UNDATED (WHTC-AM/FM) – The list of teams from the Lakeshore still alive in the Michigan High School Athletic Association gridiron football tournament is down from eight to six without a single tackle or block taken yet.
On Wednesday afternoon, Zeeland Public Schools officials announced that the Zeeland East game with visiting Holland, slated for Saturday evening, has been canceled. This is due, in part, to what district officials said in a letter to parents and guardians, “ZPS is aware of a potentially large exposure to COVID-19 at both ZEHS and (Zeeland West High School). ZPS is working in partnership with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health to quarantine over 14 staff and more than 200 students. It has been determined the safest option is to close the high school campus beginning Thursday, Oct. 29, through Friday, Nov. 6.”
The East football team has been put into quarantine as a contact tracing precaution, leading to the forfeiture of the Chix’ first-round tournament game against the Dutch, a team that Zeeland East had defeated two weeks ago, 75-17. The move means that 1-6 Holland will advance to a Division 3 district semifinal game at either East Grand Rapids or Northview next weekend, while the Chix end the season at 4-3.
As of Wednesday evening, the Zeeland West game with visiting Ottawa Hills, set for this Friday night, is still on. Coverage of that contest is slated for 6:40 PM on 99 7 and 1450 WHTC. The Dux had its game with visiting Mona Shores cancelled last Friday due to COVID 19 health protocols.
On Monday morning, Fennville school officials told the MHSAA that the 0-6 Blackhawks would not be able to play its scheduled first-round Division 6 game at Buchanan this weekend due to the lack of available players because of injuries.
The other match ups for this weekend:
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Holland Christian v. Unity Christian at Baldwin Middle School – Friday, 7 PM
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West Ottawa at Rockford – Saturday, 12 PM
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Hamilton at Godwin Heights – Friday, 7 PM
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Saugatuck at White Pigeon – Friday, 7 PM (6:40 PM broadcast on The Lakeshore’s 92 7 The Van)
