The ongoing global pandemic has affected the world at large. Athletes and sports-goers are no exception to this. In order to ensure the safety of players, coaches and those who attend games, the football steam has instilled procedures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

With an overall standing of 4-1, with their only loss being against Jesuit High School on Oct. 16 with a score of 55-14, the ticket demand has increased.

When attending a Friday night home game, especially with the recent decision by the Hillsborough Athletic Board to increase the maximum capacity, one might feel as though things are rather normal. It might appear that no real precautions are being taken, save for the fact that everyone in the stands are required to wear masks.

However, while practicing, the players do make an attempt to maintain a six foot distance and do rotations in order to avoid an excessive amount of close contact.

If players were not actively playing on the field, they were required to wear a face covering mask in hopes of reducing the virus’ spread.

“During practices we do everything in rotations and just try our best to maintain a six foot distance while we do it, that’s all we really can do,” quarterback Rickeem Parks (’22), said.

During meetings and study hall, players are required to wear their masks. They also remain masked while changing in the locker room, as well as when they were in the weight room.

“Honestly the coaches did very well in keeping everyone safe while still getting prepared for game season,” Liam McConnell (’23) said. “The only thing that would’ve been better is if we had matching masks.”

How did COVID-19 impact this year’s season? Read more here.

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