Stephen F. Austin head coach Colby Carthel announced Wednesday evening that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday as part of SFA's regular testing.
Carthel, who said the positive result came as a surprise to him, will lead the team virtually but will not be on the sideline for Saturday's game against Angelo State.
In his place, Carthel said his father Don Carthel -- "the 'real' Coach Carthel -- will serve as the Lumberjacks' interim head coach for Saturday's game. Don Carthel spent 17 seasons as the head coach at Lubbock Christian, Eastern New Mexico and West Texas A&M, as well as one season leading the Intense Football League's Amarillo Dusters. He won 144 games and six conference championships.
The elder Carthel is on SFA's staff as a special teams quality control and director of high school relations. He previously volunteered on his son's Texas A&M-Commerce staff, and prior to that Colby served as Don's defensive coordinator at West Texas A&M.
"Amidst this process, I remain steadfastly thankful for the support and efforts of our administration, training staff, coaching staff and players, and I look forward to rejoining the team as soon as I am cleared to do so."
Stephen F. Austin was one of the first FCS schools to spurn the spring season in favor of playing in the fall; nine FCS schools will attempt to play at least four games.
The Lumberjacks, 1-3 on the season after opening with three FBS road games, are playing Angelo State this Saturday after that game was postponed a week back on Oct. 5.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.