If they could, Canton football players and fans would likely charge Tropical Storm Fred with an offsides penalty.
When water overflowed the Pigeon River one month ago and made a mess out of nearby athletic fields, several fall sports teams have felt the impact.
The storm decimated the Pisgah Memorial football field. Repairs will be made but not in time for the rest of this football season.
“Yeah, it does suck,” said Pisgah outside linebacker Jackson Holland. He knows the score.
“It won't be cleared for the rest of this year. So, we're going to have to play away every game,” he said.
From this point forward, home games will be played at Erwin High School. That means more travel time -- and more cost for his family.
“They've continued to go to all the games...doing a little bit more carpooling, trying to save on gas and everything,” Holland said.
Football parents are adjusting to the extra costs.
“A little bit, yes; like he said, you can carpool little extra funding, but it's ok,” says Beth Easton.
Because the football team now must use one of Pisgah’s practice fields, the athletic director said the soccer team has to practice and play elsewhere, too.
“They're actually practicing at Clyde Elementary and then playing their games at Tuscola High School,” Pisgah Athletic Director Heidi Morgan said about Pisgah's soccer team.
“Not exactly what I had hoped for,” said Pisgah goalie Alex Almaraz.
He said he had looked forward to playing games his senior year in his home stadium.
“Last year, we had to wear masks when we played and now this year, we're not even getting to play on our home field," Almaraz said. "It does get a little tiring, but we love the sport, so we'll just keep going with it."
“Middle school football and soccer, they're practicing on alternative locations and then all their games are on the road as well,” Morgan said.
She said all that movement adds costs.
“Everywhere we go, we have to take buses now,” she said.
Morgan said volleyball, cross country and women's tennis all play on Thursdays.
“That's been a little bit of a nightmare to try to maneuver those situations," she said.
Even band members can't practice behind the softball field.
“Obviously, with the flooding they're having to practice much later at school after football practice,” says Morgan.
Morgan says without the normal fields available, money isn't coming in to concession stands either...money used for teacher supplies every year.
But she, like the players, is focused on overcoming the challenges calling the Pisgah kids the toughest she knows.
“They continue to perform day in and day out -- in the classroom and on the field,” Morgan said.
Holland said he’s ready for some Friday night football.
“Go Bears!”
Canton leaders are convinced they'll see the field back up and running better than ever next season.
The big county clash game had already been scheduled to be played on Tuscola's field in Waynesville on Oct. 15.
School leaders say when that game is played, because of the flood on their home field, the Pisgah players will bring added energy.