Holy Cross-Archbishop Shaw football game canceled due to COVID-19 issues

The Catholic League opener pitting Archbishop Shaw against Holy Cross Thursday at 6 p.m. at Joe Yenni Stadium has been canceled.

Fr. Louis Molinelli, Director/Interim Principal of Archbishop Shaw confirmed to Crescent City Sports that the issue was COVID-19 related and that he had to make what was a very difficult decision.

“I made a decision to cancel the game for this evening after consultation with my administrative team and with the Archdiocese and consulting with our medical professionals, we reached that decision,” Fr. Molinelli said. “I asked Holy Cross to cancel the game.

Shaw informed the LHSAA and Executive Director Eddie Bonine of the decision.

“We have written a letter to Mr. Bonine,” Molinelli said. “We informed him that we had two student-athletes that were exposed to COVID-19 and they tested positive.”

The result is that Shaw is not having a regular school day for the remainder of this week.

“As of today, we have moved our school today to a total virtual learning platform until such time that we get through this and to make sure that everybody tests negative and everyone is healthy,” Molinellii said. “We included that in our correspondence with the LHSAA.”

Archbishop Shaw has access to coronavirus testing, same as the access existing for the general public.

“The testing results typically come in anywhere from 24-48 hours after the tests are administered,” Molinelli said.

The two individuals are being quarantined.

“The goal is that in the next five days, we can resume activities by having a clear picture with no positive tests to make a proper decision,” Molinelli said.

Molinelli said that Archbishop Shaw is consulting Dr. Grace Lee, an epidemiologist, to provide proper direction.

Shaw is scheduled to host Archbishop Rummel on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

“I spoke with Rummel President Marc Milano this morning,” Molinelli said. “I conveyed to him that I would want to try to play that game, as scheduled.”

Like so many in 2020, Archbishop Shaw is persevering and adapting to the continuous obstacles put in its path.

“We will be stronger because of this,” Molinelli said. “We’re building character.”