CINCINNATI, Ohio — Friday was the opening high school football game of the 2020 season and the coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of changes. One of those changes is making sure fans stay socially distant.
At Elder High School, they’ve actually painted the stands with lines to make sure people keep socially distant throughout the game, but that’s not the only guideline in place.
As fans trickle into the stadium to watch Elder and La Salle go toe-to-toe, they made sure to follow the new guidelines.
First, capacity is limited to 15 percent, or 1,500 people. And to start the season, only family members can attend games.
Those who attend must wear a mask all game, except for when eating or drinking.
La Salle mom Megan Marshall said it’s a small sacrifice to make for the chance to see her son play football this season.
“I think fans are willing to do whatever they can to help these boys and these young men be able to play,” Marshall said. “So, we’re willing to whatever is necessary to keep everybody healthy and active, so that these kids can get back to a semblance of normal life.”
Elder Parent D.J. Gruen said he has zero concerns about the plan that’s in place to keep kids safe.
“The main thing is this is all in service of the kids, we want to be here for them,” Gruen said. “We will do whatever it takes and I think you’ll see everybody observing those procedures tonight.”
And as the first touchdown of the 2020 season is scored, fans in the stands made sure their voices were heard, cheering on their boys
Elder’s Athletic Director Kevin Espelage said the school put a solid plan in place, but he knows this is an adjustment period for everyone.
“Yeah just asking for everyone’s patience, cooperation,” he said. “We’re learning how this is going to run smooth for everybody. Again the number one goal is to keep playing. So, whatever it takes to make that happen, we’re going to air on the side of extra caution, versus just getting to the minimum.”
The OHSAA attended the contest, to monitor and continue to develop the guidelines in place at each game.
And as the competition cranks up on the gridiron, everyone is excited because football is back.
“Heck yeah, we’re playing football, and that’s what it’s all about,” Espelage said.
“We are so fired up for the family to be out just watching football, just to watch our son, all of his classmates and teammates play together,” Gruen said.
