The Saugus football team’s season opener at Bedford High School Friday has been bumped up to 4 p.m. due to concerns over mosquito-borne illnesses in Bedford.
A formal announcement was posted on the Bedford athletics website earlier this week. It states the following:
“Due to the identification of Triple E positive mosquitoes on Winterberry Way in Bedford and recent increased Triple E activity in nearby communities, all outdoor activities in Bedford that occur between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. are canceled until further notice. This includes school and community sponsored athletic events, practices and all other organized activities scheduled to take place out of doors. All outdoor recreational facilities, including athletic fields, ball courts, public parks, playgrounds, and sport courts are also closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Community members are advised to follow suit and avoid being outdoors between the hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and wear repellent when outside at any time.”
Saugus was originally scheduled to kick off its new season under the lights at 7 p.m. Second-year Saugus Athletic Director Terri Pillsbury said the Sachems were receptive to the time change.
“Bedford’s clearly looking out for the safety and security of all student-athletes and fans,” Pillsbury said. “We’re more than willing to do whatever it is they need us to do.”
Pillsbury said Saugus is enthusiastic to start the new season. The Sachems carry a handful of returners from last year’s team, which qualified for the Division 5 North state tournament. Saugus begins a new era this fall under first-year Sachems coach Steve Cummings.
“We’re excited to get going,” Pillsbury said. “We’re excited to turn the page and start a new season. We have a new coaching staff and we’re anxious to see how much success we can put together.”
Pillsbury doesn’t foresee many changes to Saugus’ home schedules. Stackpole Field and Anna Parker Field, where the school’s fall teams play their home games, doesn’t have lights.
“We’re excited that our fall season is getting under way,” Pillsbury said. “We’re excited to see what the future holds for athletics here at Saugus.”
