I don’t know about you, but I’ve missed being able to watch high school sports the past few weeks.
I understood why high schools throughout Mississippi and other parts of the country had to temporarily close. The coronavirus was just too dangerous.
We were learning about the virus as we go. One day schools are not sure what to do and the next day they are cancelled for a week. Then, Gov. Tate Reeves cancelled schools until April 17.
It was not just schools making up the rules as they went along. Businesses were unsure what to do one day. Then they were practicing more sanitary options. Before you know it, they had curbside pickup or limited their customers.
Fortunately, after all of the recent confusion, our statewide leaders got a handle on things and said high school and junior college sports are officially back in action as of Friday.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association and National Junior College Athletic Association had the time to review everything. They put a few rules in place and announced them Wednesday morning just before the Press Register hit deadline.
One, all athletes and coaches must wear face masks. That will protect everyone from breathing germs into teammates, opponents and fans.
Two, fans must bring their own chairs and not sit in bleachers to keep the social distancing going.
Three, no more than 10 fans are permitted to attend any game.
Four, all games must be streamed live for fans.
Five, spring football will be more different than ever since it is such a contact sport. Until further notice, all schools will be playing flag football and cannot scrimmage against any opponent.
These solutions may seem drastic, but they are better than not having any sports at all. At least our kids will be back in action, interacting with one another and playing the games they love.
Since the baseball and softball seasons have been abbreviated, schools will only play games scheduled from Friday, April 3 through the remainder of the season. With the limited action, the playoffs will be determined based on overall records of every team. Non-district games will count just as much as division games.
Let’s talk about the fun-filled week we have coming up for baseball and softball with three home games on Friday.
Lee Academy has been our strongest baseball team and will start back up at home against Oak Hill on Friday. The first pitch for varsity is 6 p.m.
The Colts will play two games against longtime division rival Kirk Academy next week. A doubleheader will be at Kirk at 4 and 6 p.m. Monday and Lee hosts Kirk at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9.
They do not have a lot of time with the MAIS playoffs beginning April 20.
Clarksdale and Coahoma County high schools will also be playing many of their biggest rivals immediately.
The Wildcats have four consecutive home games. They host Gentry High School at 6 p.m. Friday, Greenville High School at 1 p.m. Saturday, North Panola at 7 p.m. Monday and Greenwood at 6 p.m. Tuesday. They travel to Greenwood at 4 p.m. Friday, April 10.
The Red Panthers host O’Bannon at 4:30 p.m. Friday, travel to North Side Tuesday and host Madison Palmer at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 10.
I must admit I am disappointed the Wildcats and Red Panthers did not get to play one another for a second time. Their game was scheduled for March 16, which was the first day school was cancelled.
Fortunately, the Lady Wildcats and Lady Red Panthers will play each other in softball at Coahoma County in a doubleheader at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
There will be many other exciting matchups to stay tuned for. I look forward to seeing how the teams handled these long layoffs and were thrown right back into the thrust of things with little notice.
Oh, by the way, April Fools!
School is still out! No high school or junior college teams are playing any sports or even practicing together.
In all seriousness, I decided to write this for several reasons.
One, many people are very depressed and rightfully so. It is an unsure time, no matter who you are, what you do or where you live. But we cannot lose focus of who we are. It is important to find a few moments to step aside, remember the good things in life and laugh.
Two, sports will be back at all levels. I cannot tell you when and how it will happen. I just know they will eventually be back to normal and we must be patient.
We will get through these difficult times. Don’t be afraid to joke, smile and enjoy the positive things around us.
Have a great week and don’t go to the ballpark!
