COVINGTON, Ga. — Three straight days of rain in the Atlanta metro area was enough to force a venue change for Eastside’s Friday night playoff game against Burke County. 

No. 4 Eastside coach, Troy Hoff confirmed via text message that the Eagles’ second round Class AAAA matchup with Burke County would be played at Social Circle’s football stadium, “in best interest of player safety.” 

The Redskins’ football stadium playing surface is artificial turf, as opposed to the natural grass at Sharp Stadium where all three Newton County teams play their home football games.

The steady rain over the last 72 hours has soaked the Sharp Stadium grass, turning into a sloppy, muddy mess, and with precipitation expected to continue through Wednesday night into early Thursday morning — combined with cloudy skies and high temperatures not expected to crack 50 degrees until Friday afternoon — the weather lends itself unfavorable for any substantial drying out of the playing surface. 

Eastside will still be the designated home team, and game time will remain at 7:30 p.m. 

Social Circle High School, and it’s football stadium, is located at 154 Alcova Drive in Social Circle.