‘We’re actually playing.’ Inside look at first Phenix City football game during pandemic
Thousands of spectators, players and coaches flocked to Phenix City’s Garrett-Harrison Stadium Friday night to watch one of the first high school football games in the Chattahoochee Valley during the coronavirus pandemic: Central vs. Hoover.
The pregame line outside the stadium’s home gate stretched into the parking lot. Each individual underwent a health screening, which included a temperature check and questionnaire, before entering the stadium. Ground markings told fans where to stand in line while purchasing concessions.
Central’s band stood socially-distanced behind the north end zone. The pre-game banner unveiled by Hoover’s cheerleaders read “Even in a pandemic, the Buccaneers still win.” They weren’t lying.
The Red Devils (0-1) dropped their season opener to Hoover (1-0), arguably the top team in Alabama, 45-35, in front of a socially-distanced and mostly masked-up crowd.
High school football in the age of COVID-19
It was not a typical high school football Friday night. Garrett-Harrison, typically packed to the brim with fans, saw reduced attendance due to COVID-19 precautions implemented by Phenix City Schools. There were very few traveling fans to witness the Buccaneers’ victory.
But spectators were happy to experience a slight sense of normalcy. They also hope it lasts for a full season.
“I’m really excited that there’s so much social distancing (at the stadium),” Remekia Caldwell, who has a daughter on Central’s cheer team, said. “Everybody’s not crammed on top of each other like last year’s games. I’m glad everybody’s got on their masks.”
Phenix City Schools will use a capacity cap of 25% for all football home games this season. Masks are required “at all times,” for spectators, according to PCS, and most individuals in the stands followed that rule.
Garrett-Harrison Stadium holds 8,000 spectators. All tickets, home or away, must be purchased online through GoFan.
‘Praying for a good, healthy, safe season’
Caldwell is thrilled that her daughter, Reniya Hicks, would get a senior season but said the uncertainty surrounding the season is nerve wracking.
Emuceta Wiggins said she was nervous and excited, in the moments leading up to kickoff. Her son, sophomore Fabian Wiggins, plays for the football team, and thought the first week of football would be “practice only.”
Fabian at first told his mother that she didn’t have to attend the game, since it was only a scrimmage.
His tone changed last Tuesday night, when news broke that the Red Devils had scheduled state power Hoover.
“Mom, we’re actually playing a game,” Fabian said, according to Emuceta’s account.
Many parents did not think a season would happen, according to Emuceta.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association did not delay the season, unlike Georgia High School Association. On August 4, PCS Superintendent Randy Wilkes said five district athletes had either tested positive or been in close contact with someone who tested positive.
None of those positive cases could be traced back to district activities, Wilkes said.
So far, so good. Central travels to Eufaula this week and faces rival Smiths Station, which has yet to play after its week one opponent, Russell County, delayed all fall sports due to COVID-19 until Sept. 4.
“I’m just praying for a good, healthy, safe season,” Caldwell said.
