For the second straight week, local high school football games have been delayed due to lightning.

It’s frustrating for the players, coaches, fans and even us reporters covering the contests. However, there is no question at all that games must be pushed back if there’s lightning in the area. You don’t play around with Mother Nature.

Last year, seven people were hospitalized after lightning struck the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay during a NFL game between the Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers.

The relative minor inconvenience of a delay or cancelled game isn’t worth putting people’s lives in danger.

We applaud game and school officials for making decisions that help keep people safe. The games can always be played another day.