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If 2020 hadn’t dealt enough blows to the community, one more blow has been dealt to the students, faculty and alumni at W.S. Neal High School.

In response to COVID-19 concerns, St. Micheal’s Catholic School in Fairhope will not meet the Eagles in East Brewton Friday night as orignially scheduled.

The game, as well as all school-sponsored homecoming events, has been moved to Oct. 16, according to reports. The W.S. Neal Eagles will take on the Escambia County High School Blue Devils on that date.

Community members had been working to coordinate a community parade to allow students and alumni to have a traditional parade even though a school-sanctioned parade had been canceled.

Susan Rhodes, with help from Pam Wyatt, have worked to get required permissions to allow the community homecoming parade to take place.

“The Parade will still march on this Saturday, October 3rd starting at 10:00 a.m.,” Rhodes said in a Facebook announcement. “Although Homecoming had to be postponed for two weeks the majority voted to keep it this weekend so that the kids would have more time to enjoy it with no game on Friday Night.  This was, in no way, a one person decision as was this a one person event.  It is my hope that we can all come together and bring some Community Spirit to our little town and help our kids see that no matter what life throws at us that we will rise up and come back better than ever!”

Rhodes said one reason for planning the parade and a dance was to keep the traditions of homecoming alive.

“These kids have had so much cancelled on them in the past several months,” Rhodes said. “We just wanted to keep the tradition alive.”

Rhodes said there is still time to participate if any alumni groups would like to get in on the parade fun Saturday.

“Anyone who wants to join in is welcome,” Rhodes said. “The only thing is that your float has to be decorated in W.S. Neal colors in some way. Anyone who still wants to participate can contact Pam Wyatt at East Brewton City Hall to get added to the line-up.

Rhodes said those who plan to be in the parade are being asked to line up beginning at 9 a.m. on Ashton Street in East Brewton.

“We will begin the parade at 10 a.m. and travel from Ashton Street to U.S. 41 and head north along Forrest Avenue,” Rhodes said. “We will make a turn onto Shoffner Street at the old Trustmark branch and disband in that area.”

All other school-sponsored activities associated with homecoming will be held on Oct. 16 including the presentation and crowning of the homecoming queen during pre-game activities.

W.S. Neal officials announced there would not be a homecoming parade nor would their be any traditional activities welcoming alumni back to the school campus.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, most activities will be held with social distancing is in place for students and visitors at all events at the school.

Tickets are available before the game in the school office.