Despite Late Start, Football Start Season Strong
The football season has a strong start; although they started one month late, they remained hopeful and positive to continue for as long as they can.
Football practice begins in July, to get everyone back into conditioning and learning special team plays. Head varsity coach John Redders said, we usually have three to four weeks dedicated to practices. It is very planned out”. Once the pandemic changed how sports would be handled, the team had to adjust to the new rules and regulations that were set in place.
Senior Dylan Webb said, “The biggest challenge this year was probably adapting to Covid-19 rules and regulations. We just want to play football.”
Since the season started late, the coaches had to come up with a game plan on the spot so that the players didn’t have to come into the game cold. Redders said they still had strength and speed classes that the players could participate in so they were somewhat conditioned. Though the team did not have the same opportunities to bond as a team.
Senior Adam Johnson said, “Starting late definitely had a negative effect on the team chemistry,” Johnson said that not having two a day practice limited the amount of time with the team, but once the season started again, it was normal and the binding was just like years prior.
Along with the challenges of being on the football team with the new regulations, the parents are facing the same problems. Parent Angie Hose said,” By starting late my sons almost lost the excitement for the sport.” Hose adds that now that the season has started her sons have regained feeling for the game.
Students and local fans are even affected, as they are not allowed to attend games inside the stadium unless they have an activities pass that was only given to families. The student section gave a roar to the crowd and to the team and parents, and has made a big difference to the games.
“It is definitely a unique feeling,”Redders said. The students gather on the hill behind the stadium so they are still for the team.
Due to these new regulations, there has been a new way to play the game. The players and coaches had to adapt to this new style in order to keep playing and make a bad situation into a great season. Everyone on and off the field are still trying to get used to the year and trying to make the best out of it.
