SC football game delayed by fire ants on field

ORANGEBURG, SC (WIS/AP) - Football games have been postponed by heavy rains, lightning, power outages.

And now, fire ants.

Calhoun County's game at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler in Orangeburg County was postponed Friday after the referee decided the field was unplayable because of fire ants. Referee Steve Hook says he found 15 to 20 large active fire ant piles shortly before the game.

Hook says he was worried about the players, coaches, officials and the chain crew.

Bruce Hulion with the South Carolina High School League says officials properly handled the safety issue.

The home team tried digging up the piles, as well as pouring salt on them before the game was postponed. One hometown fan offered to bring fire-ant poison.

The field in Neeses was deemed ready Monday night and Calhoun County won 19-8.

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