Buhach Colony football able to find last-minute opponent, after COVID causes cancellation
The Buhach Colony High School will play a football game this week. The Thunder (0-3) were able to pick up a game against Downey on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Modesto.
Both teams were forced to scramble to find a game after their opponents canceled.
Buhach Colony was supposed to open up Central California Conference play against Golden Valley on Friday, but the Cougars have three players who have tested positive for COVID-19. Due to Merced County Department of Public Health guidelines, the Golden Valley football program has to shut down for 10 days.
Cesar Chavez of Stockton canceled on Downey this week, according to Buhach Colony athletic director Kevin Navarra.
Buhach Colony already lost a game this season when its game against Tracy on Oct. 27 was canceled due to poor air quality.
“Not knowing what we have coming ahead I think we have to take advantage of anything we can get,” Navarra said.
Both Buhach Colon and Downey will have to prepare for an opponent on short notice. Downey head coach Jeremy Plaa reached out to Buhach Colony to schedule the game on Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s going to be tough on the coaches and players, but the bottom line is both teams wanted to be on the field,” Navarra said.
Navarra said he had talked to other programs like Riverbank, Ripon Christian, El Dorado and Benicia, but the game wouldn’t have been competitive or there were transportation issues.
The Buhach Colony junior varsity and freshmen teams will still be playing Golden Valley on Friday.
