Pandemic hits more contests
Three days after covid-19 caused one of the state’s biggest set of games to be canceled, the pandemic has shelved yet another slate.
North Little Rock boys Coach Johnny Rice confirmed on Thursday that today’s game between his top-ranked Charging Wildcats and Class 6A No. 6 Conway was canceled. The Lady Charging Wildcats, ranked No. 2 in Class 6A and overall, were also scheduled to play the No. 1-ranked Lady Wampus Cats.
The news to shelve the contests coincided with the North Little Rock School District’s decision to move to virtual instruction for at least for the next two school days.
“As a result of the growing number of [covid-19] active cases and quarantines, the North Little Rock School District will transition to 100% virtual instruction for [today] and Monday
… at all campuses,” North Little Rock Superintendent Gregory Pilewski said in a statement that was released on the district’s website and Facebook page. “Therefore, there will be no on-site instruction, after-school activities or athletic events as all schools will be closed. … To slow the spread of the virus while the schools are closed, our custodial staff will be deep cleaning all hard surfaces at each campus.”
North Little Rock also had Tuesday’s games against rival Little Rock Central canceled because of covid-19 concerns. All matchups are expected to be rescheduled.
However, North Little Rock and Conway aren’t the only teams that had games affected. According to a post on its athletic team’s Facebook account, Pulaski Academy’s contest against Joe T. Robinson were postponed as was Mills’ cross-town battle at eStem. In addition, Mayflower’s girls game against Lamar was postponed as well as Bryant’s 6A-Central matchup with Mount St. Mary.