There was a fear of déjà vu sweeping through Calhoun Thursday when word got out that Nash Nance, the Yellow Jackets quarterback, woke up sick and might not be able to play in the opening round of the state playoffs Friday against visiting Avondale.

According to Ken Anderson, a spokesperson for the team, Nance was diagnosed with strep throat but still practiced Thursday afternoon.

Mike Nance later said that his son would definitely play and CHS Head Coach Hal Lamb later confirmed.

“He was very sick this morning but feels better now,” said Nance. “He is on strong antibiotics and may be a little weak but he will be ready to play… It would probably take a loss of a limb for him to miss a game or practice.”

As for Nash, as he was driven back to practice he told his dad that “there is no way I am going miss my first playoff game.”

It seems as if the crisis has been avoided for now but just in case he is unable to play, Calhoun has a pretty capable backup that is no stranger to these types of situations.

Junior Landon Curtis replaced starting QB Michael Johnson last season after a severely sprained ankle, against Pepperell in the region championship, kept him out of the first state game. Curtis threw for five touchdowns in a 63-0 blowout of Banks County.

If Nance, who has started all 10 games this season, is unable to go, Curtis would again take over the helm.

Curtis has completed 35-of-52 passes this season for 447 yards and three TD’s. He has one interception. His extensive playing time has been the direct result of Nance’s ability to lead the Jackets to a big halftime lead.

However, Avondale would be a much bigger test for Curtis than Banks County. As for now though, it seems that Nance will still be the starter. Nance did attend school on Thursday.