Football brings a sense of normalcy to Jefferson City
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo (KMIZ)
Jefferson City high school football teams said being back on the football field feels like home after everything that's happened.
“Everything outside of the football field feels a little odd, but when we’re out here it feels like August, feels like football," said Scott Bailey, Jefferson City's football coach.
Helias, Capital City, and Jefferson City high schools said conforming to all the guidelines from the state and MSHSAA has been a challenge, but practices are still moving forward.
Practices across Mid-Missouri mostly look the same except for one thing: masks. Unlike Columbia, Jefferson City does not require masks to be worn during practice.
“We’re doing what we can, there’s been changes in how we access water, in and out of the restrooms, encouraging hand washing," said Chris Hentges, Helias' football coach. "It certainly is a benefit, not having to wear the mask during practice.”
Capital City football coach, Shannon Jolley, said his players have showed a lot of responsibility in following COVID-19 guidelines.
"People keep talking about kids, but I think you go around town a little bit and the kids do a better job than some our adults," he said. "It's probably a little bit of a better environment, except for the contact."
Despite the protocols, coaches said they want this to be a special season for their players.
“Hope it’s something special for them. It’s probably the last time a lot of these guys are going to play football, especially, something as exciting as high school football," Bailey said.
