East Chapel Hill will take Chapel Hill's place at the Wakefield Football Jamboree on Friday. The Tigers opted Wednesday to forego the Jam after learning of the sudden death of defensive lineman Atlas Fraley.

ECH coaches told their players Wednesday about the decision.

East Chapel Hill is one of five teams scheduled to take part in the annual Jamboree, a quick series of short, preseason scrimmages against other varsity teams, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday at Raleigh Wakefield High School. This week’s event also includes Cary, Knightdale and Nash Central.

Chapel Hill had participated in three previous Jamborees at Wakefield.

CHHS coaches and counselors met with their team Wednesday. They called off practices scheduled for that evening, and said they would pull out of the Wakefield Jam in deference to the Fraley family and possible memorial services.

Chapel Hill also has considered asking Cedar Ridge High School for a postponement of their season-opening game Aug. 22 in Hillsborough, said Ron Hayes, the CHHS athletics director. Cedar Ridge has indicated they will cooperate on that scheduling issue, he said, but the decision is pending announcement of funeral services for Fraley.

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