Following Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ announcement the state would remain in Phase II of its reopening plan for at least three more weeks, the LHSAA will reportedly delay the start to Louisiana’s prep football season until at least Oct. 8.
According to a report by The Advocate’s Robin Fambrough, LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine sent out a memo to LHSAA schools on Monday that included updated calendars for all fall sports. Volleyball’s regular season start date was originally set to begin in late August.
Football season was initially scheduled to begin in late August, with jamborees kicking off Aug. 27 and the regular season beginning a week later. Volleyball season was originally set to begin in late August as well.
The apparent decision came today (Aug. 5), as the LHSAA Executive Committee met to discuss plans following Bel Edwards’ order this week. Louisiana can exit Phase II no earlier than Aug. 28 as per his decision, which all but guaranteed a delay to the start of a football regular season that was to begin a week later.
Hahnville and Destrehan hit the field Monday as for the first time since Louisiana schools shut down in response to COVID-19, the LHSAA permitted high school football teams to return to practice. Prior to this week, teams were permitted to hold conditioning workouts in groups of 25 or less. Teams can now perform drills and convene on the field together, but must stay in separate groups of 25. When the state moves into Phase III, those groups can jump to 50 or less. Once all three phases are complete, full practices and games will be permitted.
Teams that began practice in helmets on Monday are permitted to move to practice in shoulder pads today. Non-contact 7-on-7, hand-off drills and the use of hand shields and dummies are permitted for drills.
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