The high school football season will kick off October 1st and contact practices can begin today. LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine says teams will play an eight-game regular season and playoffs. Bonine says turning the Friday Night Lights back on is huge for many communities.
“We need some normality for our student-athletes, our coaches, our teachers, and our families and parents and communities in which all of you live and I truly believe that sports is an important piece of that,” said Bonine.
No jamborees, but scrimmages will be allowed from September 24th-26th.
Bonine says there’s still a lot of details to be worked out, like how to get cheerleaders and the band involved safely, but it will get done. He did acknowledge the ride may be a little bumpy.
“There will be hiccups, our coaches have been monitoring cases and checking temperatures and practicing social distancing, wearing masks when they can, and they have still had cases,” says Bonine.
A five-round playoff will be held at the end of the season but public and private schools will still compete separately. All nine championships will be held in the Superdome from December 26th to the 28th.
Bonine says the research shows football can be safely conducted right now and the bigger health risks could be in the stands if fans do not wear masks and stay socially distant from others.
It’s still to be determined how many fans will be at games. Bonine is hopeful 50% occupancy, but those talks with state officials continue.
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