Meadowview becomes first AISA program to lose games due to COVID-19

By TIM GAYLE

Meadowview Christian became the first Alabama Independent School Association team – and the first from central Alabama – forced to forfeit games after losing players to COVID-19.

Meadowview Christian headmaster and athletic director Bob Taylor announced on Wednesday evening the varsity football team, already challenged by a lack of numbers, would be forced to forfeit the next two games after several players were forced to self-quarantine.

“Meadowview Christian School will be required to forfeit the next two football games against Lowndes Academy and South Choctaw Academy,” Taylor said. “We had a football player test positive for coronavirus this week. With the “6/15 rule,” it was determined that several other players would need to self-quarantine for 14 days as well. 

“MCS followed the updated ‘Back to School Tool Kit’ issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health. After making contact with the ADPH, it was determined that this was the correct plan of action for all involved. We are disappointed that we will not be able to play due to the low number of remaining players.”

While the announcement likely comes too late for Lowndes Academy to reschedule – the Rebels and Trojans were scheduled to play tonight in Hayneville – the decision does give South Choctaw an opportunity to find another opponent to replace the scheduled game with the Trojans at home on Sept. 4.

Two teams with open dates on Sept. 4 include defending AA state champion Autauga Academy and new AAA program Valiant Cross Academy. Autauga was scheduled to travel to Vernon, Fla., for a game before the state of Florida pushed back its starting time, canceling the game. Valiant Cross was scheduled to play Success Unlimited on Sept. 4, but Success dropped its program this year in favor of eight-man football.

Losing two games early in the season was a setback for the Trojans, who hired Taylor in 2018 to boost enrollment at the school. After four years of competing in another league, Taylor restored the Selma private school to competing in the Alabama Independent School Association but low participation has resulted in 0-9 and 0-10 seasons in the first two years back.

Last week, Meadowview Christian opened the 2020 season with a 40-6 loss to Evangel Christian School of Alabaster. 

Taylor reassured the Selma community that the exposure only affected the football program and Meadowview would remain open as an institution.

“MCS will remain open and we will continue to monitor all students and follow protocols recommended by the ADPH,” he said in a statement. “We would like to thank the ADPH and AISA for their help. Meadowview looks forward to returning to play soon.”

The Trojans’ next scheduled game is set for Sept. 11 at home against Sparta Academy.