Carroll Head Football Coach Riley Dodge confirmed today that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be on the sidelines for Saturday’s state semi-final match-up against Duncanville. Instead, Lee Munn will be acting head coach and call the defense, while Chris Smith will call the offense.
Athletic Director Steve Keasler said the team will continue to follow all social distancing and safety protocols in place since the season began and in alignment with the guidelines set forth by the University Interscholastic League.
Dodge, in his third year as head coach for the 11-1 Dragons, said he is doing well, but will still be completing his isolation period when the Dragons kick off at 3 p.m. in Arlington against the 10-1 Panthers. Dodge broke the disappointing news to his team this morning.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the hard work put in by our athletes and our coaches,” Dodge said. “While this is certainly disappointing timing for me, I am taking care of myself and getting the rest I need, expecting a full recovery. It’s important to me that we follow our typical protocols and schedule, keeping everyone focused on the kids, and on this week’s game.”
Carroll school officials say contact tracing was conducted under the guidance of Tarrant County Public Health. No other coaches or student-athletes will be required to quarantine as a result of this case. However, individual coaches and students were notified today and urged to monitor for fever or symptoms, report to CISD, and staying home if they experience any of the following symptoms in a way that is not typical:
CISD is still in the process of working with campus nurses to update the district’s COVID-19 dashboard to reflect new student and staff cases reported over the two-week winter break. The district continues to offer parents the option between in-person and virtual instruction and has successfully remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic since school began August 24.
For questions related to this request, contact the Board & Community Relations Department at 817-949-7080. While we understand the public interest involved in this announcement, some information may be restricted based on the confidentiality of the employee’s health.
