Glenwood among first schools to play football this season. How has COVID-19 changed things?
The sounds of shoulder pads cracking and coaches shouting instructions were in full force Wednesday at Glenwood School.
Under a sweltering August sun in Smiths Station, Alabama, the Gators were hard at work. Attention to detail was a major focus during one special teams drill, in which blockers were repeatedly scolded for not setting a strong enough wedge for their return man.
They host Bessemer Friday, the team that beat them twice in 2019 — including a 49-22 rout in last year’s AISA 3A state championship. The Rebels lead the all-time series 17-10-1.
A win over the Rebels would provide a nice jump start to a regular season, which head coach Jason Gibson is thankful to even see happening.
“(COVID-19) is not behind us yet,” Gibson said. “Every week, every day you come to school and there’s not an outbreak, you cross your fingers.”
The Gators, like all other high school teams in the area, lost spring practice and some summer workouts. It’s an expedited learning curve now, with kickoff just days away. And they have their work cut out for them right out of the gate, with one of the better programs in AISA.
Glenwood did not begin summer workouts until June 15 and until Tuesday night’s announcement of a Central-Hoover season opener, were the only Chattahoochee Valley team scheduled to play on August 21.
An offseason limited by COVID-19 precautions and a season that will start on time meant several adjustments to the Gators’ normal preseason practice routine.
Gibson said the team came into practice in good shape, a credit to their offseason workout program. The “football aspect” is the main focus now, he said.
Players received the playbook earlier than usual, according to running back Kye Robichaux. Teammates called each other to discuss plays and helped break down the playbook for newcomers.
The good news for Glenwood is that they return a sizable chunk of talent on offense. Robichaux, a senior, rushed for nearly 1,400 yards a season ago. Quarterback Jackson Griner is also back, as are three of last year’s offensive linemen.
The Gators’ offense averaged around 30 points per game last year, while they gave up around 20 points per game. They finished 9-4.
Friday will set the tone for the season, Robichaux said, and provide an early look at just how far the Gators have come since that state title loss.
Glenwood’s goal is another state title appearance, with hopes of bringing the trophy home this time around.
That’s a long way off from now. But when asked what a win Friday would mean, Robichaux replied with one word: energy.
Right now, though, the Gators are just thrilled to finally be practicing, in full pads, with an actual football game on the horizon.
“Earlier in the year, we weren’t even sure if we were going to have a season or if I was going to get to play my senior year,” Robichaux said. “Now, just seeing that the game is days away is relieving.”
Game day info & COVID guidelines
According to AISA guidance, the traditional post-game handshake is not permitted. Teams should agree upon post-game procedures prior to the game or should walk down a line more than 6 feet apart to share congratulations, according to the governing body.
As for fans, social distancing is strongly encouraged. AISA is not requiring schools to limit attendance, but masks will be required at all times for all spectators, according to Glenwood Head of School Frankie Mitchum.
Hand sanitizer and restrooms will be located at the gates. The school will use two gates, one for the home team and one for visitors, to promote social distancing.
