LEXINGTON, Ky. – As it has often done, the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on fall high school sports teams in Kentucky. 

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl football playoffs have not been immune to COVID-related shakeups. Twenty-nine high school football teams in Kentucky suspended their seasons early because of the pandemic, but only a handful had some, if any, impact on the postseason. 

Perhaps the more notable season cancellations took place the week of Nov. 30 when three teams – Rowan County in Class 4A along with 5A teams madison Southern and Fairdale – canceled their seasons before playing in their respective regional finals, placing them just two wins away from a state championship appearance. 

Fairdale entered Round 3 of the playoffs undefeated at 7-0 and was set to clash with Owensboro, another unbeaten team. Fairdale announced the team’s withdrawal on Twitter a little more than 24 hours before kickoff time in what would have its regional final matchup.  “Heartbreaking day for our football program today as we will not be able to move forward in the playoffs due to a positive COVID-19 test within our program,” according to the announcement. “I couldn’t be prouder of our players, coaches, and staff for their hard work and dedication this season.”

Fairdale junior Jamarion Smith tweeted the Bulldogs’ undefeated season came to an end and that “COVID beat us.”

The Madison Southern Eagles were 6-3 and also set for a 5A regional final matchup on Friday, Dec. 4, against powerhouse Covington Catholic. Madison Southern Head Coach Jon Clark released a statement Monday, Nov. 30, announcing the Eagles were withdrawing from the playoffs after he was forced to quarantine.

“I am mixed with emotions of being heartbroken for my players, but so dang proud of them,” Clark said. “We have all known from Day 1 this could be a possibility and our team has played every game as if it could be the last, which was evident.”

Rowan County was 4-3 and the 4A District 6 champions this season and set to play in its first third-round game since 1982. The Vikings were prepared to travel to Boyle County before head coach Kelly Ford announced Wednesday, Dec. 2, the team’s season had come to an abrupt end after a Boyd County player, the team’s second-round opponent, tested positive for COVID-19.

“We preach as coaches that football is more than just a game. It is filled with life lessons,” Ford said in a statement. “My players saw the hurt and pain I was feeling when having to deliver this news.”

The Class 2A Middlesboro Yellowjackets had the highest RPI ranking of any team that withdrew from the season at No. 8. The team was 6-1 heading into the playoffs but canceled before the first round.

Class 3A Lawrence County won its first-round playoff game over Pike County Central but withdrew because of COVID before its second-round matchup against the reigning 3A champion Belfry Pirates. 

The Class 1A Bishop Brossart Mustangs canceled their season before the scheduled first-round game against Nicholas County.

Nine of the 29 teams to withdraw from the season because of COVID-19 were not on track to make the playoffs, while 14 teams withdrew before their first-round games. Three teams withdrew after their first-round games and the aforementioned three after the second round. Six 1A teams; four 2A teams; five 3A teams; five 4A teams; two 5A teams; and seven 6A teams have withdrawn from the 2020 season overall.