Jacksonville HS football game canceled Friday over COVID-19 case

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - A Jacksonville High School Virtual Academy student, who is a varsity football player, tested positive for COVID-19 Monday, and other players were identified as close contacts.

To maintain the safety of the student-athletes, Jacksonville High School’s game with Piedmont High School on Sept. 25 and the game with Handley High School on Oct. 2 have been canceled.

Jacksonville High School has taken all contact tracing steps outlined by the Alabama High School Athletic Association, Alabama State Department of Education, and the Alabama Department of Public Health. The parents of all players identified as close contacts have been notified.

“Our administration, our kids, our coaches, they’ve all been outstanding, just being transparent with everything. And, we’re going to get through this, we’re going to get to the other side, and you know, hopefully, hopefully we’ll get through it soon,” Coach Clint Smith said.

The Golden Eagles are giving up a rival game, and next week a big region game, but Smith says it’s too early to tell if it will cost the team a trip to the playoffs.

He said the students' safety comes first.

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