Despite Covid disruptions, games will go on

By CT McDonald

After a rough start to the regular season last week because of numerous virus related rescheduled games, postponements and cancelations, none of the three District Five varsity football teams had a game scheduled this week — for various reasons.

Dutch Fork secured a game at Class 3A Wren last week and kicked off the season with a 70-8 lopsided win on the road. Then the Silver Foxes had scheduled this week’s game at Gaffney after Irmo had to cancel for the second straight week in observance of Covid protocol.

At midweek that game — at Gaffney — was canceled out of respect for the tragic passing of a Dutch Fork player at practice earlier this week.

As with others, we extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and team in this time of great sorrow.

Dutch Fork’s next game is now set for September 3 at Byrnes.

Still in Region 5-5A, after Chapin’s season opener against Irmo was canceled, the Eagles found an opponent in W. J. Keenan to start the season, but that one was also canceled for virus related reasons.

Then, in another rescheduling scramble, Chapin found yet another last minute opponent and planned to open the season at Airport, also known as the Eagles.

That one was canceled at the last minute, and Chapin is now still looking to play its season opener.

At last check, this week’s game at home against nearby rival Mid-Carolina is off the schedule and the Eagles are now looking to get started September 3 at Lugoff-Elgin.

And in Region 4-4A Irmo will sit out its second week in Covid protocol this week and get started next week, September 3, at South Florence.

But the September 10 game versus Crestwood was canceled earlier this week, and the Yellow Jackets are looking for an opponent to fill that date.

That’s how it is this year. Coaches and staff are working hard to keep the season going and, probably, becoming even more adept at finding opponents and rescheduling games at the last minute.

And thus far, they have done that.