As school has come back into session, so have fall sports. The varsity football team kicked off their season with a game against Jackson High School on Aug. 28. Tickets were sold exclusively to juniors and seniors at the main office, leaving the student section nearly empty and quiet. The football players were joined by the cheer and dance teams, as well as the marching band.

“I’m relieved contact sports are allowed to happen during the pandemic because it gives a sense of normality to everything going on and it keeps opportunities open for the players by continuing to play, but I think the loss of a student section is a big disadvantage for the players as there is much less energy to put behind the team,” senior class president and student section leader Brad Winscher said.

The absence of the student section and the smaller performance from the marching band were not the only differences in the games this season. Everyone at the event was required to wear a mask because of COVID-19.

“[The game] was definitely different from my past years going to games, but I’m really glad we got to have at least one game, with hopefully more to come,” freshman Madison Higdon said. “Even though it was different, being able to dance on the field and support the football players along with the cheerleaders and band was amazing to be a part of.”

With clearance from the Missouri High School Activities Association, the football team had been working hard and practicing nearly every day to prepare for the game. However, despite the hard work put into starting the season off strong, the game was rough for the team.

“The most surprising thing was our opponents getting the first touchdown because it happened so quickly,” junior varsity player Hunter Atwell said. “I thought we were going to be fine. Everyone just wasn’t focused which is another thing we need to work on.”

Ending the game with a loss of 42-13, the players left with disappointment on their faces. However, the Jaguars have a whole season ahead of them with plenty more opportunities to win. For information about future games and events, go to fzwestactivities.com.