As the high school football season progresses, safety concerns related to extreme weather have prompted changes to the kickoff times for several games scheduled for Friday, September 4. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has predicted a high temperature of 92 degrees, with a heat index expected to exceed 100 degrees, raising alarms about player safety and comfort.
In response to these conditions, schools and athletic directors have made the decision to alter the start times for various games to ensure the well-being of the athletes and spectators. Here’s a rundown of the adjusted kickoff times for this week’s matchups:
Preble Shawnee will face New Miami on Thursday at 8 p.m., allowing teams to avoid the heat of Friday. Other games scheduled for Friday include Ross at Northwest and Miamisburg at Hilliard Davidson, both set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Lima Central Catholic's matchup against Urbana has also been moved to 7:30 p.m. due to transportation issues affecting LCC.
Meanwhile, the game between Olentangy Berlin and Centerville will maintain its original start time of 7 p.m. Other Friday games that have adjusted their times include Ponitz at Carroll and Wyoming at Monroe, both starting at 7:30 p.m. Meadowdale will take on Purcell Marian at 7:45 p.m., while Hillsboro's matchup against Waynesville has been set for 8 p.m.
Additional changes include Badin at Edgewood, which will also begin at 7:30 p.m., and West Carrollton at Troy, starting at 8 p.m. Finally, Piqua will face Greenville at 8 p.m., and Sidney will play Stebbins at 7:30 p.m.
The adjustments reflect a growing trend in high school athletics to prioritize player health amid rising temperatures during the fall sports season. As teams prepare for their games, the focus remains on ensuring that all participants can compete safely while still enjoying the spirit of high school football.
Leave a Comment