Macon TD Club Kickoff Classic loses out to COVID-19
In a midnight-ish posting, the Macon Touchdown Club announced simply that the Middle Georgia Kickoff Classic has been canceled because of the pandemic
The doubleheader on Sept. 5 had FPD and ACE in the first game and Warner Robins facing Valdosta in the nightcap, at Mercer’s Five Star Stadium.
No information was given regarding where the teams might play, nor anything that went into the decision. There were no comments posted.
Sources said in recent days that assorted options had been discussed, including: FPD-ACE on one night, Warner Robins-Valdosta the next; one game early in the afternoon and the second one much later, like a day-night doubleheader in baseball; or just Warner Robins and Valdosta.
The contract is traditionally for two years, and all four teams have agreed to stick with that and play in 2021.
Among the scores of consideration going into any decision were Mercer’s situation in the Southern Conference, which is currently up in the air. The Bears – whose home opener is Sept. 12 against Southern Conference rival Western Carolina - are still currently scheduled to play at Vanderbilt on Sept. 5, and the team being on the road was among the considerations toward any decision for the doubleheader.
Under normal circumstances, participating schools receive an allotment of tickets and keep the revenue from what they sell.
Clearly, a major point is where the state is as far as COVID-19 stats, and what the state’s status is as far as large gatherings. Five Star’s actually numbered-in-bleachers seating capacity – not including the berms in the end zone and temporary bleachers – is about 7,550, and the school lists an overall facility capacity of 10,200.
There’s no guarantee that large gatherings will be allowed by then. Currently, Kemp’s emergency order bans gatherings of more than 50 people unless there are six feet between each person. Unofficially, that would allow for about 3,000 or so people at Five Star.
Anticipation was high for the second game, pitting two legendary statewide programs. Valdosta is among the top in the nation, and are now led by renown and controversial head coach Rush Propst. Warner Robins has reached the last three GHSA Class 5A state championship games.
The two teams have combined for 26 state titles, according to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, 22 for Valdosta and four for Warner Robins. All-tiem records, according to the website: 932-241-34, 78.6 percent for Valdosta, and 532-231-11, 69.4 percent for Warner Robins.