Lions AS Game gets cancelled
For second straight year, COVID-19 pandemic cited
>> The Lions All- Star Game, an annual showdown of the top prep football seniors in the north state, has been canceled for a second straight year due to potential safety concerns and health requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lions All-Star football director Ray Odom made the announcement in a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, saying the decision to cancel the game, which was scheduled to be played on June 26 at Shasta College, “was made out of concern for the safety and health of both the players and spectators.”
“Logistically, it was felt that it would be very difficult to comply with the pandemic related restrictions placed on the game by the state and university including such issues as screening of athletes and spectators, testing requirements, the number of spectators permitted, and social distancing,” the release stated.
The game is typically held in June among graduating high school seniors who are selected for the North and South teams, then spend the week leading up to the game practicing and staying together in campus dorms. Through Lions District 4- C1, the game also raises funds for and promotes Camp McCumber, a summer camp for children with diabetes.
Because the 2020 game was also canceled as a result of COVID-19, the last Lions All- Star game took place in 2019 at Chico High Stadium.
Despite this year’s game also getting canceled, players will named to the North and South teams “in the coming weeks,” the release noted. Coaches will be asked to select players from their schools for the teams.
“We look forward to the return of the Lions All- Star football game in the 2022 year,” the release concluded.