Dark cloud continues to hang over Berks football season

We thought we were past this, didn’t we?

As the numbers dwindled, and the state eased back on restrictions, it appeared as though this COVID nightmare was in the rear view mirror.

As we headed into summer, and toward the start-up for fall sports, it felt like the dark cloud of the coronavirus had lifted and that we’d have a worry-free season.

The fact is the threat never fully went away.

As football season kicked off cancellations started popping up in Lancaster and Dauphin counties, and elsewhere. Berks seemed to be immune, at least until midseason when Reading High had to cancel its game against Gov. Mifflin, and another the following week.

It got much worse last week when Hamburg, then Daniel Boone, had to cancel Week 9 games.

Throughout the season most, if not all, teams have been affected. Players missing from practices; players unable to play in games. Often it’s because of close-contact issues, seemingly impossible to avoid when you’re sharing locker rooms, classrooms and buses.

Berks Catholic coach Rick Keeley got word hours before game time Sept. 24 that his team would be without its starting quarterback and several other players for its game against Malvern Prep.

You get some kind of COVID issue going on in the playoffs, that’s it. You’re done.

— Jeff Lang, Gov. Mifflin coach

Daniel Boone coach Rob Flowers got the same message a week later, before his team played BC.

“It’s something you worry about every single day,” said Flowers.

As the playoffs approach the concern is greater than ever. Maybe not at last year’s desperate level, but it’s still there. The fear that your program will be shut down on a moment’s notice — that’s never fully gone away.

Like others, Flowers holds his breath as he checks his email or phone for messages each morning. Did one of my players test positive? Will guys miss practice this week because of close contact issues? Is our program going to be shut down?

Flowers has gotten this kind of bad news three times this season.

Gov. Mifflin hasn’t had to cancel a game but it has been dropped three times because its opponent had COVID issues. The Mustangs were able to pick up Harrisburg in Week 4 after Cedar Crest dropped out. They couldn’t find anyone willing to step up two weeks later when Reading High dropped out.

Friday word didn’t break until hours before their game against Boone; there was no time to find a replacement.

You’d think Mifflin head coach Jeff Lang shouldn’t have too many worries. He’s got the best player in the state in Nick Singleton and maybe the best team. No one’s come close to touching them.

And yet he approaches each day with trepidation, knowing that terrible news is only a text message away.

“We’re not just worrying about football,” Lang said recently on the Mike Drago Sports podcast, “it’s all those variables.”

It used to be coaches harped on their players about keeping up their grades, staying out of trouble, avoiding weekend parties, etc. Those all take a back seat now to the No. 1 fear: A COVID shutdown.

“Our coaches have been preaching: Wear the mask, be careful who you’re sitting with at lunch, stay with your teammates,” said Wyomissing junior Matt Kramer.

Wyomissing, like Mifflin, is unbeaten and has the potential to make a long playoff run. The Spartans played for a state title last year; many believe they can get back. Blocking and tackling aren’t their primary concern; staying off the COVID list is.

“It’s definitely a scary thing,” Kramer said. “The thought always comes back that we could get shut down. We’ve got to be mindful of it.”

Lang saw first-hand how harsh that news can be. Days before Mifflin was to play for the District 3 championship last year its opponent, Warwick, had to suspend play because of COVID. Several other teams across the state had to forfeit games in the postseason, as well.

The playoffs are a one-and-done deal in football. You lose, you go home. No playback brackets.

To be eliminated without ever getting on the field would be devastating.

“You get some kind of COVID issue going on in the playoffs, that’s it,” said Lang. “You’re done. They’re not gonna wait a week for you to be cleared. That’ll be it. Season over.”

“Last year I was on pins and needles all the time,” said Wyomissing coach Bob Wolfrum. “I haven’t felt that way this year, but I’m aware (of the danger). We’ll do what they ask us to do (to stay protected), and hopefully we make it. It’s on the minds of players and coaches every day, all day. Starting next week (in the playoffs), you get that (news), your season’s over. It’s scary.”