DARLINGTON — The Redbirds football team was scheduled to face Dodgeville in Week 2, only for the game to be canceled two days before kickoff due to COVID-19 concerns. Less than a day later, Darlington, a Division 6 school, found an opponent in Tomah (D3). However, hours before kickoff, that game was also canceled as Darlington announced COVID-19 infections within the high school. 

“Unfortunately, we had another positive test in the high school today. After consulting with the County Health Director, we made the difficult decision to close the High School for two weeks and transition the #DarlingtonRedbirds students to virtual learning,” a school press release stated. 

All high extra-curricular activities and practices, which includes volleyball and cross country, are canceled until further notice, the district said.

The Week 3 game against rival Mineral Point is postponed. Only three games remain schedule for Darlington — an Oct. 16 home game against Prairie du Chien, and away games at Lancaster (Oct. 23) and Platteville (Nov. 7). Week 6 (Oct. 30) is currently open on Darlington’s schedule, but Mineral Point is slated to play at River Valley that day.