McAdams and Ethel have holes in their football schedules and Region 3-1 will have one fewer team this year due to the decision for Leflore County to not play this year.
McAdams was scheduled to play Leflore County Sept. 25 and Ethel Oct. 30.
McAdams coach Kenneth Nelson said the loss will hurt because it would have been a home game for the Bulldogs. He would like to fill that hole by scheduling some other team, but said “It's going to be difficult at this time.”
On the positive side, a strong contender in the region is eliminated. Leflore County finished second last year and reached the second round of the MHSAA playoffs with a 42-0 victory over Sebastopol before dropping a 29-28 game to state runner-up Lumberton. McAdams finished fourth with a junior dominated team.
Ethel also lost a home game. First-year coach Adam Smith does not know if the Tigers will be able to schedule a replacement.
“I thought about it, but I haven't had a chance to get with anybody yet,” he said. “My goal is to get to Game 1 and see how it goes. With the way things are going, I don't even know if they will let us play. I'm just trying to take it day to day and see where we are. I'm just hoping they will let us play.”
Because of the MHSAA decision to delay the beginning of fall sports, McAdams first two scheduled games with J.Z. George and West Lowndes were cancelled. The Bulldogs will play West Lowndes in a scrimmage Aug. 28 prior to the first scheduled game at Union on Sept. 4.
Ethel lost games with West Lowndes and Central Holmes. The first scheduled game is Hamilton at home Sept. 4.
Region 3-1A had nine teams last year. As of now, there will be seven in 2020. Ray Brooks was also eliminated because the school closed.
