News Summary

As Sacramento faces extreme heat, local high schools are making crucial adjustments to the football season. Game schedules are being reshuffled to prioritize player safety, with evening games becoming common to avoid the hottest temperatures. Coaches stress hydration and proper rest, while technology like the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer guides safe practices. The community is united in ensuring that while the spirit of the game remains strong, safety is the top priority for both players and fans during this challenging season.

Football Season Kicks Off in Sacramento Amidst Heatwave Adjustments

As the sun blazes down on Sacramento, local high schools are gearing up for an unusual football season marked by extreme heat. This year, players, coaches, and school officials are thinking outside the box, reshuffling their game schedules to keep their athletes safe from heat-related illnesses. The focus is now on survival and safety rather than just the thrill of the game!

Game Time: What’s Changed?

One of the first adjustments made is for the Destiny Christian Academy Lions, who had to reschedule their season opener against Linden High School. Instead of the typical afternoon kickoff, they’ll be hitting the field at 8 p.m. when temperatures are noticeably cooler. This shift is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to changes in the schedule.

Prioritizing Player Safety

In practice sessions, coaches are instilling a new mantra of hydration and rest. Coach Antuan Simmons, dedicated to protecting his team, emphasizes that they are taking double the usual amount of water breaks when the heat rises. His goal is to ensure players are fit for the game while keeping practice conditions manageable. No one wants tired or overheated athletes on the field!

Simmons appropriately notes that even with these measures, some games may have players facing off in temperatures that peel the paint off the bleachers—some potentially reaching into the 100s. Understanding the need to mitigate any risks of cramping or heat-related issues, schools are stepping up precautions.

Rescheduling Across Districts

It isn’t just the Lions making moves. Several adjustments have been implemented across different schools in the area, including the cancellation of the junior varsity games between Kennedy and Center High Schools. Many other junior varsity and varsity games are now strategically rescheduled to avoid the hottest hours of the day.

Kelly Avants from Clovis Unified School District points out that evening practices and games not only provide safer playing conditions but also contribute to better shade opportunities, reducing heat risks significantly.

Playing it Safe with Technology

As part of their commitment to safety, the California Interscholastic Federation has rolled out new guidelines regarding game times linked to temperature and overall air quality. Coaches and school districts are utilizing a sophisticated tool known as the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer, which helps assess game conditions based on various factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and sun angle. This technology empowers schools to make informed scheduling decisions that prioritize player safety.

Emergency Preparedness is Key

The presence of medical teams, such as American Ambulance and Fresno Fire Department, during games allows quick responses to any heat-related emergencies. Fans and players are continuously reminded to stay hydrated and to dress appropriately for the blistering weather. It’s a team effort to keep everyone safe and sound!

Raising Awareness and Vigilance

Schools are also urged to keep a keen eye on vulnerable populations like children and the elderly during these extreme temperatures, ensuring everyone’s safety. The unfortunate death of Preston Malone, a high school football player in North Texas from heat-related complications, serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with excessive heat during athletic events. This tragic incident has prompted schools everywhere to reevaluate their practices and improve safety measures.

To combat such severe risks, the UIL Heat Stress and Athletic Participation Recommended Plan has been established, which outlines safety measures for athletes in high temperatures. Member schools are required to have an emergency action plan that includes rapid cooling techniques for any affected students.

Onward We Go!

In Sacramento, players like senior Andrew Axtell are determined to make the most of their games, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete, even when the weather is less than ideal. Everyone is coming together as a community, prioritizing health and safety while embracing the spirit of high school football.

The message is clear: We’re all in this together! As the season unfolds, let’s cheer for the athletes while remembering—safety comes first!

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