Seeking back-to-back state championships, the Odessa football team has had to forfeit its Class 3, District 7 championship game, bringing its season to an abrupt halt.

According to a release from the school district, in collaboration with the Lafayette County Health Department, the Odessa R-7 School District has made the difficult decision to forfeit the remainder of the 2020 OHS football season. “In our collaboration, it was determined that varsity football competition should cease due to multiple positive COVID-19 cases within the program. This results in the forfeiture of the Friday, November 13, football game.”

The 9-0 Bulldogs- the defending Class 3 state champions- were scheduled to host 8-3 Summit Christian Academy. The Bulldogs defeated Cassville 49-28 in the state championship game last year.

Odessa district officials say, “We are extremely proud of our students, athletes and coaches for their continued commitment, diligence and performance in making the Odessa football program successful. It is with great sadness we announce that COVID-19 has brought the season to an end.”

Summit Christian Academy will advance to the state quarterfinal round, where the Eagles will play the winner of the Maryville/Richmond game, which is scheduled to be played at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 13, on the Spartans’ home turf.

Quarterfinal-round games are scheduled to be played on Saturday, November 21.