ODESSA, Mo. (WDAF) – An undefeated Missouri high school football was forced to abandon the season after a number of people within the program tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.
The Odessa R-VII School District in collaboration with the Lafayette County Health Department announced Thursday that they have made the difficult decision to forfeit the remainder of the 2020 Odessa High School football season.
The district said it was determined that varsity football competition should cease due to multiple positive COVID-19 cases within the program which will result in the forfeiture of Friday night’s playoff game against Summit Christian Academy.
The Odessa Bulldogs were undefeated in the regular season going 9-0 and ranked No. 4 in 810 Varsity’s 2020 Top 25 Football.
“We are extremely proud of our students, athletes and coaches for their continued commitment, diligence and performance in making the Odessa football program successful, the district said in a statement. “It is with great sadness we announce that COVID-19 has brought the season to an end.”
Lee’s Summit North, Oak Park High School and Rockhurst High School have also ended their football seasons early due to COVID-19.

- For some who survive COVID-19, beating the virus doesn't mean the end of the fight.
- Nearly a year to the day after the Chinese city of Wuhan went into lockdown to contain a virus that had already escaped, President Joe Biden began putting into effect a new war plan for fighting the outbreak in the U.S., Germany topped 50,000 deaths, and Britain closed in on 100,000.
- Some Richmond Public Schools employees will have to wait just a little bit longer for their COVID-19 vaccination. RPS released a statement on Friday saying the Virginia Department of Health is pushing back appointments due to a national vaccine shortage.
- A petition demanding vaccinations for Chesterfield teachers returning to county classrooms has nearly 4,000 signatures. It's the latest move inside the battle between some county parents and the school board.
- Virginia health officials are working to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine while managing high demand. The state received 300,000 requests in one week but only around a third of that supply is available.
- Mayor Levar Stoney and Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about how the federal government can help localities fight the COVID-19 outbreak during the United States Conference of Mayors' 89th annual Winter Meeting on Friday.
- Between 150 and 200 National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., to provide security for President Joe Biden's inauguration have tested positive for the coronavirus, a U.S. official said on Friday.
- A bill — still alive in the Virginia House of Delegates — would allow parents or guardians the right to reject a Covid-19 vaccine for their child — based on their religious beliefs.
- From answering 9-1-1 calls and health department hotlines, to passing out meals to families in need — Henrico's school nurses have adapted to whatever is needed while schools are in virtual learning.
- Dr. Danny Avula gave an update on Virginia's current vaccination efforts. Right now the state is distributing 105,000 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations each week, despite a much higher demand.