Middletown cancels football season after coach tests positive for coronavirus

Middletown running back Will Williams carries the ball during their game against Kings Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at Barnitz Stadium in Middletown. Kings won 34-13. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

Middletown running back Will Williams carries the ball during their game against Kings Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at Barnitz Stadium in Middletown. Kings won 34-13. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF

Middletown schools have canceled all varsity and junior varsity football games and workouts for the rest of the season after a positive coronavirus test of a coach in the program, the district said Monday.

Athletic officials called and sent letters to football families, the district said.

“All athletic facilities used by the football program received enhanced cleaning following district protocols,” the district said on its website. “Exposed coaches and students are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 and report results of testing to Middletown High School. Go to the City of Middletown Health Department’s website to locate testing near you.”

Middletown had been scheduled to visit Hamilton this weekend, according to the athletic website. Hamilton announced it had changed its schedule to play Dublin Jerome on Thursday.

After initially calling off sports and extracurricular activities in the summer, Middletown started its football season on Sept. 4. The Middies lost in the first round of the postseason after a shortened regular season, and teams bounced from the playoffs were allowed to continue playing up to 10 regular-season games.