The North Carolina High School Athletic Association didn’t endorse a college football game within the state on a Friday night, but at least took an understanding response to Appalachian State scheduling one.

In a statement, NCHSAA executive director Charlie Adams said his organization doesn’t support the move but was “appreciative of the fact that Appalachian State informed us early enough that there is plenty of time to let member schools know. That way our schools can make adjustments or move games as they see fit.”

...

The organization also said it hopes colleges don’t make a habit of scheduling Friday night games.

Appalachian State will play host to Wofford in a Southern Conference game Oct. 31, a game to be aired on ESPN2.

Southern Conference commissioner John Iamarino said he understands the concerns about the date that conflicts with a night traditionally reserved for high schools. He said Appalachian State athletics director Charlie Cobb did the right thing by contacting the NCHSAA prior to any announcement about the game.

“It’s going to be great exposure for us, the only game on Halloween night,” Iamarino said.

Adams’ statement said the NCHSAA doesn’t support any televised college football game that conflicts with Friday night high school games.

“We want to emphasize that we hope that this is not the beginning of a consistent pattern of games being played and televised in North Carolina on the primary night that high school teams play, because we believe that could really damage our programs,” Adams said.

A similar situation occurred in 2003 when East Carolina scheduled a football game against Cincinnati on a Friday night, a move that put it in direct conflict with the NCHSAA playoffs. The NCHSAA condemned the situation.

NCHSAA responds to college game on Friday
By Bob Sutton, The Carolina Times-News
http://www.thetimesnews.com/sports/friday_15447___article.html/state_game.html