Menendez became the first area football team to forfeit a playoff game due to COVID-19 concerns on Tuesday, ending the Falcons’ best season in school history.
The Falcons (5-5) were scheduled to travel to Dunnellon (8-0) in Friday’s Region 2-5A semifinal. Instead, Menendez will end its season on the sidelines. The Falcons had more playoff wins this year than they had in their previous six trips combined.
Dunnellon will pick up a forfeit victory and await the winner of Friday’s game between Clay and Ocala Vanguard.
Menendez's running back's coach released the following statement on his twitter account:
"We made the difficult decision forfeit our semi-final game due to health related pandemic issues. Although a disappointing way to end our season, I'm choosing to be thankful. Thankful that we were able to play 10 games. Some teams didn't play. We love these boys! #BeElite"
No reason seems to have been given yet as to what the specific covid concerns were.
