Freeport head coach John Gaillot talks to players after a practice earlier this season. The Yellowjackets host Valley Friday night as they look for their third victory in four games.

BUFFALO TWP — A staff member on the Freeport Area High School football coaching staff has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the cancellation of the Yellowjackets' home game Friday night against Valley.

Freeport athletic director Shawn Stivenson confirmed the positive test and said the school, staff and players are “devastated” by the news.

“There's no other word for it,” Stivenson said. “No other word you can say. It's devastating for the kids and the coaching staff. Your thoughts are with the person who it happened to, but you feel for the kids because you do all of this for the kids.”

The staff member's COVID-19 test came back positive Wednesday, Stivenson said.

Stivenson also said no other sports will be affected at this time.

Freeport is 2-1 overall and 2-0 in the section.

The Yellowjackets' game at East Allegheny scheduled for Oct. 9 is also in doubt. “Right now, we're looking at 14 days,” Stivenson said of the pause on football activities. “We won't know for sure until next week.”

Freeport is just one of several schools in Pennsylvania who have had to deal with a positive coronavirus test. The Clairton football team on Wednesday canceled its game scheduled for Saturday against Bishop Canevin because of COVID-19 symptoms among several of its players.

Last week, Gateway had to cancel its game against Pine-Richland because two students tested positive for the coronavirus.

In Butler County, Seneca Valley canceled its season-opener against North Allegheny because of a possible COVID-19 exposure. McDowell High School in Erie also shut down all athletics.