A Whole New Game by Sarah Clever

A Whole New Game
Posted on 08/28/2020

A whole new game is what we got under the Friday night lights August 21 when we played the Dobyns-Bennett football team at the Stone Castle. The student section was not as big as usual, nor did we have as many fans either, due to limited ticket sales. Even though there was a small number, our school sprint was higher than ever. As the game was getting ready to start, Coach Tiler announced guidelines ,and the dance team did a pregame Rocky Top performance. This time, however, when the players ran out, they ran through a tunnel made of cheerleaders and dancers, not a big tunnel. Our football game went on as usual, besides having to wear a mask and social distancing. At the end of the first game of this new Covid era of sports, no one was allowed to come on the field like usual, even though we took a loss.


The question that everyone is asking is what precautions are we taking with Covid-19 to keep the football players safe? Head Coach Mike Mays explains, “
We have to take temperatures daily, keep a record of questions we have to ask, wear masks all the time, [and] keep distancing when not in an activity.” In addition to coaching, coaches are working hard to make sure that players follow the guidelines.  

The fans are following guidelines as well. They have to have a mask on and be four to six feet apart. Our student section was still very energetic when it came cheering on the boys. They still had a theme which was Hawaiian Friday night under the lights. In all, I think that it was a good feeling for the student section to be back under the Friday Night Lights, especially when they threw glitter and flour in the air for kick off.  Cheerleader Kenze Canter, a junior at THS, explained how Covid-19 is impacting the cheer season: “Covid-19 is affecting our season by not being able to cheer at away football games this year, wearing a mask when stunting and having to social distance.” 


Everyone is hoping this is all going to be over soon so we can get back to our Viking traditions. As Mrs.Kirk said, “I am very happy to see sports and all other extracurricular activities be able to resume.  It is great to see students doing the activities they love.
It is awesome to see the community come together to watch our athletes who are back in action.” As long as fans and athletes alike follow the guidelines, the season can continue, so we can be a safe and positive Viking family and resume our Viking Nation normals!


THS Football Players on the sideline at Friday's DB game.

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