KEARNS, Utah (ABC4 Sports) – One day after it looked like the season was over for the Kearns High football team, the Cougars are back in the playoffs.
The Granite School District approved a plan to let Kearns play, one day after it ruled the Cougars had to forfeit because of positive COVID-19 tests.
The entire team will be given tests for the virus on Saturday, and all the players who test negative will be allowed to play on Friday against East in the 6A second round.
East defeated Clearfield in the first round on Friday, 69-20.
Before the game against the Leopards next Friday, rapid COVID-19 tests will be given to all players and coaches, and those who test negative will be allowed to participate.
The Granite School District issued a statement on Friday saying, “In conjunction with the Salt Lake County Health Department, we are very pleased to announce that the Kearns High football team will be able to continue its quest for a championship through a new COVID testing protocol. This would not be possible without the support from Salt Lake County Health Department. We appreciate their dedication to our students’ health and safety. We are very excited that our students will be able to play and do so safely. Go Cougars.”
After an 8-1 regular season, Kearns had earned the fifth overall seed in the 6A playoffs. But after a third player tested positive for the virus on Thursday, the season was shut down.
But the Cougars have been given a reprieve, and will play next week, pending the outcome of the COVID-19 tests.
Fremont High and Uintah High both had to forfeit first round playoff games following positive tests for the virus.
