An unfortunate incident at a Lowndes County high school on Tuesday has cast doubt on the remaining football schedule, which includes three Chilton County area football teams.

An early morning fire destroyed the Central-Hayneville High School field house, causing the loss of all football equipment and uniforms. The incident came within three days of Central-Hayneville’s Friday night matchup with the Isabella Mustangs in Isabella.

Fortunately, the school has received enough help from around the state that the game is still on, according to Isabella Athletic Director and football coach Scott Booth.

“They’re still going to play, supposedly,” Booth said Wednesday. “I know it’s going to make it tough on them. I know they’re going to be happy just to play this week.”

Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Executive Director Steve Savarese has been coordinating assistance from other schools around the state, Booth said. Anyone in need of more information can reach the AHSAA at 334-263-6994.

“Central-Hayneville…has five regular season games remaining,” read a press release from the association. “The equipment lost includes helmets, shoulder pads, other uniform pads, jerseys, pants, shoes, balls and any other items needed to outfit a team.”

The Central Lions will face Isabella Friday night at 7 p.m. for Isabella’s homecoming. They are scheduled to play Thorsby on Oct. 8 and Billingsley on Oct. 22.
The venue for the Thorsby game has been changed. It was originally going to be played in Lowndes County but has been moved to Thorsby, Thorsby Principal Russ Bryan confirmed.

Meanwhile, Booth wants the Mustangs to stay focused on the game and not get distracted by the homecoming festivities. The Mustangs are currently 0-3 in region play, and this week’s game is a region game.