Breaking News: Turkey Day game canceled

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Hayden Davidson

Webster Groves’ Moss Field, where the 2020 Turkey Day game was scheduled to take place.

KHS athletics announced the annual Turkey Day football game’s cancellation Friday, Nov. 13 in coordination with Webster Groves High School. The game was scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 26 at Webster, and would have been the 112th varsity matchup. The tradition is historically known as the oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi, with the first recorded game in 1907. 

“Webster Groves and Kirkwood High Schools have jointly made the difficult decision to end our 2020 football seasons,” said the press release. “The decision was made in response to an increasing number of concerns related to COVID-19 cases and quarantines.” The release also stated that the teams have been unable to practice consistently for these reasons.

The cancellation comes two weeks after an individual within the KHS varsity football program tested positive for COVID-19, leading the team to forfeit their Oct. 30 first round district playoff game against St. Louis University High School (SLUH). KHS players were directed to quarantine until Nov. 13, which coincided with the cancellation of the Turkey Day game.

When announcing guidelines for returning in-person, KSD stated that once students chose to remain virtual for the first semester, they could not switch to in-person instruction. However, several KHS football players opted to remain virtual to avoid possible exposure in the weeks leading up to the Turkey Day game, an option given by the school when players began their quarantine.

County Executive Sam Page announced new restrictions Thursday, Nov. 12 in a release on the County website. These guidelines include limiting gatherings to 10 people, decreasing inside capacity to 25% at venues such as gyms and places of worship and closing restaurants to inside patrons. These are set to begin Tuesday, Nov. 17 and last for four weeks. These restrictions do not apply to school, and youth sports will be allowed to continue play.

KHS maintains a seven-year win streak in the Turkey Day game. Excluding the forfeited game to SLUH, KHS football held a 2-1 record in the 2020 season. Webster Groves football finished 0-3.

This article will be updated as more information is released.