From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — Opening day for fall competition is here.
Despite the challenges created by COVID-19, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) officially kicks off the fall sports season on Thursday, Aug. 20. Sports such as football, volleyball and cross country will now begin regular season play statewide.
The Clay-Chalkville volleyball team will take the floor for its season opener on Thursday evening when Homewood visits for a 5 p.m. match. Hewitt-Trussville will begin its 2020 volleyball season on Saturday, Aug. 22 when the Huskies travel to Curry for the Smith Lake Invitational.
To acknowledge the occasion, the AHSAA posted this celebratory message on Thursday morning:
To say we are excited about opening day is an understatement! It has been a challenging road getting here, but because our coaches, administrators and student-athletes were determined and committed to following AHSAA Best Practices, ADPH guidelines, and the ALSDE Roadmap during the summer, we made it. We must continue to take one day at a time, and follow the best practice guidelines, so ourstudents will have an opportunity to resume their childhood and hopefully experience championships.
Alabama high school football kicks off with several Thursday-night matchups, including the AHSAA Kickoff Classic games at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. On Friday night, six Tribune-area schools will take the field for Week 0 play:
- Hewitt-Trussville at Pinson Valley
- Leeds at Sylacauga
- Moody vs. Elmore County
- Clay-Chalkville at Shades Valley
- Center Point at Wenonah
The Alabama Department of Public Health notes that a memo issued Thursday, Aug. 6 by the AHSAA says spectators will be allowed to attend football games and other athletic events, but attendance likely will be significantly reduced. Many schools around the area and state have announced 50% stadium capacity for football games this fall.