Magnolia cancels Orange League football game with Savanna because of COVID-19 issue

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A key Orange League football game between Magnolia and Savanna on Friday was canceled because of a COVID-19 issue within the Sentinels’ program, Magnolia coach Vince Lobendahn confirmed Friday afternoon.

The game, which was supposed to be Savanna’s homecoming, was scheduled for Glover Stadium in Anaheim at 7 p.m.

Savanna football coach Mike Willey said Friday afternoon the Rebels still planned to hold their homecoming activities at the stadium at 7 p.m. with the homecoming court, band, cheerleaders and senior recognition.

The football matchup held playoff ramifications because Magnolia is tied for second in the Orange League at 2-1, one game ahead of Savanna at 1-2.

Magnolia is tied with Anaheim for second place, one game behind Western (3-0 in league). Savanna is tied with Santa Ana Valley at 1-2.

The top-three finishing teams in the Orange League automatically qualify for the CIF-SS playoffs.

Teams that don’t earn an automatic berth can still get into the playoffs if they receive an at-large berth. The teams that finish with overall records of at least .500 have the best chance of receiving an at-large berth. Magnolia is 4-4 overall and Savanna is 2-6.

Games canceled due to the virus are considered “non-contests” and don’t count as forfeits.

Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy on Twitter