KUNA, Idaho — The Kuna High School football team won't have to wait any longer for a chance to suit up and compete in a live game.
The Kavemen take on the Lewiston Bengals Friday night in a non-conference matchup.
"We've worked hard all summer, and there's always been the possibility of not playing, this game means everything," said Kuna High School senior, Sean Austin.
There's no doubt the game will look a lot different. Even though no fans or parents are allowed, Head Coach Sherm Blaser said it won't affect his team's energy.
"I've challenged our coaching staff that our job is to bring that extra energy," he said. "From day one we've talked to our kids about energy, that this is what we're about, and they know to bring it."
They've extended timeouts from 60 seconds to 120 to allow for extra time to sanitize, and players will be social distancing on the sidelines with facial coverings when they aren't wearing a helmet. The team says all the extra precautions they have to take are worth it to just get the opportunity to step out on the field and compete again.
“Honestly, I don’t even know how to describe it. It's just that anticipation of waiting and waiting. They postponed the start of the season, and oh we have 10 days and just that rush," said Blaser. "But, I’m excited, I’m ready to play and it’s super important to our kids and our community.”
Kickoff begins at 7:00 p.m. and although no fans are allowed, you can watch the live broadcast here.
"I'm most excited to kick the ball off and play, to hit someone else, and to see where we are at," said Blaser.
"We sacrificed so much, and it's hard our parents that have been with us every step of the way don't get to watch, but we are going to take advantage of every game and practice we get because we don't know when it's going to end," said Austin.
