BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — During most offseasons, Jason Mathews worries about the x's and o's.
"All those steps we’ve been taking from June and July was to get us through tonight," said Mathews, who is the offensive line coach for Brentwood Academy
This season, it was more about the fundamentals -- like can we actually play?
"Our players are so ready for this," said Mathews.
The retired Tennessee Titan offensive tackle believes Brentwood Academy has a winning game plan for both their players and fans.
"We’re going to do temperature checks when they come in, we’re going to ask them questions when they come in," he said.
All BA tickets are pre-sold this year so they can maintain the TSSAA's recommend 1/3 capacity cap. All fans will have their temperature screened at the gate and must wear a mask. Concession stands will also feature pre-packaged goods.
As if Brentwood Academy needed any more inspiration to stay safe, their own Head Coach Cody White is currently quarantining after a family member tested positive for COVID-19.
"Just like everything in the game of football, when one person goes down we have people that are going to have to step up," said Mathews.
But it's that risk of exposure that has caused some districts to stay off the field at least for now.
"The 13 Metro Nashville high schools will not be playing until September," said Chad Withrow, a radio host for 104.5 The Zone.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, Montgomery Bell Academy and Father Ryan have also delayed the start of their football season at least a week.
Withrow believes in order for TSSAA to finish the season, flexibility is one of the keys to the game.
"I think you’re going to have a season of musical chairs and I think because some schools are going to have to cancel week to week based on an outbreak, you’re going to have to find a dance partner week to week," said Withrow.
Withrow also believes if TSSAA can pull this off successfully, it will fill a massive void in the live sports world.
"Starved - people are starved to get out and do something, they’re starved to have any sense of normalcy and there’s not much more normal than high school football on a Friday night in the state of Tennessee," said Withrow.
That's certainly the game plan Mathews has drawn up. Because just like football, winning against COVID-19 is all about discipline.
"No one walks around saying I want to wear a mask. We’re doing this to minimize risk and we can stay in school and we can have football games like this tonight," said Mathews.
