Michigan high school football season begins Friday

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich.—After a week-long delay, football players in Michigan will finally take to the field all over the state.

Both the Athletic Director at Brandywine High School and the head coach at Buchanan High School said the football season is going to be different but, their teams are excited and ready to play.

“We’re going prepare for teams, as usual, you know, we get together, we watch films, and we get together as a team. So, the unusual parts of this haven’t happened yet." Buchanan High School Head Football Coach, Mark Frey said. "I think tomorrow is going to be a trial run for all of us that are participating."

Frey said it’s been an interesting offseason. Originally the Michigan High School Athletic Association announced football would move to the spring, due to the sports higher risk for spreading COVID-19.

Earlier this month, the MHSAA reinstated fall football. The decision came after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer lifted restrictions. Now, high school football teams in Michigan are gearing up for their first football game of the season.

Vance Stratton the Athletic Director at Brandywine High School said the biggest adjustment the team has made is limiting contact. He mentioned that practice is more or less the same, but with less hitting to try and avoid injuries.

Stratton said the strange start to the season has been hectic, but everyone is adjusting well.

“It’s one of those deals where the situation with the pandemic, with COVID-19, has dictated several things to us and it's kind of go with the flow and roll with the punches kind of approach,” Stratton said.