GAINESVILLE — The pandemic strikes the football schedule again, and it has nothing to do with the Georgia High School Association.
In a meeting with several metro-Atlanta superintendents on Thursday, the Fulton County School District emerged with the decision to delay the football season opener until the week of Sept. 14 -- three weeks after the GHSA will kick off the season.
The move has left Gainesville searching for two opponents. The Red Elephants were set to open the season on the road at Johns Creek on Sept. 4, followed by a Sept. 11 matchup at City Park against Chattahoochee.
Gainesville coach Heath Webb said, although it's not an ideal situation, the domino effect should help them find two suitable replacements quickly.
"Fulton County’s decision didn’t come as a surprise to us," Webb said. "We’ve been expecting it for a while, so I have a list of teams scheduled to play Fulton schools that I’ve been reaching out to about playing. I’m hopeful that we will be able to replace the games."
Statement from FCS Director Athletics Steven Craft:
"Fulton County Schools will delay all fall sports competitions until the week of Sept. 14. Softball, volleyball, cross country, football, cheerleading and marching band will resume competitions the week of Sept. 14. The district will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 moving forward and make a determination for the remainder of the season by Sept. 14. The district will continue to place the safety of the students and staff first while remaining committed to offering a fall season for our athletes. FCS will allow each fall team and the marching band to continue to practice and condition during this time."
