Suspended Players Stay on Sideline

Two suspended Zanesville blue devil football players watched Friday’s game from the sidelines.

Head coach Chad Grandstaff did not put Lucas Howard or Josh Mainini out on the field.  Earlier on Friday, a federal judge ruled that the players could participate in the match-up against Youngstown Ursuline.

The suspensions stem from a party occurring at the Howard household on July 15th, one that resulted in the death of Zanesville incoming freshman 14-year-old Grant Hickman.

Zanesville fan Terry Singer said he agrees with the coach’s decision to keep the boys out of the game.

"They shouldn’t play," said Singer.  "Rules are rules.  What kind of example are they setting?"

Other fans were impressed with the team’s ability to stay focused on the game.  Grant Hutcheson said the blue devils look like they’re ready to play.

"I think the suspensions have affected the blue devils a little bit," said Hutcheson.  "They’ve stayed very well focused.  Coach Grandstaff does a great job getting them motivated for the upcoming games."

Zanesville City Schools officials said the case is now pending in federal court, and a hearing will be held in the next few weeks.

The district is asking the federal court to enforce the policy and have Howard and Mainini sit out for two additional games.