Andover's Baseball Championship Opponent Hinges on Potential Semifinal Forfeit

Earlier this week when Andover beat Waltham, 11-4, to advance to the North Division 1 championship game, the local nine believed they would play either Chelmsford or Methuen.

But with recent developments, there is a distinct possibility Andover wouldn't play either team - or anyone at all.

Potential controversy is brewing in the North Division 1 baseball semifinal scheduled for Saturday morning, as both Chelmsford and Methuen are considering a boycott because SATs and graduation are scheduled for that day.

The Boston Herald reported on Friday that both teams believe a 10 a.m. semifinal game in Lowell is unfair because 10 players combined between the two teams will be taking their SATs, while Chelmsford High School's graduation is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Originally the game was scheduled to take place on Thursday night, but rain forced the postponement. The championship game is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. in Lynn with Andover taking on either Chelmsford or Methuen.

According to the Boston Herald report, both teams were aware that Thursday's game would likely be postponed, and as a result had previously asked for the game to be played on Tuesday but were denied. Methuen head coach Eric Cyr told the newspaperthat the decision by the MIAA not to change Saturday's game is "disappointing."

An attempt to reach Chelmsford Athletic Director Scott Moreau was unsuccessful as he was away from the school for a meeting late Friday morning.