Courtesy of Scott Wright| The Cherokee-Post Herald

“We received news that a couple of players from the same household were showing symptoms, and the parents made the responsible decision to keep them home and get tested. The parents notified the school that the tests were positive.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with them for a speedy recovery. I felt heartbroken for the parents and players because I know they felt that they disappointed everyone. This is nobody’s fault. As a leader, you automatically start thinking about whether there was anything that could have been done differently. That is what I stressed to the players – this is nobody’s fault.

“Since the beginning of June, everyone has been doing their part to make the season possible. I believe everyone – players, coaches and parents – have been doing everything we asked them to do. To then tell our football players that part of their season would be cancelled felt unfair, and I’m sure, heartbreaking for them. Having to look all the players in the eye and tell them that part of the football season had to be cancelled was gut-wrenching because they have worked and sweated so incredibly hard since the beginning of June to prepare.

“Please know that as a leader, I take no pleasure in delivering disappointing news and feeling as if I’m devastating expectations. I told our players that our hope is to have all of the players back on campus on Sept. 10. After Sept. 10, we hope to hold five days of practice for heat acclimation and play our first home game of the season at Trojan Stadium versus Valley Head. “To the players, please know that we will miss you on campus and we look forward to seeing you back on campus and on the field.”