SPRING GARDEN – Jason Howard knew there was a strong possibility late last week that Locust Fork might not be able to play the Panthers in their scheduled Class 2A, Region 6 game on Sept. 11 due to the Hornets being quarantined from a COVID-19 outbreak.

Now the game has officially been cancelled.

Through social media on Sunday, Howard made the announcement of the cancellation.

Following the Panthers’ 62-0 victory over West End of Walnut Grove on Friday, Howard said he had been in contact with teams across the state that had an open date for this week to try and fill the vacancy. Among the teams he contacted were Appalachian, Loachapoka and Notasulga, but nothing could be worked out.

Howard continued trying to find an opponent for the Panthers throughout the weekend, but to no avail.

“We’re going to make the best out of it,” he said. “If we’re open, we’ll take Monday off. We’ll give these guys another day to heal because we are banged up. We’re good either way.”

With the forfeit, Spring Garden moves to 3-0 on the season and 2-0 in Region 6 play. Locust Fork drops to 1-2 (0-2 Region 6).

The Hornets also had to forfeit their road game at Cleveland last Friday because of the coronavirus outbreak.

WEIS radio will update this story if the Panthers find a replacement opponent for this Friday.