The Port Jefferson and Rocky Point high school football teams will be allowed to join forces this season - and the combined team will remain eligible for postseason play.

The decision comes after Port Jefferson faced a shortage of players and was unable to field a team on its own.

School officials had requested to combine with Rocky Point, but the request was initially challenged because the request came too late. Officials also said a merger could have forced Rocky Point to sit out of the playoffs.

Port Jefferson had threatened legal action over the issue.

Now, the State Education Commissioner ruled that the two schools can move forward with a combined football team, including participation in the postseason.