The students were referred to their physicians after a team screening Wednesday revealed a possible outbreak of a staph bacteria. School officials, citing privacy issues, did not release the names of the students.
Paul Knowles, the SAD 11 superintendent, said a student- athlete tested positive for MRSA staph - a dangerous, drug- resistant version of the bacteria - earlier this fall.
It's possible the latest scare could be a flare-up from that infection, according to Dr. Dora Anne Mills, the state public health director.
The five students include four offensive starters on a team that will meet Mountain Valley at 6 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.
They have not been ruled out from playing.
Non-MRSA staph, which Mills said is the most common infection, is easily treatable, sometimes without antibiotics.
MRSA staph, she said, can invade the lungs and cause pneumonia.
Each player is being checked before practices. Doctors and Chris Simentelli, the team trainer, also will check them before the game, Knowles said.
If a player is found to have a skin infection, he will have to cover it up. If the infection can't be covered, the player won't be allowed to take the field.
Mountain Valley Coach Jim Aylward said the game should be played.
"Not to sound callous to the safety of their players and our players, but my understanding is that everything is being done and the game will go on. I fully expect the players on the field will be safe."
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