
Football updates show that Gordo High School’s football team is currently enjoying an undefeated season, holding a 5-0 record and ranking No. 1 in the AHSAA Class 3A standings. In contrast, Pickens County’s football team has a record of 1-3 and is unranked in Class 1-A, although they recently experienced a significant victory against Brilliant with a score of 57-6.
Despite the cancellation of this week’s game, both teams are scheduled to resume their regional play the following Friday. Pickens County will host Hubertsville while Gordo will visit Oakman. There have been no immediate comments from the respective head coaches regarding the cancellation.
Background and Significance
The ‘8 Mile War’ has historically been a significant event in the local calendar, pulling together students, parents, and the wider community in celebration of school spirit and football rivalry. As both schools prepare for future games, the reaction to recent events highlights ongoing discussions regarding cultural sensitivity and the responsibilities of educational institutions in addressing issues related to race and representation.
Key Statistics
| Feature | Pickens County High School | Gordo High School |
|---|---|---|
| Current Season Record | 1-3 | 5-0 |
| Ranking | Unranked in Class 1-A | No. 1 in AHSAA Class 3A |
| Recent Game | Victory against Brilliant (57-6) | N/A |
FAQ
What is the ‘8 Mile War’?
The ‘8 Mile War’ is a historic high school football rivalry between Pickens County High School and Gordo High School, dating back to 1924.
Why was the game canceled?
The game was canceled due to community backlash over a controversial social media post linked to Gordo’s cheer program, which many perceived as racially insensitive.
What has been the response of school officials?
School officials from both districts have issued apologies, emphasized student safety, and committed to promoting open communication within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Tuscaloosa News: Pickens County Cancels 100-Year Rivalry with Gordo
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Sports Illustrated: Facebook Post Ends 100-Year Rivalry
- Google Search: Pickens County High School Gordo High School rivalry
- WVUA 23: Pickens County Cancels Game Against Gordo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- AL.com: Game Canceled After Social Media Post
- Google News: Alabama High School Football Controversy
- WBRC: Pickens County Cancels Football Game
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