SANDPOINT — I think it's safe to say we all expected games to be canceled or shifted around due to positive COVID-19 tests at some point this fall. But smoke — now that's a variable no one saw coming.

It really isn't surprising though, because if there's one thing we've learned about 2020, it's to expect the unexpected.

All week the air quality in North Idaho has stayed at unhealthy levels forcing the postponement of a number of soccer matches and now the smoke has grabbed a stranglehold on Friday night football.

The first domino fell Tuesday afternoon when Minico announced they weren't making the trip to Sandpoint for Friday's game due to expected poor air quality. The decision has left the Bulldogs with an unplanned bye week.

Friday morning, Priest River announced they were moving Friday night's home football game with St. Maries to 4 p.m. Saturday. The rain forecasted for this weekend is expected to clear out the smoke and lower the Air Quality Index (AQI) enough to allow games to be played outside. But predictions don't always come to fruition.

Clark Fork's football game at Wallace scheduled for last night was also postponed due to the smoke. A makeup date has not been announced.

Lakeland and Lewiston moved their game to the Kibbie Dome to steer clear of any air quality problems.

It's hard to believe it, but smoke completely wiped out Friday night lights in North Idaho. Sure games will be rescheduled and some will be played today, but it's just not the same. High school football was made for Friday nights. The two go together like peanut butter and jelly. Like popcorn and a movie. Like Batman and Robin.

I certainly felt lost. I spend every Friday night during the fall watching a football game and this week there were none to attend. I certainly missed writing about kids making game winning plays, but I didn't miss cramming to file a story and layout my section an hour and a half past deadline.

Thankfully, our regularly scheduled programming returns next week. Well as long as another curveball doesn't get thrown our way. Don't blame me if a zombie apocalypse breaks out tomorrow, blame 2020.