By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
Last year was legendary for Piedmont football.
This year the football season is unprecedented during a COVID-19 pandemic with many schools still learning from distance or back in class on alternate days of the week.
But Friday night lights are back on, and the glare will be big and bright from F&M Bank Stadium in Piedmont.
The Piedmont High School Wildcats are coming off their best football season in school history.
That season last year started out with a loss to the Canadian County rival, the El Reno Indians. Then the Wildcats went 10-3 in District 5A.
Now 5A El Reno is back to start a new season.
The game will be 7 p.m. in Piedmont. El Reno finished the 2019 season 8-3. The El Reno team opened the season Friday, Aug. 28 against Cache and won 42-35 in overtime in El Reno.
No health problems had been reported this week by the high schools. El Reno has had COVID-19 cases affect the elementary and middle school. The El Reno High School has stayed open for a mixture of in-person and online learning.
Piedmont students have been back in classrooms on fewer days of the week in A and B groups.
Some information is available on the Piedmont district’s website about attending sporting events this fall.
At the football games this fall, masks will be required to be worn by all spectators.
“As fall sports and activities begin, the well-being of PPS students, staff, and our school community remains our top priority. The situation regarding COVID-19 is fluid, and adjustments to the following procedures can be made at any time. To ensure safety, the following mandates must be followed with 100% compliance,” according to a statement on the website.
The guidelines for football include limiting the capacity. Tickets will be sold until the stadium reached “a limited capacity,” the district’s website reports. Gates will be open an hour before kickoff.
Face coverings are required for entry and must be worn for the entire duration of the game
Social distancing is encouraged. Concessions will be available, and restrooms and concession areas will be sanitized frequently, the district reports.
Assemblies in the parking lot will not be permitted. All students in middle school or lower grades must be accompanied by an adult at all times and must remain seated through the duration of the game.
Follow The Piedmont-Surrey Gazette and piedmontnewsonline.com for game updates.
