Lugo leaves Field, heads to Streetsboro

Field football coach Patrick Youel confirmed that standout senior running back Jay Lugo has left Field High School and is now a student at Streetsboro.

Youel said Lugo is “moving to Streetsboro due to certain circumstances” and that “it's a private matter.”

“His family is moving out of the district and moving to Streetsboro,” Youel said. “Obviously it was shocking news for all of us. He is such a great kid. It's such an unfortunate circumstance for him.”

Lugo, 5-foot-6 and 165 pounds, rushed for 168 yards and four touchdowns this past Friday to help host Field defeat Crestwood 48-14. The Falcons have a 4-1 overall record and are 2-0 in the Portage Trail Conference Metro Division.

Lugo is not eligible to play football at Streetsboro, according to Ohio High School Athletic Association rules. He can play basketball, a sport he also excels in, for the Rockets.

Youel said the Falcons players found out Lugo would be leaving prior to playing and defeating Kent Roosevelt 31-13.

“We will miss him, but as a team it's 11 men, not 1,” Youel said. “That is what I told our guys. We can't control things. As good of a player he is and as much of a brother he is, we can't control things. We are going to be a little bit less of a team, but we have four or five other running backs that can play and will have to step it up. We are confident in their ability and it's their time to shine. Our offensive line is really a key too.”

Youel said junior running back Chuck Snyder has been very productive this season alongside Lugo and will see his role increased.

“It was definitely upsetting news and we dealt with it in house,” Youel said. “Friday was Jay’s going away party. He had an incredible performance and got almost 300 all-purpose yards. Our fans did a tremendous job when he came out of the game in the third quarter. They gave him a two minute standing ovation and after the game the team presented a game ball to him.”

Lugo attended Windham High School his freshman and sophomore years, and then went to Field as a junior. He played in the state playoffs for both schools.

“He said he will stay in touch,” Youel said. “It was a decision that was out of his control. It was emotional for our guys and for Jay. I had senior parents throw a going away party for him. We have to keep going though. There are 50 guys on this team. We will miss him and we love him, but we have to keep going.”

Field plays at Springfield (4-1, 2-0) at 7 p.m. Friday.