Following weeks of uncertainty whether there would be a fall sports season at all, full practices can begin today for high school teams across the Commonwealth.
Guidelines have been a little tighter around high-contact sports like football. Starting June 15, they were allowed to begin “socially distanced” conditioning in groups of 10 or less, then to six hours per week until last week’s 7.5 hours.
From helmets only last week, practices starting today can include helmets and shoulder pads. A week from today, football can move to full gear practices which is just five days out from the first game on Sept. 11 at home against Calloway County. The Lakers are one of two teams the Marshals beat last year, ending the season with a record of 2-9.
Marshals first-year Head Coach Steven Etheridge, like all coaches, has had to adjust to this new world with a virus, adapting to constantly evolving guidelines on what is allowed and what is not.
“I think our guys are just happy to have the opportunity to be out here together”, Coach Etheridge said. “For the last several months, there was some doubt that we would even have a season to prepare for. Now that there is some light at the end of the tunnel, the guys are excited and the energy has certainly picked up a bit.”
Etheridge comes to Marshall County after spending the last fives seasons at McCracken County High School as offensive line coach and offensive coordinator. From Sweetwater, Ala., he played football for Sweetwater High School and went on to play in college at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Ill. where he also began his coaching career.
During a typical year, most teams have already played two games by the last day of August in the 10-game regular season. The 2020 schedule will include nine games that conclude on Nov. 6 with play-offs starting Nov. 13 and state finals Dec. 11-12.
No word yet on attendance restrictions, squad and sideline limits and concessions.
Schedule download: 2020-Marshall-County-Varsity-Football-Schedule
