Norwood, Bengals' Sam Hubbard support North College Hill; jerseys swapped

The North College Hill football team has not had the season it envisioned, but Friday night's game at Norwood provided a glimmer of hope for the Trojans.

The Trojans' Sept. 6 home game against Cincinnati Country Day was postponed after gunshots were fired near the stadium, leading Miami Valley Christian Academy to cancel its Week 4 game with the Trojans. One week later, their game against Woodward was halted in the first half due to gunshots in the neighborhood.

Before the Week 7 game, the administrations from both schools participated in a jersey swap in a display of community solidarity.

"We are both members of the Miami Valley Conference and felt it was important that we show them and the city that the unfortunate isolated incidents in their community is not a reflection of their school and football program," Norwood athletic director Chuck Richardson said in a statement.

After the jersey swap, a message from Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Sam Hubbard was played on the video board.

"I want the communities of Norwood and North College Hill to know that myself and the Sam Hubbard Foundation is in your corner supporting you all the way," Hubbard said in the video.

The Sam Hubbard Foundation was formed in 2020 to "bring equitable access to food, education, and a healthy lifestyle for all Cincinnatians".

North College Hill won, 40-14. The Trojans are now 2-3 this season while Norwood is 0-7.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Norwood, Bengals' Sam Hubbard support North College Hill; jerseys swapped