Grateful high school football fans welcome kickoffs. ‘It feels a little bit surreal.’

With a mix of excitement, relief and gratitude, high school football returned Friday night across Kentucky, a little later than normal, but just in time.

And while it felt different with smaller crowds and temperature checks and masked cheers due to the pandemic, it also felt like a piece of what used to be and, hopefully, sometime soon, what can be again.

“I’m happy. I’m glad they’re playing it very safe,” said Melissa Smedley of Scott County as she awaited kickoff. “I haven’t hardly left the house since March, so I’m one of those that’s really careful. … Hopefully, with everybody following the regulations we’ll do well.”

Scott County hosted Bryan Station at the Birds Nest at Great Crossing High School with capacity held to 20 percent and spectators limited to two per event participant, whether that be someone on the team, the cheer or dance squads or the band. The crowd was estimated at 800 people.

Scott County High School Athletic Director Steve Helton said the night went well.

“I’m so excited to see our kids on the field. Obviously, I’m excited to see Scott County, but I’m also happy to see the kids from Bryan Station,” Helton said. “We’re in education for kids. … People are sacrificing and making adjustments to make sure we’re giving our kids a chance to play. Our crowd, Scott County, Bryan Station fans have been great tonight.”

Fans sat in family groups and had plenty of room to spread out in the grandstands for each team. Many said they felt they were doing what they could to help keep everybody safe.

“I didn’t think we’d get here, but here we are. I’m excited about it,” said Bryan Station parent Vernon Murrell. “It feels good to be outdoors at a live sporting event. It feels a little bit surreal.”

Scott County’s band fielded volunteers willing to take part Friday. Their horns all had coverings over the openings to prevent dispersal from their playing of the national anthem and the fight song. Pared down concession offerings still included the typical fast food sandwiches and bottled drinks, but nothing was prepared on site.

At Frederick Douglass, where the Broncos hosted North Hardin, the same scenes played out. Fans were reminded at intervals to keep their masks on, maintain social distancing and not gather in groups after the game.

Like a number of schools that have begun playing sports this fall, Scott County and Douglass held some Senior Night activities now instead of later in the season as a precaution against not having them at all if there is another shutdown.

Scott County cheerleader Abby Flynn said this wasn’t the Senior Night she might have pictured, but she’s happy, despite it all.

“It’s been very off, but my teammates and the fans that are here have really made it a great night,” she said. “And my parents coming to support me for my senior year is amazing.”

A rivalry that had not been competitive on the scoreboard over the past several years unfolded differently this time, but the home team ultimately prevailed, 7-6, on a late Scott County touchdown.

The horn sounded.

Players refrained from shaking hands after the game due to the COVID-19 precautions, but nodded respect to each other as they went for their postgame talks in respective corners of the field.

Scott County’s players, who like everyone else had their temps checked before the game, shed their uniforms and equipment in separate piles right there on the field at the end so all could all be gathered, cleaned and sanitized for next week’s action.

A cool breeze chilled the September air.

Yes, it’s different.

But it’s football under the lights on a Friday night.

And that’s enough.

This story was originally published September 12, 2020 at 12:53 AM.

Jared Peck

Lexington Herald-Leader

859-488-2883

Jared Peck, the Herald-Leader’s Digital Sports Writer, covers high school athletics and has been with the company as a writer and editor for more than 20 years. Support my work with a digital subscription