Football In March?
Unconventional Season Opens Saturday
March 19, 2021
Despite the massive COVID-19 restrictions and protocols, both players and coaches at RMHS have positive emotions regarding the start of the first-ever spring football season in the Middlesex League.
On Saturday, March 20th, the Rockets will face off against the Winchester Sachems here in Reading at noon. This game will be the first ever football game played in the springtime in the school’s history. Normally, the Rockets would have a longer season in the fall with packed stands. But this year, things are a little different due to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols.
Mr. Fiore, an RMHS history teacher and the long-time football coach, had this to say regarding the new COVID-19 protocols and how they affect his team. “The COVID protocols and regulations are different–masks and no locker room, [and] having roster limits are different,” said Coach Fiore.
Putting aside these new restrictions and protocols, Coach Fiore gave a positive outlook on the situation. “This spring, my feelings are pretty good because we missed out on a fall season..we have an opportunity to work together and play.”
Coach Fiore’s opinion is not overlooked by his players, as many of them feel the same way about the season.
“I’m just happy to be playing,” said Senior David Swanson, a member of the football team, when asked about his feelings towards this spring season and everything that goes along with it.
For many seniors, this season is their last chance to play alongside their friends. Some have even been playing together for many years, and a few will play in college. But one of the main drawbacks of this new season is that it is cut in half, meaning it only consists of five games in total. This shortened season, mixed in with the fact that there is no locker room makes it hard on many seniors in their last year of high school.
But this doesn’t hinder the attitude of senior player Trevor Thornton, who had this positive outlook when the shorter season was mentioned. “I’m happy to be out on the field again playing football. Even though it’s not a normal season, it’s better than not playing at all.”
His teammate, senior Evan Theis, also had a great perspective on the year when asked to comment on the situation. “At least we are playing five games, which is better than nothing, so we just have to make them the best five we’ve ever played.”
Although the abbreviated season, roster limits, no locker room, and mask mandate negatively impacted the program, the players and coaches still have a positive outlook towards this year, showing that positive things can come out of a tough time.
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