Brownwood Lions head football coach Sammy Burnett will miss Friday’s home opener against Midland Greenwood – and likely next week’s home date with China Spring – as he has been placed in quarantine for 9-15 days due to being in close contact with an individual who has contracted COVID-19.

Burnett confirmed the news in a text message Thursday afternoon, stating Friday would be the first game he has missed in his coaching career.

Last season, despite undergoing abdominal surgery, Burnett still made every game though he coached the final two playoff games from the press box.

“I want to do what is best for our kids, coaching staff and community,” Burnett said. “If that means I have to quarantine then I will. I hate it and it’s a hard pill to swallow but that’s the world we live in now.”

Assistant head coach David Jones will serve as acting head coach in Burnett’s absence.

“I will continue to work from home, I just won’t get to go to games or practice,” said Burnett, who added he has not shown any COVID-19 symptoms and feels fine.