The prep football season begins in earnest Friday, with fans facing a sometimes bewildering mixture of COVID-19 related protocols depending upon the venue they choose to attend.
Perry will host Greene County at Dewey Field for the 89th playing of the Cowbell Game, with Panorama entertaining Class A runner-up Grundy Center while Woodward-Granger receives a visit from rival Madrid. The first game will kick-off at 7:15 p.m. with both the Panthers and Hawks beginning their respective seasons at 7 p.m.
All three schools will be making numerous public health announcements throughout their games. All will also be honoring seniors from a variety of fall sports, including cheerleaders and band members.
Concession stands and restrooms will be open, with a strong emphasis on social distancing encouraged. At Perry the Booster Club will have the Jay’s Nest open, offering a variety of Bluejay/Jayette apparel and merchandise.
Both Perry and Panorama will have marked off areas for seating in their bleachers, although the visiting bleachers in Panora are not designated for particular sitting. A similar situation will be in place in Woodward.
W-G sent Madrid 125 vouchers, each of which entitles the bearer to purchase one ticket. The Hawks gave each players two vouchers (seniors received four apiece), with cheerleaders, band and cross country members also receiving vouchers.
W-G Activities Director Matt Eichhorn stressed the no one will be able to walk-up and purchase a ticket without a voucher.
General public sales will remain available at both Perry and Panorama.
The Woodward-Granger game will be live streamed, free of charge, on Youtube at the Woodward-Granger Community School District site.
