As a result, Friday’s pivotal contest between Bellaire and the Lamar Texans at Delmar Stadium has been canceled. The canceled contest was also tabbed as Lamar’s 2026 homecoming game.
“The decision is based on guidance from the HISD Health and Medical Department and the Houston Health Department Epidemiology team,” Niggli said in a statement on Thursday. “HISD is taking appropriate steps in response to the confirmed cases.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, staph infection is a contagious disease caused by Staphylococcus bacteria entering the body through a cut, scrape, or other break in the skin. Managing staph is especially challenging for football teams because of constant skin-to-skin contact, high rates of nasal carriage and shared equipment.
According to Niggli, under UIL guidelines, the game will be recorded as a win for Lamar, now 3-2, giving them a three-game winning streak and their first in district play. Meanwhile, Bellaire’s forfeited loss drops their record to 1-5. Next week’s matchups for both clubs feature Lamar traveling to Alief Taylor on Thursday, Oct. 8, while Bellaire will host Houston Heights on Friday, Oct. 9.
However, if Bellaire cannot reduce the spread of staph among their team, they may have to forfeit a second game for safety reasons.