Lopez: Friday was supposed to be the start of HS football season but now we wait
Patterson lineman Marcus Simien was looking forward to his varsity football debut.
The junior worked hours in the offseason in his garage, focusing on footwork, strength and speed.
However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the start of the Sac-Joaquin Section season, which was scheduled to kick off Friday night, will have to wait until January.
Simien, whose Tigers were to open the season against Hilmar, will now spend his Friday nights by going on runs with his dogs and spending time with his family and friends.
“I’m eager to showcase my skills and prove I’m a top-tier athlete,” Simien said. “I’m looking forward to showing how all my hard work during this offseason will pay on the field.”
Oakdale junior quarterback Jackson Holt was anticipating a packed “Corral” when his Mustangs were to play their rival Sonora Wildcats.
Holt spent a lot of time during the summer working on his throwing mechanics and quickness after the Mustangs fell in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV Final to Sierra last December.
Now, it’s just a waiting game but Holt said he continues to work out for the January opening.
With 140 days until the start of the season, the consensus among football players is the delayed season won’t change much ... except for the weather.
“I’m actually looking forward to playing in January because the cold weather will be nice for a change,” Central Catholic senior offensive and defensive lineman Josh Baker said.
According to the Weather Channel, the average temperature is 94 degrees in August and 89 in September versus 56 in January and 63 in February. So, fans will most likely ditch the tank tops and shorts for jackets and hand warmers.
Like members of the Class of 2020, who had their spring sports season canceled in April, several seniors said they were just hoping for one more opportunity.
“The uncertainty of the season has us all concerned but that doesn’t stop us from looking forward to our first game,” Baker said. “What’s keeping me motivated is the dedication I have to play at the next level.”
After his team won the Western Athletic Conference in 2019, Beyer senior offensive and defensive lineman Alex Ramirez was excited for the last hurrah with his teammates.
Ramirez, who continues to work out and train, said he will be thinking about football on Friday night.
The Patriots were scheduled to open the season against their rival, Enochs, which leads the “Sylvan Bowl” series 7-6 after winning, 28-6 last year.
“That game is a big one and I miss the people in the stands yelling and cheering us on,” Ramirez said.
Whether fans will be allowed once the season starts is another question as several NCAA and NFL teams have already announced they will limit the amount of fans who will be allowed into the stadium this year.
Simien said he’s already thought about playing in a stadium without fans and how “different” it would be.
“Sometimes you wonder what you are playing for and the people who look forward to seeing you play,” Downey senior wide receiver Sonny Dixon said in early May. “It would be different without them.”
I should be spending Friday at a stadium, covering a game while checking the scores of others.
Instead, I have little bit of an empty space in my stomach.
Anybody have any hobbies I could take up?
I just keep telling myself 140 days.
It’s not that long away.
