HERMAN — Despite low numbers and vast inexperience, Summit Academy will be making a return to the gridiron in 2021.

A court-adjudicated school, Summit canceled all sports, including football, in 2020-21 due to COVID-19.

It was decided in May that the Knights would field a team this season. Soon after, John McCloud was named head coach. He previously served as the school's athletic director for many years.

“The kids were looking for some activity,” he said. “We made a point to talk to them about joining the football team.”

The Knights last played in 2019 when they finished with a 1-9 record with 35 players on the roster. This year's team includes just 21, with no holdovers from two years ago.

“Our numbers here dropped drastically,” said McCloud. “Before (COVID), we had over 200 kids. Now we're down to 90.

“But we're going to give it our all because the kids need to find something positive to do with themselves.”

McCloud said only a few players told him they have experience playing high school football. A roster was not available, but McCloud said he hopes to find out exactly what he has during a scrimmage with Riverside.

“Twenty-one, we believe we can play with that many kids. There's some good athletes here, but we have to teach them the game,” McCloud said.

McCloud's assistant coaches include Brison Twyman, Teddy Orringer, Gage Clark and Kenneth Brossier.

The Knights will compete in the WPIAL's Allegheny Conference along with Apollo-Ridge, Ligonier Valley, Serra Catholic, Shady Side Academy and Steel Valley.

Summit Academy opened in 1995 and first fielded a football team three years later.

SUMMIT ACADEMY

2021 Schedule

Aug. 27-at Avonworth, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4-LEECHBURG, 12:30 p.m.; Sept. 11-SPRINGDALE, 12:30 p.m.; Sept. 17-at New Castle, 7 p.m.; Sept. 25-WESTERN BEAVER, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 1-at Apollo-Ridge, 7 p.m.; Oct. 9-STEEL VALLEY, 12:30 p.m.; Oct. 15-at Ligonier Valley, 7 p.m.; Oct. 22-at Serra Catholic, 7 p.m.; Oct. 30-SHADY SIDE ACADEMY, 12:15 p.m.

2020 results (did not play)