Northview High School will likely have an extra hurdle to jump in their season opener against John Paul Catholic Friday night, playing without their star defensive end Neiko Robinson.

Robinson, a transfer from Flomaton High school and verbal commitment to Penn State, has been suspended for six games after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he incurred during the Chiefs’ jamboree game with Bay High School last Friday in Bratt.

The penalty stemmed from an alleged thrown punch from Robinson after a penalty involving his younger brother Neino.

The suspension was handed down from the Florida High School Athletic Association, who said Northview could appeal; however NHS head coach Sid Wheatley said the issue would be settled in house.

“It was an unfortunate situation with Neiko being disqualified,” Wheatley said. “As of right now, we’re handling that internally. It’s an ongoing process of reviewing some things, but we’ll handle it ourselves.”

Justin Harrison, associate director for the FHSAA, said the fact that the infraction occurred during a preseason game has no bearing on the severity of the punishment.

“(Robinson) did receive a penalty,” Harrison said. “The games that are played during the preseason, it does not count towards the standings, but our rules are still in place.”

Barring a quick, successful appeal from Northview officials, the Chiefs will begin their 2012 season Friday night at home in Bratt without Robinson’s assistance.