Matadors-SuHi was on, then back off

2021 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS staff writer

SPRING VALLEY—- The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause a rash of high school football cancellations in the South Bay. However, one program particularly affected does not involve a member of the Sweetwater Unified High School District.

For the second straight week, it looks like Mount Miguel will not be playing football.

“It’s 90-percent sure we’re not playing,” said Ernie Reyes, the director of athletics for the Matadors. “This was our originally scheduled bye week, so people made other plans. Thus, we don’t have the personnel to stage a home game.”

On Monday, Sweetwater announced it will host Mount Miguel this week, but at a neutral site in the South Bay. However, the Red Devils probably ran into the same circumstance: not enough teachers and staff members available to accomplish tasks like ticket sales, snack bar, et al.

Thus, on Wednesday, following an exchange of emails, Reyes was told that the contest needed to be switched to the renovated stadium at Mount Miguel. The likelihood is quickly slipping away.

It’s unfortunate,” Reyes added. “We’re working hard to create a full and complete schedule for all of our teams, but in football, it’s not working out very well.”

In addition, the Matadors were slated to meet Chula Vista in Week 2, but COVID concerns eliminated that game from the itinerary.

This leaves Mount Miguel with just one other non-league contest prior to league play, a Week 4 meeting with a Crawford ballclub that is a paltry 0-2. Afterward, the Matadors open Grossmont Valley League play with consecutive contests against two of the league’s top teams: West Hills (Sept. 17) and Santana (Sept. 24) — both on the road.

Scotties sidelined

Another East County football team to have its game eliminated in Week 3 is Helix.

The Highlanders were ticketed to play at Mater Dei Catholic, a private school also located in the South Bay, but COVID protocols caused resulted in a cancellation.