There were no Friday night lights in some parts of the East Bay due to poor air quality.
Several Bay Area high school games were canceled, including the big rivalry faceoff between Pittsburg High School and San Mateo’s Serra High School.
“It’s just a bummer it had to get ended like this,” said Jaden Rashada.
Rashada is the starting quarterback for the Pittsburg High School Pirates and was looking forward to playing the first game of the season on TV Friday night against rival Sierra High. But the game was canceled due to bad air quality.
“I know they do things to protect us,” Rashada said
Brentwood’s Liberty High School, Pittsburg, Antioch and Deer Valley high school games also were canceled because the air quality index was above 150.
“I think I speak for every parent: There was a lot of anticipation and excitement starting off the season. So, it’s a downer. I think the big thing is how we adjust moving forward," said Harlen Rashada, Jaden's father.
Sports
Pittsburg High coach Victor Galli said preparing for the next game is difficult when you can’t predict what the air quality will be in the future.
“Seems like every August and September, we’re doing this every year. Throw COVID-19 on top of it,” he said. “Not fun for anybody. The games are fun. That’s what we want to get to.”
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