Louisa, Ky. — Lawrence Co. Football will have to wait another week to host a playoff game after the Kentucky High School Athletic Association announced Saturday it is delaying the start of the football playoffs for one week because of an increased number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
The Dawgs haven’t played since a road victory over Floyd Central 40-24 on October 23rd and will now tentatively play Pike Co. Central at Home on Friday November the 20th.
KHSAA commissioner Julian Tackett wrote in an email that the playoffs now will begin Nov. 19-21. No games will be allowed the weekend of Nov. 12-14.
Tackett also wrote that “substantial changes could be made as needed in future days and weeks.”
“While one week won’t see this virus subside, it will give our senior school administrators and those involved with the programs a chance to review situations and see where positive test numbers go in the next short period of time,” Tackett said. “It isn’t just about the few ongoing quarantines. It’s about 82 counties Friday being defined as ‘red,’ including the vast majority of the east. It’s about giving our schools time to deal with the issues around athletics which are not identical to the issues around the school day and, as such, may need separate local discussions. Ideally, this will give them time to review their situations and hopefully see some progress.”
“ The decision wasn’t easy.
While it may be a calculated strategic decision that in time we feel was not the best path, we have to make decisions based on today’s information because tomorrow is so unknown.”
“ If a seeded team withdraws from the playoffs, teams that would not have qualified will be given an opportunity to enter the bracket.”
“ The delay in the start of the playoffs means the state finals would be rescheduled for Dec. 18-20 at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field.”
