Sierra’s junior varsity and varsity games at Golden Valley have been postponed because of a COVID-19 outbreak within the program.

The games were originally scheduled to take place tonight in Merced and have been moved to Sept. 23. Tickets purchased in advance on GoFan will be good for the rescheduled date.

Sierra’s football program had frequent bouts with the coronavirus last season. The Timberwolves had to call off the first week of official practices because of a breakout, and almost weekly they had multiple players sit out because of health and safety protocols. As numbers quickly dwindled during the first month of the year, then-coach Chris Johnson decided to disband the JV team.

“This is something we have been dealing with — it’s year 3 of the pandemic right now,” recently-appointed athletic director Ezequiel Ruiz said. “Obviously, we don’t want to postpone any games, but some things are out of our control. Unfortunately, it’s going to happen. Hopefully, it’s an isolated situation and we will not see any more games cancelled in the future from any sports.”

Fortunately for both schools involved, they share the same bye week. Sierra will still be able to get all of its non-league games before kicking off Valley Oak League play at Oakdale on Sept. 30.

The Timberwolves (0-2) will next play Armijo of Fairfield on the road Sept. 9, while Golden Valley (2-0) heads to Pitman of Turlock.