Head coach Craig Koehler and the Concord football team lost its football tournament to COVID-19, as it was announced Friday. InkFreeNews file photo by Craig Koehler

Staff Report

DUNLAP – Concord’s football program dealt with this in the summer and bounced back. This time, there is no coming back.

Concord athletic director Dave Preheim announced Friday afternoon that the football program will have to forfeit its game tonight against South Bend Adams. In the decision, Concord is eliminated from the state tournament and its season is over.

In a release, Preheim stated:

“This afternoon, Concord High School became aware of a situation involving potential COVID-19 exposure to several members of our football team.  We immediately communicated this information to district administration and the Elkhart County Health Department.  Additionally, we have a number of other players who are already quarantined due to contract tracing for other situations both in and out of school.

“Because of the number of players affected, and an abundance of caution, tonight’s football game vs. South Bend Adams is canceled and will not be rescheduled.  South Bend Adams will advance to next week’s sectional championship game.

“We are disappointed to have to make this decision, but believe the safety of our students, staff, and opponents must come first.”