Before the sprints, the tackling drills or the pass patterns can start there are zoom calls, temperature checks and mask to be put on. It is a new world we all live in and if High School Football is to finish it’s season we all have to continue to adapt. The biggest challenge to playing and practicing during the coronavirus pandemic according to Katy Tigers Head Coach Gary Joseph is getting the players to conform. “Lot of them don’t see this as a true threat, people haven’t in society they don’t wear masks. We have to convince the kids if they want to have a season they have to conform to the protocol.”
All KATYISD school are implementing safety and health protocols. For Players and Coaches wearing masks during practice took some getting use to and social distancing during drills is a constant command. Katy Taylor Head Coach Chad Simmons says social distancing during some drills is difficult, “Our rule here is if ball is live you are doing close contact drills you have to have the mask on.”
Keeping everyone safe and healthy is paramount, but the playbook is ever changing. Schools are doing a good job of keeping up. KATYISD has built a schedule to give them room to make sure their district games get played in case of a short shutdown. Coaches are optimistic that the season will be completed but everyone has to proceed with caution and follow to the new rules. Joseph says “we have to find a way to get it done, we don’t want to get shut down again.” The UIL announced it’s plans for the start of the season back in July. For KATYISD High Schools their seasons pushed back a month. Practice scheduled to start September 7th with games scheduled to start September 24-26.
That’s if everyone can stay safe and healthy and the COVID risks don’t escalate. Playing this football season is a huge leap of faith for players, coaches, parents and administrators. Football is a contact sport and parents have to be comfortable putting their kids in close contact situations. Starting the season can be done, finishing it will take a lot of work by everyone. Coach Joseph’s message to his Tigers, “ You have to handle it, not let it handle you.“
