Green states are playing fall high school football in some form. Red states plan to play next spring. (Map created by The Columbian)
As the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no consensus in America on how to handle prep sports.
One big example is high school football, where the ticket revenue which pays for most athletic budgets is generated.
Tuesday, The Columbian in Eastern Washington published the map seen above, which shows where every state sat on the issue of gridiron games through Monday, October 12.
Hours after this map hit, however, Alaska cancelled all fall sports, including football, while postponing the start of winter sports.
Like Ferris Bueller once said, “Life comes at you fast.”
So, likely before you finish reading this story, rest assured things may have changed as well…
That said, at the moment there are 32 states playing some version of fall football, while two states have plans to launch seasons soon.
But even in those states currently playing, there are variations, with shortened seasons, postponements, or some states operating on a week-to-week status.
Then there are 15 states, plus the District of Columbia, which intend to play football next spring. That includes Washington state.
There are also quirks, such as Vermont replacing tackle football with 7-on-7 touch, while Rhode Island has simply erased football in any form from the 2020-2021 school year.
Where each state stands, according to Tuesday’s report in The Columbian:
Season has started:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Wyoming
Season started late or ending early:
Alaska
Delaware
New Jersey
Ohio
Plan to play in spring 2021:
California
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Hawaii
Illinois
Maine
Massachusetts
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Virginia
Washington
Other:
Arizona — Season started Oct. 1, but Phoenix area schools don’t start play until Oct. 23.
Colorado — 79% of schools opened shortened season Oct. 9. Remainder plan to play in the spring. Some games have been cancelled after positive COVID-19 tests.
Maryland — Reversed decision to move football to 2021, allowing districts to make own choice. Some opted to play in the fall, others are undecided, and some remain committed to spring.
Minnesota — Season started Oct. 9, but multiple games have been canceled because of COVID-19.
Missouri — Part of state playing, but areas including St. Louis, are not.
Pennsylvania — Some districts started play Sept. 11. Others Oct. 2. Approximately 15 percent of state schools opting to delay play until spring.
Rhode Island — No football in 2020-2021.
Vermont — Replaced tackle football with 7-on-7 touch. Teams playing twice a week between Sept. 25-Oct. 24.
West Virginia: Season started Sept. 4, but COVID restrictions have forced frequent cancellations.
Wisconsin — Two-third of state schools started play Sept. 25. Other third waiting for spring.
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