Hanna forces numerous schedule changes

Wando football coach Bob Hayes has to come up with a game plan for the Conway Tigers. He also has to come up with a game plan for Tropical Storm Hanna.

The storm could hit the Lowcountry around midday Friday, packing high winds and heavy rain. As a result of the ominous forecast, at least nine games involving local teams have been rescheduled, including the Wando vs. Conway clash, which will be played at 7 p.m. today.

The Warriors travel to Conway after only two days of preparation.

"It's definitely a change," said Hayes, whose squad enters the game with an 0-1 record. "Change is the nature of the beast. The kids have to adapt. Anytime something like this happens, it can create a problem. The kids get into a routine, but fortunately it's early in the season. But you lay out practices over four days and now you have to condense it. The kids have to be ready."

Most local games are expected to be rescheduled for Thursday if schools in the area remain open. That announcement, from the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester 2 districts, could come today.

"Everyone is in a wait-and-see mode," said Stratford coach Ray Stackley. "Of course, our No. 1 concern is the safety of our families and students."

Dave Spurlock, who oversees athletics for the Charleston County School District, sent out e-mails Tuesday morning to coaches and athletic directors at the county's high schools, recommending that rescheduling the games for Thursday would be "prudent."

"It's up to the home team," Spurlock said. "It's their call."

Spurlock urged coaches and athletic directors to look at the entire picture.

"We just don't want them to think about how much rain will be on their fields," he said. "We want them to take the fans and families into consideration. They have travel that night."

SCISA athletic secretary Mike Fanning encouraged athletic directors to consider moving Friday's games to Thursday. The SCISA office is scheduled to send out another advisory this morning, factoring in the latest information.

"The two schools may tentatively reschedule Friday's football game for Thursday, but realize that events out of our control may still cancel or postpone the game," Fanning said. "Events such as a declaration by the governor or a change in the path, speed or effects of Hanna."

Safety will be the determining factor in SCISA's decisions.

"If we err, it's going to be on the side of caution," Fanning said.

Games moved to today

Wando at Conway, 7 p.m.

Andrews at Georgetown, 6 p.m.

Games moved to Thursday

Branchville at Academic Magnet, 7 p.m.

North Charleston at Burke, 7:30 p.m.

Berkeley at Bluffton, 7:30 p.m.

North Augusta at South Aiken, 7:30 p.m.

Lincoln County, Ga. at McCormick, 7 p.m.

Aynor at Green Sea-Floyds, 7 p.m.

Cane Bay at Cross, 7:30 pm

Hartsville at Richland Northeast, 7:30 pm

Carvers Bay at Mullins, 7 p.m.

Newberry at Broome, 7 p.m.

Military Magnet at Stall, 7:30 pm

Bishop England at St. John's 7:30 p.m.

Colleton Prep at Pinewood Prep, 6 p.m.

Ben Lippen at Lewisville, 7 p.m.

McBee at Darlington, 7:30 p.m.

Buford at Andrew Jackson

Brookland-Cayce at Chapin, 7 p.m.

York at Chester, 8 p.m.

Chesterfield at Lakewood, 7:30 p.m.

Blythewood at Crestwood, 7:30 p.m.

Waccamaw at Socastee, 7 p.m.

Hannah-Pamplico at Creek Bridge, 6:30 p.m.

Camden Military at Dixie

Edisto at Calhoun County, 7:30 p.m.

St. James at Hemingway

Kingstree at C.E. Murray, 7:30 p.m.

Fairview at Clover, 7 p.m.

Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or at 937-5592.