Patriots football team hit with COVID-19, homecoming game cancelled

The start of in-person classes for high school students pushed back one week

MADISON – Bob Jones High Schools was set to celebrate homecoming against Florence tonight, but the game has been cancelled and homecoming postponed to Oct. 23 after several cases of COVID-19 struck the team.

Madison City Schools superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols said nine football players have tested positive for COVID-19.

“After consultation with the ADPH and the AHSAA, we are announcing the cancellation and forfeiture of tonight’s football game against Florence High School and next week’s game against Auburn High School,’ Dr. Nichols said. “I believe that this is in the best interest of players, coaches and fans on both sides. At the current time, we are evaluating which members of the team are considered ‘close contacts’ by the ADPH guidelines. Therefore, in an abundance of caution, we are isolating the BJHS team until Sunday, Sept. 27, as we evaluate this situation.”

Dr. Nichols also said the school district is delaying their school-based reentry schedule for all high school students for one week. High school students were set to start in-person classes on Monday “Both of our high schools will resume school-based learning on an A/B rotation on Sept. 28” Nichols said.