LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Tates Creek High School football players took to the field on Tuesday for the official start of their fall season.
At the Fayette County Public School Board meeting Monday, district leaders explained their decision to move forward with the fall season after the success of summer workouts. The district intends to follow guidelines set out by the Kentucky High School Athletics Association last week.
Football games are scheduled to begin September 11, but Tates Creek High School Football Coach Jon Smith said he wants to make sure his players are prepared.
"We decided that as a school that we weren't gonna play that first game of the year, we're gonna kind of push it back," Coach Smith said. "In the end, we do want the kids to play but we also want the kids prepared on a Friday night."
Coach Smith said that his players have handled the uncertainty of the season well so far and are excited for the chance to play.
"I just want us to be safe and do it to the best of our abilities," he said. "Hopefully, we get to have a season. Hopefully, these seniors get to enjoy a senior night and get to go out in style, and you know that's all we can really ask for."
But Superintendent Manny Caulk made it clear during the school board meeting Monday that if there are spikes of coronavirus cases reported or teams do not follow safety regulations, the season may be cut short.
FCPS is awaiting guidance from KHSAA on fan attendance and transportation for fall sports.
