WELLINGTON, Fla. — The School District of Palm Beach County is reversing its decision to cancel Palm Beach Central High School's football season.
Due to coronavirus concerns, the remainder of Palm Beach Central High School's regular football season was canceled last week after only playing one game.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Coronavirus
Palm Beach County Health Director Dr. Alina Alonso spoke at the school board meeting Tuesday night and said 62 players were quarantined and five players tested positive for COVID-19.
However, the school district announced Thursday that the final Palm Beach Central Community High School football player quarantined amid COVID-19 concerns was cleared by the Florida Department of Health.
Palm Beach Central High School Principal Darren Edgecomb and football coaches met virtually with students and parents to update them on the school's revised practice and play schedule.
Officials said Edgecomb will meet Friday with the football coaching staff to review their assignments, safety protocols and further discuss the practice schedule.
Students will then receive practice protocol and football information to review electronically over the weekend. This will include check-in procedures and a detailed schedule by position.
Students will resume in-person practice next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The team will then take Thanksgiving and Friday off and return to practice on Nov. 28.
School officials said all district varsity football teams, including Palm Beach Central, are currently scheduled for three postseason games in December.
This schedule is subject to change depending on the health and wellness of players and weather conditions, the school district said Thursday.
Below is the full letter that Edgecomb shared with players and parents Thursday:
Good Evening Bronco Student-Athletes and Parents,
Let me begin by saying thank you for your continued support of our football program and our student-athletes.
As most of you are aware, I have been working in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health and the School District of Palm Beach County to navigate through the process of re-engagement for our Varsity Football Team.
Please reiterate with your child that the health and safety of each student and staff member remains a top priority. We all play a key role in following the guidelines recommended by the Department of Health and School District. Following these measures we will protect each other and increase the likelihood of our team completing the remainder of the season.
The current plan is to resume light practice on Monday (11/23) and work our way back to full contact prior to our next game. The next game will be scheduled the week we return from the Thanksgiving holiday.
Again, we all play a major role in this successful transition to varsity football. I'm extremely excited and grateful for this opportunity to re-engage. District leadership, the Department of Health, parents, coaches and students all worked together to reach this decision.
I absolutely love and appreciate our amazing student-athletes. They are major contributors to our dynamic school culture. I look forward to seeing each of the players on Monday for practice and will be on the sidelines showing my Bronco Pride at our next game!
Students, you are the most important individuals at our school. Please join me, your parents, and your coaches in making this football season and the entire school year a success! Go Broncos!!
Very Proud Principal,
Mr. Edgecomb
