The Ouachita Lions will not be able to compete against Neville this Friday after players were exposed to COVID-19 in a scrimmage against Franklin Parish last Thursday. 

“The decision was left up to me and the coaches, and obviously I would never go against the wishes of our superintendent or administration here at Ouachita Parish High School,” Ouachita head coach Jeff Fitzgerald said. “We felt it was best for everybody involved. I’ve got several guys that are still going to be able to practice, but the bulk of my defense is out.”

Fitzgerald will also quarantine after one of his friends tested positive for COVID-19. His quarantine is unrelated to the scrimmage that took place last week. 

The Lions and Tigers have played every season for the last seven decades, and Neville is now searching for a new Week 1 opponent. 

Meanwhile members of the Ouachita Lions and Franklin Parish Patriots are quarantined. Franklin Parish plans on still playing against Richwood Friday night, but Richwood head coach Marcus Yanez said there will be a meeting Tuesday morning in regards to whether the game will be played or not. 

Ouachita Parish Schools Director of Personnel Todd Guice said the coaches and administrators from both schools talked it over and thought it best to cancel the game Friday. 

“It’s something I know that’s disappointing,” Guice said. “I know Coach Fitzgerald was really disappointed the kids wouldn’t get to play.”