DOWNSTATE - It's only a game.

That adage was put into perspective Tuesday in the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., as local athletic fields were empty of their normal practice and game activity.

With Downstate public schools closing, all extracurricular activities, including sporting events and practices, were shut down.

The status of games for the rest of this week is in question. Much of that decision will depend on when schools will reopen.

Meanwhile, colleges are dealing with the additional obstacle of travel concerns for their games on Saturday.

The Wesley football team has spent significant time and effort to raise more than $9,000 to fly to Jacksonville, Fla. The Wolverines are scheduled to play Edward Waters College.

The game was still on as of Tuesday night. But the Wolverines called their travel agent and said they'll take a bus instead.

"We had a lot of concern about flying from parents and players," said Coach Mike Drass, who said the team insisted on getting its money back. "Even though we know that flying will be the safest, I said if any players had concerns we wouldn't fly."

Delaware State was shut down Wednesday, forcing practices to be cancelled because support personnel such as trainers were sent home.

But, of course, football wasn't the highest priority.

Hornets head coach Ben Blacknall and his staff weren't busy game-planning, but dealing with the tragedy. The Hornets are scheduled to visit North Carolina A&T Saturday.

"We're helping get our players from D.C. and New York in touch with their families," Blacknall said. "Football is just a game and we play it for enjoyment. Today there are other important matters."