MHS to play soccer and 7-on-7 football in fall short season
When longtime Madras High School Athletic Director Evan Brown retired a little more than a week ago, it left a hole in the White Buffalos sports department.
At least for the short term, Madras High School vice principal Mark Stewart has stepped into the athletic director position.
"I am doing it right now and we are checking to see if there is somebody that can do it for the rest of the year," Stewart said.
"I look forward to working with you (coaches) in this capacity and want you to know I am here to serve and support you," Stewart said last week in an email to the head MHS coaches.
A former coach, Stewart added that this athletic season isn't what anyone expected as a result of COVID-19, but that he appreciates the hard work being done by the coaching staff to support athletes.
After allowing practice, but not competition during the first portion of OSAA season 1, the White Buffalos are now allowing competition, at least on a limited basis.
The White Buffalo football team will compete in 7-on-7 games, while both the boys and girls soccer teams are also currently scheduled to play.
Seven-on-seven football is a passing game played with a center, receivers and backs against a defensive team consisting of linebackers and defensive backs. Other than the center, there are no other linemen in the game, which is fast-paced and often high scoring.
Stewart added that Madras is still looking to schedule a couple of cross country meets, but that volleyball will not happen due to COVID-19 regulations.
At least for now, the Madras High School policy is to not allow spectators at competitions, with just players, coaches, and officials on hand.
Madras will continue the same practice schedule established during Brown's tenure in the position. In-season teams will practice or play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while out of season teams will be allowed to practice on Tuesday and Thursday.
Stewart does not expect to see any major changes from the policies and restrictions put in place while Brown was athletic director.
"We are going to do everything we can to maintain support and services to our coaches, our athletes and our families just like when Evan was here," he said. "That's our goal."
Madras High School fall sports schedules
Wednesday, October 28, football at Redmond, JV 5 p.m. varsity 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28, girls soccer versus Sisters at Crook County, tba
Wednesday, November 4, football at Crook County, JV 5 p.m. varsity 6 p.m.
Thursday, November 5, boys soccer versus Crook County at Redmond, tba
Thursday, November 5, girls soccer at Crook County, tba
Wednesday, November 11, football at Redmond, JV 5 p.m. varsity 6 p.m.
Thursday, November 12, boys soccer at Sisters, tba
Thursday, November 12, girls soccer versus Ridgeview at Crook County
Wednesday, November 18, football at Ridgeview, JV 5 p.m. Varsity 6 p.m.
Thursday, November 18, boys soccer at Ridgeview, tba
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