Armadillo Football is back! (in a socially distancing way)

Over the last several months, there has been a lot of uncertainty in the world. We all are too aware of COVID-19 and the effects it has had on not only the U.S.A. but the effects of small towns across Texas. Well, take a big breath in and relax… high school football will go on this year!! Granted, it will not be a typical season like years past, but playing football in the modified condition will be better than nothing at all!

One of the big changes you will see will be in the classifications that tend to be in the more densely populated areas (5A,6A). The bigger school districts will not start practices until September 7th and will not start the season until September 24th (some schools have opted to cancel the season entirely). Schools with the classification of 4A and lower will be allowed to start "2-a-day" (see photos) the first Monday in August and continue their football season as scheduled.

A simple glance onto the field this year and you will easily see the new “social distancing” requirements the U.I.L. has set forth. Let’s start on the field first. Traditionally, coaches have only been able to “roam” the sidelines from both the 20-yard lines in. This year, they have extended the area to inside both 10-yard lines.

Probably the biggest change this year will be the cheerleaders and band. We have all grown accustom to their kicks and flips near the field, but this year the SSHS cheerleaders will be away from the players and possibly placed on the concrete sidewalk. The band will have several restrictions as well and will be required to have 10 feet of spacing between them and the crowd.

Pregame and post-game traditions will be slightly different too. Only one captain will be allowed on the field for the coin toss, and teams aren’t allowed to shake hands after the game in order to avoid any more contact then necessary.

You will also notice the portable bleachers being moved into Rogan Field for extra capacity. Although it is still in the works, there is talk that schools will only be allowed to have 50% occupancy during games. How and who will get in is still being worked out at this time.

It should be noted that all the new guidelines are not coming from San Saba ISD, but rather from the U.I.L and other state organizations. It is safe to say the 2020-21 season will be drastically different this year, but getting back to Friday night lights is just what we all need!

Almost weekly, the U.I.L. is updating regulations and guidelines. Hopefully soon, we will be able to enjoy the game like always, but until then let’s mask up and get ready for some football!!