Center Moriches Adds Dobbs Ferry After Football Cancellation

With Port Jefferson unable to field a football team for the 2026 season, a void was suddenly created in the schedule for teams across Suffolk County.

For Center Moriches, that meant the Red Devils were originally scheduled to open their season against Port Jefferson on Sept. 4. Instead, they were facing a strange situation — they would receive a forfeit victory and the automatic power points, but they would also be left without a game to play.

Rather than simply take the week off, Center Moriches went looking for an opponent.

The Red Devils were able to schedule a home game against Dobbs Ferry from Section I on Sept. 4. The time for the game has not yet been determined, but Center Moriches will now have an opportunity to actually take the field on opening weekend.

The game gives the Red Devils something that a forfeit never can — a chance to compete, get the season started and build some momentum right from the beginning.

Center Moriches will still be awarded the forfeit win against Port Jefferson and will receive the automatic power points that come with it. That means the Red Devils are essentially getting the best of both worlds: they keep the benefits of the scheduled game while also adding another opportunity to play.

The situation is an unusual one and is a direct result of Port Jefferson's difficult decision to cancel its season because of a lack of players.

For Center Moriches, however, the focus can now turn back to football.

Instead of opening the season with a bye, the Red Devils will have a new opponent waiting for them at home.

The 2026 season will officially get underway Sept. 4, and Center Moriches will be ready to kick it off.