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Despite having a full 10-game season scheduled the Encinal football team knows to take nothing for granted.
Encinal was scheduled to visit Castlemont on September 3. However, a COVID outbreak amongst the Knights players led to the game being cancelled. This left the Jets with a week to try and find a replacement opponent.
“During COVID it takes a lot of research, looking to see who doesn’t have a game, who would be a good matchup...are they willing to play,” said Encinal coach House.
On Wednesday, September 1, the Jets finalized a game with Biggs High School in Biggs, CA. The Wolverines planned to drive 142 miles to play Encinal on Friday night.
“With Castlemont cancelling we were disappointed,” said senior linebacker Kameran Cole. “But then we were given the chance to finally play. As a team we realize this year isn’t promised with COVID around.”
However, Encinal players were notified hours before the game against Biggs that it was cancelled due a lack of medical trainers. The abrupt cancellation left players frustrated.
“We were hyped to play,” said junior lineman John Marshall. “Got the news right before the game so feelings got the best of most of the players.”
Home teams are responsible for securing athletic trainers. The Encinal athletic department did not respond to requests for comment.
Instead of playing, Encinal (1-0) practiced in preparation for the 66th Island Bowl against Alameda (1-1). The showdown between the two rival schools is scheduled for Friday, September 10th. It will be Encinal’s first home game since November 22, 2019.
“I have limited games to play and my emotions have changed so much throughout the week,” said junior Nick Lum. “I sat out the last game and now Alameda is going to [face] a beast unleashed.”
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