![Augusta Christian QB Jeb Bradford scrambles past Ronald Smith of Johnson High School and scores on a 31 yard run at the high school football game between Augusta Christian and Johnson High School on August 19, 2021 in North Augusta, SC. [MIKE ADAMS FOR THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/08/31/NAUG/4ec31c0b-86b9-4283-a355-1d465c289cfd-GAAUG_081921_ACfootball_3.jpg?width=660&height=477&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Coming off a win last Friday over Richmond Academy in a game that came to fruition in just a matter of days, Augusta Christian finds itself in familiar territory.
The 2-0 Lions were originally scheduled to play Cardinal Newman on Friday, but the game fell through due to COVID issues with the Cardinals. Less than 24 hours after the cancellation, Augusta Christian tweeted it had found an opponent in Athens Academy, which recently had its Friday night game at Commerce called off due to COVID issues.
Augusta Christian coach Andrew Stickel said the two schools came to an agreement rather quickly, thanks to social media.
“Being flexible is the new norm. Coach (Charles) Cooper (Augusta Christian AD) saw their post on Twitter last night and it came together pretty quickly after that,” he said. “Twitter has been big for us in that way.”
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Athens Academy athletic director Kevin Petroski took to Twitter Tuesday morning in search of an opponent.
“Commerce just canceled Thursday’s JV and Friday’s varsity games due to health issues within the school,” he tweeted. “@AthensAcademyFB is seeking like opponents for both games. DM if interested.”
Cardinal Newman is a region opponent for Augusta Prep, so that game came with SCISA state playoff implications. Stickel said it will go down as a no contest and won’t be reflected on either team’s win/loss record, but for region standings purposes, it will be a win for the Lions.
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This makes back-to-back weeks of unfamiliar opponents for the Lions, who have persevered up until this point. Getting this game on the schedule was a big win for Stickel, who knows keeping his team on the field will pay dividends in the later part of th
“We’re constantly looking,” Stickel said, “for ways to sharpen our sword.”
This is far from the first case of COVID-related shuffling of schedules. Burke County closed school for two weeks due to a rise in cases and was forced reschedule a pair of games, the second of which against Richmond Hill was moved to this Friday.
Glenn Hills canceled its season opener the day of, Josey has yet to play an official game and Fox Creek recent canceled its second-straight contest.
