NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — High school football players will soon be back on the gridiron. Metro Nashville Public Schools announced football season will kick off next week but with some changes.
Director of Schools Adrienne Battle said the regular high school football season can start next week with cheerleaders and the band but no fans in the stands - including parents.
Instead, school officials say the district will invest in some live streaming technology for stadiums and gyms so fans can watch. A spokesperson said, Director of schools, Dr. Adrienne Battle previously announced that plan at a Board of Education meeting on August 25. Further details about live streaming and viewing will be coming from high schools.
School board member Fran Bush says she has received several concerns from parents about not being able to attend games. She says reached out to Dr. Battle to address the concerns.
However, teams are just happy to be playing.
"It’s going to be different, it has to be self-motivated," said Pearl Cohn Head football coach Tony Brunettei.
Brunettei says it was hard seeing other districts on the field when his guys and other Metro Nashville Public school athletes benched temporarily for the season.
"Seeing people play and not having the opportunity to get filmed, try to better themselves," said Brunettei when you got a lot of seniors that’s when you have a lot of issues and I have a lot of seniors and they just want to play."
Players like Cory Hoggett agree.
"We really didn’t feel that it was that fair because we felt like we all should be able to play," he said.
Because of COVID-19 in-person learning at MNPS schools was put on hold and that included many sports even though athletes were allowed to practice.
"It’s been hard this year especially since we’re not at school so we’re not altogether all day like we usually are," said Hoggett.
The guys say it will be different but they’re just happy to hit the field for real next week.
"It feels good because we’ve been putting in a lot of work and for us to be able to go show it, it means a lot to us," Hoggett said.
Pearl Cohn plays Hillsboro next week.
