Even as school doors remain closed, kids in Marblehead will be allowed to play ball as the teacher strike threatens to extend into another week.Interim Superintendent John Robidoux said Thursday he reversed his decision to pause athletics after determining that the schools can safely allow games and other events to take place this weekend.

Marblehead Public Schools will reinstate athletics and extracurriculars as teacher strikes drag on, the district reported Thursday, allowing this weekend's high school football playoff game to continue.

Superintendent John Robidoux reversed his decision to cancel all athletic and extracurricular activities during the work stoppage.

Teachers in Beverly, Gloucester, and Marblehead strike for higher pay, causing class cancellations and threatening extracurriculars as negotiations continue.