Will they or won’t they?

It’s the question facing Northampton and Whitehall along with the remainder of the East Penn Conference (EPC) schools as school superintendents and boards decide whether to pursue a fall sports season.

Rumors began to circulate Monday evening that a large number of EPC schools would decide to postpone fall contact sports - notably football - until the spring. EPC athletic directors were scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss schedules with the possibility of releasing them as early as Friday.

Northampton athletic director Shaun Murray stated that his program will continue to follow the St. Luke’s medical protocols that have been in place, as well as the school administration. He sees the decision to play as a product of the current medical guidelines.

“We will work with the administration and school board on the matter,” he said. “This is a fact-finding mission right now. Schools are collecting information to see how we can move forward in this matter.

“We want to work out our templates and try to get a better idea of who is participating. That will be a normal part of the process. Some schools don’t have the same numbers as others.”

On Monday night, the Whitehall school board voted to move forward with its fall sports.

Head boys’ soccer coach Chris Bastidas has been hopeful for a future start.

“The kids have been emotional about it,” he said. “As I get older, I can see both sides. But for them, it is about playing in any capacity we can. We’re coming off our best season in the program and we have a lot of players back. We want to be able to follow that up.

“When I think back to when I was playing, I never wanted to miss any season. I know this can be a tricky situation, and it is a crazy time. We just want to be able to get out on the field.”

Zephyrs’ head cross country coach Mike Lelko also wants to see his athletes have the opportunity.

“Getting the green light was the right thing to do,” he said. “These kids have been cooped up at home for months, doing the right thing and staying safe. They are chomping at the bit wanting to practice and compete.

“Our Zephyr athletes deserve the opportunity.”