No. 1 Telstar’s first-round playoff matchup in the eight-man Small School South division against No. 8 Traip Academy has been canceled after Traip formally withdrew from the contest on Monday. 

Traip Athletic Director Michael Roberge cited myriad reasons for withdrawing. 

“Injuries causing low numbers and age and experience of those able to play that may cause an unsafe situation,” Roberge said.

On Saturday, Telstar head coach Tim O’Connor said he talked with Traip head coach Eric Lane after the Rebels’ 52-0 victory over the Rangers in the regular season finale and had a feeling Traip (0-7) might withdraw. Telstar also beat Traip 62-6 in the season opener.

“We will see how the standings shake out on Tuesday,” O’Connor said. “it looks like we will be (No. 1) and will be matched up with Traip. After talking to their coach I don’t think they’ll come. They have quite a few injuries.”

O’Connor said he will use the bye week to get Telstar (7-0) healthy and ready to play the following week in a South semifinal against the winner of No. 4 Old Orchard Beach and No. 5 Maranacook.