Consolidation of school districts in a region where the population continues to shrink is inevitable, practical and smart.

That isn’t to say there won’t be some collateral damage. Communities can lose a sense of identity.

Sports teams lose out on the schedule.

Freeport’s football team closed the book on its rivalry with Ford City last Friday, winning 19-0 on the road.

Freeport coach and graduate John Gaillot said that wasn’t the main focus of the game.

But everyone knew what was happening.

“They know the history also and I’m sure that crossed their mind,” Gaillot said. “After the way last season went, it was a much-needed win.”

The Yellowjackets won the all-time series, finishing with a 43-22-1 record against the Sabres.

Ford City and Kittanning will combine next school year to form Armstrong High School.

Freeport’s last game with the Wildcats will be Sept. 26.

The Sabres and Wildcats may not be the only long-time conference rival to come off the schedule permanently.

Deer Lakes, another school in the Allegheny Conference, had several discussions at recent school board meetings about possibly disbanding the district.

Several of Butler County’s most heated rivalries cooled due to consolidation.

Evans City and Zelienople put aside its feud to create Seneca Valley in 1964.

East Brady moved in with Karns City in 1992, ending its long-standing contests with the Gremlins and Union.

East Brady had previously merged with Kittanning and Ford City to form Armstrong Central from 1989-91.

Freeport will be in search of another rival.

Gaillot thinks the Yellowjackets top rival that will be left is Burrell.

Shady Side Academy and Apollo-Ridge are other long-time foes that don’t carry the same weight as a Ford City or Kittanning.

It’s another sad step to what will be a shrinking conference and Class AA as a whole.

Long-time AA powers Jeannette and Greensburg Central Catholic moved down to A this season.

Jeannette’s future is also in doubt.

For years, there have been discussions about the school combining with Penn-Trafford or Hempfield.

Much like Ford City and Kittanning.

It makes sense.

But it will be sad to see them go.

“It’s kind of disappointing,” Gaillot said. “But that’s how it is in today’s day and age with all the consolidations.”

Josh Rizzo is a sports writer for the Butler Eagle.