FORT MYERS, Fla. — High school football has kicked off across the state amid COVID related challenges.
On Friday, the Bishop Verot High School Vikings faced off the Jesuit High School Tigers from Tampa to officially kick off the season.
"Three weeks ago, we didn't know if we were even going to have a season, so the fact that we're able to be out here, be one of the first teams playing, we're just truly blessed," said John Mohring, head football coach for Bishop Verot Catholic High School.
But it wasn't just the players that were anxiously waiting for Friday night's game.
"I'm super excited, I can't imagine being in any place but here right now," said James Humphries.
Parents like Humphries entered the field, excited to see their kids get to play.
"I've been coaching him since he was 5-years-old, and I've never missed a game," said Humphries.
But this season, things will look a bit different with designated sections on the stands, temperature checks at the gate, and masks a must to enter.
"With covid, we just didn't know what was going to happen, and the school has done an amazing job of keeping them separated and clean, and just doing the best they can," said Kristy Williams, parent of a football player.
Tickets were limited to 3 per player and performer, 150 tickets going to the rival high school.
During a normal season, the athletic director for Bishop Verot says capacity for each game is about 2,200 people, right now it’s down to 500.
But even with a limited capacity, parents say there will not be a lack of cheering coming from the stands.
"Oh, trust me, we'll be ready," said Williams.
People that cannot attend the football games can still watch through the school's live stream, Verot Live.
