The Lexington-River Bluff football rivalry has taken a backseat to covid-19.

Lexington District 1 confirmed next week’s opener in The Swamp had been postponed to Nov. 6.

Lexington was originally scheduled to face South Aien on that date, and River Bluff was to meet Northwestern. The latter game has been cancelled, while Lexington will look to move the South Aiken game to next season

The district also announced:

• The LHS Wildcats will now open at home Friday against Beaufort.

• River Bluff’s Oct. 2 game against South Aiken has been cancelled.

The schedule changes were the result of 3 people associated with the River Bluff football program testing positive.

“While we were looking forward to playing Lexington (Sept. 25) and South Aiken (Oct. 2) high schools, the health and safety of our students, coaches and staff has to be our top priority,” River Bluff High School principal Dr. Luke Clamp said.

“We believe that postponing the varsity football season start is the best way to keep our players healthy so that we can play other scheduled games.”

Earlier in the week, the Gators took part in a 4-team scrimmage with Camden, South Florence and North Augusta. After the scrimmage, it was announced a Camden player had tested positive. That resulted in the cancellation of the Bulldog Bash.

River Bluff was scheduled to participate in the Bash and had discussed plans for a home scrimmage Friday prior to the covid-19 news.

River Bluff is the 2nd Chronicle Country team to cancel a season-opener.

Swansea saw its Friday game against Strom Thurmond postponed until further notice after the Rebels were sent into quarantine following a player exposure to the virus.

The Tigers will open the season Thursday, Oct. 1 at home against Orangeburg-Wilkinson at 7 pm. The game against Airport has also been moved from Nov. 6 to Thursday, Nov. 5.