MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The Berkeley-Morgan County Health Department has instructed the Martinsburg High School football team to not practice until Saturday, Sept. 5, after an adult associated with the team tested positive for COVID-19.
The Berkeley County school system and school received the guidance Thursday.
The Bulldogs, four-time defending Class AAA champions, were supposed to play rival Musselman Sept. 4 but now that game will have to be rescheduled. They currently have an open date on Sept. 11. Their first game would currently be Sept. 18 at South Charleston.
First-year head coach Britt Sherman communicated with team members Thursday afternoon.
“We have received guidance from the Berkeley County Health Department that our next scheduled practice can be Saturday, September 5th at 1pm. We will continue to control our controllables and make the best out of this situation. This will make us stronger. In the meantime, over exaggerate efforts to stay out of harm’s way of this virus but do everything you can to keep your conditioning from the first 7 days of practice. Can’t wait you see everyone on September 5th. With love and concern, Coach Sherman.”
“We do have individuals right now are being self-quarantined due to this,” Berkeley County Deputy School Superintendent Don Dellinger said.
He confirmed Thursday the person who tested positive was an adult associated with the team not a player or other student team member.
“It’s not one of our players or students who tested positive,” he said.
Dellinger said the proper protocols were followed after the person reported not feeling well last weekend.
Dellinger said further guidance from the health department could include additional testing. He said the top priority is keeping students safe.
“We’re certainly hoping that we do this safely and we get our student athletes back to where they can participate,” he said. “This is a difficult thing for everyone. We’re going to keep their safety at the forefront.”