This past Friday night’s Trenton at Dixie County (Cross City) football game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues.
It’s an annual rivalry that has gone back and forth the last several years. Dixie County (0-1) has won four in a row in the series, but Trenton (1-0) won the previous three meetings and four of five games from 2013-2016.
“We are still working on finding a way to play,” said Dixie County coach L.B. Cravey.
The visiting Tigers were coming off a 34-28 win against Jefferson County (Monticello) and entering with some momentum before COVID struck.
“Very disappointing to not get to play last week,” said Trenton coach Bill Wiles, who noted that they are trying to reschedule with Dixie County but can’t guarantee that it will happen. “All of my thoughts and feelings are with and about the players.”
For now, both teams will turn their attention to this Friday’s game.
“We are planning on hosting a very good Lafayette team this Friday,” Wiles said. “They have tremendous athletes and are well coached. It will take a great week of preparation to get ready for this bunch.”
Lafayette (Mayo) enters the game with a record of 2-0 following wins against Brookwood (Thomasville, GA) and Hamilton County (Jasper).
The visiting Hornets are averaging 9.7 yards per carry and 42.5 points per game through two games.
“They do some things offensively that can give you problems,” Wiles said. “We need to be as simple as possible and be sound defensively.”
Defensively, Lafayette has only given up 13 points.
“We need to play with great focus, energy, and effort,” Wiles said. “We also need to find a balance of gratitude for simply being able to play.”
Meanwhile, Dixie County will look to get in the win column for the first time this season after losing 42-20 at home in week one to Class 5A Suwannee (Live Oak).
The Bears face a Williston team still searching for its first win of the season. The Red Devils (0-2) have been outscored 93-7 in their two games.
“The key to beating Williston this week is to play our game,” Cravey said. “Execute plays, play fast and play disciplined. We need to play four quarters.”
Last month, the Florida High School Athletic Association announced that it would not punish teams who were affected by COVID-19. Schools will not have to forfeit games that are canceled due to team quarantine. The FHSAA has asked that schools do all they can to reschedule canceled games.