‘It’s going to feel different’: SC private school football games are 1st of COVID era
As a former college assistant coach, Danny Lewis has been on the sidelines in front of some big crowds.
On Friday, Lewis and his Heathwood Hall team will play in front of one of the smallest crowds of the season when the Highlanders host Laurence Manning as S.C. Independent Schools Association members kick off their season throughout the state.
Heathwood is only allowing parents of both teams to attend Friday’s game, a precaution taken during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The school will evaluate attendance options after that.
“I told our guys it is going to feel like a spring practice scrimmage on a Saturday morning at 10 a.m. It is going to feel different,” said Lewis, who spent a decade as an assistant at S.C. State. “You hope they would be fired up to bring their own energy, but let’s face it: Everyone feeds off the energy of a home crowd.”
Sports around the country were shut down in March because of COVID-19, and getting back to playing games has been a process both on and off the field. The state’s private schools have started their fall sports seasons, with first football games Friday night. South Carolina public high schools begin their football seasons Sept. 25.
SCISA schools were allowed to begin summer workouts on June 8 and went through the summer without much delay. The first official practice for fall sports teams was Aug. 8
The league sent out a list of coronavirus guidelines and protocols this summer, and SCISA athletic director Mike Fanning told The State he’s been happy with the way schools and coaches have approached workouts and the safety measures that are in place.
Lewis said it was a roller coaster ride at times making sure everything was followed the right way.
“Every day is a two-hour exercise in coronavirus safety. We are pretty good at washing our hands and social distancing. … I don’t know if we are a very good football team as far as blocking and tackling,” Lewis said with a smile. “I’m not making light of the situation, but you’ve got to have moments of smiling at yourself with the team to get through it.
“You come off the practice field every day and you hope you did a good enough job that you are allowed to come back tomorrow. Regardless of the three hours on Friday night goes, you hope the whole thing and the big picture go well enough that you get to come back the following week. You don’t want this one to be your last one.”
Heathwood is one of five Midlands teams opening the season Friday night. Cardinal Newman plans to open up Sept. 4. The only matchup featuring local teams is three-time defending state champion Hammond at Ben Lippen.
“It is going to look different,” Hammond coach Erik Kimrey said. “We are going to be wearing masks. We usually allow some coaches to share headsets and now obviously we can’t do that. Also, how many coaches will we be allowed in the press box? Just all the little things you normally wouldn’t think about.”
Kimrey has been outspoken on social media about the importance of having athletes play sports this fall as other states and many college football programs pushed football to the spring.
There haven’t been many instances where local kids opted not to play football this season, Kimrey and other area SCISA coaches said. There also has been more excitement than concern from players’ parents.
“I’m excited and the kids are excited to have the opportunity and to do what you love. We are grateful to be allowed to all be together,” Kimrey said.
Ben Lippen is allowing fans and students to attend Friday’s game, but the crowd will be smaller than usual because of SCISA rules. The school announced Wednesday that all tickets have been sold out and none will be sold at the gate.
Every other row will be marked off to limit capacity in the stands, and fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to sit in designated grassy areas around the field and track. Ben Lippen expects less than 1,000 people will be there Friday night.
Fans have to wear masks when entering and exiting the stadium but can take them off while seated and away from other family groups. Coaches and officials also will have to wear face coverings. Players will have to bring their own water bottles, and Hammond, Heathwood and Ben Lippen are encouraging fans to buy their tickets online.
“Kids have done a great job adjusting to the new normal and our school has done a great job making things run as safe as possible,” Ben Lippen coach James Reynolds said. “Once the ball is kicked off, we have to go out there and play the game.”
The play on the field might not be as sharp as a normal season opener and Lewis, Reynolds and Kimrey coaches said aren’t sure what to expect from their teams. Per SCISA rules, teams weren’t allowed to have any preseason scrimmages or jamborees. Teams were allowed to practice in full pads since Aug. 17.
Coaches also have no game film on their opponents, so preparation definitely has been different.
“Scrimmages and jamborees go a long way to help a team find their identity. First time you go live is your first game. It causes anxiety,” Lewis said. “Laurence Manning isn’t the type of team you want to face without any scrimmages or jamborees. But we will line up, kick it off and enjoy the whole thing.”
Friday’s Midlands football schedule
All games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted
Andrew Jackson at Northside Christian
Conway Christian at Richard Winn
Faith Christian at WW King
Hammond at Ben Lippen, 8 p.m.
Laurence Manning at Heathwood Hall
This story was originally published August 26, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
