Associated Press - October 7, 2009 5:45 PM ET

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) - A private school in Roanoke has canceled classes for eighth through 12th grades through Friday and postponed a football game because of an outbreak of a flulike illness.

Roanoke Catholic School administrators said in a letter to parents Tuesday that classes were canceled because a high percentage to students had been absent.

The varsity football game at Fishburne Military School scheduled Friday has been postponed until Monday. Roanoke Catholic Coach Bob Price says only nine players attended practice Tuesday.

The school also canceled other sports activities.

Classes in lower grades were held as scheduled, and all teachers were to report as usual.

Administrators say classes are expected to be made up later this month or in early November.

Information from: The Roanoke Times, http://www.roanoketimes.com

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