COVID has apparently forced the Marlboro High School Athletic Department to hit the pause button.

Saturday’s scheduled home football game against Red Hook, as well as the following week’s game against Wallkill have been cancelled, one week into the Fall 2 season.

Head Football Coach Brian Beck referred questions to Athletic Director Jonnah O’Donnell who declined comment. Superintendent Michael Brooks confirmed that it was a COVID exposure issue.

In late February, the Marlboro Board of Education approved participation in high risk sports, including football and volleyball, commencing in March, and assuming all state-mandated COVID guideline are met. The Dukes played their first game last Friday - a 34-0 win over Rondout before this week’s interruption.