First football game during COVID-19 looks a lot different - here's how
HERRIMAN, Utah (KUTV) — Thursday night’s game between Davis High School and Herriman High School was at least the first in the country since the pandemic began.
Things looked a lot different than the last time the two teams took the field.
The crowd was noticeably smaller than a normal crowd, which was by design. Only 25% of regular capacity was allowed into the stadium.
Off the field, fans had assigned seats.
On the field, players drank from individual water bottles, where before the pandemic it was common for players to share among several water bottles.
“Football is football, so I’m excited for whatever happens,” said Tyce Stilson, who has a brother on Davis’s team.
Everyone except the players and cheerleaders had to wear a mask.
Fans could only buy tickets online, which were scanned when they entered the stadium so the school can contact trace if necessary in the coming days.
“I think it’s great, gives these boys something to do,” Stilson said.
Some parents were excited watching their son play after not knowing if they would have a season at all.
“We’re just thrilled that they’ll allow us to try it and play tonight,” said Chaleh Trujillo, whose son is the QB for Davis.
Her husband, Chris, says their son has kept a good attitude during all the uncertainty.
“Take advantage of what you can do right now,," Trujillo said they told their son. "If this is the only game you get, make it the very best you can.”
Tupu Brown, whose son plays for Herriman, says she’s told him there’s nothing they can do to change things.
“The only thing you can do is stay positive and just make sure that you’re safe with yourself masked,” Brown said.
While the school has put several safety precautions in place, some have still criticized the decision to play. Brown wasn't buying the criticism.
“Yeah, I hear it, but, no. Football is life, so let’s just keep going,” Brown said.
