With the passage of the South-Western City Schools levy Nov. 3, we know now that sports will be back soon in the school district.

But for many football players in the district, they simply couldn't wait until last Tuesday. In the weeks, days and even hours after the August levy failed, officially dooming the fall sports season, plenty of players rushed to find new teams.

With the regular season in the books, there is no question those athletes have made a major impact on the way this unusual season has played out. Many of them were on the field when the playoffs began last Friday and last Saturday, which is something most had never done before.

In the previous three years, only Grove City in 2008 and Westland in 2006 reached the playoffs from the SWCS. Who knows what this season would have held for those teams -- Grove City in particular had high expectations after last year's success -- but at least these athletes have gotten the chance to make their mark, albeit away from home.

In early August, players transferred to a variety of schools in the surrounding areas. London had the most former SWCS players of any school (20), and several earned starting spots. Former Central Crossing players Jeff Yates (QB), Jake Burns (RB), Matt Schramm (OL), Chris Shifflett (OL), Darius Morris (LB), Frenchy Boos (LB), Josh High (LB), Ben Rinehart (DB) and Carson Hiser (DL) and former Westland players Keith Cairus (LB) and Kyle Hazlett (LB) all stepped into key roles this season.

Still, the Red Raiders were unable to improve on their 6-4 record from last season. After a 4-0 start, they suffered six consecutive losses, including three by 10 points or less, to knock them out of playoff contention in Division IV, Region 16. London finished the year on a high note, beating rival Madison Plains 26-14 last Friday.

Although it added far fewer players than London, Pickerington North has reaped significant benefits from its transfers. Former Grove City linebacker Chris Fuqua has been a major factor in the dominance of the North defense, which allowed an average of 7.9 points per game in the regular season. On offense, former Grove City players Lucas Mason and Stephen Crane have been part of one of the most imposing offensive lines in the area. And former Grove City head coach Matt Jordan and assistant coach Jeff Rice have served as offensive assistants.

The Panthers won their final five regular season games to finish 7-3 overall, 4-2 in the OCC-Ohio Division and reach the Division I, Region 3 playoffs for the first time in program history.

Farther north, a couple of former Central Crossing players and their head coach have made a splash on a revitalized Westerville South team. Jayshan Jackson has given the Wildcats a big-play threat at running back to complement the passing of Jonathan Jennings. In a 47-20 win over Olentangy Liberty on Oct. 30, Jackson set program records for yards in a game (282) and longest run (95). He has 1,659 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. Linebacker Derek Jones, also a former Comet, has stepped into a starting role, leading the team in tackles for loss (10). Rick Vaughn, the head coach at Central Crossing last year, now is a defensive assistant at South.

South has won eight consecutive games to improve to 8-2 overall and 7-0 in the OCC-Cardinal. It is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Grove City Christian added just a few players from the SWCS, but on a Division VI team, they have had a significant impact. Former Grove City lineman Jeramie Stump started at center and former Franklin Heights lineman Anthony McKinley started at guard. Tyler Emmelhainz of Grove City and Jordan Keaton of Central Crossing have been key in the secondary, and former Grove City players Christian Smurthwaite (WR) and Luke Smurthwaite (QB) have gotten significant playing time as well.

The Eagles went 9-1 and reached the Division VI, Region 23 playoffs for the first time.

Other schools, like West, did not reach the postseason but were no doubt affected by the addition of SWCS players. The Cowboys won two more games than last season, finishing 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the City League-South. In West's historic 74-71 win over Independence on Oct. 16, former Franklin Heights wide receiver Jonathan Parks was named ThisWeek's Player of the Week with seven catches for 175 yards and five touchdowns.

Not all athletes affected by the failed levy opted to leave. For some, the prospect of sports being restored by the winter or spring was enough to keep them at home. With the passage of last Tuesday's levy, it looks like they'll get that chance to play. For others who made the unbelievably difficult choice to leave home for an opportunity to step on the football field one more time, at least they've made the most of it.

As interesting as it's been to see these athletes make an impact so quickly on their new teams, I hope we never see a season like this again.