Football returns . . . with a different schedule

By Jerry Wadian
Contributing Writer

Unless things change due to Covid-19, high school football will have a 2020 season. However, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has dramatically altered the schedule.

The first day of practice will still be Monday Aug. 10, the first games will still be Friday Aug. 28, and the State finals will still be Nov. 20-21.

However, there will only be a seven-week regular season with the option of playing five, six, or the full seven games. 

NFV is in Class 2A which will play the five district teams beginning in week three. The first two weeks are up to the school whether or not they play and who they play.

NFV head football coach Justin Heins indicated that the TigerHawks would keep their first two games: against South Winn in Calmar and Sumner-Fredericksburg at home.

West Central in Eight-player, will play the originally scheduled week three through nine games, but will play them in weeks one through seven.

The playoffs will begin Oct. 16, which was week eight in the old schedule. Now, all teams will qualify for the playoffs; hence the need for a longer playoff series.

The reason for the change is the specter of Covid-19. With the new schedule, a team will not be penalized for having to miss a game or two due to the pandemic According to the IHSAA, “Pairings for the six-round playoffs will be determined by geography, quality and team availability as primary considerations.”

Looking at the changes, Heins stated, “I really like what the IHSAA did with the new schedule. It assures that all teams will have a fair chance at the end, regardless of whether they missed games or not.”